Marcus’s security team met us near the gate.
Within moments, they explained that a photograph taken during the flight had already begun spreading online.
Someone had captured me asleep beside Marcus with Annie resting in my arms.
Even worse…
A comment beneath the photo included my full name.
I could barely process what I was hearing.
“How is that possible?”
No one had an answer.
As we walked toward baggage claim, Marcus stayed beside me without making me feel rushed or overwhelmed.
“You don’t have to trust me,” he said quietly.
“But until we understand what’s happening, I’d rather you not face this alone.”
His words caught me off guard.
Not because they sounded dramatic.
Because they sounded sincere.
A few minutes later, my phone buzzed again.
Another message from Daniel.
Emily… why is your picture online with Marcus Whitmore?
