THE QUEEN

CHLOE

WHEN IT COMES TO THE GAME OF PRETEND, I AM THE QUEEN.

I sat in front of the vanity, smoothing a final coat of gloss onto my lips. My reflection stared back at me, flawless, but my mind was far from calm. Today was crucial. The interview was my chance to turn the tide, to make sure I came out of this mess on top. The court case with Nolan was looming, and I needed the public on my side. If I could convince them that I was the victim, the wronged wife who had only ever loved too deeply, it would be so much easier to sway the judge, the jury—everyone. I wasn’t just fighting Nolan in court; I was fighting him in the court of public opinion, too. And I had to win.

The reporter was waiting in the next room. I knew how to play this. I’d done it before, countless times. Turn on the tears, soften my voice, and tell them exactly what they wanted to hear. Today was about making Nolan look like the villain, and I was ready.

When I walked into the room, the reporter smiled warmly at me, but I