"This is a setup!" I yelled. "I don't know how it got there, but it wasn't me—"
The words split as Darren's palm cracked across my face. My head whipped sideways, blood filling my mouth.
My ears rang. My vision blurred.
And then-sirens. Red and blue light flashed through the windows as officers stormed in. My wrists were yanked behind me, metal cuffs biting into my skin.
"Eliana Centineo," an officer barked, "you're under arrest for theft and aiding and abetting corporate espionage."
They dragged me away. Darren didn’t stop them. Janine didn’t speak. Sally just smiled.
***
That night, the stench of sweat and bleach choked me in the cell. The bars clanged open, and in walked Sally.
Her violet dress shimmered like mockery under the fluorescent lights. Darren had bought that dress for me.
"Hello, you little thief," she purred, pulling out her phone. "The launch was a success. Everyone’s praising Darren. Everyone’s talking about you, too—about how pathetic it is for a wife to steal from her husband."
"You framed me." My voice was raw, but firm.
She leaned closer, her lips brushing my ear. "Finally catching up, are we? You should be flattered—I put a lot of effort into ruining you."