My mother and I had always been each other's lifelines. She was fiercely proud, having raised me alone after my father abandoned her for someone else. Each time someone laughed at her, she took her anger out on me, shaping me into the person I was today.
Now, facing scorn online, I had morphed into the very embodiment of everything she despised. She was doing her best to distance herself from me, and while I couldn’t blame her, the thought of her facing trouble alone twisted my insides.
In the end, I knew I had to find a way to compromise. As soon as the livestream began, millions of viewers tuned in, their eager eyes fixed on the screen. Another message from Dave pinged on my phone: "You know what to say and what not to say."
I shot back a single word: "Get lost."
The comment section exploded with a torrent of question marks and a whirlwind of reactions. Some fiercely defended me, while others rallied behind Dave and Mary.
“How many good men are out there? This isn’t the first time we’ve seen someone cheat!”
“Hey, we believe in you! Hang in there!”
“Is she really like that? The Robinson family is rich and powerful. They could have anyone they want. Why would they cheat? I think she’s just trying to blackmail Dave.”
“Dave has money, but he’s not blind. If I were him, I’d choose Mary too.”
“Hey girl, take my advice. Being a wealthy family’s wife isn’t easy. It’s better to be with someone like me.”
Amid the cacophony of comments, I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. This was my moment to reclaim my narrative.
“I started this livestream to apologize to everyone. I deceived you all.”
The comments momentarily froze, an uneasy silence enveloping the livestream as viewers processed my words. My heart raced as I pressed on, determined to clarify the truth.
“Mr. Dave and I were in a relationship for a few years, but that was in the past. Ms. Mary and Mr. Dave are well-suited for each other. I was unwilling to accept that, which is why this farce unfolded.”
“I want to take responsibility for my actions. Once again, I apologize to anyone who was hurt because of me. I’m truly sorry.”
In an instant, the mood in the comment section shifted, and a barrage of insults flooded my screen. Words like daggers, they cut deep, but after so much vilification, I had grown numb. The livestream ended abruptly, leaving a void in its wake.