SUNSHINE ― billy butcher (REWRITE!)

three

"STARLIGHT IS COMING IN TODAY!"

The announcement blared through the intercom, barely registering in my fatigued mind. The recent chaos, namely A-Train's sheer stupidity, had left me drained. I haven't even taken a chance to speak to Stillwell about the girl's boyfriend, refusing to sign the NDA which I was secretly glad for. It doesn't always happen, for some reason, but the charm of defying these assholes earned an applause.

I stepped outside for a much-needed cigarette, the bitter smoke offering only a fleeting moment of solace. The nightmares started again and I haven't really been sleeping right for days now. Ever since my whole reality started crumbling apart, it hasn't stopped. I was beginning to consider running away, but that would make me like him--and I didn't want to be him.

I have considered not going to work, not stepping foot in another clusterfuck of this atrocity, but as soon as I saw Starlight's face plastered everywhere on the boardroom, I knew I had to do one more thing before I fuck off this place. Something good--something almost redeemable, if not, at least would help me sleep at night.

One, two, and a half cigarette later,  I walked back inside and was met by Ashley, whose face was a storm of frustration about to explode. "Where have you been? She's fifteen minutes out. You need to be on the carpet by then!"

"Calm down." I snatched the clipboard from her, brushing past with a mix of irritation and resignation. "And don't tell me what to do." My routine had become an involuntary march—two years of following orders, of playing a role I no longer recognized as my own.

Navigating through the main entrance, I was engulfed by the crowd of excited fans. I made my way down the walkway and couldn't help but envy the ignorance, their blissful detachment from the grim reality I was trapped in. "In position." I mumbled into my earpiece, catching snippets of Ashley and Stillwell's conversation.

"Be nice today, Ms. Hunt." Madelyn's voice crackled through. "Don't scare her off, alright?" Her warning was a half-joke but pointed, and I sensed enough that they knew I was not up for games lately. I haven't been to their poor attempts of raising morale. I skipped pizza night and going on bars after work, I haven't spoken to anyone else in my own team for the fear of wrong words coming out of my mouth.

I was not in control of myself anymore.

As I stood on the red carpet, the anticipation for Starlight's arrival was palpable. The crowd buzzed with excitement, and I could barely hear myself think over the roar of fans and the clatter of camera equipment. The chaos was familiar, almost comforting in its predictability. I was mentally bracing myself for the onslaught of exhausting tasks ahead when my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen, my heart sinking as I saw a familiar number. I hesitated before answering, my finger hovering over the screen as I took a deep breath.

"I thought I told you to fuck off." I said, trying to keep my voice steady while I turn off the comms behind my back.

[Oh, just having a bit of fun, love.] he said, his tone teasing. [I'm watching you from a cozy little bar, and I've got to say, red brings out your eyes.]

I glanced at my dress, almost wanting to run back and cover myself and struggle to hide the irritation I felt. "Stalking is beneath you, Billy Butcher."

[Oh I'll be around, sunshine. Just ring me and I'll save your day--]

I hung up the phone just as soon as a sleek black car pulled up at the red carpet. My feet led me close, anxiety creeping up my skin knowing Butcher was still watching me somewhere out there, calculating every expression that pass my face. I tried to hide it--the urge, the desperation, the glaring reminder at the back of my head. He's no better than any assholes in this place and I'm not gonna let myself drown in that black hole of madness again.