“And you’re the prop making him look redeemable,” she snapped.
Tears burned my eyes. “I didn’t want Eli involved.”
“Of course you didn’t.”
“I don’t know how to leave,” I admitted. “He controls everything. The money. The lawyers. The security. Ron said if I don’t cooperate, they pull all support.”
“Fuck Ron,” she said immediately. “And honestly? Fuck Cal too. You’re not his brand asset, Hadley. You’re a person.”
“I don’t have savings, Zariah,” I whispered. “I barely have independence right now.”
“You have me,” she said firmly. “I’m already looking at flights. If I need to come drag you out of there, I will.”
I let out a shaky breath. “Eli’s already struggling with change. I’m scared of uprooting him again.”
“You’re not uprooting him,” she said softer now. “You’re removing him from a toxic environment. That’s different.”
Silence stretched between us.
“I’m scared,” I admitted quietly. “Not just financially. I’m scared of what Cal could do legally if I leave.”
“We’d figure that out,” she said. “You don’t have to plan everything tonight. Just… don’t convince yourself this is normal.”
“I know it’s not.”
“Then don’t stay forever,” she said gently.
We talked for nearly an hour. She ranted. I cried. She promised she’d help me build a way out. For the first time in weeks, the idea of escape didn’t feel impossible, just terrifying.
....
After we hung up, I sat there listening to the quiet. They had finished down the hall.
A knock came at my door.
Soft.
“Hadley?” Kei’s voice murmured.
I didn’t answer.
“I saw the shoot today,” he said through the wood. “You looked miserable. Eli too.”
Silence stretched.
“I know you’re in there,” he added quietly. “I’m not leaving.”
I stood slowly and unlocked the door.
He looked tired. Hoodie pulled low. Eyes heavy with concern.
“Can I come in?”
I stepped aside.
We sat on the floor, backs against the bed.
“I’m scared,” I whispered. “I’m scared the baby will grow up thinking this is what love looks like. Cameras. Pretending. Women rotating through his bedroom while I smile for magazines.”
