What Was Mine Wasn't Mine

In the dead of night, once Aurelia knocked out in my arms, I slid out of bed and headed to the study.

Hearing her admit she never loved me—then finding that stash of letters and pics—should've crushed whatever hope I had left.

But seven years with her wasn't all fake. We had real moments. Sweet ones. I couldn't just erase that.

I stopped in front of the little safe by her desk.

It felt like some cursed treasure chest—off-limits and dangerous.

Back when we'd sneak kisses in here, I used to ask what she kept inside. She'd never say. Just told me to guess.

I tried every code I could think of. My birthday. Hers. Our anniversary. Nothing.

Now, hands shaking, I punched in Leonard's birthday—praying I was wrong.

Click.

The safe opened.

My stomach dropped.

Inside were two rings. The bands? Engraved: Aurelia & Leonard.

Old-school design, but they were spotless—like someone still took care of them.

Every bit of strength bled out of me. My chest felt hollowed out.

I couldn't lie to myself anymore.

She never loved me. Not even a little.

***

The next day, for the first time ever, I ignored Aurelia and showed up at the party.

She gave me a look, but didn't stop me.

Just said, "Fine, go. But you're too handsome—stay close, okay? If your brother pulls anything, I've got you."

Acting like the doting wife.

But I knew better—she didn't want me off her leash, stealing Leonard's thunder.

That was never the plan.

I was leaving for good. Just wanted to say goodbye to the people who had my back—directors, screenwriters, all of them.

The second I walked in, all eyes bounced between me and Leonard.

"Issac McCarey's next lead has to be Leone Rinehart. He's got Aurelia backing him and the dude can actually act."

Leonard stormed over. "Why would you say that? That role's mine!"

People rolled their eyes.

"Seriously? Leone's got way more experience. Don't be so full of yourself."

"Yeah, you're the son-in-law of the Gaffron family, but Leone's with a Spencer. We all know who's got the pull."

"You've only won one newcomer award. Chill."

Leonard nearly snapped. "You'll see! I'll shut all of you up!"

Then he turned on me. "Enjoy it while you can. You're gonna crash and burn. Pathetic."

He shoved me.

I stumbled, knee cracking against the table. It hurt so bad, a tear slipped out before I could stop it.

Aurelia—who swore she'd protect me—stood there like it wasn't her problem. Letting him do whatever he wanted.

I dropped my gaze, trying to block out the ache spreading through me.

Then the lights in the banquet hall cut out.

Spotlights flared. Time to announce the new lead.

"Let's hear it for—Leonard Rinehart!

"And huge shoutout to gold-tier screenwriter Leah Pence. Her films have grossed over 1 billion, and she waived her fee and dropped 30 million of her own money to cast Leonard. He's her only male lead. Her muse!"

Leonard strutted onstage, grabbed the mic, and smirked down at me.

"Leone, after all these years, you're still no match for me. LOSER!"

Leonard stood in the spotlight, soaking up the praise. He had it all.

I looked at Aurelia.

She was holding my hand, but her eyes? Lit up—for him.

My heart dropped. I let out a quiet, bitter laugh.

Just yesterday, I'd stumbled across Leah Pence's script in our study.

Right there on the cover—

[For my one and only male lead, Leonard Rinehart.]