Page 111 of Inside the Sun

I study him closely. His face is caked with way too much foundation, completely unnecessary, honestly. His skin’s still beautiful at his age. But it doesn’t hide everything. His right eye is clearly swollen, no makeup can cover that. And suddenly those words—live with the consequences—carry a much heavier weight.

I hesitate, as I know Jared isn’t someone I can confide in. If I tell him anything, it’ll only drag him into this mess too. I don’t need that on my conscience.

Still… I’m glad he sees me. Because if I disappear, at least someone might remember me. Might say something. Or maybe not. Maybe Jared would stay quiet out of fear of Anzo and Mark?

Jared’s light, celadon-green eyes drift slowly across my face. He still looks like he wants to ask something, probably what the hell I’mreallydoing here, but he just bites his lip and stays silent.

Then, when a passing waiter offers a tray of champagne, Jared snags a glass in one smooth move.

"Are you okay?"

I have no idea why I ask. There’s nothing really connecting us, except that weird Instagram rivalry we had. Competing for clout, chasing likes and followers. That old life feels so silly now.

"As I said, I’m living with my consequences," Jared whispers. His eyes flick toward the pool. "Sometimes I wish I were ugly."

I stare at him, stunned. I can’t believe he actually said that. He’s a model, for God’s sake. That’s his career, granted, funded heavily by his rich husband, but still, he made a name for himself.

"It’s that bad?" I mumble.

I don’t know why I say it. I think we’re both trying to tell each other something, but not the full truth. So we circle around it.

Anzo and Mark move away, heading over to Mayor Ronalds. They start chatting.

I take the chance to lower my voice and finally say what’s been eating at me.

"Does he hit you?"

Jared flinches, his whole body jolts. He snaps his gaze away and clenches his jaw.

"Well, maybe I should ask you the same thing. You think I don’t notice that thick layer of makeup on your face? And you’re what, eighteen? You don’t need it."

I just stare at him. Silence. Our eyes lock.

Then the words come out of my mouth before I can stop them.

"Sometimes I also wish I were ugly too."

Jared exhales sharply and closes his eyes. "So youdounderstand."

"You could leave him," I whisper, my throat tightening.

Jared responds, very quietly, "Can I really? If we divorce, I get nothing. I have to do everything I can to make sure my son has a good future. But you… you don’t have a child depending on you. You still have a way out."

"Not if I want my whole family to stay alive," I choke out, voice cracking.

Our eyes meet.

"Do you want me to—" Jared starts to ask, but I cut him off sharply.

"Don’t do anything. If you get involved, they’ll come for you too. But if I disappear… please. Find a way to contact my dad. Just tell him three things: I love him. I’m incredibly grateful for everything. And I’m sorry."

Jared squeezes his eyes shut, then slowly nods. "Good luck, Sun. Don’t go down easy."

A waiter passes by again. Jared grabs another glass, and at that exact moment I feel a presence behind me.

"Nice seeing you again, Jared," a voice says, and I flinch.

It's Rocco! His tone is full of venom, as he drags out the words a bit, "How's Tooommy?"

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