Page 39 of Cruel Dominion

ANNA

“These are exceptional,” Olivia said, gazing at the last of my photo prints.

I flushed with pride. “You really think so?”

“Absolutely. You have the makings of a real collection here, Anna.”

I bit my lip, so excited that I practically laughed out loud. My hunch was right—my photos were more than just candids of my friends. They were proof that I really did have talent. I’d brought her a portfolio of my favorite photos and didn’t tell her any details about the background.

“There’s a real sense of place in here, even without knowing where they come from. Where were these taken, by the way?” she asked.

“The Butterfly Room. It’s a St. Louis cocktail bar that’s usually full of wealthy businessmen. That’s why the women are all dressed in so little. For tips.” I took a deep breath, then told her the truth. “That’s where I’ve been. I worked there for a few years.”

Olivia’s brows rose, and I could tell she was surprised. “Weren’t you in college? You were on that track in high school.”

I looked away. “I never ended up going. My plans changed, I guess.”

Olivia laughed. “Plans will do that, won’t they?”

There was no judgment or contempt in her expression. My shoulders relaxed and relief washed over me. She was the first person from my old life who I chose to tell the truth, and it felt so good. I hadn’t even realized how much the lying weighed on me.

“Could you do me a favor?” I asked. “If anyone asks, could you not mention my job? My dad has this whole story he’s been telling people, and I don’t want to cause trouble.”

“Of course,” Olivia said. “It’s none of their business. But your background makes these photos even more interesting, Anna. The governor’s daughter, leaving her world of privilege to enter the serving class. Not a lot of people with your upbringing would be open to that.”

“It’s not like I’m better than these women,” I said defiantly.

Olivia raised her hands. “Never said you were. In fact, these pictures position them as your equals. It would make people like your father very uncomfortable, in the way that all good art does.”

“So you really think I should try and exhibit?” I asked, excited.

“I do. I’d offer to host it here, but, well, I doubt my clients in town would appreciate it. I’m still new to owning this place, and I couldn’t afford to offend people.”

“I understand,” I said. I knew the way rich people in this town held grudges better than anyone.

“But there is someone I know who could maybe help you.” Olivia grabbed a sheet of paper and scribbled down a phone number. “His name is Jaden Austen. I showed some of his work last year. I don’t know him very well, but he has a good eye and last I heard he was looking to take on someone to mentor. Would you be interested in meeting him?”

“Of course!” I said immediately. If I wanted to break into this world, I’d need all the help I could get.

Olivia reached over and squeezed my hand. “I think you should be really proud of these.”

The comment should have made me happy, but instead, I felt a prick of pain. I should be hearing those words from my parents, but that would never happen. The only version of me they wanted was the fake one, the one made up entirely of their lies. I was never going to hear Dad say he was proud of me.

No. I refused to let Hudson Vaughn bring me down. Because the truth was, even if I didn’t always believe in myself, I did believe in my photos. That was enough.

“Thank you,” I told Olivia. “I am proud of them.”

My meeting with Olivia left me feeling inspired. I yearned to get my camera out and play with it, but I’d run out of film a while ago. I looked up the closest photo shop in the area, which was just a ten minute walk away.

It took me almost that long to convince David not to come with me.

“It’s just a short walk,” I pleaded. “I’ll be there and back before you know it. You can still drive me home.”

“Your father wants me to stay with you,” he said stubbornly.

I sighed. “Please, David. I appreciate you driving me around, but I’m an adult. I just need a break from having my babysitter follow me everywhere.”

David’s lips twisted as he thought it through. Eventually, he sighed. “Fine. But if you’re not back in thirty minutes, I’m coming for you.”

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