Chapter 60

“Alright, Aria, prepare to be defeated!”

Before us lay a daunting game of chess. Black was currently in the lead, its horde of knights and bishops taking full control of the siege against the white pieces. Aria was down to her measly pawns and a lonely King.

She glared at me as I gloated, twisting her lips. “We’ll see about that. I’m not going down without a fight!”

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the windows of my apartment, creating a cozy atmosphere that was perfect for an impromptu board game session. Aria and I had decided to take a break from our busy lives and enjoy a relaxing afternoon together. The familiar sound

of game pieces shuffling filled the air as we settled down at the coffee table, ready for some friendly competition.

“I can’t believe we finally have some free time to ourselves,” Aria exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I chuckled, nodding in agreement. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to just relax and hang out.”

Aria grinned, leaning forward to examine the board. “It’s also been a while since. I’ve kicked your butt!”

“Well, you’re going to be waiting even longer before you ever defeat me!” I gloated.

As we played, the news on the television in the background served as mere background noise. It had been some simple daily news, up until around 4 o’clock. hit. The mention of Timothy’s name caused my ears to perk, and I drew my gaze away from the board.

“Hey, Aria, do you mind turning up the volume on the TV?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Aria obliged, raising the volume so we could hear the news more clearly. My ears perked up when I heard Timothy’s name mentioned in relation to a scandal.

“Timothy,” I whispered, my heart skipping a beat.

1/5

။။

Chapter 60

Aria looked at me, concern evident in her eyes. “What’s going on?”

“They’re talking about Timothy,” I said, my voice tinged with worry. “Something about a scandal.”

As we listened, the news anchor mentioned tabloid accusations of Timothy’s involvement with a woman named Linda. I frowned, not liking where this was going.

“He’s releasing a statement,” Aria added, her eyes glued to the screen.

I suppose the day wouldn’t end on a happy note after all. As I settled onto the couch, my eyes fixed on the television screen, my heart raced with a mix of anxiety and frustration. The news anchor’s voice was calm and measured as he reported on the latest celebrity scandal, involving none other than my closest friend, Timothy.

Timothy Hayes has found himself entangled in a media storm over accusations of romantic involvement

whirlwind of

continued, they aired Timothy’s press statement. He stood

room. “Linda Thompson was my pet–sitter. Nothing more, nothing less. The media hast blown this situation out of proportion, and

all? Linda had seemed

of Linda in Timothy’s apartment, laughing and tampering with his belongings. They had turned ordinary moments into something

been nothing more than a friend, a person Timothy trusted

2/5

21 Mar

Chapter 60

when he was away? Regardless, the media’s insidious whispers had turned their innocent relationship

report concluded, I turned away from the

face.

in a daze. “I hope so

I couldn’t help but feel a surge of frustration. They were

widened in surprise. “This is ridiculous. They’re totally blowing

feeling a sense of helplessness. “I just wish people wouldn’t believe everything they read in

me or Linda! I scoffed at the absurdity of it all. Timothy and I were

a juicy story,”

my own.

muttered, anger bubbling within me. “Timothy doesn’t deserve this, especially right as things

see through the gossip,” she said. “You know the truth, and so do his real fans

a sense of comfort, and I nodded

some research on social media to gauge the public’s reaction to the scandal. As we scrolled through various platforms, we saw the

those who believed the scandal and

3/5

0

A

Chapter 60

trusting

by him,” Aria said,

a glimmer of hope returning. “True fans will always support him, no

have. been Timothy, Linda, and Duke standing at a park, laughing and chatting. Aria furrowed her eyebrows, studying

Linda?” she asked, her curiosity getting the best of

a moment before nodding. “Yes, I did.

leaned in, eager to hear more. “What was

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255