My ex.
The one who conveniently vanished eight months ago after we broke up.
A bitter smile tugs at my lips.
“Jane, baby, I came as soon as I saw the news.”
I blink at him.
“Really? You rushed over from… where was it again? Vancouver? That was fast.”
He tilts his head, flashing that charming smile that used to ruin me.
“I was already in town for auditions. I was actually thinking about calling you, and then I saw the video…”
“What a coincidence,” I shoot back. “Let me guess—your agent suggested you show up and publicly support me? Great optics, right? ‘Devoted ex stands by fallen star.’ Very noble.”
His expression flickers—just for a second—before he laughs it off.
“You’re still funny. I just came to check on you.”
“After eight months of radio silence? I’m great. Thanks. You can go.”
He ignores me and steps further inside, eyeing my wine bottle with a grimace.
“You deserve better than that, Jane.”
“Apparently not. In wine or men.”
He smiles, unfazed.
“Listen, I know people who could help fix your image. This is just a minor setback. We all go through ups and downs.”
I stare at him.
“A minor setback? Ryan, I lost my role. My agent is probably about to drop me. Three casting directors have already politely told me I’m ‘not what they’re looking for.’ I’m officially labeleddifficult. That’s career death in Hollywood—and you know it.”
He shrugs, all fake sympathy.
“All the more reason to take my help. I can talk to a few directors, mention that you’re…”
“That I’m what, Ryan?”
“That you’re going through a rough patch—but you’re easy to direct.”
I let out a hollow laugh.
“Is that why you dumped me? Because I wasn’t ‘easy’? Not quiet enough? Not willing to sit there and take disrespect?”
His jaw tightens.
“Jane, don’t start. This attitude is exactly why you’re in this situation.”
“What attitude? Expecting basic respect?”
“The one where everything becomes a drama!” he snaps. “You could’ve smiled, nodded, and dealt with it privately. But no—you had to make a scene in front of the whole crew.”
Anger surges hot and sharp.
