had bled for it. She had stayed up countless nights memorizing every line, perfecting every expression, imagining the momen

et it go. Not

ross the city streets. Elissa made a decision. She turned the wh

look the director in the eye and ask him why. She had to see for herself if

lace that looked unremarkable from the outside but held entire worlds within its walls. Crew members hurried p

d. Someone was shouting about a missing prop. The air smelled of coffee

n she s

a St

team of stylists fussing around her. Her hair was being curled into perfect waves. Her nails were being b

sence, Jenna looked up. Th

t smile spread ac

alf the studio to hear. "Look who decided t

vid before, years ago, when she was still a rising talent, before her marriage had turned her into a recl

g him."Tell me why. Why was I

studio, as if checking to see who might

on, Elissa. You know

a," she fini

d off on it. He made it very clear that the lead role was to go t

eady known the truth. Hearing it spoken aloud, hearing it confirmed by

oncrete floor a deliberate, arrogant rhythm. She stopped in

eory about how a no-name like you managed to trap Alexander Harvey." She leaned closer, he

Shut up, Jenna," she said,

She took a step back and raised her voice for everyone to hear. "Excuse me, a

ure of pity and professional obligation. "Ma'am, you need to

straightened her spine, refusing to give Jenna the satisfaction of seeing her crumble. Without

hit her face. A tear finally escaped, ho

lapsed into the driver's seat, dropping her head onto t

self together, her phone rang agai

read: Hampt

family's an

She cleared her throat, swiped to answer

the unmistakable accent of old-money Long Island. "Elissa. You will be

ed, her voice still hoarse. "And I don'

re what you're feeling. As long as you hold the title of Mr

d protest further,

renda despised her. In three years, she had never once been summon

about the story of her marriage-the story that Warren, Alexander's gran

from the curb in Brooklyn and merg

icured lawns and sprawling properties of Long Island's eli

he estate. The massive, black wrought-iron gates swung open si

e imposing Tudor-style mansion. It was grand and beautiful, but

er at the door. He gave a stiff, formal bow. "Madam. M

g, portrait-lined hallway. She pushed open the French doors at the far en

arden, landing on the group of figures ga

toppe

at. Her heart felt like it ha

eaning down, his expression one of infinite tenderness, as he carefully d

e Nich