Chapter 6

I hate new beginnings. But that's what I need right now.

I moved into a smaller apartment and put a good distance between Deckard and I, and I can't believe how happy I am.

This new space is small but it's mine. Everything is picked out by me, and there are no lies behind these walls, that's for sure.

My phone buzzes and I want to ignore it, thinking it might be Deckard. I had already made the statement he wanted, but he's sent me some messages I don't want to open.

However, I reach for my phone and my heart skips a beat when I see that the new message is from Nicholas.

Nicholas: Hey beautiful! I’ve secured a slot for you to audition for the new movie on Thursday. It’s a main character role, right up your alley. Also, I’ve found the man you need for the divorce. He’s the best in the business. Check the contact card below.

My heart leaps at the mention of the audition. A main character role? That’s more than I could have hoped for. But as I scroll down to the digital business card he attached, the breath hitches in my throat.

Owen Kingston. Senior Partner at Kingston & Associates.

No...no, no.

My phone falls to my thighs as my vision blurs for a second.

Owen Kingston.

To the world, he's one of the best lawyers out there. Prefect at what he does and holds the record for never losing a case. Not once in his career.

But I know Owen, and I know he's a Newton. The only Newton that decided to answer his mother's maiden name. He's Deckard's uncle, the younger brother of his father.

He was seen as the lowest of the Newton brothers because of his loud lifestyle and now that he's successful, the Newton's want a piece of him. He rarely comes to the country though, and is always overseas.

In fact, the last time he was here was for my wedding to Deckard and he didn't even stay for the wedding. He left shortly after the bridal shower and I haven't seen him since...

A chill runs through me, as my mind wanders to the memory of his eyes, his...

No. I can't be thinking about that now.

I pick up my phone again, staring the name over and over. Nicholas has no idea, so he couldn't possibly know the connection.

This is just pure coincidence because he's influential enough to be connected to the best lawyers.

Owen would never take this case, no. To represent the wife of his nephew in a divorce that will no doubt turn into a family feud?

And then there's the thought of sitting across a desk from him, admitting that I let Deckard treat me like a placeholder for three years... that's so embarrassing.

My fingers fly across the key as I quickly send a reply to Nick.

Sydney: The audition sounds amazing, Nick. Thank you so much! Meanwhile, I'll take a look at your suggestion for the lawyer.

I will not.

I set my phone down and concentrate my thought on the audition. It's a main character role, and from Nick's recommendation, it's a hit role.

This means I have to bury Sydney Newton for good and bring back the carefree Sydney Sterling .

I can do that. I can do anything I–

My phone rings, shattering my inner thoughts.

It’s Deckard.

I let it ring for a few seconds, looking at his name on the screen. Has he finally figured that I moved out?

The first ring passes, and it begins to ring the second time. With a lip smack, I pick up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Have you been ignoring me? I've sent messages all through the day and you didn't reply. Why?" He sounds very irritated.

"I've been busy."

"That's none of my business. The arrangements for my father's funeral have been finalized. It's this Saturday at ten. The press would be there, and you know they'll be looking for a story. Even with the statement released, investigations are still ongoing, so we have to stop them for good."

I lean back against the sofa, a sad smile playing on my lips. Deckard Newton hasn't even figured out that his wife has moved out of his house.

Meaning he hasn't asked of me, and he hasn't gone into my room either. If he has, he would have seen how empty it is, and my wedding ring sitting at the top on the night stand.

He must really not like me to have never needed to see my face in two days, even while we're supposedly living in the same house.

"Saturday at ten," I repeat. "I'll be there."

"Good."

"Have you by any chance received what I sent to the office?"

"For God's sake, Syd. I told you. I haven't been to the office recently with everything going on. But don't worry, I'll receive your little anniversary gift as soon as I go to the office."

He thinks it's a romantic anniversary gift? Oh right, I guess the divorce can serve as my anniversary gift to him.

"Baby, come on! Who are you talking to?" I hear Georgia's voice on the other end.

There's a loud awkward sound, like Deckard is fumbling with his phone before the line cuts off.

The press would be at the funeral. Think that would be a good time to serve him the divorce papers?

I think it will work.

But then, if he decides to pursue legal action and stall the divorce, I would need a strong lawyer.

My mind finds Owen again. He would be more than capable, and is definitely the kind of lawyer I need, but I shake him out. There are plenty of lawyers that would help me out.

I don't need Owen, and yes, I will serve the divorce papers on the funeral, no matter what.