Chapter 4 What did you say ? Ryan stood frozen , staring at me like hed misheard . Emma ? I picked up a pen , signed each page of the divorce papers , and pushed them toward him . I said , I want a divorce , I repeated . Ryan loosened his collar , frowning . Are you losing it ? Whod want you , a woman past her prime , after me ? So in Ryans eyes , I was past my prime at thirty . I tossed the pen at him . Ever heard thirty is the new twenty ? By the way , after the divorce , I wont be your assistant anymore . Give me a few days to brief my replacement on your schedule . My directness drew a mocking laugh from him . He pointed at me , eyes flashing with impatience . Emma , youre playing with fire , and youre going to get burned ! As if on cue , Olivias ringtone filled the room . Ryan didnt answer , just fixed me with a threatening stare . Werent you the one always talking about having a baby before thirty ? I know youre ovulating this week . His voice turned calculating . Im giving you three seconds to take it all back . Last year , on my 29th birthday , Id turned my fertility tracking into a shared calendar event , scheduling our attempts at starting a family . Ryan didnt know Id stopped marking . those dates last month . The ringtone echoed through the room like a countdown . Three seconds passed , and the last thread between us snapped . Youve got nerve , Emma . Lets see how long you can keep this up ! He stormed out of the house . The Las The moment the door slammed , I picked up my phone and scheduled an appointment at the clinic for the day after tomorrow . At the clinic , the doctor looked at the ultrasound is progressing normally . Are you sure you do nd hesitated . Mitchell , the pregnancy want to discuss this with the father ? Just then , my phone lit up with a trending notification . A clip from last nights film gala . The camera caught Ryan and Olivia sitting together , exchanging shy glances and secret smiles . Then Olivia , emboldened by the crowd and cameras , kissed Ryan . He grabbed her neck , pulling her close . I muted the audiences screams by closing the video . I accidentally opened a high res photo from one of the reporters . There , on Ryans throat , were two small bite marks .. On our wedding night , when Ryan was still a struggling actor , hed pinned me to our bed , teasing me . Hed guided my head to his throat , his voice husky : Emma , bite me . Only when my teeth marked his skin did he finally hold me close , kissing my hair repeatedly . It hurts this isnt a dream . Emma , I really married you . Back then , I was his dream come true . I locked my phone and closed my eyes . Go ahead , doctor . It wasnt as painful as Id imagined . Afterward , I felt strangely lighter . The next morning , post discharge , I met my replacement at a nearby coffee shop . To ensure they wouldnt face the same treatment I had , Id chosen a male assistant . I reviewed the final details with Max Phillips . Why are you leaving ? Ryans amazing . So many people would kill to be his assistant , he said . I gave a slight smile . Im getting too old . This job needs someone young and hungry like you . Max studied me , his expression a mix of confusion and respect . You dont seem old at all . Youve been with Ryan through everything , from nobody to star . Youve been incredible . The Last Tune I Love Hun Chapter 4 I offered him a faint smile and tucked the signed contract away . Maybe , Good luck , Max . 1 hope it goes well . Back home , I found Ryan who was supposed to be filming in another state sitting on our couch . His bloodshot eyes fixed on me . Emma , where were you last night ? Why do you care ? I shot back . I changed my shoes and headed for the bedroom . How many nights had I asked him the me question ? Id called his friends one by one , desperate to find him . Sometimes theyd cover for him . Other times , an angry Ryan would grab the phone and snap , Emma , my whereabouts are none of your business ! Im grown . I need my privacy . Stop being so controlling ! While I absorbed his verbal attacks , Id plan my apologies , hoping hed drink less . But behind my concern , Id hear Olivias soft voice : Ryan , come dance … Hed hang up before I could say more . Now , hearing my own words thrown back at him , Ryan stiffened and followed me to the bedroom . He threw two photos at my face , eyes blazing . Emma , whos him ? In the latest episode of ReelTalk EP 37, titled "Confessions of a Casting Director" by CrushReel, dive into the behind-the-scenes world of bringing your favorite stars to the big screen. Casting Directors reveal the intricate process of selecting actors for roles and share insights into what they seek in fresh talent. Explore the nuanced themes and character elements that shape the casting decisions, shedding light on the unique aspects that influence the final choices. Discover the artistry and expertise involved in assembling the perfect ensemble to breathe life into each character on screen. What sets this episode apart is its candid exploration of the casting process, offering a rare glimpse into the meticulous craft of matching actors to roles. Uncover the passion and dedication that drive Casting Directors in their quest to create captivating performances. For an exclusive look into the world of casting and to learn more about this ongoing series, head over to CrushReel. Experience firsthand the magic of bringing characters from script to screen by delving into "Confessions of a Casting Director," available to read online at CrushReel.