My Fated Husband

Linda's POV 

This next morning, at about 9 a.m., my phone buzzed with an incoming call from the Managing Director of our company. A cold knot formed in my stomach; I knew this couldn't be good news.

"I'm sorry, Linda," her voice began, professional but detached. 

"In light of the recent... incident, the agency has no choice but to suspend you from work. The nature of this scandal has forced us to act swiftly to prevent further damage to the company's image, otherwise we'd lose customers." 

Shock paralyzed me for a moment. "Suspend me? Over some photos? For how long?" I finally choked out, anger and disbelief bubbling to the surface. 

"Those pictures were taken without my consent! You do know that right?! You can't punish me for being a victim!" 

Her tone was unwavering, devoid of sympathy. "Be it so, nonetheless, the damage had been done. Your reputation has been severely tarnished, and as a public figure tied to the company, you're now a liability we can't afford at the moment." She stated.

"And in answer to your answer to your question, I can't say for how long you're suspended really... weeks, months, perhaps. Simply put, until this dies down." She ended.

The line went dead before I could protest further. I stood frozen, my phone slipping from my grasp. My legs gave out, and I crumpled onto the plush divan in my bedroom, my hands trembling as they pressed against my temples. 

How had my life spiraled into this abyss? I was the heiress to this company. That should've cut me some leniency, but why couldn't it? 

Could this have been Kyle's doing too? Didn't he want me thrown out of the company since he's not getting it? Something didn't add up. 

I sat in a fog, hours ticking by as my thoughts churned in endless loops. I couldn't even step outside for air, the idea of facing the world, of confronting the media, paralyzed me. 

Throughout the day, text notifications streamed my phone. Each one was a new disaster: terminated deals, canceled contracts, and severed partnerships. 

I stared at my screen in despair as the reality of the company's downfall unfolded before my eyes. 

"No...no, no," I whispered hoarsely, gripping my phone as if I could somehow stop the inevitable. 

In the evening, my father's footsteps echoed in the hallway before he appeared in the doorway, finding me hunched over a cold cup of tea I couldn't drink. 

One look at me, and his face softened, a shadow of sorrow crossing his features. 

"Oh, Linda," he murmured, sitting beside me and wrapping an arm around my shoulders. His touch was warm and reassuring, but it only made my emotions threaten to spill over. 

"I'm so sorry, my dear," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "I should have seen through Kyle's lies. This is all my fault." 

I shook my head, managing a weak smile through the tears. "It's not your fault, Father. You couldn't have known Kyle would do something so cruel, so wicked." 

He sighed deeply, his lined face etched with worry. "Maybe not. But now we must act fast before this situation spirals even further out of control." 

The weight of his words pressed on me. "At this rate," I admitted shakily, "we're going to lose everything, the company will die down before Kyle is found and forced to take down those photos." 

My father nodded grimly. "My fear also. Which is why... I think it's best for you to leave California for a while. Just until we contain this mess." 

His suggestion felt like a physical blow. "Leave? But father, this is my home! My life is here. Where would I even go?" 

He cupped my face gently, his eyes filled with concern. "I know, my love. Believe me, I wouldn't suggest this if it weren't absolutely necessary. But you need to be away from the chaos... For your own sake." 

I swallowed hard, his words hitting their mark. As much as I hated the idea of leaving, I couldn't deny the truth in his reasoning. 

"Alright," I whispered, leaning against his shoulder. "If you think it's for the best, then I'll go." 

"You rest tonight, tomorrow everything will be ready for your leaving." He announced.

I didn't know it'd be too soon, but I didn't care anymore. 

The next day, a numb haze clouded my mind as I packed a small suitcase. 

What would I even need in...wherever I was going? How long would I be gone? The endless questions remained in my mind throughout. I didn't even had time to call Alice. But she did.

When evening neared, my phone rang with her name flashing on the screen, and I hesitated before picking up. 

"A-Alice," I stammered, my voice trembling. "Father came up with a suggestion. He thinks it's best if I leave town for a while. I'm leaving tonight." 

Her response was immediate, filled with disbelief and anger. "Linda, are you serious? You shouldn't have to run and hide because of what's happening!" 

I wiped my eyes, trying to keep my composure. "I don't have a choice. The scandal is ruining everything, my reputation, the company, my life here. Maybe some distance will help the flames die down. It'll do good for my mental health too, I believe. I'll call you when I land, okay?" 

Alice's voice cracked with emotion. "This isn't fair. Kyle should be the one suffering, not you. When I find him, I'll make sure he regrets ever crossing you. Just promise me you'll be safe, wherever you end up, okay?" 

"I will," I promised, though the words felt hollow. 

When the call ended, I found myself descending the staircase with my suitcase, my steps heavy with reluctance. 

Father waited by the front door, his expression a mixture of sorrow and determination. 

He handed me a folder with new identification documents and a plane ticket. "I've arranged for you to go to Orlando. It's a good place to lay low for a while." 

I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. His gaze lingered on me, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. 

"Take care of yourself, my love," he whispered, his voice breaking. 

I turned and walked out the front door, my movements stiff and robotic. As I climbed into the sleek black car waiting to take me to the airport, I glanced back at the mansion one last time. 

The estate grew smaller in the rearview mirror, a symbol of the life I was leaving behind. My heart felt hollow, the numbness settling in as the car sped away. 

When will I ever return? Will things ever get back the way they were? Will my life ever be normal again? Will I be okay on my own out there away from everything and everyone I know?

These questions haunted me as the citylights blurred into the distance, leaving me alone with the weight of my shattered world.