hapter 8 

I called Lucas while James watched. 

James stood nearby, a cynical smile playing on his lips. 

Yes, I lied to Lucas. 

I didn’t tell him I was with James. I only said I needed to go home for a while, to clear my head. 

Lucas supported me completely, giving me detailed instructions for everything. Our first destination was Lake Tahoe. 

They said snow still clung to parts of the mountains. 

We checked into our hotel suite and changed into swimwear for the outdoor hot springs. 

I wrapped myself in an oversized robe. 

James was already in our private pool. 

“Why so covered up?” he mocked. “It’s not like I haven’t seen it all before.” My hesitation wasn’t from modesty. 

I was afraid my skeletal body would horrify him. 

Eventually, I removed the robe and slipped into the steaming water. 

I huddled in one corner. 

We stayed far apart. 

James stared at me for a long time before suddenly moving closer. 

He grabbed my arm, anger blazing in his eyes. “Is this how Lucas takes care of you?” 

“Isn’t the skinny look trendy? All those actresses you work with look like–ah!” James suddenly bit down on my shoulder, the pain making me cry out. 

He released my shoulder and glared at me. “You look terrible.” 

Then he stormed out of the hot spring. 

I watched him leave. 

His body was magnificent. Muscular back, narrow waist, strong thighs… After James left, I soaked for a long time. 

After all, such luxury wouldn’t come again. 

When I returned to our room, James had ordered dinner. 

We sat before floor–to–ceiling windows overlooking the snow–dusted landscape, 

eating exquisite steaks. 

“Eat more,” James commanded when I put down my fork. 

“I’m full,” I said. 

Since starting chemotherapy, my appetite had diminished dramatically. 

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12:04 PM Mon 28 Apr 

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08 

Sometimes I couldn’t eat more than a few bites all day. 

Today I’d already pushed myself. 

James grabbed my plate, irritably cutting my barely–touched steak into tiny pieces. He held a morsel to my lips: “Open.” 

“James–mmph.” 

As soon as I spoke, James pushed the meat into my mouth. 

“Don’t you dare spit it out. Eat it,” he ordered again. 

He never used to be this domineering. 

Fame really had changed him. 

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