All Chapters of Burned By His Lies: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Zara’s PovCamera flashes almost blind me as I step out of the car. I was invited to a high-profile charity event and I had to make an appearance. One would think that with everything happening, I would try to keep out of the public eye but I refuse to let the Leightons intimidate me and turn me into a caged bird. Adrian already found out where I lived so gone was the little peace I wanted before all hell broke loose.The rich music, laughter, expensive dresses, and champagne are everything I expected the gala to be. Everyone is smiling and greeting me as I walk through the crowd. Donors, board members, and officials who admire my work.“You're doing a great job and you look absolutely stunning tonight.”I smile at the praises, have small conversations, and discuss business with other attendees. I'm smiling and it looks like I have everything going well for me. But no one here knows that everything I've worked hard to build is crumbling behind the scenes.I feel honored tonight but

Zara’s PovThe ride back from the mediation is quiet. Not the good kind of quiet. It feels like my brain has grown too, pressing against my skull from the loud thoughts echoing in my head. Something doesn't feel right.Someone in my circle is leaking my secrets. I don't know who it is but Adrian is the only one I can think of. I haven't asked him, mainly because he has been by my side through all this but it still doesn't add up.He hasn't asked if I'm okay. He just grips the steering tightly while clenching his jaw. His eyes are fixed ahead and he doesn't glance at me for half the ride. There's no comfort or anything and I'm glad because I'm struggling to hold myself together. My phone vibrates in my bag so I take it out and answer the call.“Hey, Murph. I'm heading to the office,” I tell him.“How did it go?” He asks.“I'll explain everything when I get there,” I tell him and end the call.I don't want to go down that road while I'm still with Adrian.I let out a deep breath, lean

Zara's Pov“Yes,” she hiccups. “She's willing to pay his hospital bills.”“That's where you're wrong, Mila.” I look at her without any pity knowing that she had a choice to come to me, her boss, and explain herself. All she had to do was ask for my help and I wouldn't have thought twice. Yet she took the wrong way and is blaming it on desperation.She had choices but of all the choices she could make, she made the one that could cost me losing my daughter to a manipulative woman.“All you had to do was come to me and explain things. But you didn't even give me a chance to help you save your brother,” I scold her. “I would have helped you if you had just come to me because I understand that feeling. I know what it means for you to be the only person someone depends on and the fear of letting that person down.”“She said you would never help me.” She continues crying but stops abruptly. Something changes in her eyes and she gets a heated look in her eyes. “You're so full of yourself an

Zara’s PovShe laughs but it sounds forced. “You know, just rumors. Word travels fast especially among parents,” she explains but I can see her nervousness seeping through the cracks. Maybe she understands it's a sensitive topic and doesn't want to reveal her source. “You know the saying ‘the walls have ears’, right” She shrugs like it’s nothing.“Do they really? Or do people carry rumours around?” I ask and she laughs.“I knew you had a sense of humour,” Camilla explains as she continues to chuckle.I just smile and let it go. Of course, news like that will not remain hidden forever. Especially when a lot of gossip happens in schools between parents. It must have gone out one way or the other.We call the waiter and order something to eat for ourselves and the girls. While waiting for the food, we sit in silence and watch the girls gush over a princess book. “Hey, Aria. If you don't mind me asking, where's Lila’s dad?” Camilla leans back against her seat, takes a sip of her coffee

Adrian’s PovThe house is quiet after Lila falls asleep. And that's only after she made me promise that I'll be there when she wakes up. After Zara cleans her wound, she asks me to read her a bedtime story, and just before she falls asleep, I hear her murmur with heavy eyes.“Daddy can you please stay with me today? I want to see you when I wake up.”I look at her mom who nods silently.“Okay, princess. Anything for you,” I assure and the next second, she starts breathing softly and falls asleepWe exit her room and move to the living room where we stand awkwardly. Her avoiding my eyes and standing at a good distance away from me.I look around the space and take note of the decorations she has put around the place. It feels homey even though Zara is yet to unpack everything. “Soo…,” she drags on, wiping her hands in front of her trousers like she's trying to smooth down her nerves. “She’s asleep.”“Good.” My voice sounds lower and heavier than I want. “I guess now you can give me t