Page 117 of Wild Ever After
“Then I guess it isn’t a job I want anymore.”
She laughs, like she thinks I’m joking, but when I don’t join in, she stops. “You can’t be serious?”
Staying quiet, I hold her stare.
She looks away first. “We can publish this on the website as a one-time special feature, but your regular article will publish as is. You have to trust me, Jade. This is going to be good for the magazine, and for you too. Look at the exposure it’s already given you. Your writing is good, but you need a point of view that sells. I gave you that.”
“You did and I appreciate it. I learned a lot about publishing and myself.”
A pleased smile lifts her pink-painted lips.
“When I took this job, I was so willing to do anything to be successful. Deceiving people didn’t seem so bad because I didn’t even believe in a happily ever after, not really.”
“You don’t have to believe it to sell it. Look at me. I’ve been divorced twice.”
“You’re right. I think we proved that.”
“Continue the articles for another six months, completing your first year of marriage, as scheduled, and then we’ll find another place for you. The beauty department could use an additional strong writer.”
“No, thank you.” Even if I believed she’d keep her word, which I don’t, I know that I can’t stay here. I stand and clasp my hands in front of me to keep them from shaking and showing how nervous I am. “I quit.”
“Where will you go?” She stands behind her desk.
“I’m not sure yet,” I say honestly.
“I have connections all over the city and the publishing industry. Not to mention, I know your big secret. What would the media think if they found out that your husband was in a fake marriage?”
It’s a low blow to threaten Declan’s reputation, but it has it’s intended impact. I’d rather die than see him take the backlash for my mistakes.
Steeling my voice, I rest one hand on the door handle and look her straight in the eye as I say, “I don’t know, but I doubt it would be as bad as if they found out the Editor-in-Chief ofI Dowas using a fake marriage to sell magazines.”
With that, I let myself out. Scarlett pops up from her cubicle and rushes to my side.
“Are you okay?” Her brown eyes are wide as she studies my face.
I manage a nod, too afraid to speak. I’d already packed up the things at my desk, so I grab them and keep my chin lifted as I walk to the elevator. A few people whisper and stare, but I try not to show that I’m anything less than confident in my decision.
When the elevator doors close me and Scarlett inside, I finally breathe.
“Holy shit.” The words come out with another whoosh of air.
“I’m so proud of you.” She hugs me. “I wish I could have seen her face.”
“No, you don’t,” I tell her. “It was scary. She threatened to go to the press and out me and Declan.”
“Let her try. No one could ever see the two of you and not know you’re crazy about each other.” Her grip on me tightens. “Whatever happens, I’ve got your back. A lot of people do. She doesn’t want to mess with your family.”
“I know.” I squeeze her back. “Thank you for always being there for me, even when I didn’t know how to appreciate it.”
Declan’s Ferrari pulls into the parking lot as we walk outside, and my heart beats a little faster.
“Your husband is here,” Scarlett says in a playful tone.
Declan stops in front of us, and Scarlett opens the passenger door for me. She leans down to wave at Declan. “Hi.”
“Hey, Scarlett.” His deep voice rumbles in response, but his eyes are on me.
Scarlett turns back and hugs me one last time. “Love you. Check in later and let me know how you’re doing.”
