Chapter 3

Day fifteen arrived.

My acting improved by the day.

In my videos, I’d grown so “thin” I barely looked like myself. My eyes were sunken, and I gasped between words.

The group had practically started worshipping me.

“Look at Stella! She looks like she’s about to ascend to a higher plane!”

“I almost gave up today, but watching Stella’s video gave me the strength to keep going!”

In reality, I’d gained three pounds from eating whatever I wanted every day.

That day, Tara made a solemn announcement in the group.

“My spiritual family! In six days, at eight p.m. on the twenty-first and final day of our fast,”

“I’ll be hosting a Spiritual Awakening Experience livestream!”

“Our most outstanding purifier, @Stella, will join me on camera to share what it feels like to connect with higher-dimensional energy!”

“This will be an unprecedented spiritual feast. You won’t want to miss it!”

The group exploded.

Everyone cheered, eagerly anticipating the “feast.”

And I knew the time had come.

I put down my phone and opened the online complaint portal for the consumer protection authorities.

I uploaded every piece of evidence I’d collected over the past two weeks.

The messages in which Tara promoted pseudoscience and organized extreme fasting.

The way she persuaded members to avoid medical treatment after they developed serious symptoms.

AvaLovesCandy’s hospital diagnosis and social media account of what had happened.

The complete exchange leading to TheKiteGirl’s removal.

I also included statements from several other victims who’d contacted me anonymously. All of them had damaged their health after believing Tara’s nonsense.

At the end of my complaint, I wrote:

“The organizer, Tara Bennett, is not only promoting pseudoscience online. In six days,”

“she intends to use a public livestream to promote these life-threatening practices to an even wider audience.”

“Please intervene promptly to stop her and prevent further harm.”

When I clicked Submit, I let out a long breath. That was my first card.

But filing a complaint wouldn’t be enough. I needed Tara’s downfall on that livestream to be utterly undeniable.

I opened my contacts and stared at TheKiteGirl’s number. After a few seconds of hesitation, I called.

When she answered, I briefly explained who I was and what I intended to do. She was silent for a long time before speaking through clenched teeth.

“I hate her. That day, I really thought I was going to die. Tell me what you need me to do.”

I told her the plan. “On the day of the livestream, all you have to do is share your real experience in the comments.”

“You’re not alone. I’m contacting other people, too.”

She was silent for a long time, then said fiercely, “I can’t let her get away with this!”

“I have all her messages saved as evidence,” I continued.

“Someone will step in during the livestream.”

“You and your family just need to tell people what happened to you in the comments.”

“Okay! I’ll do it!”

After hanging up, I contacted AvaLovesCandy and several other victims the same way.

Every one of them wanted to hold Tara accountable that night.

Everything was ready.

The night before the showdown—the twentieth day of the fast—

my mom called, her voice full of worry.

“Stella, are you really fasting? That Tara talks like she’s in a cult. I’m worried.”

Hearing my mother’s voice made my nose sting. My voice caught a little.

“Mom, don’t worry. I’m really not fasting. I’ve been eating great. Listen.”

I deliberately took a huge bite of chips and crunched loudly.

My mom paused on the other end, then laughed.

“Oh, you… All right. I believe you. Tomorrow, I’ll watch you deal with Tara.”

After we hung up, the sting in my nose grew worse.

In my previous life, I’d hung up on her again and again just to please Tara.

This time, I wouldn’t make her worry about me again.

I sniffed, opened my food delivery app, and ordered a family bucket of fried chicken.

I needed to eat well if I was going to have the strength for tomorrow’s battle.

My phone lit up with a message from Tara.

“Stella, tomorrow we witness a miracle! Are you ready?”

“I picked out a long white dress just for you. We’ll make our entrance together!”

I looked at the screen and typed two words.

“All ready.”

Tara, I’d already tightened the noose you’d prepared for yourself.

Tomorrow would mark the beginning of your ruin.