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Chapter 23

Author: TalesbyZ
last update Last Updated: 2025-07-27 23:26:11

DIANE’S POV

Present Day

Guilt is such a wonderful tool.

I don’t ask Andre for favors. I request them sweetly, with a smile, and making my eyes look round.

He always says yes.

“I want to go out,” I told him last night. “Brunch. Somewhere sunny.”

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “If the nurse says it’s okay.”

I rolled my eyes. I didn't need a nurse anymore. My ‘illness’ was done with. I was no longer doing that.

I picked the spot. I had not explored the city since I got back, and I didn't want to go out as some guest at Andre's house.

I wanted the world to know my place, to know I was back.

I chose a cafe in town. It was large and popular, and I had no idea why. I heard they partnered with Crumblr and were selling Kourtney Kardashian's flourless chocolate cake. It was pretty popular online, and I wanted to try that.

Then I made a call to Jordan. He was an old friend who owed me a favor, or someone I was blackmailing, but whatever.

He did paparazzi work now. Mostly harmless stu
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    DIANE’S POVPresent DayGuilt is such a wonderful tool.I don’t ask Andre for favors. I request them sweetly, with a smile, and making my eyes look round. He always says yes. “I want to go out,” I told him last night. “Brunch. Somewhere sunny.”He hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “If the nurse says it’s okay.”I rolled my eyes. I didn't need a nurse anymore. My ‘illness’ was done with. I was no longer doing that.I picked the spot. I had not explored the city since I got back, and I didn't want to go out as some guest at Andre's house.I wanted the world to know my place, to know I was back.I chose a cafe in town. It was large and popular, and I had no idea why. I heard they partnered with Crumblr and were selling Kourtney Kardashian's flourless chocolate cake. It was pretty popular online, and I wanted to try that.Then I made a call to Jordan. He was an old friend who owed me a favor, or someone I was blackmailing, but whatever. He did paparazzi work now. Mostly harmless stu

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