She played her part. Drank sparkling water as champagne. Laughed at jokes she didn’t understand. Let an old senator kiss her cheek and murmur, “You look wonderful, my dear. So… resilient.”
“Good. Then we’re done.”
“She’ll be back,” he said. “They always come back. The question is never if … it’s what’s in it for me when they do.” End. PureTaboo - Pristine Edge - What-s In It For Me...
But Pristine thought of her mother’s trembling hands. Of the eviction date stamped in red on the notice. Of every boy who’d used her in high school and called it love.
“You’re right,” she said. “I do look like her. But she died because she played along. I’ll burn this house to the ground before I let you turn me into her.” She played her part
Back in the study, Julian watched her go. Then he picked up the recorder she’d left behind—fake, of course. Empty.
Pristine’s blood cooled. “You don’t believe that.” Let an old senator kiss her cheek and
“A truth ,” he corrected. “You’ll give them something to talk about. And in return, I give you this house.”