Chapter 3 Marlena's online presence is getting totally wrecked by me, and she finally can't take it anymore. Three days later, she suddenly posts a pinned video: "Hey beautiful souls, someone's been spreading nasty lies about me. I'm hosting a meet and greet to clear the air once and for all." The comments explode instantly. You got this, Mama Mar!] We'll always have your back!] [Those haters are straight-up toxic!] I'm staring at my screen, heart pounding like crazy. This is it. My chance! The day of the meet-and-greet, I slip into the venue with revenge coursing through my veins. The place is all cozy and Instagram-perfect, with fans waving signs and looking at her like she's some kind of saint. These clueless idiots are still cheering for this psycho woman. Marlena's wearing this white sundress, makeup on point, looking all innocent and sweet on stage. Watching her fake act makes me want to punch something. Thanks for all your support, everyone. I know some people have been trying to tear me down..." I take a deep breath, about to stand up and blow her whole act wide open, when I spot someone familiar walking onto the stage. Uncle Zander? What the hell is he doing here? Wait... something's off about his expression. get this really bad feeling in my gut. Lander steps up to the mic, eyes all red and watery: "Everyone, I am Marlena's brother, but the Marlena I'm going to talk about is not this Marlena standing beside me in front of you, because my real sister is already dead. Today I must tell the truth!" My sister Marlena had a daughter named Roxanne. This kid was bad news from day one-stealing, lying, getting into fights..." My eyes go wide. I can't believe what I'm hearing. He's lying! Marlena broke her heart trying to fix this girl. But Roxanne just kept getting worse and worse. Until finally..." No! That's not how it happened! [ try to stand up and call BS, but my legs feel like concrete. Zander chokes up: "She drove my sister to jump off a bridge!" The crowd gasps. SHE abandoned ME! She made me think she was dead! How did that turn into me driving her to suicide? Marlena covers her face, crying right on cue: "Zander, please don't..." "No! I have to say this!" Zander's full on sobbing now. "After my sister died, this ungrateful girl developed delusions thinking that the Marlena standing before you now is my deceased sister, but she's just a stranger) Yet this little bitch won't leave her alone, spreading rumors and slandering her everywhere!" The fans instantly lose their minds. "Oh my God, what kind of monster!" "That's so messed up!" "What a piece of trash!" Suddenly, Zander points straight at me: "There she is! Roxanne's right here!" Every single person turns to stare at me. Anger, disgust, pure hatred.... "Beat her ass!" "Get out!" The crowd rushes toward me, shoving and hitting. Fists, kicks, spit flying everywhere... I hit the ground hard, pain shooting through my whole body. In all the chaos, I hear Marlena and Zander whispering. "Bro, the donations are gonna be insane after this." "No doubt. I killed that performance, right?" My heart literally stops beating. It's all fake. Every time I show up, I'm just giving her more content to milk her followers with. She's making bank off my pain, and it's still not enough for her. I'm lying on the floor, tears mixing with blood. Rage, despair, frustration-everything's tearing me apart inside. Security finally shows up and drags me out. Behind me, I hear Marlena's "forgiving" voice: "Don't hate her, guys. She's just a broken kid I spoiled too much. I'd give up ten years of my life if it meant she could change..." The applause is thunderous. Hearing those cheers, something in me dies completely. They dump me next to the dumpster outside, beaten and bloody. People walking by point and whisper: "That's the ungrateful daughter." "Worse than an animal." I slowly pull myself up, wiping blood from my face. But I can't wipe away the hate in my heart. Then I remember something. I pull out my phone and open my voice recorder. During all that chaos, I managed to record her conversation with Zander. The audio's a little fuzzy, but it's ENOUGH. Title: The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets (English-dubbed) In CrushReel's ongoing romance, "The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets," a young woman ensnared in a decade-long struggle against familial constraints finds unexpected solace in a man who appears as her pathway to freedom. Initially leveraging his presence for escape, she is gradually swayed by his unwavering faith and unwavering dedication. Exploring themes of liberation and trust, the narrative delves into the complexities of breaking free from oppressive environments. The protagonist's evolution from using the man as a means of salvation to embracing genuine connection offers a poignant portrayal of emotional transformation. Amidst the backdrop of romance, the story skillfully weaves a tale of self-discovery and resilience, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and strength. What sets "The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets" apart is its nuanced depiction of intricate relationships and internal struggles, resonating with readers seeking depth and authenticity in romantic narratives. Available to read online at CrushReel, this captivating tale promises a journey of self-realization and love amidst adversity.