16
He was as enthusiastic as a golden retriever puppy, always circling around me.
“Moonlight, do you like this?”
“Moonlight, these are the flowers I grew for you.”
“Moonlight, guess what gift I brought today?”
I truly loved being cherished like that, so much so that I repeatedly turned down Chloe’s invitations to hang out with Liam.
After a grueling hike, I collapsed onto my couch, vowing to conquer that entire mountain next time.
Chloe’s message popped up then.
It was a few domestic entertainment news headlines.
#SkylarVanceHomewrecker,Drives OutOriginalWife
#SterlingCEODivorced
#SkylarVanceCaughtInPhotoScandal,ManyDirectorsInvolvedInExplicitFilms
I clicked on each one and read them, understanding everything.
Skylar Vance was exposed for orchestrating the frame–up against me. Then, someone leaked her past scandals of sleeping with directors for
roles.
Her rivals spared no expense, spending a colossal sum to push the narrative and buy trending spots.
Suddenly, Skylar’s reputation plummeted. Several luxury endorsement deals were terminated, and her upcoming film was pulled from
release.
Fans estimated the breach of contract fees at a colossal sum in fines, easily a nine–figure sum, an amount Skylar Vance probably couldn’t pay
with her current financial standing.
Blake Sterling’s “satisfactory answer” to me that day was Skylar Vance becoming a universally reviled homewrecker in the entertainment
industry.
But it was Blake who had put her on a pedestal in the first place. Many people even ignored the fact that she’d interfered with my marriage, some even supporting her ascent.
Blake Sterling was the true instigator; Skylar Vance was merely a toy he played with in the palm of his hand,
10:01 AM
<
I turned off my phone and took the sparkling water Liam handed me.
о
He wrapped his arms around me, kissing my earlobe over and over, telling me he loved me.
Honestly, I found it hard to resist such direct and passionate affection.
After a bout of intimacy with him, Chloe showed up at my door with a bottle of wine.
“Aria Hayes, don’t you dare forget your friends just because you’re in love!”