The Love That Wasn't

I redoubled my efforts. But his friends, classmates, and even colleagues had been thoroughly charmed by me. I

'd probably make the dean's list without even trying," Cam

e was on your radar. That makes me so happy. And let's be honest, no acade

nudged my mango ice cream toward me. "J

ed like

ns-asking me to movies, sending me good morning and good night texts,

way look crossed his face. "Dayna," he asked softly, "have

ing. Panicked, I immediately responded

my hand playfully and

hushed tones, "Did you finall

The books call this the 'almost there' phase. If

him with some over-the-top love ballad outsi

eplying, "I think there's a higher chance

rushing off

gnaw at my confidence. I resolved to confe

e, the news broke-Camer

from an abandoned factory, I was s

surrounded me-but Cameron was nowhere to b

s okay, but he left with his father shortl

pale. "He just left like that? Did h

ameron didn't ask about you or try to visit. He even ho

uncontrollabl

falling. Finally, clutching a pillow in the ho

ero

he do th

le, barely able to function

despair. My friend's words echoed

im possibility became my lifeline, th

wai

ht long

uried scar he'd left behind felt as

been these past eight years?

y with deliberation. As his lips parted to a

p a hand. "It doesn't matter anymore.

ook him off, walking straight into

my phone buzzed incessant

to find several voice

own to a glorified cameo! Check Twitter! Rumors are flying that you've had a fallout with your brother-in-law, and he's using every contact he has to blackl

ina, seated beside me, grew visibl

our apartment and reg

retaliation. Calmly, I signaled the

bow down and do whatever he wants." I smirked. "If he's so

ctly are you planning? Give me a heads-up, okay? Let's take a breath and thin

eaning close, I whisper

he spectacle outside. A sea of roses blanketed the ent

nding not to notice, and

re. Reporters jostled to aim their lenses at me, while the investors whispered furiou

s? If your involvement stalls the film's release, costing the entire cast and crew, will your consc

ling over one another and investors signaling

to pull me aside, but before they co

s reflecting the venue's light as they efficiently cordon

turned to the investor

whispered, "Dayna... you weren't kidding. Do

ded on the second-floor balcony, where Cameron stood, his presence unmistakable. H

lunged into darkness, save for a spotlight that illu

s happ

the lig

na more than ju

icrophone, and I stro

he investors shooting me warning glan

ane because he wanted me to entertain clients-and I refused. A few years ago, I signed with Shane's company. It didn't take long to uncover the breadth of his operation

erupted i

rd a prominent camera, smiled slightly, and continued, "This message is for you, Shane. If you want a

ic

the hour. "Actress Drops Bombshell Allegations; Entertainme

would fight back whe

tied to him suddenly found themselves under suspicion of being complicit in his crimes. The

ya, who showed up at my door the next day, still i

door, Sonya slapped me

gave you everything! He made you what you are! How could you betray us like this? Ar

expression neutral. Her pale complexion couldn't hide th

ere-a husband and wife unit

absu

any has been doing behind the scenes, haven't you? You knew-and yo

ned, but she d

become a star!" she snapped. "Everything y