The Quiet Sister✔️

33. Dial Tone

He could not believe what was going on with his life.

The baby was on the way, but he did not know if he could continue with Riyah with what she had done. He wanted to forgive her, but right now, they were sleeping in separate rooms.

The reality show went on but without him. Of course, Riyah lied and said everything was happy in their relationship and he was busy with work. He felt like the only thing he was good for to her was ratings in the show. Views and likes on her social media.

In the end, his talent was being overlooked. All he was now was that reality show guy linked up with Riyah the superstar.

Did he have real feelings for her? Did he love her? Could he marry her?

He needed time away from her.

"Tone I love you!" Riyah was all up in his face as he packed some things. "I only did this for us! Rattling in the show means more viewers, which means more sponsors, which means more money."

"But if you lie to me...put yourself and our baby at risk..." He stopped and shook his head. Everything with Riyah was so planned out. Everything was going her way and he was just along for the ride. "Did you plan all this?"

"Plan what? The staler thing? Yes, but-"

"No, I'm talking even more. Did you plan us? The baby? Meeting me at the hotel bar?"

She stood there with a blank stare on her face. Then she looked away and rubbed her stomach. That was a move to soften him up a bit, but it only made him more upset.

Their whole life was a lie.

"Riyah, I need to get away. Decide if I want this. You?"

"What?" Now it was time for waterworks, because she knew crying would get to him. "Yes, I planned meeting you at your hotel. I wanted you since I saw you Grammy night so yes, I made sure I knew where you were by following you on your page. But...but I did it because I knew we were meant to be."

He was happily in love with Nola less than a year ago. When he met Riyah at the Grammys he never thought he wanted to be with her. He thought he would be with Nola forever. Part of him thought their breakup was temporary. Nola needed time after everything her family went through.

Losing a sister. Changing her whole life from wanting to become a doctor to now, studying criminals. She said she had no time for love. Maybe now.

"I need to go back home to Springfield." He finished packing, ignoring Riyah's cries.

"Tone, I love you. I swear! I didn't plan on falling in love with you, that just happened because you're this awesome guy. So wholesome and sensitive. Unlike all these other Hollywood guys. You haven't let the fame get to you."

"And you have."

"I know, I know," she sniffed. "I want to change. I'll do better. Baby, please! Don't leave me."

He zipped his luggage and turned to her. "Give me some time."

"Don't you love me?"

He was not sure what love was anymore.

He left without answering her and caught a first-class flight back home to Springfield. It was a cold contrast from sunny California to frigid Missouri. At his mother's new house to hide out from Hollyweird. The people who would do anything for fame. Would he ever fit into that world?

After a few days of sulking, his mother finally tried to snap him out of it.

"I ain't gonna tell you what to do, but I know you're hurt by whatever that girl did to you."