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CeCe's voice is calm.
Almost too calm, considering the situation.
That's the first thing I notice as I sat stiffly on the edge of the couch, hands folded in my lap, posture perfect like I'm not quietly unraveling inside. The hotel suite is quiet except for the low hum of the city outside and Ace's voice coming through the speakerphone—frantic, broken, and in shambles.
It hurt my heart to hear him sound so small.
"CeCe, I don't—I don't know what the fuck I'm supposed to do," Ace says, his voice cracking through the line. "They're saying I could've killed her. They're saying it's attempted murder—"
"Ace," CeCe interrupts gently but firmly, the way a mother would when she knows panic will only make things worse. "Listen to me. Right now, the most important thing is that you don't talk to anyone. Not press. Not fans. Not friends. No statements. No posts."
I keep my face neutral, trying not to get involved. I was asked to be here and that's it.
Just here.
Scooter sits across from me, elbows on his knees, phone in hand, eyes flicking between CeCe and the speaker like he's already ten steps ahead of the crisis. He asked me to come. Said it would be "helpful."
Didn't specify for who.
Ace exhales shakily through the phone. "I can't breathe in here Ce. They're watching me. Everyone's watching me. Like they're waiting for me to fuck up."
"I know, baby," CeCe says, softening. "But I need you to trust me right now. Everything is going to be okay, we're all here for you."
I swallow hard, hearing that.
Everything is going to be okay?
I don't know who she's trying to convince—Ace or herself.
CeCe glances up briefly, her eyes flicking to me. The look is quick, unreadable. I look away immediately, pretending to study the pattern on the carpet like I don't feel exposed sitting here while the man I love is unraveling over speakerphone.
Ace's voice trembles. "W-What about Ariana?"
The sound of my name hits me like a punch. My breath catches, but I don't move.
There's a pause.
CeCe answers carefully as she stares right at me. "Right now, you need to focus on yourself. On staying quiet. On getting through this moment."
Not no.
But not yes either.
Ace lets out a shaky laugh that sounds close to hysteria. "They took my phone. I feel like I'm losing my mind."
