Chapter 6: Alone in the Spotlight

Because of the sudden negative news, a scheduled talk show appearance was canceled.

Now I just stayed in the hotel every day, afraid to go out, genuinely scared of haters.

Two years ago, I played a deranged villain—beautiful and crazy—and I did so well that people online said it didn’t even seem like acting.

But I never expected someone would take their hatred for the role out on the actress.

Someone took advantage of my leg injury, brought a wasp nest, and dumped it on me, trying to ruin my face.

Luckily, Ethan arrived in time, using his suit jacket to drive away the wasps, ruining a suit worth thousands.

I shook my head. Why was I thinking of him again?

I picked up my phone and checked missed calls and Instagram messages.

All my friends were sending encouragement and comfort, but there was nothing from Ethan.

Only then did I remember I had blocked him everywhere.

I sulked and tossed my phone aside.

With his abilities, if he wanted to find me, he could. He just didn’t care.

Sitting by the window, I felt both conflicted and self-pitying.

I knew it was impossible, but I still subconsciously held out hope.

I always felt he must like me at least a little.

After all, he once came to be with me on Thanksgiving, covered in wind and snow.

The first Thanksgiving with Ethan, I couldn’t go home because of work, so I stayed at Willow Creek.

On Thanksgiving Eve, I was half-asleep when I heard the door open. I jumped up, grabbed a lamp, and quietly opened the door.

Ethan was standing in the foyer, snowflakes on his shoulders.

He saw the lamp in my hand and raised his eyebrows, smiling. "Is this how you welcome me for Thanksgiving?"

I tossed the lamp aside and jumped into his arms. I wanted to ask why he suddenly came, but figured he wouldn’t want to answer.

So I changed my words. "Why do you always show up whenever I think of you?"

He carried me to the bedroom, whispering in my ear, "Let me see where you missed me."

Outside, the wind howled; inside, it was warm and steamy.

When he finished showering, I was nearly asleep.

Half-awake, he tucked a birthday card under my pillow and kissed my forehead.

"Aubrey, happy Thanksgiving."

My first Thanksgiving without my parents, but I wasn’t lonely.

That memory was a small warmth I clung to now, as the world outside felt cold and sharp.