Chapter 10
The air carried some unfamiliar perfume–expensive, sophisticated. Not something you’d pick up at Sephora.
Nathan shook his head, dismissing the weird déjà vu. He thought about Amelia from yesterday: soft, sweet, like some Pinterest aesthetic come to life. Totally different vibe from this woman. Maybe it was just a creative industry thing–artists had that same… intensity.
Yeah, that had to be it.]]
“Vivian got her song at the price you wanted,” Nathan said, his tone all business. “I better not hear about you causing her any more drama.“]
Amelia smiled. “Relax. I won’t say another word about this song.”
“Good.” Nathan’s eyes went cold. “Hope you stick to that.“]
Amelia’s smile didn’t budge.[]
Nathan turned and walked away, just as abruptly as he’d shown up. Amelia watched him reach Vivian at the end of the hallway, saw him take her arm Hike she might shatter if he breathed too hard.[]
A few minutes after they left, Amelia’s phone buzzed.[]
Told Grandpa you were sick yesterday. This weekend you’re coming to family dinner. Not negotiable.[]
Classic Nathan–phrasing orders like they were favors.[]
Amelia didn’t bother replying. She just headed in the opposite direction.[]
Nathan buckled Vivian into the passenger seat but didn’t start the car right away. He checked his phone–Amelia still hadn’t responded to his text.
Vivian caught him looking and her eyes immediately went watery. “Are you mad at me? I feel like I fucked something up.“]
Nathan glanced over, confused. “Why would I be mad?“]
Vivian bit her lip. “Amelia used to be a musician, right? I’m scared you think I’m like… stealing her whole identity or whatever.“[
Nathan didn’t answer immediately. It did bug him a little, but whatever. Vivian was dying. For the next six months, she could have whatever she wanted.
Vivian read his face and looked even more miserable.[]
The car went quiet except for Nathan’s fingers tapping the steering wheel. After a minute, Vivian spoke up.
“I guess I just wanted to know what it felt like. To be in her shoes for once. To understand how you loved her.”
She looked up at him with those huge, liquid eyes. “I want you to love me like that.“[]
Nathan stopped tapping. He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.[]
“Don’t stress about it,” he said. “I already filed the papers. Just waiting out the stupid cooling–off period.“[]
“Vivian, I’m here. With you.“[]
Finally, she smiled and nodded.[]
“Let’s get out of here,” Nathan said, pocketing his phone and starting the engine.
Vivian looked down, hiding her satisfaction.[]
7
Perfect Everything was going exactly according to plan. She was riding this wave of public sympathy while she could, steamrolling over every piece of Amelia’s life. Her husband, her career–Vivian was going to take it all.]
Chapter 10
That’s why ‘Voice of Heaven‘ was so crucial. She’d destroy Amelia so completely that the woman would have no choice but to slink out of the city in shame. Then Vivian could slide right into her place and claim everything that used to be Amelia’s.]
So far, it was working like a charm. She suppressed a grin and fake–dozed against the window.[]
Back at Cavendish Entertainment, Amelia had just finished signing her contracts with Louie.[]
Since Cavendish was one of the major backers of ‘Voice of Heaven,‘ Louie had serious pull with the producers. Once he heard about Vivian’s involvement, he’d worked out special arrangements for Amelia.[]
She’d compete as a masked contestant under the stage name “Elena“-Greek for “bright light.” She could reveal her identity whenever she felt like it, but until then, only she and Louie would know who was behind the mask.
Since the show was all about songwriting and vocal talent anyway, the mystery angle was just smart marketing. Half the other contestants probably had similar gimmicks.
After wrapping up the paperwork, Amelia drove to Mount Sinai. She’d pushed back her morning appointment, and the timing worked out perfectly. Quick lunch, then straight to her doctor’s office.[]
Knock knock.
“Come in.“]]
Dr. Serena Rogers looked up as Amelia entered and shut the door. “You seem different today. How’ve you been feeling?“]
Serena had been treating Amelia’s depression for almost a year.
Amelia’s life had been a fucking rollercoaster. Amazing highs, crushing lows. The first twenty–four years had been manageable–even losing her dad and the family money, she’d had Nathan as her anchor.[]
Until Vivian showed up. Actually, Amelia had sensed something was off before those anonymous messages started. But the day she’d shown Nathan the texts and he’d accused her of making them up to frame Vivian? That’s when she’d first walked into a shrink’s office.]]
Moderate depression. Serena had pushed medication, but Amelia had wanted to keep trying for a baby, so they’d stuck with talk therapy.
Nathan never bothered asking about her appointments. He had no clue about her diagnosis or treatment.]
“I feel… lighter, I guess,” Amelia said slowly. “I’ve been letting go of some stuff. Maybe that’ll help.“[]
Serena nodded approvingly.
“How are things day–to–day?”
Serena knew the whole situation. She’d been following the Vivian Hope media circus, and she understood exactly what Nathan represented to Amelia. Despite her patient’s seemingly improved mood, Serena was actually more concerned than ever.
Amelia stared at Serena’s pristine desk for a few seconds. Then she gave a small, sad smile. “Honestly? They suck.“[]
Her eyes started getting watery, but she blinked it back.]
“Dr. Rogers,” she said quietly, “I think I’m ready to try medication now.“[]
Before, she’d avoided antidepressants because she still believed in her marriage, still wanted Nathan’s kids. But now? She didn’t want him anymore Didn’t want his baby.
So now she could take the fucking pills.
Serena studied Amelia’s face, her concern deepening. Something was seriously wrong here–her patient seemed worse, not better. She wondered if she should call Amelia’s emergency contact ]
Her husband, Nathan]
