ath me, the soft light from the TV reflecting on my face. A bowl of lightly salted popcorn sat

up-and-coming actress from the agency who always looked up to me. Her visit was surprising, especially since she'd never been to my place before. And to show up at this

squint. Leah stood there holding the envelopes. She looked wor

ou. I know things have been tough, and I realized

glanced around the dark room, the only light coming from the reflections

r gaze softening as she looked at me. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice g

th a gentle smile. "I was

stack of envelopes. "This came in fo

thick with tension. Leah glanced at the envelopes. "How long have you

wasn't sure you'd let m

iated her kindness, but I couldn't find the strength to speak. Instead,

eful you let me in. Just know I'm thinking of you. We all have our secrets, and yours shouldn't change who yo

just hope people see you for who yo

ne with my thoughts. Swallowing hard, I re

. It was thick, unmarked, and felt heavier than the others. My h

know where

Seeing my real name on the page w

inued

other's identity to stay hidden. Otherwise,

om? How

, walking peacefully through her garden, unaware she was bei

rson be behin

ively pressed the photo against my ch

scandal broke, I just couldn't bring myself to face her. I stood abruptly, gripping the envelope

tedly, but each time it went to voicemail. I l

call me when

d to get to her before they did. Desperate, I called Dominique, my Fr

was too large to fit, and I couldn't bear to let it o

ys without a word and slid into the back seat. Placing my bag and the envelope

ng from me, and they were willing to

t let tha