The blind date had gone fairly smoothly, and her only condition was that our relationship must remain secret.
I wasn’t much of a celebrity chaser, but I understood how the entertainment industry worked. After thinking it over, I agreed.
Because my work unit was of the highest security clearance, we rarely met in person. Sometimes we chatted briefly online, but never about each other’s jobs.
One of the biggest reasons I was so eager to return was to fulfill my mother’s wish—settling my marriage as soon as possible.
When I learned that Emily had suddenly won three Academy Awards, I genuinely felt happy for her.
But before I could offer congratulations, she answered with an icy tone.
“I’m busy. Say what you need to say, quickly.”
Her dismissive attitude gave me a faint sense that something was wrong.
“Emily, it’s been five years since we last saw each other. Don’t you have anything you want to say to me?”
On the other end of the line, her voice was dripping with impatience.
“Daniel Stone, who told you that you could call me?”
“Didn’t I tell you never to mention our relationship in public?”
I froze for a moment, speaking evenly.
“So, Miss Emily, do you think I’m an embarrassment to you?”