Chapter 24
Jade’s POV
As I sat alone in my dimly lit room, my green eyes gazed blankly into the distance, my mind consumed by a sense of hopelessness. I have been indoors since that incident.
My shoulders slumped, and my head hung low, weighed down by the burden of my shame.
The soft glow of the evening sun cast a melancholic shadow on my face, highlighting the tears that streamed down my cheeks like a river of sorrow.
I, Jade Pierce who used to be a bright and vibrant soul, now shrouded in despair. Just a few weeks ago, I had been full of life, laughing with friends, and chasing my dreams.
But now, the world seemed to have lost its color, and my heart felt like a heavy stone, sinking deeper into the darkness with each passing moment.
I began to shed fresh tears as I reminisced about the day I took those photos. I was in bed with a colleague of mine. His name was Jothan and we didn’t really have anything serious going on between us. It was just a moment’s folly.
That day, we did a photoshoot together and when we came back to my house, exhausted, he couldn’t go back home.
He began to make advances at me and I couldn’t resist him because he was charming and I needed to cool off some stress.
When I undressed, he suggested taking photos of me and I agreed. He said he needed them just for his eyes only. He assured me that he wouldn’t show it to anyone else because he just wants to always adore my body anytime.
Guess I was a big fool. Trusting a guy that doesn’t have any value for me.
The source of my pain was a betrayal of trust, a violation of my privacy. Someone I had trusted, had leaked my intimate photos to the internet. The images, meant for one pair of eyes only, were now available for the world to see.
My thoughts swirled in a vortex of self-blame and regret. I should not have trusted him. I wondered if I was to blame for trusting him.
I have cried my eyes out since yesterday and days before. My eyes hurt so much and it seems I have run out of tears.
The silence in my room was deafening, punctuated only by the sound of her own ragged breathing.
As the hours ticked by, my tears began to dry, leaving behind a dull ache that seemed to suffocate me. I felt exposed, vulnerable, and helpless. The thought of strangers gazing upon my naked body made my skin crawl.
In a desperate attempt to escape my emotions, I tried to distract myself with the familiar rhythms of my daily routine.
But every step felt like a chore, every movement a struggle. I couldn’t shake off the feeling of being watched, of being judged even though I am within the comfort of my own house.
Towards evening, I decided to go to the nearby mall and get some groceries. I stepped out wearing a black hoodie which concealed my face and a black overall.
I must avoid wearing clothes with colours that are too conspicuous.
When I stepped outside, the cold evening breeze hit me and sent shivers down my spine. I walked briskly inside the mall and hurried with my shopping before my used-to-be fans will notice me.
I dropped the last item into the shopping trolley and dragged it to the payment area. I was going down the hallway when a young lady bumped into me almost immediately.
She was pressing her phone while walking so she couldn’t watch where she was going. As she bumped into me, her own items fell to the floor and I bent down almost immediately to help her.
“I’m so sorry for hitting you. I was not watching my steps. Thank you for picking them up for me.” The young lady said.
“You’re welcome.” I replied curtly, getting up at once.
“I’m Cordelia, and you?” She asked as she brought her right hand for a handshake. I hesitated at first, thinking if I should respond to this acquaintance.
“I’m Vera.” I pulled out my right hand from my pockets and shook her hand briefly.
After the handshake, her hands still clasped mine as she tried to peer into my hoodie. I was visibly trying to hide my face from her as I took my hands away from hers abruptly.
“I know those green eyes from somewhere…you look strangely familiar.” She said.
I began to push my trolley forward with so much speed just to get rid of this girl before she finds out who I was. But unfortunately she was still coming after me.
“Excuse me, please. Can I talk to you for a second? You look so much like Jade.”
My blood ran cold and my heart began to beat terribly fast.
“I don’t know who or what you are talking about.”
I got to the counter, made payment and waited for the cashier to package my stuff when the young lady walked up to me again.
“Please can I see your face clearly? I want to confirm if you are Jade or not. I’m one of your fans!”
The moment she made the last statement, everyone turned to look at me, including the cashier.
I wished the ground would open up and swallow me. I began to hear whispers around me. Some people agreed that I looked like Jade while some just stared at me.
The cashier handed the baggages to me and I hurriedly left the mall. I walked down the streets like a wanted fugitive; casting sideway glances and avoiding eye contact with people with my head bowed low.
People walked past me and I could see them from the corner of my eye, turning their necks to look at me. I am now the laughing stock of the society.
I got back into my house, bolted the doors and shut the windows with a firm resolve not to step out again. At least for now.
As night descended, my sadness deepened, a palpable fog that clung to me like a damp shroud. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of shame, unable to find a lifeline to cling to.
My phone rang and my caller was the person I least expected…Jothan.
“Hey, Jade, What’s up? How are you coping?”
“How am I coping? You destroyed my career and you are asking me that question. I trusted you, Jothan! I thought you were reasonable.”
“Jade, please calm down. At least allow me to explain. It…”
“Explain what? How you took my photos and sent it to someone as a tool for my downfall? You have always been envious of me. I’m out of the picture now so I believe you must be very happy!” I said cutting in sharply.
“Jade, it wasn’t on purpose! It was not intentional! I don’t know how I lost those photos. I swear to God! I had them on my phone but some time ago, my phone was hacked and I lost those pictures afterwards. Please believe me!”
“I’m deeply sorry but I didn’t plan for any of these. I cannot imagine the shame you are going through now. Please forgive me.”
“I will not believe a single word from your mouth. You know what? Fuck off!” I ended the call immediately and blocked his number afterwards.
Motherfucker.
I have lost my sanity within this small period of time. I can’t sleep, nor even think clearly. Before I knew it, I was shedding tears again.
My phone rang again but this time it was my manager. I have not heard from him since the news broke out. I cleaned my eyes and cleared my throat before picking up.
“Good evening Sir.”
“Jade, how are you?”
“I am fine, Sir.”
“Jade, I heard about the unfortunate incident. Although I didn’t see it coming, no one saw it coming anyways but I least expected that from you. Judging from your reputation and everything you have built, scandals like this should be far from you.”
“Your image has been tarnished and I don’t know what will become of your career now. You used to be one of my favorites.” He said sadly.
“Sir, I am deeply sorry for the inconveniences this issue may have caused. I didn’t plan for it. I don’t know how it happened but I cannot rewrite what has already been done.”
“We had a meeting; I and the Board of Directors to decide your fate. I am sorry to announce to you that you can no longer work with us. Having you in our company will implicate us further and it could make us lose future deals. You and I know that a good name is better than riches.”
“Henceforth, you are not to be seen within the company premises and I’d like you to return the car that was bestowed to you when you started work. I am deeply sorry for what you are going through. I wish I could help but my hands are officially tied behind my back”
“Do well to come to my office and take your termination letter.”