“I don’t know, Carlie. But maybe there’s an explanation. You need to talk to Adam and find out the truth. You know how shit like this can get blown way out of proportion.”
I nod, even though she can’t see me. “Yeah, I need answers. Thanks, Lily.”
We end the call, and I sit there, numb.
The man I thought I was starting to know,to trust,is wrapped up in a scandal that paints him in a completely different light. The Adam I thought I knew seems like a mirage, fading away under the harsh light of these revelations.
Doubts cloud my mind, each one a haunting question about who Adam really is.
Has he just been playing me? Is he in cahoots with Jillian?
Or is there another side to this story—a chapter in his book that I haven’t read yet?
I close the Instagram app, feeling like the ground beneath me is crumbling.
But deep down, something doesn’t add up.
The Adam I’ve been with doesn’t match the man in those posts—the man Jillian is painting him to be.
I close my eyes and breathe. A part of me clings to the hope that there’s more to the story than these damaging posts.
God, I’m so confused.
My phone buzzes again, jolting me from my thoughts.
It’s a text from Adam, but not what I expect. There’s an urgency in his words that I haven’t seen before.
Carlie, there’s so much I need to explain. I know you’re not into social, but I need you to watch my Instagram live in 10 minutes.
My heart nearly catapults from my chest.
An Instagram live? What is he planning to say?
My curiosity battles with my fear. I want to know what’s going on, but I don’t want to look like a fool again. I don’t think my heart could take it.
I reply, anxiety and anticipation threading through each word.
I’ll be watching. But we still need to talk afterward.
As I send the message, the reality of our situation sinks in.
Adam is about to publicly address the chaos, maybe even reveal his side of the story. And after that, we need to talk.
We both have things we need to get out in the open.
I agree. We do.
I settle onto the couch, my gaze fixed on my phone. The world outside falls away as I wait for Adam’s live video to start.
My stomach knots with hope and dread. This could be the moment that changes everything between us.
The seconds tick by, each one laden with expectation.
Then, my phone lights up with a notification.
Adam is live.
CHAPTER31