Page 95 of Fake It 'Til You Sleigh It

I clench my eyes tight, the past rushing in, a tidal wave of memories. Suddenly, I’m that little girl again, watching my father crumble, promising myself I’d never let love consume me like that. Never give someone the power to leave me in ruins.

I take a deep breath, strengthening my resolve. It’s time to walk away and protect myself.

My face hardens. “We’re both getting a good opportunity. Let’s not get in the way of each other’s goals.”

“That’s what I am? In the way?”

The pain in his voice, the agony etched on his face—it’s all I can do not to fall apart. But I need him to stop this pursuit. I hold his gaze, even as every piece of me is breaking.

“You’re in my way. Every. Fucking. Day.” The words are like poison, but I force them out.

“So that’s your plan? Fire me and find another pretty face?”

“Exactly. Someone who listens and doesn’t give me so much goddamn grief.” The moment the sentence leaves my mouth, I wish I could take it back. “Ethan, I didn’t mean—”

He silences me, cold and unforgiving. “Understood. You want us finished? Fine. But I’m not letting my fans down. From day one, you didn’t hide that you don’t give a damn about them, but I do. I won’t let you ruin anyone else’s Christmas.”

The Ethan I know—the guy who’s always full of warmth and happiness—is gone, replaced by a cold stranger. “So, what’s the solution, boss? How areyougonna fix this?”

“I’m going to do what I always do,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. “Write the unrealistic ending that everyone wants. And this time, you better perform it word for word.”

He lets out a bitter laugh. “Why am I not surprised? Fine. You win, like always.” He runs a hand through his hair, eyes dark with resentment. “I’ll be your puppet. Send the damn script. But you’re staying here. Away from me and my family. I’ll have Nolan bring your things.”

And then, he’s gone—the door slamming behind him. A trembling gasp gives way to uncontrollable weeping. The tears come hot and fast. I sink to the floor, my cheeks flooded with emotion.

I had to let him go. This is control. This is my choice.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

Ethan

I drag my sorryass onto set, my usual swagger replaced by a defeated shuffle. One glance at my reflection in a nearby trailer window confirms it—I look like shit. A sleepless night has a way of doing that, especially when it’s filled with replays of fights and what-ifs.

The familiar buzz of the movie set hits me like a hangover, all noise and chaos. Marco Island’s quaint downtown park has been swallowed whole by the beast of Hollywood. Where’s the cozy little gazebo? The peaceful walking paths? Gone. My two worlds have collided in a mess of wires, spotlights, and fake snow.

My kingdom, they say.Yeah, right. Some king I am.Today, this crown feels more like an anchor, dragging me down with the weight of a million expectations.

Crew members chirp out happy hellos as I pass. I paste on a smile and wave back, hoping no one can tell how close I am to losing it. I navigate through a sea of white chairs prepared for tonight’s crowd, all facing a stage resembling a winter wonderland.

Then I see her.

Chase is a beacon of control in the chaos, dressed in all black, clipboard at the ready, headset firmly in place. Her presence pulls at me like a tractor beam.

“Hey, Picasso with the glue gun! Yeah, you. The snowflakes go on the left side of the arch. Camera left, not your left. Fix it.”

Her voice slices through the noise, sharp and commanding. She’s in full director mode, barking orders like a five-star general, and damn if it doesn’t get my heart pumping.

I can’t tear my eyes away, even as yesterday’s fight gnaws at my guts. Yes, she shut me down and labeled me a “problem”—but that just makes me want to seize her gently, look her in the eye, and demand she admit that this is not an act between us.

This is real.

We’rereal.

Or we could be if she’d let us.

“I need the crane set up here behind the audience. That way we’ll get the full panorama in the wide shot,” she yells.

God, why is she so sexy when she’s in command? I want to kiss that stern look right off her face. Pretend that icy conversation yesterday never happened.

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