"I've already tried all that. None of it worked." I rubbed my temple again. "She thinks I kissed another woman. That's why she's upset."
"You're saying Natalie's jealous?" Nick sounded like he'd heard a joke. "Richard, your marriage was transactional from the start. How could there be real feelings? If she actually cared, she wouldn't have divorced you so decisively and run off to Vegas to be some masked singer. Plus, she's pregnant with God knows whose kid. Dude, wasting energy on her is just—"
"Enough." I cut the call, tossing my phone aside. Nick was completely useless. For a moment, I didn't want to talk to him ever again.
I rubbed my temples and opened the bedroom door. Natalie lay on her side, back to the door, body curled up in self-protection. I stood in the doorway watching for a moment, then walked over, lifted the covers, and lay down.
Her body tensed obviously, but she didn't move or speak.
I reached out and pulled her into my arms from behind. At first, her body resisted stiffly, but maybe from exhaustion, maybe from pregnancy drowsiness, or maybe... something else, she gradually softened. Soon she was asleep. In her sleep, Natalie unconsciously pressed closer into my embrace.
That tiny gesture strangely soothed the violence and irritation churning in my chest.
I tightened my arms, holding her more securely.
The next day,photos of me kissing Natalie onstage exploded online. Sensational headlines dominated trending topics. Comments said Natalie only got famous because of me, some even speculating she had other sponsors. I'd love nothing more than for Natalie to let me be her sponsor.
I glanced at Natalie still sleeping, left the bedroom, and called David. "Get rid of all the negative topics, photos, videos, and discussions. Everything. Send legal notices. Hold everyone accountable."
"Yes. Should we prepare a public statement for Miss Green? Or arrange interviews with reputable media to showcase her musical work—"
"No." I cut him off. Given how resistant Natalie was to me right now, she'd never cooperate with any clarification I arranged. "Just make the malicious commenters and media outlets pay. That's enough."
"Understood."
"Also. Get a new set of my personal items. Clothing, toiletries, and basic office equipment. Have them sent to Natalie's apartment. Now." I had a feeling I'd be staying here for a while.
After hanging up, I went back to the bedroom. Natalie was awake. She sat propped against the headboard, phone in hand, screen lit, face even paler than yesterday, lips pressed tight.
Chapter Twenty-One
Natalie
"I'll handle what's online. You don't need to worry about it."
The words rolled off Richard's tongue like it was nothing—because for him, it really was that easy. But on my phone screen, those vicious comments still burned into my vision.
"People actually said Nightingale was the next big thing? Turns out she just spread her legs for resources."
"Jesus, I knew something was off about a woman who wouldn't even show her face suddenly blowing up. Of course there's a sugar daddy behind it all."
"Whose kid is she even carrying? Her personal life is a complete mess."
I locked my phone.
"Really? Well, thanks so much." The words had barely left my mouth when I saw Richard step closer. "Richard, I need to be alone right now."
Richard went quiet for two seconds, then turned and walked out without a word.
I unlocked my phone again. In just those few minutes, all the trending topics and comment threads had vanished. But didthat mean it never happened? I couldn't pretend those words didn't exist. They'd exposed a truth I'd been avoiding—as long as I stayed with Richard, everyone would see me as nothing more than an accessory. Someone who needed him to survive, who relied on his money and his power just to exist.
A wave of humiliation and rage exploded in my chest, making my eyes burn.
I couldn't stay here anymore. The longer I stayed, the tighter he'd bind me, until I lost myself completely. Once the baby was born, he'd control our child the same way he controlled me. With his rules, his arrogance, his coldness—he'd turn my baby into another frozen Winston heir.
I wouldn't allow it.
I couldn't let my child grow up with Richard's tyrannical personality. That would be terrifying.
