Page 67 of You. Me. Us.

Hillary’s brow furrowed, a flicker of doubt creeping into her mind as she tried to ignore what he said about Julius. Could she really trust Ethan, after everything that had happened? But the sincerity in his eyes, the genuine remorse in his voice... maybe he truly did want to help her.

“How?” she asked, her voice guarded. “How can you possibly make this right?”

Ethan’s lips curved into a small smile. “By being your ally, your friend. By introducing you to the right people, helping you network and build your brand. And maybe, just maybe, by finding a way to bring you and Julius back together.”

Hillary’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Julius, a painful longing twisting in her chest. Could Ethan really help her win him back? Or was it just another empty promise, another way for him to manipulate her?

She bit her lip, torn between her pride and the desperate desire to salvage her relationship with Julius. Could she really trust Ethan, the man who had inadvertently caused this whole mess in the first place? But what choice did she have?

“Julius and have been through the shit over the years. We’re back on together next month, he’ll be talking to me. Can you say the same for you? Let me help make things right. I am a sore loser, but I’m not an ass.”

“Okay,” she heard herself say, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll let you help me. I’m not saying I want to act, but I don’t want to be the only one not talking to Julius.”

A slow smile spread across Ethan’s face, his eyes glinting with something Hillary couldn’t quite place. “You have my word, Hillary. I won’t let you down.”

She took a deep breath, weighing her options. In the end, what choice did she have? Ethan was offering her a lifeline, a chance to salvage her career and her heart. And despite everything, a small part of her wanted to believe him, to trust in the sincerity shining in his eyes.

“Okay,” she said softly, her fingers tightening around the mug. “I’ll let you help me. But Ethan, if you pull a stunt like that again, if you even so much as think I have a sexual attraction to you?—”

Ethan reached across the table, his hand coming to rest gently on hers. “I won’t, Hillary. I promise you that. From now on, I’m in your corner. I think you’re too good for Julius, but I fucked up, and I did enjoy our friendship while filming.”

Hillary nodded, “I know just how you’re going to help me.” She pulled out her phone and brought up an email. “You’re going to take me to this and ensure no scandals occur.” Sliding the phone across the table, she waited as he read the email and nodded.

The glittering ballroom was a sea of elegance and opulence as Hillary stepped through the arched entryway, her hand resting lightly on Ethan’s proffered arm. She drew in a shaky breath, her eyes widening as she took in the lavish decor, the twinkling chandeliers casting a soft glow over the mingling guests.

“Relax,” Ethan murmured, his lips brushing her ear as he leaned close. “You look stunning, and you belong here just as much as anyone else. Julius wasn’t wrong about you, you were made to be here, even if your anxiety gets the better of you, you’ll learn.”

Hillary smoothed a hand over the silken fabric of her gown, a small smile playing on her lips. Ethan had insisted on arranging her attire for the evening, and she had to admit, he had impeccable taste. The deep emerald dress hugged her curves, the color bringing out the vivid green of her eyes.

As they made their way through the crowd, Hillary couldn’t help but marvel at the ease with which Ethan navigated the social currents. He greeted people with warm smiles and firm handshakes, his charm and charisma drawing them in like moths to a flame.

“Hillary, I’d like you to meet Dia Fairchild,” Ethan said, guiding her toward a statuesque woman with silver-streaked hair and a regal bearing. “Dia is one of the most influential talent agents in the city.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Fairchild,” Hillary said, extending her hand with a shy smile.

Dia’s appraising gaze swept over her, a flicker of recognition sparking in her eyes. “Ah, yes. Hillary Mitchell, the rising star and journalist at Muse Magazine. I’ve read your series. Quite impressive. I can’t wait to see how the premiere article turns out. Not to mention the film. I know your agent was thrust on you, but if things go well, perhaps you’ll hear from me.”

Hillary’s cheeks turned a rosy shade as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The compliment made her hands stop trembling and gave her the confidence to continue speaking.

“Thank you. That means a great deal coming from someone with your reputation.”

As the evening wore on, Hillary found herself drawn into conversations with directors, producers, and fellow actors, each new introduction facilitated by Ethan’s smooth interventions. She marveled at his ability to read the room, to sense when she needed rescuing from an uncomfortable exchange or when to push her gently into the spotlight.

“You’re doing great,” Ethan whispered, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back as they stopped by the bar. “Just remember, you deserve to be here. You have something special, Hillary. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.”

Hillary met his gaze, a genuine smile curving her lips. In that moment, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude toward him. Maybe, just maybe, Ethan Cole wasn’t quite the villain she had made him out to be.

As the charity event drew to a close, Ethan insisted on seeing Hillary home. The cool night air wrapped around them as they walked side by side, the city’s pulse thrumming in the distance. Hillary’s mind buzzed with the evening’s conversations, the faces and names blurring together in a kaleidoscope of possibility.

“You really held your own tonight,” Ethan said, breaking the silence. “I meant what I said earlier, Hillary. You could have anyone you wanted, any role you desired. If only you wouldn’t hide behind your fears.”

Hillary glanced at him, her brow furrowing. “I’m not hiding. I just know my limits.”

Ethan stopped, turning to face her fully. His blue eyes gleamed with intensity, his voice low and earnest. “I meant what I said. Julius was right about you. He saw your potential, even if his methods were misguided. The whole world is going to see it in a few months. You shouldn’t run from acting just because he made your relationship crumble. You’re more than just JuliusTheon’s former arm candy, Hillary. You have a fire inside you, a talent that deserves to be seen.”

His words hung in the air between them, heavy with truth. Hillary swallowed hard, her heart racing. Deep down, she knew he was right. She had let her fear of failure, of being exposed, dictate her choices for far too long.

“Thank you, Ethan,” she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. “For everything tonight. For believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. Maybe you’re not the jerk I summed you up to be after that stunt.”

---