Chapter 3: Rings and Memories

"I heard that during your illness, thanks to Mr. Carter’s unwavering care, you two are about to have good news."

My throat closed up as I watched Lillian on stage. She lifted her left hand, revealing a simple silver ring.

That ring—bought with greasy diner tips and late-night shifts—looked almost out of place on her hand, but she wore it like it was platinum. Her fingers traced it lightly.

"Yes, he and I are about to get engaged."

Her eyes swept the audience and caught me, just for a second. My stomach dropped, memory hitting me like a subway train. Then she looked away.

The mic passed to Nathan. "Mr. Carter, I hear you’re working with Director Lane now—he rarely takes on new actors. Is that because of President Morgan?"

Nathan grinned. "Of course. I’ve always believed in my own talent, but I won’t lie—Lillian’s done a lot for me. I definitely owe her for the boost."

The crowd ate it up.

"Can you tell us how you and President Morgan supported each other during tough times?"

Nathan’s smile froze. Time seemed to slow. Lillian broke the silence, her laugh light but private. "Not much to say. Those memories are just for the two of us."

My eyes stung. I gripped my pen, head down, fighting the memories that flooded in.

Suddenly, I was back in that tiny apartment, five years ago…

Lillian, reckless and proud, had angered the wrong people. After her fall from grace, they came looking for trouble. To protect her, I took a beating—bloodied, bruised, barely able to stand. I stumbled back to her. "Let’s go home."

But she grabbed my hand. "You’re hurt, let’s go to the hospital."

"I’m not—"

"I smell blood."

Her voice was sharp, tears slipping from those clouded eyes. She called out, but it was my brother’s name: "Nathan. When I get better, I want to give you the grandest wedding in the world."

The memory burned. I remembered the pressure of her shaking hand, the way her world had shrunk to touch and sound. I’d swallowed every truth, every hope, just to keep her safe—my own name lost in the shadows.