Chapter 11: The Power of One Photograph
A Post That Changed Everything
Sonya’s caption was short but powerful:
Julian and I broke up earlier this month. There’s no need to explain, but it doesn’t change the beautiful memories we made during those eight years.
She hadn’t expected it to go viral, but views began to skyrocket.
Ashley, scrolling through the comments, was stunned.
“You two were really a couple?”
Sonya rolled her eyes.
“What did you think?”
Ashley smirked.
“I thought you were his creditor.”
Sonya leaned over, watching Ashley furiously type comments—but her words were quickly buried.
“They’re controlling it.”
Sonya frowned. “Who?”
Ashley sighed, shaking her head.
“You’re not starstruck, so you wouldn’t know. They control public perception. They decide what’s right and wrong.”
Ashley paused, stretching her fingers.
“But this Seraphina thing is huge. Her rivals will jump in. And your post trending means someone’s boosting it.”
She smirked.
“This is going to get interesting.”
Ashley scrolled back to the photo.
A graduation picture.
Eight people stood in the frame.
Julian, in his graduation gown, was front and center, holding hands with Sonya.
She wasn’t graduating yet, so she wore a white dress—a stark contrast against the black robes.
Their smiles were bright, their closeness undeniable.
Next to Julian stood Seraphina, making a heart shape with her classmate.
Her eyes sparkled, her face radiant—
But she was just another person in the photo.
Ashley snorted.
“Sonya, you were so pretty. You completely overshadowed Seraphina.”
“Everyone can see you and Julian were together. Who’s the homewrecker? Who’s innocent? It’s crystal clear.”
Then, her brows furrowed.
“Are they crazy?! They’re saying this photo is a fake!”
Sonya hadn’t planned to cause a scandal.
She just wanted to force Seraphina to clear her name.
Ashley suddenly gasped.
“Hey, someone from the photo commented!”
Sonya leaned in.
The comment read:
Julian and Sonya were the golden couple in school. Everyone knew they were together.
It was from Lily Lane—Seraphina’s classmate and Jake’s girlfriend at the time.
Once, she had been one of Sonya’s best friends.
Ashley refreshed the page.
“More people are speaking up! Look—three more comments.”
Sonya checked their profiles.
Jake. Leo.
Their silent agreement came in the form of three simple emojis: 👍👍👍
Ashley giggled.
“Hee hee, it’s about to blow up.”
Then—
She refreshed again.
And the post was gone.
Silenced
Sonya stared.
“…What?”
Ashley scrolled through Sonya’s entire profile.
Nothing.
Not just the post—
Her entire account was muted.
Sonya clenched her fists.
Ashley sighed, patting her shoulder.
“Forget it. We can’t compete with a big star and a rich guy.”
Sonya gritted her teeth.
She wasn’t going down like this.
Then—
Her phone rang.
It was the hospital director.
The Suspension
It was almost closing time when Sonya arrived at the director’s office.
But instead of sitting down, he gestured toward the elevator.
“Let’s talk inside.”
She followed him in.
The moment the doors closed, his expression hardened.
“Starting tomorrow, you won’t have to come to work.”
Sonya’s eyes narrowed.
“What does that mean?”
He adjusted his glasses, looking uncomfortable.
“It’s temporary. We’ll discuss this again once things calm down.”
“Please understand. The hospital cares about order and reputation. We can’t suffer losses because of one person.”
Sonya froze.
One person.
“…But those are just rumors.”
The director sighed.
“That’s your concern. I just don’t want anything to affect the hospital.”
Her hands curled into fists.
“Was this Julian’s idea?”
The director didn’t answer.
But his silence said enough.
“I warned you,” he muttered.
“Don’t mess with the rich. It won’t benefit you.”
Sonya took a deep breath.
Then, she lifted her chin.
“You have no reason to suspend me.”
“If I accept it, it means I’m confirming the rumors.”
“I’ll come to work tomorrow.”
The director sighed.
“You should apologize to Mr. Jennings.”
Sonya smiled.
“You’re right.”
“I should.”
Then—
She walked out.
Straight to Jake’s bar.
A Confrontation
The waiter mistook her for a guest and led her to Julian’s private room.
Inside—
Leo’s voice rang out, sharp and furious.
“Dude, you’re going too far!”
Julian’s voice was cold.
“It’s none of your business.”
Leo scoffed.
“Sonya and you were together for eight years. And now, she’s the homewrecker? She’s getting attacked online? That’s unfair!”
“Shut up.”
“I’m on Sonya’s side.”
The door opened.
Sonya stepped in.
Julian looked up.
For a moment—
His guilt was obvious.
Then, he looked away.
Sonya’s voice was calm but sharp.
“You told the director to suspend me?”
Julian’s jaw tightened.
“You can go back to work once things calm down.”
Sonya scoffed.
“When I’m completely disgraced?”
“When Seraphina’s image as a victim is set in stone?”
“When you two get married?”
Julian’s voice was flat.
“Whatever you think.”
Sonya’s patience snapped.
“I want you to clarify this.”
Julian exhaled sharply.
“Impossible.”
Then—
She grabbed a bottle, smashed it against the table.
Glass shattered.
Alcohol spilled everywhere.
Leo flinched.
Julian’s eyes widened.
Sonya dropped the broken bottle.
Glass shards scattered around her feet.
Her voice was deadly calm.
“Do you think I’m a pushover?”
Julian took a deep breath.
“If I clear your name, Seraphina’s image will be ruined.”
“Her career might end.”
“I have to put the blame on you.”
Sonya laughed.
“Why? What right do you have?”
Julian’s voice softened.
“Sonya, enough. Stop it.”
She pulled out her phone.
Pressed play.
Seraphina’s voice filled the room:
“Julian is like a car to me. I don’t need to love him, but I can drive him whenever I want.”
“I’m the one holding the wheel. He’ll always obey me.”
“Even though you’re his girlfriend… he’ll always be at my disposal.”
Sonya smiled.
“You were saying?”
