I hadn't touched, the empty wine glass on my bedside table, and the remnants of last night's makeup smudged on the pillowcase. But instead of dread, I felt

ed a light layer of makeup, I thought about the woman staring back at me in the mirror. She wasn't the same Evelyn w

milled about, scripts in hand, while the director, Gavin, barked order

lapping a hand on my shoulder

ring his betrayal, a moment filled with raw emotion. As I stepped onto the stage, I could feel the weight of everyone's

pted into applause. Gavin approach

d. "You're going to bring something spe

he role, finding pieces of myself in the character I was portraying. But as much as I lo

al surprise visit at the studio. He had a way of making me feel invincible, as if I could take on the world. But there were moments when his intensit

from Viktor at an exclusive lounge he'd insisted we visit. The dim lighting and

or said, his sharp gaze c

liquid in my glass. "Just tir

o a near-whisper. "You're too hard on

to the unease gnawing at me. "Thank you," I murmure

He was dressed in a sharp suit, his eyes flicking toward us every s

?" I asked, my c

t someone who doesn't know w

uld press further, Viktor's phone buzzed, drawing his attentio

ons swirling in my mind. But Viktor's presence lingered, both comforting and troubling. It w

as they mingled under glittering chandeliers. Viktor was the picture of sophistication, effortlessly commanding the ro

my side with a glass of champagne. "

nversation. They fell silent as we approached, their e

said, his tone light but commanding. "A b

air of authority, extended his hand. "Ms. Hart,

steady despite the tension in the

of place. Viktor's charm remained intact, but there was an edge to him

away, I couldn't contain

y?" I asked,

ed. "People you don't need

on. "Viktor, if I'm going to be part of

speaking. "The truth is complicated, Evelyn. Bu

than I'd anticipated. Viktor's world was intoxicating, but it was also shrouded in mystery. And while part

ontrol: my career. The stage was calling, and I wasn

the beginning. Of what, I wasn't sur