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The Cost of Doing the Right Thing

Author: Beth
last update Last Updated: 2025-10-29 23:52:31

CHLOE'S POV

I wasn’t sure why I opened the video again. Maybe to convince myself it happened, that I did it.

I didn’t expect the video to go this viral.

It had barely been twelve hours since Owen sent it out, and the entire internet was burning with the truth — our truth.

Me and Zoe, sitting together. They debated our contrasting lives, despite our resemblance.

And I was here, surrounded by my quiet space, watching myself speak.

We hadn’t been that close in a long time.

She looked calm, composed — everything I wasn’t. After all the pain I'd caused her, she still seemed stronger.

While I was nervous, my gaze dropped, my voice cracked once. But I said it anyway. I was the one in that wedding photo. I was the one who used my sister’s name to marry Austin Perkins.

The world finally knew.

I thought it would feel freeing. Like I could finally breathe again. But instead, my chest just felt… empty.

I leaned back and sighed. “Well, Chloe,” I muttered to myself. “You did it. You told the trut
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  • RIGHTFULLY MINE    Even if it's like this

    AUSTIN’S POV I stood there, blinking at the camera lights. The room felt uneasy. No one had written my speech this time. Every word I was about to say came from me.I drew a breath. “Good afternoon. This isn’t my usual kind of press conference. Today's not about projects or updates. It's about accountability.”My voice didn't shake like I expected. I kept talking.“I owe the public and especially the people I hurt, an apology. I made decisions that crossed personal and professional boundaries. I let pride and anger take over and it cost me the trust of people I cared about.”I paused. “To Owen Pratt, Zoe, Chloe, and everyone affected by the things I said and did… I’m sorry.”My voice faltered but I didn’t look away. “To the public, I'm sorry for lying. I took advantage of the platform I had. I’ll be working with my team to correct that.”The room filled with quiet whispers of shock.I went on, “I was forcing things to be perfect when they didn’t need to be. I can’t excuse my behaviou

  • RIGHTFULLY MINE    Looks Like Someone Did

    ZOE'S POV I just finished cleaning when my phone rang.Owen’s name flashed on my screen.“Hey” I said softly.“Hey” he replied in a calm voice. “How are you this morning?”I blew out a breath. “Much better actually.”“I told Jamie he won’t be spending weekends with his dad anymore. He took it better than I thought.” I said.“He might’ve sensed it coming,” Owen said on the other end. “Kids catch on to things easily. He must’ve sensed that things weren’t okay between you two, but didn't know how to put it in word.”He sounded comforting but it still hurt inside. Jamie's too young to have to deal with that.“I only want him to be happy and have a honest childhood,” I whispered.“You’re doing your best” Owen said. “How about lunch tomorrow? You both could use some time to relax after everything.”I hesitated. I wasn’t in the mood but I knew Owen is trying to help. “Alright,” I said finally. “Jamie would like that.”“Are you sure?” he asked “The last time, he didn’t look happy to see me.”

  • RIGHTFULLY MINE    The Price of Perfection

    AUSTIN’S POV The judge struck the gavel, and it was over.“Ms. Zoe Packer is granted full physical custody of the child. Mr. Austin Perkins will retain visitation rights under a structured schedule,” the judge said, her voice final.I sat still, staring at the table. Then I looked at Zoe. There were no tears, no triumph-just the look of someone who had finally stopped fighting.And maybe that hurt the most.My lawyer leaned in, lowering his voice as the courtroom began to empty.“We can appeal, Austin. Custody rulings can be reconsidered after six months if circumstances change—”I slowly shook my head. “No.” It was rough as though my voice had been sitting in dust for some time.“It’s fine. Let it be.”He hesitated. “Are you sure? You could still—”“I said it’s fine.”Some fights weren’t worth dragging through. Especially if it's your child that will end up suffering most. I stood and fastened my jacket.Zoe and Owen were heading to the door. She didn’t glance in my direction.And

  • RIGHTFULLY MINE    Custody Lines

    ZOE'S POV I never pictured myself facing Austin in court for Jamie.I felt sweat on my hands as I touched the table, my heartbeat felt slow, heavy and final.Austin sat with his lawyer, as neat and straight as usual, but he looked more tired than he was when he came to drop Jamie off last week. He didn’t once glance at me. It hurt in a way I wasn’t ready for.“Ms. Packer?” my lawyer said softly, leaning in closer. “We’ll be getting started shortly. Just remember, just speak the truth. You’re not here to attack Austin. You're here for Jamie.”I nodded, swallowing. That was the truth. It wasn't about revenge or payback or proving I could win against Austin. It was about our son, and giving him peace.With a signal from the bench, the judge entered and took her seat. Everybody rose into their feet and for one brief moment, it seemed as if time had stood still.We sat, and the hearing began.Austin’s attorney spoke first. “Your Honour, my client has been closely and actively involved in

  • RIGHTFULLY MINE    The Last Weekend

    AUSTIN’S POV “Zoe, you need to calm down,” I said calmly, concealing the frustration. “You are just upset. You're not thinking straight now—”She didn’t let me finish. “Don’t tell me how I feel, Austin.”“Alright,” I said quickly. “If this is because I had Chloe arrested, she'll be released. I’ll write a statement and withdraw the complaint.”She gave a bitter, low laugh. “You really think this is just about that?”“Then what is it about?” I demanded.She moved closer, her voice trembling in anger. “It’s about Jamie. You told him Owen is trying to take me away from him.”My breath caught. “He told you that?“Of course he did, Austin. He is seven. He repeats everything. Do you know how hard it was for me? To make him understand?”“I didn’t mean—”“Stop,” she said quickly. “You do that all the time. You twist things. You make excuses. You manipulate. Now you're making him a part of it, teaching him to see people the way you do.”My chest tightened. “Zoe—”“Don’t” she snapped. “I just c

  • RIGHTFULLY MINE    The Ones Who Pay the Price

    ZOE'S POV “I’m sorry for calling so early,” I spoke softly, pacing near Jamie. “He's had a high temperature all night, and is not getting better.”“It's no problem, Ms. Perkins,” The doctor said on the other end. “How high—”“It's Ms. Packer,” I cut in calmly.“My apologies. How high is it now, Ms Packer?”“I glanced at the thermometer in my hand. “A little above thirty-eight. He’s still drinking water, but he looks exhausted.”“It sounds mild,” he said reassuringly. “Maybe a virus. Give him pain meds, keep him cool and hydrated. And if the fever worsens or he's unresponsive, bring him in immediately.”“Alright. Thank you, Doctor.”“You’re welcome. Call me again if anything changes.”The call ended, I sat on Jamie’s bed, pushing back his damp hair.He shifted and muttered “Mommy…”“Shh. It’s okay, baby. Go back to sleep.”I picked up my phone to text Owen about Jamie.Then I saw it—a thumbnail that made my blood run cold.“Breaking: Chloe Parker arrested following viral confession.”

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