When I stepped outside, the weight of what had happened hit me fully. My career was in ruins, my reputation dragged through the mud and even the accounts I built painstakingly were reported and taken down, leaving nothing behind.
I arrived home, seeking solitude, but was met with an eerie silence.
The house was dark, yet the distinct sound of rummaging came from inside. A cold dread settled over me as I realized an intruder was there.
The noises grew louder—panicked, impatient movements as the thief searched for valuables. I crept into the kitchen and grabbed a knife, clutching it tightly.
If it comes to it, I won’t go down without a fight, I thought bitterly.
These past weeks had stripped me of so much; what else was there to lose? If it came to life or death, I would make it count.
I inched toward the master bedroom, my heart racing.
Turning on the light with a sudden burst of courage, I charged in—only to find myself face-to-face with Nicole.
She froze mid-motion, clutching my money in her hands. Her eyes widened with shock and her grip faltered. The cash fell to the floor in a fluttering cascade.
"Nicole? You’re stealing from me now?!"