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It’s simply impossible to hate Grace Montgomery. A supermodel and rising actress, she has made a name for herself in Hollywood thanks to her spirited personality. Golden blonde hair, a doll-like face, voluptuous curves, and natural charm. She is every bit as radiant and expressive as Vadim King is cold and mysterious. Together, they make the perfect couple.

And leave a little hole in my heart.

He caresses her cheek tenderly, then whispers a few words to her, and she bursts out laughing, throwing her head back before wrapping her arms around his neck. I can hear her from here. She’s so demonstrative, and I envy her—I’m always afraid of imposing myself.

I hang back, but Vadim eventually notices me. When my legs finally start working again, I attempt a discreet getaway. Too late. Vadim has already turned around and is walking toward me, the young actress following close behind.

“Grace, this is Alma Lancaster. Deputy Director of King France and… an old acquaintance,” he says in English.

His detached voice, his nonchalance, and his choice of words sting.

“Nice to meet you! I hope Vadim isn’t giving you a hard time,” the bubbly blonde says with a laugh, still speaking in English.

“Oh, you have no idea…”

I put on a brave face while waiting for Vadim’s reaction. He doesn’t even flinch. But my response has Grace in fits of laughter—loud forced shrieks that only heighten my irritation. For several long seconds, he and I both remain silent, tearing into each other with our eyes. Vadim is the first to crack. He gives me a small nod, throws me a devilish smile, and they walk away together, hand in hand.

My acute fit of jealousy still hasn’t faded by the time I arrive home twenty minutes later. We’re no longer together, obviously. He doesn’t owe me anything. And vice versa. I know all of this. But seeing him with someone else has made me lose all perspective, and something deep inside me is taking over, driving me to do something reckless.

After a few hours of hesitation, of wrestling with myself, I give in. I sit down at my computer and open my inbox. I know that I’m about to make a huge mistake, but I do it anyway. Nothing can stop me now. I start typing without even really thinking.

From: Alma Lancaster

To: Vadim King

Subject:?

I thought you didn’t like bubbly women.

It’s in bad taste. It’s completely lacking in common sense and dignity. But it is what it is.

His reply is immediate, so at least I didn’t interrupt them at the worst possible moment.

From: Vadim King

To: Alma Lancaster

Subject: RE:?

Vadim Arcadi didn’t like them. He only liked you.

Vadim King likes all women.

A typical response from a genuine asshole. And yet, it works on me.

From: Alma Lancaster

To: Vadim King

Subject: RE: RE:?

She has a pretty loud laugh, doesn’t she? I bet that annoys you…

Have I gone too far? I immediately picture Joseph Wilson making his announcement tomorrow morning in the meeting room: “Alma Lancaster, Deputy Director of King Productions, has just been fired for inappropriate familiarity with our CEO. Let this serve as an example to all of you.”

A new unread email arrives and brings me back down to earth.

From: Vadim King