Chapter 1 So, This Is My Life Now

The reporters, cameras, and voices, were all hunting for a sight of something, or someone familiar. Red carpets, crowd cheers, and that pressure to maintain a smile through it all. I once believed it was all I wanted, but now it felt like a memory I couldn't reach like I was watching someone else live that dream.

I never imagined myself standing here, facing arrest.

"Izalea Benson, you're under arrest for the embezzlement of funds from the Allstar best and creative agency."

I could feel my legs weakening as I heard those words, which became barely audible. The next thing I knew, my hands were shackled in handcuffs, the cold metal digging into my wrist as the FBI came behind me, with their voices severe and cold, reciting my rights as if they were speaking to a criminal.

As we stepped outside, the flashing lights of police cars and news vans blurred in the distance. I was immediately blinded by the bright lights from the cameras causing me to squint, they flashed like a thousand eyes watching for a gossip. At this point, I could almost picture the headlines writing themselves.

This wasn't the goal. I had carefully maintained a low profile and avoided anything that could damage my reputation, or so I thought. But here I was, handcuffed, surrounded by agents, while the press encircled us like animals ready to devour their prey.

"Are the accusations true?"

"Are you involved in the agency's millions being embezzled?"

I didn't respond. Those words sounded even more surprising to me who carried the charges, as if they belonged to someone else. Still, it was a burden that pulled me towards confusion and fear.

Just a few months ago, I was the movie star of Hollywood, the one every producer sought. Now, I was the face of a scandal, that even I found it odd. My mind battled for a clue as to know why things went so wrong.

But then, betrayal never warns you. It just happens, quietly and suddenly.

The agents took me to their vehicle, covering me from the unending flow of questions, even though they couldn't shield my ears from their words.

They sat me in the backseat, and I leaned my head against the cool window, lost in my thoughts and watching the blur of the city as it passed.

I wasn't Izalea Benson anymore, the darling actress of the industry. I was a suspect.

And the worst part? I didn't even know how.