Chapter 2 Resignation & Rebirth
When I handed my resignation letter to Wendy, she didn’t let me go immediately.
“Putting aside your personal history with Mason,” she said, tapping her Montblanc pen against the desk, “you’re one of the best talent
managers in this company.”
“I know that half the agencies in Beverly Hills would kill to poach you. If it’s only because of Mason, I can arrange for you to work with a different group.”
I paused. So, after all these years, what I once considered passion had simply turned into a profession.
Wendy noticed my hesitation, pushing the resignation letter back to me. “I won’t just let you go now. Take a month’s sabbatical. Then let me know your decision.”
Once home, I collapsed into bed and slept deeply. By the time I woke up, it was already the following evening.
I was mindlessly scrolling through my phone when I came across Suzanne’s Instagram story.
“My First Met Gala. Still learning how to pick the dresses and walk in heels, but thankfully, you helped me pick the best ones. My world was so tedious and was only filled up with my work. But now, I realize how stunning the view is when you are by my side. I hope I can always get to be the one on your side. #Blessed #Metgala.”
Attached was a photo of her in a silver Versace—with Mason’s unmistakable silhouette reflected behind her, wearing the curated Tom Ford ensemble.
The picture had been taken with great care, the longing in the air undeniable. The black Tom Ford outfit Mason wore was the exact one I had picked out for Mason yesterday. The one mentioned in bitter at our break up dinne
The message that popped up next was almost too coincidental.
“I wore it. Satisfied now?”
The picture attached was of him taking a full–length mirror selfie.
It had been almost twenty–four hours, and he still thought it was just about whether or not he wore the outfit.
I scrolled through my phone, looking at the tasks I had managed for him over the years.
Every photoshoot was carefully adjusted until pixel–perfect, accompanied by every viral hashtag, and the posts were timed with uncanny precision.
For all these years, Mason Ryder’s entire public persona was my magnum opus.
And yet he’d become a stranger in my own life.
My fingers hovered over the delete button. One tap erased seven years of contact lists, cloud backups, and carefully cultivated feeds.
The next day, I returned to the neighborhood where I grew up. My grandmother was startled when she saw me.
“You look like one of those fad–diet influencers! Didn’t you say you were making a lot of money? People who eat at the food bank look more healthy than you.” She pinched my waist, scowling. “Where’s Mason? Why isn’t he here? Too busy getting pretty for TV to feed you? He sure looks well–fed on TV!”
I turned to see his latest drama playing on the television.
I couldn’t be bothered to explain that actors often look a bit fuller on screen. In reality, Mason was very thin, but there would always be someone looking after his meals. He didn’t need my sympathy.
I jumped into my grandmother’s arms. “I’m starving. I really miss your homemade peach cobbler.”
After finishing the cobbler, I finally got to the point. “I think I’m going to lose my job, Granny. Looks like I’ll have to live with you.”
She didn’t stop washing the dishes, her hands moving with practiced ease.
Chapter 2 Resignation & Rebirth
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“I’d be more than happy if you stayed here. It’s you who can’t stand being here, right?” Her tone sharpened. “Though I give it a week before you go running back to that pretty boy. Just like your like your mom–hopeless”
I hugged her frail, hunched figure from behind.
“Granny, not this time. I’m nothing like her.” I said seriously, “Mason and I… I know which one’s more important. I’m planning to go away for a bit. Want to come with me?”
She froze for a moment, then twisted around to push me away.
“Go, go. Wipe your mouth first.”
She didn’t say anything more, but I could tell she was probably smiling.
At that moment, my phone’s smart door lock went off, showing a snapshot of Suzanne’s face.
“What is it? Another emergency?” Granny waved her hand nonchalantly. “Go ahead, just let me know next time so I can buy some groceries… Ah, who am I kidding? You never know when that damn phone will—”
It suddenly hit me that, for the sake of work and Mason, I was always rushing in and out.
I took a few steps and then turned back.
Granny was still peeking around the kitchen door. When she saw me looking, she quickly turned away and pretended to clean up.
It dawned on me that someone who truly cares for you can never hide it, no matter how much they try.
