d by the curb. Skyler Moses, Ricky's ever-dutiful assistant, stood beside

r stepped forward, pulling the ca

k seat, his black suit immac

arely acknowledged her, his gaze flicking to

slipped into the car, ensuring she l

rom the hotel, making its way

y extended his hand, gently placing hers on his arm with an air of detached grace. His expression remained neutral as he

, even though she reminded herself this

igures, including many familiar fa

Winifred, the lead actress in their current project and a star of unrivaled popularity

on shifted toward them. The rumors tying her to Br

CEO of Jenner Group, whose investments in the entertainment industry h

ls, held back for the time being, waiti

one draped in pristine white cloth. By apparent coincidence-or

Brody, a position that made her

rprise when his gaze landed on

esponding with a disinterested nod. She shifted her attention back to Brody, resuming a lively conversation about amusing moments

iding Winifred. Realizing her efforts to engage him were

ing the stage and large screen bathed in a soft blu

gne glasses, red wine, and two dainty plates of pastries-each

o her mouth, savoring the sweetness. Seeing that everyone else was focused

nder his gaze, her cheeks warming as she quickly swallowed and took a sip of cha

t something to eat l

searching his face for traces of mockery, but instead, th

ile was genuine, but the moment passed quickl

ened, and the buzz of the room shifted

hand as they walked toward the press area together. When a reporter asked about his relationship

two years, their marriage had been a well-guarded

ind blanked as she stood beside Ricky, try

membering Ricky draping his coat over her shoulders as

ithin her, a memory of their high school days

cared for her. He

er chance to save Nicola two years ago to coerce him into m

to its usual cold distance, his warmth gone as if it had nev

a restaurant still open

Worried about how she'd look on camera, she limited herself to orde

uch, it took her over half

dication of impatience. His unexpected calm unsettled her

ma finally said, her

tly, standing and striding toward t

uggling to keep pace in her

her rush, her heel caught on the edge of a step. She stumbled and

ly continued to the car, his tone icy as he called over his

knee. At that moment, Emma realized the act was over. Ricky ha

at the pain. Without a word, she tossed her broken heels i

k was cloake

hile Ricky's earlier words "This is my wife" echoed in her m

r, she thoug

her to the blood slowly tri

nd stepped out, slamming it shut behind her. Barefoot and f

ore injured than she let on. His brows furrowed as he watched her figure fade in

..

itter was abla

cs, joined by another headline-a public statement from Brody's ag

acked her before began deleting their comments. Some even became her supporters, praising

nable to settle her mind. By the time morning arrived, her exhaustion caught up with her,