Page 5 of The Perfect Melody

There was a time I believed that was for my protection, right until the first time I tried standing up to her, saying I didn’t like the way she spoke to me. Then came the first of many threats to ruin my reputation. I argued that the people around us knew how she treated me, that my makeup artist had to cover the red mark on my cheek after the time she got carried away and slapped me. That’s when Miranda smugly informed me that all of them had signed NDAs and that none of them would come to my rescue.

Frustrated, I run a hand through my damp hair. Not even Ant can speak out in my defence without me officially giving him permission to do so—his NDA is with me, not my mother—but I don’t want to put him in that position. Even if both of us tell the truth about Miranda, there’s still a chance she could talk her way out of facing any consequences. If that happened, she could make both of our lives very difficult. Just because Miranda can’t fire him doesn’t mean she can’t hurt him by ruining his reputation in the industry. Ant’s had my back for years—it’s only right I have his in return.

“It’s bullshit.”

“But smart. Never let it be said that Miranda St. James isn’t an intelligent snake.”

He snorts. “God forbid.” Liam’s very familiar with my mother’s need to be the smartest person in the room. “What about after next week? Is she letting you have time off then?”

I think back to the glance I took at the schedule she emailed me after leaving the suite last night. “There were a bunch of coloured blocks on the calendar. I haven’t bothered to look at what they’re for yet, but it’s safe to say she’s not giving me a break anytime soon. Hey, at least I get Thursday off,” I say with false cheer.

“Sorry, she’s giving youone dayto recover from an international arena tour?”

“Yep.”

“Bloody hell.”

“Yep.” I fiddle with a loose thread on the cuff of my sleeve. “Sometimes I wish I could run away and hide somewhere nobody knows me.” Liam’s jaw drops open. “God, I know that sounds so ungrateful, but I’m just so fucking tired all the time I?—”

“Shut up.” It’s my turn to gape—he’s never spoken to me like that. “Sorry, just… stop beating yourself up for a minute. I’m having an idea.”

“Careful, we don’t want you pulling a muscle.”

“Ha ha,” he deadpans. Then he’s sitting up straighter, a spark of mischief in his hazel eyes.

“Whatever this look is, I don’t like it. Stop it.”

He grins. “Oh no, I’m pretty sure you’re going to love this.”

“Nothing good ever happens when you smile like that. Remember August 2023?”

“This is different.”

“Fine, wow me with your brilliant idea. I’m ready to be dazzled,” I tell him, looking anything but.

“You should blow off whatever PR crap Miranda’s signed you up for and come to stay with me and Bailey.”

“Yeah, sure. How long for?” I roll my eyes.

“I’m serious.”

Damn it, he is. “Look, I appreciate the offer, but you know I can’t do that. Besides, you two only moved in together a couple of months ago. I refuse to infringe on your honeymoon period.”

He snorts. “We’re not married yet.”

“My point stands, and what do you meanyet? Have you proposed and not told me? That’s a bestie foul.”

He chuckles. “I’ve not got down on one knee yet, but it’s only a matter of time. You know I’ll be at her feet, ring in hand the moment she’s ready.”

“Your happiness is nauseating.”

“Love you too. Now come and visit us.”

“Even if Bailey’s OK with me staying with you for a bit?—”

“She is,” a delicate voice pipes up from somewhere off camera and Liam’s entire face softens as he turns towards his girlfriend. Bailey nudges her way into view of the camera, leaning against Liam’s side. Loose chestnut waves tousled from sleep frame her porcelain skin. “Hi Cassie, sorry to interrupt. I got up for breakfast and heard you two talking. You’re always welcome to stay with us. Anyway, I’ll leave you to it.” She presses a quick kiss to Liam’s cheek before disappearing from view.

“See?”