The Art of Deception
he asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.
I shook my head, feeling a sense of clarity that I hadn't felt in a long time. "My reputation, my career... those things are just external validation," I said, my voice filled with conviction. "They're not what truly matter. What matters is how I feel about myself, and right now, I feel broken and lost."
Derek's expression softened, his eyes filled with compassion. "I understand that," he said, his voice gentle. "But are you sure you're ready to face the consequences of your actions? The media, the public... they'll be merciless."