Chapter One
Six Months Earlier, Eaton, Texas
“I can’t do this anymore, Jett.”
He set his script down on the round, maple wood, kitchen table, and peered up at his distraught fiancée. Her soulful, pale-blue eyes were red-rimmed and full of pain, in her slim face. The petite, slightly up-turned nose he loved to tweak was blotchy. She sniffed and swiped away the moisture running from the corner of her eyes. It pained him to see her once glowing peaches-and-cream skin tone so washed out and wan. The radiant chestnut-colored hair she’d always been proud of was thin and dull. Pulled back from her face in a high pony tail it accentuated her gauntness. This last bout with anorexia had taken a toll on her. Still, to him she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Every time she tore herself down it was like a kick to the chest. In his mind, her five-foot seven, one-hundred and twenty-five pound frame had been perfect. But she could never see that.
“Sure you can, Lis.” He pushed away from the table and stood. Wrapping an arm around her too-slim waist, he pulled her to his side, willing his body warmth into her cool form. “You’re one of the strongest women I know. Remember what Dr. Talons said? We take it one day at time.” Leaning down he placed a kiss on her head. Right now she needs support and reassurance. I can give her that in spades. Hell, if I could take on this disease for her and fight it I would. It was difficult watching someone fight against a mental disorder, because the problem lived in their head. It was impossible to slay an invisible dragon.
She shoved her fist against lips that quivered and shook her head. The droplets of sadness began to flow like a river. “No, not that.” Her muted words were strained.
“Then what? Just tell me, and we’ll fix it.” He ran his hand up her arm, used to the mood swings. When you starved your body, everything was affected.
“You can’t, Jett. I tried. Lord knows I’ve tried. I’ve given everything I have in me to our relationship.”
“And I haven’t?” He took a deep breath to still the words dangling on the tip of his tongue. She was lashing out, and he was the nearest target. Soon she’d calm down, apologize, and they’d talk about what was truly bothering her. “We’re getting married in six months, so cold feet are normal.”
“It’s not cold feet.” Her irritated huff confused him.
What do you want me to say here? “Okay, so what is it?” He shook his head, unable to track where she was going.
Inhaling deeply, she then exhaled. “I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s this life or me.”
“This life? What does that even mean? Where is this coming from?” He removed his hands from her waist and rubbed his lips with his fingers. Agitation bubbled up to the surface. They’d pushed back and put off this wedding for the past five years due to scheduling and her battles with her demons. When she’d taken a turn for the worse he’d told her he wouldn’t marry her until she could share a piece of cake with him at the wedding. This intimate ceremony in their hometown was the silver lining that carried them both through hell and back. Giving it up now wasn’t an option.
“Being in the public eye is destroying me from the inside out. I can’t take it! The harsh criticism, hate websites! The inability to step outside and simply be Melissa Munn, it’s too much.” Her chest rose and fell like she’d been in a marathon.
Worry unfurled in his gut. “W-what are you saying, Lis?” Fame was exhausting. It was understood. There were times even he wanted to walk away. But this…
“I can’t be the woman you need.” She bowed her head. “I’m not strong enough.”#p#分页标题#e#
Desperation detonated like a land mine. He cupped her face and tilted her head back to meet his gaze. “Please don’t do this, Melissa.”
“I have to.” Her voice cracked. Sobs wracked her tiny frame. “Walking away is going to save my life.”
His heart sank to the bottom of his belly like giant stones.
“I packed a bag to get me through the first week or so with my parents. I’ll be back for the rest.”
He released her, stepped away to run his hands through his hair. “How long have you had this planned?”Anxiety turned to anger. How could she keep thoughts like this to herself?
“Since this morning, I woke up, and I just knew I couldn’t do it anymore.” She shook her head, placed a hand on her neck. “I know it’s hard to see now, but it’s better this way. I love you enough to walk away, Jett.”