Chapter 3: Old Wounds, New Enemies

Three years ago, I ran into Derek at a club. I was drinking with some friends who’d just come back from college up north. The bass from the DJ booth rattled the walls, and the air reeked of spilled vodka and cheap cologne. On my way to the restroom, I saw a girl being dragged toward a private room.

That memory still makes my fists clench. Even though I worked in cutthroat business, I couldn’t stand to see a girl get hurt. The club owner was an old friend—he opened the private room door for me.

When the door swung open, the girl’s dress was half-off and the guy—Derek—was down to his boxers. My friend used the excuse that this wasn’t that kind of club and kicked Derek out.

The girl—Natalie—was huddled on the bed in a blanket, crying quietly.

We talked. She’d just started in the industry, stuck with bit parts, her agent dragging her out to dinners like this. She never expected to get ambushed. Her tears got to me.

I still remember how she tried to joke through her tears, dabbing at her makeup with a napkin. I looked into Derek—trust fund kid, but not in my league. I hid my real identity from Natalie, afraid she’d lump me in with guys like him. Over time, we got together.

I never thought she’d end up with him anyway.

Derek was older, hair thinning now, gut hanging over his belt. He looked like he’d eaten the old him.

"When did you two start up?" I asked, voice cold.

Derek sneered, "You ruined my night back then. What’s your deal now?"

Natalie looked a little rattled, answering in a low voice. Hearing her admit it still hurt, even if I’d suspected. She blamed me for blowing up her plan that night, and still dated me after. She really was an actress.

Natalie held out a bank card: "If $15,000 isn’t enough, here’s another $30,000. Since you’re easy on the eyes, call it payment for your services."

The air went dead silent. I shoved the card back. "That’s all our relationship is worth to you?"

Natalie looked disgusted. "You think you deserve more? Guess I never realized what kind of person you are."

"You really think your acting got you here? I busted my ass to get you this award." I shot her a look as cold as ice.

"What are you talking about? You’re just some nobody. What could you have possibly done?"

I felt completely empty. "Break up with me, but don’t think I’ll forget this."

"She won’t regret it. I’m the one with connections now," Derek said, pulling Natalie closer like he was staking a claim.

Natalie leaned into Derek, her smile forced but determined, like she was trying to convince herself she’d made the right choice. She really believed he could help her.

I shook my head, pulled out my phone, and called my assistant: "Don’t book Natalie Brooks for anything from now on."

Whether she got another role or not, I was done.

Derek smirked. "What good does that do? You can’t give her anything. I’m about to introduce her to Director Foster."

I grinned. "Aubrey Foster’s busy tonight. She’ll be here later."

Derek’s laughter died off fast, then he doubled over, howling with fake amusement.