DEVIL IN A SILHOUETTE のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 41 - チャプター 44

The next morning— “How long are we going to stay in that school?” Jessica asked, angling her phone just right as she snapped yet another selfie. Her stylist hovered close, blending foundation with practiced precision. “We’ll be there for just two hours, ma’am. You know this event is practically a tradition for you,” her manager replied patiently. Jessica yanked her face away, irritation flashing across her features. “Two hours?” she scoffed. “You know I can’t put up an act for more than one.” Every year, without fail, Jessica maintained a carefully curated tradition—visiting schools and orphanage homes, donating essentials, smiling for the cameras. It wasn’t compassion that drove her; it was optics. Charity, to her, was simply another role she played convincingly. “Listen, Jessica,” her manager lowered his voice. “The People’s Choice Awards are coming up. With all these donations, you could easily win the public’s heart. Humanitarian of the Year isn’t far-fetched.” Jessi

I glanced back at the living room, relieved to find it mercifully free of scattered documents and files. “Uhm—yeah… sure, come in,” I stuttered. I wasn’t even sure what I was saying anymore. All I knew was that I wanted him to stay. He handed me the bouquet of roses—my favorite. Of course they were. “Thank you,” I murmured, my fingers brushing his as I took them. “How’ve you been?” he asked softly. “Good. I’ve been good.” A lie. A fragile one. “You’ve been ignoring my calls.” “I wasn’t ignoring them, I—I was just…” My voice faded as the excuse dissolved before it could even form. “Elizabeth,” he whispered, stepping closer. “I’ve been a mess without you. I miss you. I need you.” His hot breath skimmed my skin, sending a shiver straight through me, my stomach fluttering traitorously. I pressed my palm lightly against his chest, trying to push him back, trying to remember my pride. “Charles, if that’s all you came to say, then I think you should leave.” Instead, he pulled me