“I don’t want your money. Admit you copied
- me. Apologize publicly. Then I’ll tell everyone it
was a collaboration.”
“Never! I’m not ruining my career for you! I’ll
just… ignore it. The internet has a short
memory.”
I hung up. Michael grinned.
“All done?” I asked.
“You bet. And I sent them a little… bonus gift.”
Michael had found a way to break whatever
hold Olivia had over me. And to send some
karmic payback her way. He’d spent years
traveling, studying ancient folklore and rituals.
I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
Ethan too. He’d desecrated my parents‘ resting
<
place. He wouldn’t get away with it.
Olivia’s downfall was swift and brutal. Her facial
fillers migrated, her skin erupted in painful
sores. She couldn’t film anymore. Her agency
dropped her, reclaiming her Instagram account.
Then, late one night, she went live on a burner
account.
“It was me! I copied Jenna! I’m sorry! Please forgive me!”
She sobbed, then her voice turned harsh.
“Why her? Why does she get everything? The
followers, the hot boyfriend…”
“I’ve loved Ethan since high school! I’m better than Jenna! Why doesn’t anyone see that?!”
She laughed hysterically, a terrifying mix of
tears and rage. Even at that late hour,
く
thousands of people tuned in to watch her
unravel.
A few days later, Olivia and Ethan’s car went
off a cliff on a remote mountain road. Their
bodies were never recovered.
After the truth came out, people apologized for accusing me, for the hate they’d spewed. Michael went back to his travels, promising to
send postcards. Before he left, he told me my
parents had taken care of Olivia and Ethan. He
told me to visit their grave and thank them.
Finally, I could breathe again. I slept soundly for
the first time in months.
I dreamt of my parents.
“We took care of it, honey. You haven’t been
taking care of yourself.”
I hugged them tight, tears streaming down my
<
I dreamt of my parents.
“We took care of it, honey. You haven’t been
taking care of yourself.”
I hugged them tight, tears streaming down my
face.
“It’s time for us to go. Live your life, Jenna. Be
happy.”
I nodded, watching them fade away.
I started a new Instagram account. A different
niche. I documented my life in the countryside,
spending time with Grandma, visiting my
parents. My new account quickly gained a
million followers.
This time, it was on my terms.
