Chapter 1

The rumors about Mara Smyth and newly crowned Best Actor Asher Cole sat at the top of the trending charts for three straight days.

I hid it from Mom for three days too.

Their popularity kept climbing while I stayed at the hospital, never leaving my mother's side.

She lay pale against the pillows, glancing toward the door every so often.

"Where's Mara?"

I swallowed the bitterness. "She's busy with work. Once she's done, she'll come see you."

Mom smiled. "I haven't seen her in a while. If she's busy, make sure you take care of her. Don't go getting all prideful because your wife's focused on her career."

I smiled back.

After she fell asleep, I checked my phone.

Nothing.

No texts.

No calls.

Not even an explanation.

I sat outside the room. The cold from the plastic chair seemed to seep straight into my bones.

Then another notification popped up.

A video from Asher.

He and Mara were in a private karaoke room, singing a love song together.

Matching outfits.

Matching smiles.

The way they looked at each other made everything obvious.

When the song hit its climax, Asher leaned in and kissed her.

Just a brief touch.

Everyone in the room burst into cheers.

The moment the video went up, it shot to the top of the trending list.

[So cute!]

[The genius scientist and the Best Actor are perfect together!]

I scrolled through endless comments cheering them on.

Like I was a stranger watching someone else's life.

But I was Mara's husband.

I closed the video.

Leaning against the cold wall, I shut my eyes.

My hand shook as I called her.

All I could see was the way she'd looked at Asher.

She didn't answer.

A long while later, she called back.

"What?"

There was laughter behind her. Celebration.

My throat felt dry.

"I saw the trending post about you and Asher..."

Her annoyance came instantly. "That? It's publicity. Don't be ridiculous."

"Publicity?"

I almost laughed.

My throat felt raw.

"Mara, matching outfits and kissing in front of everyone is publicity?"

Asher's voice drifted through the phone.

He sounded amused. "Who's calling?"

Mara's tone softened immediately. "No one. Nothing important."

Then she turned back to me, sounding even more impatient.

"Wilde Weinberg, how many times do I have to explain this? Asher's career is taking off. He needs attention and buzz. We're helping him. Can you stop making a big deal out of every little thing?"

"Little thing?"

My grip tightened around the phone.

"Mara, my mom isn't doing well. She can't handle a shock like this."

Silence.

Then—

"I know. I won't let her find out."

She paused.

"But Wilde, don't forget. Your mother's medical bills are being paid by me. If you keep causing problems or say the wrong thing to the media, you can start preparing for her funeral."

Preparing for her funeral.

The words hit like a knife.

Cold spread through my chest.

Even breathing hurt.

"Got it."