Chapter 4The Star-Maker

I got her an audition. A gritty, complex, critically-acclaimed cable drama. It was the part of an unlikable villain, a real career-maker.

On the surface, she was grateful. “I trust your instincts, Zoe. You’ve never been wrong.”

But that night, Leo stormed into our home, dragging her behind him.

“Zoe, what the hell is your problem? Are you really this petty?”

I was completely blindsided. “What are you talking about?”

Chloe, hiding behind him, started to sniffle. “Zoe… I don’t know what I did to make you hate me. I just… I just asked Leo if I could audition for the girlfriend role in his new movie. Why are you trying to sabotage me with that horrible villain part?”

I looked at Leo. “Is that what you think? That I’m unprofessional?”

He wouldn't meet my eyes. He just looked at me with pure disappointment. “She’s a kid, Zoe. She’s not cynical enough to lie about this.”

He didn't even wait for my answer. “You’re going to apologize to her. And then you’re coming with me to dinner with the studio heads. You’re going to get her that role. You owe her that for your little power trip.”

My blood froze. “And if I don’t?”

His eyes were cold. “Fine. But you’re my wife. Your mistake is my mistake. I’ll go. I’ll beg them. I’ll get on my knees if I have to. I’ll pay them, I’ll drink, whatever it takes. I’ll humiliate myself to fix the mess you made.”

He knew me too well. He knew I’d never let him do that.

He was using himself to threaten me. For her.

My heart felt like it was tearing in two.

“Fine,” I bit out, my face pale. “I’ll go.”