Chapter 7 - The Smear Campaign
Eleanor managed to post bail for David, and the moment they were out, the retaliation began.
Unable to attack me physically, they went digital. David logged onto Facebook and posted a lengthy, tear-jerking manifesto. He claimed I was a psychotic, abusive martial artist who had manipulated him, tied him up in a manic episode, and framed his innocent mother. He painted himself as the victim of domestic abuse.
Within hours, my phone was blowing up. Mutual friends, distant relatives, and even coworkers were messaging me, asking what was going on. Eleanor took it a step further, calling my boss and claiming I was under criminal investigation for kidnapping.
"Do I release the videos?" I asked Sarah, pacing my living room. "I want everyone to know the truth."
"No," Sarah commanded. "Let them dig the hole deeper. Every post, every text, every phone call is another count of defamation. We document it all. We don't try our case in the court of public opinion; we let them perjure themselves on the record."
It was agonizing. I had to walk through the grocery store with my head held high while people whispered. I had to take an emergency leave of absence from work while HR "investigated" Eleanor’s claims.
But I stayed silent. I didn't engage. I let them think they were winning.
May you like
David’s arrogance returned. He sent me a text from a burner phone: Drop the charges, give me the condo, and I’ll tell everyone you just had a mental breakdown. Last chance, Maya.
I took a screenshot, forwarded it to Sarah, and smiled.
