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chapter THIRTY FOUR he promised .
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the city lights flickered beneath starr's hotel window as she leaned against the edge of the couch, her heart in her throat. she had been staring at the television screen for the past half hour, waiting—dreading—for the moment mason would make his big statement. it was a premiere for some new action film, one she wasn't involved in, but mason had been invited as a guest of honour, and ahliya was right by his side, looking picture-perfect in her designer gown.
dylan's presence was a comfort, though. he'd been quietly making pasta in the small kitchen attached to her suite, giving her space but staying close. she could hear him humming to himself, clattering pots and pans, the smell of garlic filling the room. his warmth helped to distract her, but it wasn't enough to drown out the knot of dread twisting in her stomach.
the tv screen shifted, showing mason and ahliya stepping onto the red carpet. her hand was wrapped around his waist, fingers resting possessively on his side. cameras flashed, blinding the couple as they posed for photos, their smiles plastered on, picture-perfect for the media. mason's eyes, though—they weren't smiling. starr could see it, even through the screen. there was something hollow in them, something that made her feel sick to her stomach.
"you don't have to watch this," dylan's voice came from behind her, soft but concerned. she didn't turn around, her eyes still fixed on the screen.
"i have to," starr murmured, barely above a whisper. "i need to know what he says."
as if on cue, a reporter stepped up to mason and ahliya, microphone in hand, and starr felt her entire body tense. this was it. this was the moment everything would change.
"mason," the reporter began, her smile too polished, too rehearsed. "there's been a lot of talk lately about your relationship with ahliya turner. but there was also that picture circulating of you and starr akai, looking very close at the 'regretting you' wrap party. can you clarify your relationship with both women?"
the world seemed to stop. the room was eerily quiet, save for the low hum of the television. starr held her breath as she watched mason's face, watched him gather himself. please don't say it. don't do this.
