---- Chapter 3 "Jeremy Landon" was nothing more than "Jenny" and "Lennon" blended into one. It was Conrad's quiet way of honoring a love he could never admit. I'd seen it coming, but watching it happen right before me still made my chest ache with a dull, persistent pain. Gideon stepped closer and said gently, "Don't worry. You'll always be the leading lady in my films." I shook my head with a bitter smile. ''That's kind of you, but I don't think I'll ever have that chance again." Playing dumb, Conrad pulled me into his arms and comforted me. "How about I fund a few films so you can enjoy the thrill of the spotlight? I've got a surprise for you tonight at Wharfside Promenade. Trust me, being loved by me beats being any leading lady." I forced a smile. Words that used to feel sweet now stuck to me like old, sickly frosting. But I didn't ---- want him to suspect anything, so I swallowed them down anyway. "Sure," I replied. I was planning to leave after thanking Gideon and the other industry veterans. Conrad sent the driver away and offered to take me for a ride. He was just about to start the engine when his phone buzzed with a text. I stole a glance at the screen. I knew that number. It was Jenny's. His expression shifted instantly, and he hesitated before turning to me. "Jean, there's an emergency at work. Do you mind going to Wharfside Promenade by yourself?" I paused for a moment before smiling. "Don't worry about me. Go take care of what you need to." Conrad kissed my forehead, then rushed back toward the banquet hall. I started the car and returned to the Lennon. ---- residence instead of heading to Wharfside Promenade. From now on, I'd be putting everything into preparing for my own staged death, which was happening soon. I gathered every last memory of Conrad and me. I erased every digital trace, even the backups in my cloud. As for the physical ones? I burned them all. Suddenly, my phone buzzed with an anonymous message. I opened it to find a photo of Conrad, drunk, passed out beside Jenny. "He kept taking drinks for me, even though he's got a stomach condition. You won't blame me for that, will you, Jean?" "Yeah, he'll openly feud with the Gleasons and snatch my opportunities, but in private? He's paid me back tenfold. Do you know why?" "Did you even notice Conrad's been following me around like a shadow since we were kids? He's always been in love with me. Marrying you? That was just his way of keeping you under control."