We performed live in front of a small studio audience before being grilled by the tenacious host who tried her best to pry into our love lives. Jamie refuses to hide his relationship status though they’re not confirming he’s practically married to Ash because he wants to protect her identity, to shield her from becoming a target. None of us have forgotten the things Vivien endured when Reeve’s star ascended. The PR people only conceded because the rest of us are unattached.
Having to confirm my single status over and over is like repeatedly stabbing myself in the heart. But I play my part with gusto in case she’s watching. I won’t give either of them the satisfaction of knowing how wrecked I really am. Today is the culmination of a shit ton of hard work and determination and nothing is ruining it.
We’re celebrating at a small party the label throws for us that same night when the news breaks. A few TVs are mounted on walls around the room, so there’s no escaping it. All the blood drains from my face when the picture loads on the screen. A hush descends as everyone’s gaze is riveted to the E-News report.
“Hearts are breaking across the world today as representatives for Hollywood actor Reeve Lancaster confirmed he is no longer a single man after marrying Vivien Mills two days ago in a hush-hush ceremony at one of L.A.’s most prestigious hotels. Vivien is the only daughter of actress Lauren Mills and her director-husband Jonathon. Both were in attendanceat the wedding as well as Studio 27 CEO, Simon Lancaster, father of the groom, and a slew of other celebrities.Voguewon the exclusive rights to the wedding and a special edition hits newsstands tonight, but they have shared a few pictures as part of the official press release.”
My heart ruptures in my chest as I spot Ash and Jamie dashing across the room to be with me. On the screen, Vivien is stunningly beautiful in a gorgeous white lace wedding gown. Her dark hair is up in some kind of elegant bun, showcasing her exquisite face. Sporting a glorious smile, she looks adoringly at her husband as they cling to one another with mere millimeters separating their faces. Bile churns in my gut as everything I’ve consumed today threatens to come back up.
“Dillon.” Ash tugs on my arm. “Come with me.”
“No.” I can’t tear my eyes from the screen even as the image slices strips off my already shredded heart.
“Please, Dil. I have something to tell you.”
“No. No!” My voice cracks as the image changes on the screen, this time showing a picture of Vivien cradling a little baby boy in her arms while Reeve has his arms wrapped around them, smiling like his face might split in two he’s so happy.
“The newlyweds also confirmed they welcomed their first child together, six weeks ago. They kept that a secret from all of us!” Her grating laugh barely registers as shock lays siege to every part of me. “Easton Elon Lancaster was born on June twelfth to the happy couple and…”
I tune the rest of what she’s saying out, stumbling backwards as my legs buckle, attempting to go out from under me. Jamie grabs me before I fall on my arse, but it’s not enough to protect the table behind me as I knock against it. Glass shattering, mixed with shocked cries, follows me out of the room as Jamie and my sister drag me away from prying eyes.
Another vital part of me dies in that moment, shriveling inside as the void grows larger, sucking all the light from my world.
Jay leads me into a smaller side room, where I fall to my knees and heave my guts up.
“Shite.” Ash barks instructions to someone while I come undone on the floor.
When I’ve finished expelling my stomach contents, Jay and Ro lift me over to a sofa. Ash plies me with water while a staff member cleans up the mess I made on the floor. My sister helps to strip my soiled T-shirt off my body while I stare into space, rocking back and forth as my brain struggles to process the news I’ve just learned.
Someone puts a fresh-smelling shirt on over my head while someone else cleans my jeans and my boots.
“I need an explanation right now,” Ava says in a firm voice.
Lifting my eyes, I stare absently at her. Our new publicist is glaring at Ash, her stern expression demanding answers.
“I will explain it but not now, Ava. I’ll call you later. We need to get Dillon out of here.” She leans in, whispering something in her ear. “For now, can you get a car to the back entrance and ensure no one is outside to see us leave.”
She married him.
She married my twin.
She married Reeve.
He won.
He fucking came out on top again.
He took her from me forever.
She will never be mine ever again.
I have lost her completely, and I want to curl into a ball and die.
These thoughts play on a loop in my head as the others get me safely out of the building and into the car.
Feeling eyes on me, I turn to look at my brother. A confusing mix of emotions is splayed across Ro’s face. “I’m sorry, Dil,” he whispers, grabbing my frozen form into a hug. “I’m so fucking sorry.”
I don’t know what he’s got to feel sorry about, and I’ve already forgotten it by the time we get to the house.
