Page 122 of Fame & Rhythm

He’s here.

I don’t know how I feel about that.

“Where is she?” Dad’s voice booms down the hallway.

Mum and I both turn as he bursts through the door, looking wild with panic. He freezes the moment he sees me, then crosses the room in two strides. “Oh God, Annie, are you okay?” he says, grabbing my hand. “I was so worried when I got the message. Fuck, I can’t believe I was on stage while you were in here like this. Dee, I—”

“I know, Colt,” Mum says gently, rubbing his arm. “She’s okay. Just breathe.”

He leans down, pressing a kiss to my temple. “What happened, honey? Was it too much? The show?”

Relief flickers through me—no one’s told him.

I open my mouth to answer, but the door opens. Ella walks in first, followed by Aston, both carrying drinks.

My breath catches.

The look on his face is one of devastation, and it hits me straight in the chest.

Our eyes meet.

Tears spill instantly.

“Annie?” Mum says softly, following my gaze.

“We brought drinks,” Aston says, his voice tight.

I shake my head.

Everything inside me is screaming.

He hands coffees to Mum and Dad, but his attention never leaves me. “Are you okay?” he asks quietly.

My stomach twists—my skin prickles.

Every instinct tells me to run.

“I was so worried,” he adds, stepping closer.

I raise my hand. “Don’t.”

He stops immediately.

Dad straightens beside me. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t want him here,” I whisper.

Dad’s expression hardens instantly. He turns to Aston. “What did you do?”

“I don’t know, sir,” Aston says, shaking his head. “I swear, I don’t.”

Anger surges through me. “You do know,” I snap. “You lied to me.” The room goes still. “Get out,” I say, my voice shaking. “I never want to see you again.”

“Annie… please,” he says, stepping forward again. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said it if you weren’t ready to hear it. I won’t say it again. Just don’t do this. Don’t make yourself sick over it, please.”

My chest tightens painfully as tears fall again.

“Will someone tell me what the hell is going on?” Dad snaps. “Aston, do I need to kick your arse?”