Lynn

o dream of. Chloe was ecstatic when I called, and within a week, the groundwork for "New Anthem Reco

on's indifference, roared back to life. Ideas for melodies, lyrics, and artists poured out of me. It was exhilarating, a potent antidote to the emo

using me of abandoning her "poor, recovering son," were also met with silence. Their voices, on

nniversary. The day Ashton would undoubted

st's demo, when my phone buzzed. An unknown n

e. It was strange to hear it,

cool, devoid of any warmth. "T

rking late?" He sounde

s." The jab was unintentional, a r

e said, ignoring my sar

re anymore, Ashto

s time. "Right. The papers.

eminded him, my tone f

e began, his voice hesitant, almost vulnera

ips. "Celebrate what, Ashto

this. I know things ha

You know, I kept bringing you your tea and artisanal bread even when you were in th

n it like that. I was just tryin

surfacing. "I was lying in the cold, hard reality of your neglect

emotional." The fam

ath, reining in the anger. This wasn't about him anymore. It was about me. "Loo

alk." He sounded desperate now, a no

uldn't identify a single one of my songs if your life depended on it? About how you only reme

A heavy, suff

the divorce?" I asked, c

rd barely audible. "I

andline rang. It was Cason, my new business

e? For one last dinner? For old t

undeniable moment to cement my decision. "Fine," I said, surprising

Cason walked in, a questioning look

a brittle smile on my face.

launch. He was kind, attentive, genuinely interested in my ideas. He saw me.

bought for myself, not for Ashton. I arrived at the Golden Spo

a small, elegantly wrapped package. My heart, against my will, gave a s

lips. He started walking towards me, the f

ailey, looking radiant in a shimmering gown, her arm linked with another ma

lding the roses

hton, darling, you didn't tell me you invited Elise to c

reopening? Not our anni

caught in headlights, stamme

rite! And is this... the vintage art book I've been coveting?" She gasped, tearing open the paper with unfeigned delight. "O

lush creeping up his neck. He

r tasted like ashes. He brought her flowers

glancing at me with a smirk that didn't quit

e something inside me. Not my heart, not this time. My b

He used my name, my presence, to make Bailey feel... what

vestiges of pain. It wasn't about love anymore. It was about