Fatal Deception

Marlee, motivated by personal gain, caused Jerred to have a car accident that injured his leg. While talking with the doctor, Jerred overheard the truth. In that moment of realization, he called his mother, deciding to reconnect with his family roots. On the day of Marlee and Nathan's fake wedding, he chose to leave.

Fatal Deception

Marlee, motivated by personal gain, caused Jerred to have a car accident that injured his leg. While talking with the doctor, Jerred overheard the truth. In that moment of realization, he called his mother, deciding to reconnect with his family roots. On the day of Marlee and Nathan's fake wedding, he chose to leave.

The pain in my leg was sharp, but the words cut deeper. Through the thin hospital curtain, I heard Marlee’s voice—calm, calculating. 'Make sure he stays out long enough for the transfer to go through.' My breath froze. The brakes… she’d offered to 'check them' before the trip. I gripped my phone, heart pounding. Not 911. Not the cops. I dialed Mom.

Her voice cracked on the first syllable. Ten years gone, and still she answered like I’d just stepped out for coffee. 'Jerred?'

'I need to come home,' I whispered, tears burning. 'I think someone tried to kill me.'

She didn’t ask why now. She only said, 'The door’s always open.'

But tomorrow, Marlee marries Nathan. And I have to decide—do I crash the wedding, or let them believe I’m broken?