All Chapters of Surrendered Desires: Chapter 71

Ariana’s POVI hadn’t planned to speak. The hearing was supposed to be procedural — a follow-up to Luca’s testimony. Quiet. Legal. Controlled. But when we stepped outside, the courthouse plaza was already full.Cameras. Reporters. People holding signs.Some read: “Believe Her.”Others: “Luxe Lies.”And then I saw one that stopped me cold:“What if it was your daughter?” That did it.I tightened my coat, lowered my sunglasses, and tried to pass through quietly. But someone shouted. “Ms. Cole! Are the rumors true? Did Daniel pay to bury your miscarriage?”“Is it true Luca fled the country under threats?”“Why now, Ariana? Why speak now?”Vanessa whispered beside me, “Don’t stop.”But I did. I turned. Took the sunglasses off. Stepped in front of the cameras. And said:“Record this.” They fell silent. Phones lifted. Mics extended. I took a deep breath.“My name is Ariana Cole. I am the woman you’ve heard a thousand versions of. The wife. The mistress. The strategist. The unstable one. Th