Legendary Daddy by Mia Monroe (each kindness read aloud txt) 📕

your bank account right now, you’ll remember why you’re happy with me. We have the awards coming up. You can’t do this right now. Just...stay a little longer. We can cool things down until the awards are done.”

“The awards are based on work we’ve already done, Arian. I can’t do another scene. You heard Bobby. It’s showing.” I exhale slowly, knowing the next words need to be said no matter how difficult they are. “You don’t love me. I’m not sure you ever have, but I know that you don’t now.”

“And you love me?”

“Sadly, yeah, I do, but what we’ve become isn’t what I want or need. If you want to meet me in the middle, take a step back from what we’ve created here and rethink things, I’d be open to that. But I can’t keep going like this.”

His face falls. “But we tried other things and they didn’t work. They didn’t hit with the fans. This is a cash cow for us, Legend. How can you think about walking away from it?”

“Arian, let me ask you something. What’s more important to you, me and this relationship or the fans and the money?”

Arian stares at me for so long the answer isn’t necessary. It’s clear in his eyes. I feel a slight tug at my heart. Maybe it’s the last little bit of love I have for him slipping away, quickly replaced by what feels like concrete. It’s all too much. I should have ended this a long time ago.

“I’m sorry. I think this is what’s best for both of us.”

His face hardens. “I will ruin you on social media. If you think for one minute the fans won’t side with me, you’re wrong. They love me, and at the end of this, you’ll be the bad guy for leaving me.”

“You know what, Arian? I think I’m okay with that.” I grab my duffle bag, tossing it over my shoulder but pausing before I head to the door. I glance back at him, waiting to feel a moment of remorse or an inkling of love, maybe even a tinge of desire to rekindle what we once had, but I feel nothing. Actually, maybe what I feel is relief that this is finally over.

“For what it’s worth, Arian, I loved you, and I did all of this for you. I hope you get everything you’ve ever wanted, even if that doesn’t include me.”

“You’re going to regret this, Legend. Mark my words.”

“Maybe, but what I’ll never regret is doing what’s right for me. Bye, Arian.”

“Fuck you, Legend.”

Not surprised by his venom, I walk out of the hotel room, closing the door behind me and feeling like a one hundred-pound weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I may regret this decision professionally, but I know in my heart I’ll never regret it personally. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know it’s going to be on my terms. I’ll never let another pretty face change my goals.

Before I’m even in my car, my phone is blowing up with notifications. I open my Twitter account. Arian already posted a picture of himself, with obviously fake tears running down his cheeks, announcing that I just broke up with him. Exhaling slowly, I rub my forehead, knowing that, within the next thirty minutes, I’ll be the villain of Porn Land and there will be twenty Daddies lining up to take my spot.

Maybe now is the right time for me to take a step back, re-evaluate what I want, and think about how to move forward. Because one thing that Arian is absolutely right about? The fans are one hundred percent going to take his side. Once this is all said and done, it’s possible no one will even care about me anymore, and that’s something I’m going to have to deal with.

Later. For now, I just want to go home.

By the time I pull into my driveway forty minutes later, it’s clear that Arian was right.

I’m completely ruined.

Two

Legend

Nine months later…

Stepping into the convention center, I pause, hesitating to be seen in public for the first time since the scandal with Arian. True to his word, he spent six months dragging my reputation through the mud. The porn industry fans consider me a predator, a manipulator, an asshole. I’ve endured thousands of messages verbally assaulting me for hurting “The Angel,” and I’ve been inundated with images and videos of the work he’s done with new men since me. I’m honestly happy for him that he could continue working. His popularity took a hit, though, and as the fans are quick to point out, it’s my fault. Our chemistry was unique. Occasionally, I even get a drunk text or voice message from Arian, begging me to come back and proposing it would be an epic pro move for us to reconcile.

I’ve considered it. I miss performing, but the way my mind and soul have settled since breaking up with Arian is stronger than the pull of being in front of the camera again. Going back would break the internet, but my peace is too high a price to pay.

That’s why entering this conference right now is terrifying. I will undoubtedly be recognized, but these are professionals. No fans, no talent, except those like me seeking a spot behind the camera. I figured, why not try? I filmed a lot of the early scenes between Arian and me. It’s a chance to be back in the world I miss so much, without performing. Baby steps. Taking a deep breath, I continue walking. I’m ready for this. I just hope I haven’t been out of the spotlight so long that no one remembers me.

In the main room, I pause again, overwhelmed by the sheer number of people. I thought it would be a smaller event. Panic rises in my chest. I’m not sure I can do this. Glancing around, I look for water. Seeing a station near the back, I turn and head