Shattered Facade

Desmond, always considering himself a man of integrity, felt no need to weave lies in his dealings. Yet, under the harsh gaze of scrutiny, even the guiltless might find their cheeks burning, their composure slipping.

“What I'm trying to articulate isn't that... it's just...” Desmond faltered, his confidence ebbing away unexpectedly.

Chloe seized the moment, not allowing him a chance to regroup. “N