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“Oh, it’s not that. It sounds appealing… and scary.” Mostly appealing, I think, if I tuned out the little devil on my shoulders.

“You know what? There is no rush. Why don’t you think about it? Take a few weeks. If you want to talk about it more, call me anytime. But don’t doubt yourself, Saar. You’d be perfect.”

“You’re too generous.” I pick up my fork again.

“Let’s be honest, I have an ulterior motive; your name would bring in listeners.”

And the devil on my shoulder rejoices. Of course, it’s not about my abilities. It’s about my name. At least this gig wouldn’t be about being pretty.

We finish our lunch talking about different topics, gossiping a bit about people from our industry, and without me realizing, brainstorming the show I told her I don’t want to do.

The woman is a subtle manipulator, but I have a great time with her.

When we leave the restaurant, cameras accost us. Goddammit.

“Saar, where is your engagement ring?”

“When is the wedding?”

“Have you moved in together?”

“Why are you not wearing your ring?”

‘Stupid ring would break my finger,’ I want to snap, but I just look down and rush forward, my heart pounding in my temples while I shake with anxiety.

Luckily, Nora has bodyguards waiting outside, and they help us into her car.

“Sorry about that.” I sigh when we pull away.

“Not your fault. I didn’t realize you got engaged. I’m avoiding gossip sites at all costs. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” My stomach churns as I muster my work-perfect smile.

“So where is your ring?” She chuckles.

A lump grows in my throat. It’s notmyring. “Are you planning to sell the story?” I tease, acting more nonchalant than I feel.

She laughs and drops the topic. I laugh, and drop to another low point in my current life.

“Why wouldn’t you come to us if you needed money?” Finn paces around Cal’s large living room. He may get blisters if he continues.

I sigh and look at Celeste, who sits beside Cal on the sofa to my left. She may be the only reason why Cal is not pacing with Finn. Why he seems more on my side. Or at least, less vocal about his opinion on the matter.

Celeste gives me a sad smile.

“Because I don’t need you fixing my problems.” I try to stay calm.

Finn stops and looks at me, unimpressed. He doesn’t have to say it, but I know what he thinks. He’s been fixing my problems for a while—why stop now?

“Why do you need money?” Cal asks.

Both my brothers search my face like the answer is etched on my forehead. I stand up and walk to the wall of windows overlooking the city.

The night is still young, casting a veil of mystery over the skyline, softening its edges with the fading light of dusk before darkness fully descends.

I should just tell them the truth, but I’m even more embarrassed to confess to them than I was with my friends.

“I invested and lost,” I say to the city, the lie bitter on my tongue. I guess, technically, I invested my trust in the wrong person.