Chapter 3

2

For several days, Lucian didn't contact me once. Meanwhile, his romance dominated every entertainment headline.

As a singer, Lucian usually didn't have this much tabloid gravity.

But his confession had been so high-profile that it cemented his image as a devoted lover.

On social media, people were constantly posting "accidental" sightings of them together.

"She's so sweet. They are literally the perfect couple!" one comment read.

"I've been a fan for years. He always said he'd go public when the time was right. So happy for them!"

"You can hear the love in his songs. Now we know who the muse was. Jane, please keep inspiring him!"

I scrolled through more posts. Every single one painted a picture of a blissful couple.

I put my phone down, a delayed realization hitting me like a physical blow.

Lucian's heart had always belonged to Jane. Those songs were never about me.

From start to finish, I was just a tool to heal his heartbreak and a ladder for his career. He had played me perfectly.

My chest felt tight, like a fist was squeezing my heart. I could barely breathe.

Lucian didn't need me anymore. With his current fame, any manager could handle him. That was likely why he felt brave enough to show his hand.

Fine. If that's how he wanted it, I was out.

I wouldn't stoop to sabotaging him, but I was more than capable of replacing him with someone better.

I rubbed my aching chest. Once the pain subsided, I grabbed my crutches and struggled out of bed.

Walking with a cast was difficult, but I needed to get back to the office.

On the way, Lucian called.

I hesitated before answering.

"The hospital told me you checked out. Good. Come home right away. I need to talk to you."

The hospital notified him?

He must have listed himself as my emergency contact on the paperwork.

For a split second, I felt a spark of emotion. Then, a soft, sugary female voice came through the line.

"Babe, will she really agree? She seems like such a powerful woman. Will she look down on a newbie like me?"

"Look down on you? She should look at herself first. Don't worry. She does whatever I say. She wouldn't dare say no to managing you."

I already knew what he was planning. I didn't give him a flat refusal yet.

"I have things to do today. I can't come back. We'll talk later."

I hung up and let out a cold snort.

My skills and my network were built through years of blood, sweat, and tears in this cutthroat industry. Why would I waste them on a woman who meant nothing to me?

I wouldn't give her a single resource. In fact, Lucian wouldn't be getting another ounce of my help either.

I had already messaged Jace Wilder. When I entered my office, the young man was already standing by my desk.

"Nora?"

His voice startled me. My crutch caught on the doorframe, and I felt myself tipping over.

I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for the impact. But the pain never came.

"Steady there. I've got you," Jace said.

He caught me firmly in his arms.

I opened my eyes and stared into his dark, intense gaze. For a moment, I forgot how to speak.

"Nora, your face is turning red," he teased.

"Sorry," I muttered, regaining my composure.

I stood up quickly and sat at my desk, trying to look professional. "Take a seat. Let's talk about your trajectory."

"I'm all yours. Whatever you say, goes."

"Good."

I needed an artist who would listen. I was going to put everything I had into making him a star.

And Jace seemed perfectly willing to play along.