CHAPTER 82

“Varya, we'll work things out. You're not by yourself. We'll work to have your name cleared."

Although her words soothed my hurting heart, the ache remained, raw and excruciating. I tried to get my strength back by wiping my eyes and taking a big breath.

This could not shatter me. To save my life and my honor, I had to figure out how to fight back.

It was a war the rest of the day. I made an effort to block out the murmurs and critical looks and concentrate only on my work. No matter how routine the task, it was a tiny victory and a step toward taking back control.

However, the scandal's weight hovered over me, a continual reminder of the nightmare my life had become.

I packed up my belongings as the day came to an end and got ready to go. The office was almost empty, the quiet a sharp contrast to the morning's turmoil. I tread down the shadowy hallways, my footfall resonating in the silence.

It was a relief to get outside at last and feel the cool evening air. I inhaled deeply, attem