The Wall

The house was a marvel of modern architecture, a glass box perched precariously on a cliff in the Hollywood Hills. It was designed for views, for light, for exposure.

But within a week of Caden receiving the news, the house began to feel less like a sanctuary and more like a cage.

Lila sat at the kitchen island, scrolling through her emails. Or trying to.

"Where's Sarah?" Lila asked, looking up.

Caden was at the stove, making eggs. He insisted on cooking every meal. He said it was because she needed to keep her strength up. Lila suspected it was because he didn't want her ordering Postmates and interacting with delivery drivers.

"Who?" Caden asked without turning.

"Sarah. My assistant. She was supposed to be here at eight to go over the shooting schedule."

Caden scraped the eggs onto a plate. He walked over and set it in front of her. "Oh. I sent her home."

Lila blinked. "You what?"

"I met her at the gate," Caden said casually, sitting down opposite her. "I told her we were taking a mental health morning. You looked exhausted last night, Li. You were tossing and turning."

"Caden, I have a fitting at noon! I need her to—"

"I can drive you to the fitting," Caden interrupted. He reached across the table and took her hand. "Listen, Lila. I’ve been thinking. Sarah... she talks too much."

"She’s an assistant. Her job is to talk."

"No," Caden lowered his voice, the way he did when he was sharing a secret. "I mean she talks to the wrong people. I saw her texting while you were in the shower yesterday. Smiling. Hiding the screen when I walked in."

"So? She has a boyfriend."

"Or she’s selling stories to TMZ," Caden said darkly. "Think about it. How did the press know we were at that restaurant last week? Just the two of us? Sarah knew."

Lila frowned. She chewed her lip. It *was* weird that the paparazzi had found them at that hole-in-the-wall sushi place.

"You think she’s leaking?" Lila asked, a spike of anxiety piercing her chest. Her privacy was the only thing she had left.

"I think everyone in this town is a leech," Caden said. "Except me. We don't need her, Li. I can handle your schedule. I can drive you. I can screen your calls. Save the money. Cut the leak."

Lila looked at her eggs. They were perfectly cooked, just the way she liked them. Caden took care of her. He knew her coffee order. He knew when she was cold. Sarah was just an employee.

"Okay," Lila whispered. "But you have to be professional if you’re going to drive me."

Caden smiled. It was the smile she fell in love with at the sophomore homecoming dance—dazzling, boyish, and entirely focused on her.

"I’m always professional, baby. Now eat. You’re getting too skinny."

He watched her eat every bite. He didn't touch his own food. He just fed on her compliance.

\---