Your One and Only Downfall, Dear Ex-Husband

Chapter 2: Return to the Agency

I walked into the offices of Stellar Talent Agency, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and the hum of creative energy enveloping me like a warm hug. It had been five years since I'd last set foot here, and I was surprised by how much I missed it.

As I made my way to the reception desk, old colleagues and friends began to greet me, their faces beaming with genuine warmth. "Maggie, darling! So great to see you!" "How's life, Maggie?" I smiled and laughed, exchanging hugs and air kisses, playing the part of the gracious actress.

I saw new faces, people that probably recognized me from old shows and series judging by their gasps, and small friendly-nemesis' I'd made along the line.

I spotted Lily, a fellow actress and friend, hurrying towards me with a sympathetic expression. I hadn't seen her since I married Thomas, after he asked me not to. "Maggie, sweetie, how are you?" she asked, giving me a tight hug.

Lily and I had worked together on a few projects, and I knew she had a bit of a history with Thomas. I smiled, shrugging. "I'm good, Lil. Just taking things one day at a time."

Lily's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and I knew she was dying to ask about Thomas. "So, how's married life treating you?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

I laughed, shaking my head. "You know, Lil, some things are better left unsaid."

Lily's expression turned sympathetic, and she leaned in closer. "I'm sorry, Maggie. I know he's not exactly the most... considerate husband."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her choice of words. "That's one way to put it," I said, smiling wily.

Lily rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I know. I'm just glad you're out of there, Maggie. You deserve so much better."

"Out of there?" I asked. I and Thomas' divorce hadn't been publicly announced, because he had a current movie premiere coming up, and he didn't need our divorce to ruin that.

"Yeah, the divorce and all that." She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Thomas has been telling a lot of people, and one of my girls just happened to be dating one of his friends. He's painting you as bad, Mags. You need to be careful."

I nodded, feeling a sense of solidarity. "Thanks, Lil. That means a lot coming from you."

As I continued to chat with Lily, I was intercepted by Old Man Jenkins, the agency's longtime janitor. "Maggie, girl, it's good to see you!" he exclaimed, his eyes twinkling behind his thick glasses.

"Hey, Mr. Jenkins! How's life treating you?" I asked, giving him a warm hug.

"Can't complain, can't complain. Just keeping busy, keeping the place tidy. You know how it is."

I smiled, feeling a pang of nostalgia. "I do, Mr. Jenkins. I do."

Lily excused herself, and I continued to make my way through the agency, exchanging greetings and small talk with the staff. Eventually, I made it to Rachel's desk, where she was waiting with a curious expression.

"Maggie, sweetie, it's so great to see you!" she exclaimed, giving me a hug. "I've been trying to reach you. Did you get my message last night?"

I nodded, taking a sip of the coffee she'd handed me. "I did. That's actually why I'm here."

Rachel's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I'll brief James on your arrival. He's been dying to talk to you."

As I waited, I couldn't help but think about the morning's events. Thomas and Sarah, the looks on their faces when they realized I'd caught them...it was almost comical. And yet, I'd stayed so calm, so detached. It was as if I was watching a play, and they were the ones performing.

"Maggie, James is ready to see you now," Rachel said, appearing at my side.

I nodded, following her to the director's office. James was a tall, imposing figure with a warm smile and a sharp mind. He rose from behind his desk, extending a hand as I entered.

"Maggie, it's great to see you," he said, his eyes cr crling at the corners. "Please, sit down."

I settled into the chair, taking a moment to appreciate the familiar view of the city skyline behind him.

"I'm glad you came. The agency's not been the same without your talent. The whole industry actually. Hollywood's been waiting for you. And I'm glad you agreed to have this meeting."

I leaned forward, a smile spreading across my face. "Well, I'm ready to get back to work, James. What's on the table?"

He paused, "Are you sure about this, Mags? Last time there was an altercation with your husband concerning your acting—"

"We'll be divorced in two months, and I'll be free to do as I please. So you shouldn't worry about that. Please, James. I want to get back into it." I pleaded, almost desperate. Acting was my life. But for Thomas, I gave it up. I thought that's how he showed his love for me. By wanting me to always be by his side.

James's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward, his hands clasped together. "I've got just the thing, Maggie. A movie, with Joshua Yourk and Elina Daniels. It's a chance to come back, to shine."

My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a surge of excitement. This was exactly what I needed.

"I read the script," James continued. "It's a great role, Maggie. You'll be perfect for it."

"Joshua Yourk, hasn't exactly been seen around a lot. And he works with big time actors and actresses."

"What do you mean?" James scoffed. "You're an A-lister. And besides the premiere of 'Dumb Man 2' came out last year. Though you didn't attend." Of course, that movie had been acted a year after Thomas and I's marriage, before he decided I quit.

"Yeah," I breathed.

James sighed, leaning over slightly. "He personally pitched for you to be on that movie with him. You and Elina were best buddies, and they both can't wait to have you on the team." He paused to allow it sink in. "You can always reject it, or take your time to think."

I shook my head, my mind racing with possibilities. "I'm in, James. Let's make it happen."

As we discussed the details, I couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation, of freedom. It was time to move on, to leave the pain and the drama behind. And this movie was the perfect way to do it.

But as I left the agency, phone in hand, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. That my life was about to get a whole lot more interesting.