Chapter 1
9270
James Reed’s first interview after winning his Oscar. The studio lights are blindingly bright against the sleek set.
Sitting beside him is Yasmine Harper, his co–star and leading lady in the award-
winning film.
The livestream viewer count is skyrocketing. #James Reed Oscar is trending number one on Twitter.
After drilling them both with standard questions about the film, their careers, and upcoming projects, the host leans forward with a conspiratorial smile.
“I’d like to add something spontaneous to our interview. James, Yasmine – would you mind?”
“Not at all,” James answers with his trademark charm, the perfect gentleman in his tailored suit…
“We’d like you to call someone you truly regret losing in your life. Live, right now. Tell them what you regret most.” The host can barely contain her excitement. James falls silent. His jaw tightens.
The livestream chat explodes:
“OMG who’s James’s biggest regret?? This is gonna be JUICY!”
“No way it’s about love. Someone who looks like James Reed? Anyone who dumped him would regret it for LIFE!”
“I heard James was heartbroken once… someone said he actually joined Hollywood because of her…”
“James?” the host prompts, noticing his hesitation.
He snaps back to attention and flashes that million–dollar smile. “Sure, let’s do it.” He pulls out his phone and starts dialing.
I never thought he’d call me.
James and I broke up five years ago. Zero contact since then.
I even doubted he’d kept my number after all this time.
When my phone rings with his name flashing on the screen, I freeze. My emotions are a tangled mess.
Eventually, I answer.
For what feels like forever, neither of us speaks. The silence stretches between us, five years of unspoken words hanging in the air.
In the livestream chat, viewers are going wild:
“The tension! Who is it? I’ve never seen James Reed speechless before!”
1/2
12:03 PM Mon 28 Apr
89%
01
“Look at his hand gripping the phone – his knuckles are WHITE!”
“Who the hell is on the other end? My heart is racing!”
Just when I think he might hang up, his deep voice breaks the silence: “Why did you leave me back then? Just because I was broke?”
The livestream chat absolutely explodes:
“HOLY SHIT OUR JAMES WAS DUMPED?!?”
“WHO IS THIS WOMAN? WHO WOULD LEAVE JAMES REED?”
“She must be kicking herself NOW! Don’t take her back, James!”
I look down at my skeletal arms, the evidence of my illness plain to see. A sad smile crosses my lips as I say, “James… could you lend me a hundred thousand dollars?”
25
Add to Library – Read Anytime
