“No, I can’t do it,” I whisper, panicking.
“I know.But Mallory’s gonna paint you as her enemy.She already got all her friends to back the HIV/AIDS prevention campaign through the ad.”
Hearing that, my chest tightens, my breathing turns ragged.My eyes burn, tears swell, and the room blurs.I collapse back on the sofa.
“Jessy…” I say his name, heavy with disappointment and hurt.
“God, I know.I’m screwing up your life again.I tried to cancel with Alan, but his mood’s still unstable.”He breaks down again.“He told me he’ll fire me if I mess this up with Mallory.I can’t lose this job, Fenella.I need the money for my mom’s medical bills.She—” he sobs, and I just sit there, silent.
Mallory told me she wanted me for a project, but she said it was for a music video.She never mentioned condoms or any social campaign.And now I can’t back out.
Alan.He set this trap long before today.No wonder he was so calm earlier.He knew I wouldn’t be able to refuse, whether I resign or not.He wants to ruin me.
“Ugh, this is all Alan, not you.”I rub my temples, groaning in frustration.
“What do you mean?”Jessy asks.
“Alan planned this.He introduced me to Mallory, pulled me into her circle.After she showed interest, he shoved me into this ad.He knew I couldn’t say no.And since I resigned, it just got worse—he’s forcing me to finish every signed project unless I pay a massive penalty.”I slump back, head tilting against the sofa.“I’m screwed.Alan’s destroyed me.”
The second I hang up, Laird walks over, one eyebrow raised.He sets two plates of spaghetti with Bolognese sauce on the coffee table.
“You good?”he asks, brow furrowed, confusion etched in his face.
I stare at him.His emerald-green eyes are so clear now.Those eyes will turn red with anger if he finds out.But we promised honesty, didn’t we?
No matter how ugly the truth is.Even though my chest aches at the thought of killing the mood, I have to tell him.Sooner or later, I’ll need him as my lawyer anyway.
After I explain, he clenches his fists on his thighs.He’s furious, but he holds it in, jaw tight.
“Can we sue Alan for fraud or breach of contract?”I ask.
“Fenella…” Laird drags his hands over his face and stays quiet for a long moment, thinking.“Legally?You’ll lose.The court will say it’s your fault for not reading the full contract.He’s got you.”
“But we’ve been talking about this, and I thought this was the right time to give the resignation letter,” I stammer.
“No.I know you love your job, so I’ve beenslowlytrying to find the best way to get around that clause without him catching on.That letter just triggered his defense mode and made him more aggressive about whatever he’s after.”
“What does he want?”I frown.
“I don’t know.That’s what I’m still trying to figure out.”He squares his shoulders.
He shakes his head, and I can’t find words until the silence swallows us.Then he gets up, steps onto the balcony, and lights a cigarette.
I curl up on the sofa, knees to chest, face buried, and cry.That’s all I can do to release the weight crushing me.
* * *
“Is this how you treat me?You said you’d protect me.”
I storm into Alan’s office first thing in the morning, my footsteps heavy as I slam my palm against his desk.Jessy hovers nervously behind me, shaking.
“Morning, Fenella.Back so soon.Want some tea?”Alan grins, lifting his cup.
“Cut the bullshit.”I glare at him, jaw tight.
“I’m just being myself, same as always.You’re the one losing it lately.”He shrugs and takes another sip, cool as ice.
I scoff.“Me?You’re the one screwing up my life and my career.”
