The Only One He Loves novel Chapter 3

His breathing turned heavy on the line – that familiar warning sign before a storm. I'd heard this pattern countless times over our five years together.

I hung up and turned off my phone.

Using my work phone, I contacted all the major entertainment reporters in the country. I told them to run with the story of Ryan carrying Olivia to the hospital, suggesting they dig deeper into their past connection.

"Ms. Mitchell, are you sure about this?" The reporters couldn't hide their shock. Their voices wavered between professional calm and barely contained excitement.

Can't blame them for being surprised.

For years, I'd been the one paying to bury these stories, always explaining them away as on-set chemistry for the cameras.

But now, with divorce papers waiting in my drawer, I needed leverage for our asset split. "One condition," I said firmly.

The reporters paused, their silence expectant. "Go ahead."

"Fifty percent of the profits. If you agree, we sign now, and I'll provide you with more insider details." My voice remained steady as I made the offer.

My confidence made them hungry. Nothing sells better than a star's secret romance, especially one with a history.

By morning, Ryan and Olivia's high school sweetheart story dominated entertainment news. Their reunion was everywhere, spawning endless speculation and fan theories.

Instead of running my usual damage control, I was interviewing potential replacements for my position.

That night, Ryan rushed home from his shoot in another city. The moment he walked in, I could smell Olivia's perfume clinging to his clothes, mixed with hospital antiseptic.

"Nothing to say for yourself?" he demanded, his voice tight with barely controlled anger.

His stare was cold and deadly, reminding me of the snake I'd faced on that mountain. Some predators, I'd learned, showed their true nature only when cornered.

"Do you realize what you've done to Olivia's career? Reporters are surrounding her house. She can't even step outside!" His voice rose with each word.

I kept watching TV and eating chips, not bothering to look up.