Chapter 86

Annie's POV

I had just finished my meeting with Susan about the latest analytics for my comic series and returned to my office.

The numbers were excellent, with international engagement exceeding all projections. After arranging to meet again on Friday to discuss merchandise expansion, I settled at my desk and opened my laptop.

Opening the comments section on my latest comic update was usually my favorite part of the day. I loved seeing how readers connected with my story and characters.

But today, my expression froze as I stared at the screen.

"What the hell is this?" I whispered, my heart beginning to race.

The comments section had erupted into chaos. Dozens of messages demanded explanations, accusations flying back and forth-all centered around my characters and their real-life counterparts.

I scrolled frantically to find the source of this sudden storm, and then I saw it-a comment from someone called ReaderForever357:

"I know the author's ex-husband and his first love, the ones portrayed in this comic. They truly love each other. Why does the author paint him as a cheater and her as a home-wrecker? It's unfair and dishonest." My stomach twvisted into knots. What is this? Someone's defending Philip and Sarah? Though no names were mentioned, anyone following my work could easily figure out who the comment referred to.Beneath it, dozens of replies had accumulated: ComicLover45: "Really? The author is lying in her own comic?" TruthSeeker: "So the author twisted the facts? I always thought she was the victim!"

NYCGirl: "Wait, we need to hear the author's explanation before jumping to conclusions."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Don't panic, Annie. It's just a malicious comment. But my hands still trembled slightly,reminiscent of how I felt when I first discovered Philip's betrayal.

She thinks I'll just sit back and let this happen? I forced myself to calm down. I couldn't respond impulsively-that was exactly what Sarah would want.

After a moment's consideration, I decided on a direct but professional response:

AnnieBakerOfficial: "Are you suggesting that 'true love' justifies a man developing a relationship with another woman after marriage? Even if it violates wedding vows? Even if it hurts his wife and child?"

The comments section went quiet for a few seconds, then the account immediately responded:

ReaderForever357: "If he no longer loves you and you're clinging to the marriage, isn't that your fault? True love comes first. You should understand and let go." I almost laughed out loud. This logic is so twisted it could write fantasy novels. My heartbeat gradually returned to normal as a quiet anger replaced my initial panic. AnnieBakerOfficial: "According to your logic, are marriage vows meaningless? If we accept your premise-that they're true love-then why did he drag out the divorce for so long? Why maintain the appearance of a marriage while having a relationship with 'true love'? Shouldn't true love be brave and honest?"

The pause was longer this time. I could imagine Sarah sitting in her apartment, irritated as she thought about how to respond. Finally:

ReaderForever357: "He just didn't want to hurt you, out of kindness and consideration."

I shook my head, almost feeling sorry for this ridiculous defense.

AnnieBakerOfficial: "Truly kind people don't deceive and betray. Kindness isn't an excuse after betrayal; it's a guide foractions."

The tide in the comments section visibly shifted. Readers began countering the original comment:

ComicLover45: "Wait, so you're defending cheating? What kind of values are these?"

ArtisticSoul: "I get it, this comment is just trying to stir up controversy.The author's response is so professional!"

NYCGirl: "Well said. We support you!"

Seeing the supportive voices, I opened my direct messages and sent a message to the commenter:

"Sarah, did you think I wouldn't recognize you behind a different name?What do you gain by causing chaos in my comments section?"

The reply came almost instantly: "Yes, it's me. So what?" I needed her to understand I wasn't someone to be trifled with. I wasn't the same Annie who would silently swallow her pain anymore. "If you continue spreading lies under my work, I'll publicly expose everything you've done. My portrayal of you in the comic has been quite restrained. Don't test my limits, Sarah. If you truly anger me,things won't end well for you and Philip."

After sending this message, I felt exhausted but resolute. Sarah wouldn't give up easily, but I was no longer the Annie who could be easily defeated.

She wants my fear and uncertainty, but she won't get it.

I stood up and walked to the window, looking toward Howard's office.Should I tell him about this? He would certainly find a way to help me resolve it,perhaps one phone call would be enough to make Sarah back off.

But on second thought, I shook my head. This was my battle,my work.I was no longer the Annie who needed to rely on others. I had the ability to handle this challenge myself, and I was doing it well. The comic was my domain, and I didn't need to hide under Howard's protection.

"I can handle this," I said to myself, turning back to my desk.

Suddenly,my phone started buzzing non-stop. I checked it to find dozens of new notifications flooding in.

"What now?" I muttered.

I opened the first notification, which was a link sent by a reader. The link led to a video telling the story of a woman who went abroad without breaking up with her boyfriend, and another woman who took advantage to insert herself into their relationship. When the first woman returned,the couple rekindled their relationship, but the "interloper" turned around and accused the returning woman of destroying her relationship. The implication couldn't be clearer-Sarah was suggesting that I was the third party in her and Philip's original relationship. The comments section had descended into chaos: TruthSeeker: "So the author herself was the original homewrecker? How hypocritical! I'll never support someone with such double standards!"

MoralHighGround: "Condemning others for something you did yourself?Disgusting! UJnfollowing, I don't want to see the work of a hypocrite anymore!"

NYReader92: "I knew things couldn't be that simple! She's been portraying herself as the victim in her comics all along, but turns out she was the one who destroyed someone else's relationship!"

ArtCritic88: "This is the so-called 'truth'? First interfere with someone else's relationship, then pretend to be the victim? Portraying the ex-husband as the bad guy to gain sympathy? The work of such a person isn't worth following!"

ComicFan2023: "I've always liked your work, but I'm really disappointed after learning this. Creation should be honest, not twisting facts to exonerate yourself!"

BrooklynGirl: "The character in the video is exactly like the 'first love'character in the comic! It's so obvious that the author is talking about how she destroyed someone else's relationship! It seems the 'bad woman' in the comic is actually wronged!"

HonestOpinion: "My mom's family was broken up by a mistress, and seeing someone like Annie still able to parade around makes me angry! I hope more people see the truth!" My heart sank. This time, Sarah wasn't just twisting facts;she was completely inverting black and white. How should I respond to this? A direct denial would seem like quibbling;a detailed explanation would look defensive... Stay calm, Annie. Think about what Howard would do. He always saw through to the essence of things, never swayed by emotions.

I began writing down a response strategy. This wasn't a simple comment attack; it was a carefully planned reputation war. In this battle, I wouldn't surrender easily.