I knew it, I know you

You're nothing.

Gracie POV

The door closed. He left... he left me here with him. That was the worst part of all.

The door slams shut, leaving Chris and me alone in the tense silence of the studio. I wiped away the last traces of my tears, trying to compose myself as I faced Chris, who stood rigid with anger.

-What the hell was that, Gracie? – He said with a cold voice.

-What do you mean? Albert just came to pick up his jacket.

-Don't play dumb with me! I saw the way you looked at him. The way you leaned on him. You were in his arms! – Chris came closer to me.

I took a step back.

- You're overreacting. We were just talking. You weren't even here!

- Overreacting? Do you think I am overreacting? You were crying on his shoulder! How does that look to the media if it gets out? How does that make me look?

- Everything isn't about you, Chris! I was upset and he was being kind. Something you seem to have forgotten how to do.

-Don't turn this around on me. You know how important our image is. I've worked too hard to build this relationship up in the public eye.- He bit his lip.

-Oh, so it's all about the image, right? Never mind how I feel or what I need. – I said sarcastically.

- Yes, it is about the image! That's all that matters in this industry! If you can't understand that, then you're naiver than I thought.

-And what about how you treat me? You leave me alone, you don't care about my feelings, and you only show up when it's convenient for you. You think a few public appearances can make up for all that? – my voice broke.

-Oh, poor Gracie, always the victim. – He made a sad face.- Maybe if you weren't so weak, you wouldn't need someone like Albert to comfort you.

-I'm not weak! I'm tired, Chris. Tired of pretending. Tired of being used for your benefit. I deserve better than this sham of a relationship. - Tears streaming down my face.

-You deserve better? What you deserve is to be grateful. I've made you a star. Without me, you're nothing.

-You think you own me? You think I need you to be someone? I have worked hard too, Chris. And I'm done letting you control me.

-You're not going anywhere, Gracie. You think you can just walk away from all this? From me?

-Watch me.

Chris lunged towards me, but I made a step back, my resolve stronger than ever.

- Leave, Chris. Now. Before I call security.

Chris glares at me, breathing heavily. He considers his next move, but finally, with a frustrated growl, he turns and storms out, slamming the door behind him.

I was standing there, my heart pounding, but a sense of relief washed over me.