"I'll work hard, get a solid footing at the company. No one will ever bully you again."
I looked up at him, and a memory surfaced.
Years ago. The day we first met.
What Curtis had said to me then:
"Emma, I've seen your work. You're talented. Really talented."
"Don't ever give up on your dreams."
"I'll be with you every step of the way. I'll be your rock."
A kindred spirit—that's what I thought I'd found.
So I threw myself into my career. Took every role, every endorsement. Worked until I was vomiting blood, and still I didn't stop.
I didn't realize Curtis only wanted my fame to build his own connections.
Now his position was secure.
He didn't need a star anymore.
So I was supposed to abandon my dreams. Fade into the background.
And my mother had to die—so I'd have nowhere else to turn. So I'd settle down and be a good little wife. A supportive partner...
The pain was so total I couldn't speak.
I tried to pull away from his touch, but he let go first.
He was staring at his phone, his expression tense.
"Emma, get some rest. I'll have Agnes come stay with you."
"Something urgent came up at the office."
He rushed out without a second glance.
He didn't know Margot had sent me the same message.