FIFTY

The contract sat on the coffee table, untouched for days, the pages whispering of promises and expectations. Every time I passed by it, my stomach twisted into knots, my mind a battlefield of indecision. This was the opportunity I'd been dreaming of for years—a chance to write and direct my own series. But every time I thought about it, a heavy cloud of doubt loomed over me. Could I really do this? Was I ready for something so big? And, most pressing of all, was it worth putting myself through the stress of working with Wade?

I couldn't seem to shake the feeling that I was standing at the edge of a cliff, unsure if I'd soar or plummet if I took the leap.

"Wendy, you need to stop overthinking this." Ivan's voice cut through my thoughts as he entered the living room, his expression firm but gentle. He sat down beside me on the couch, his presence warm and comforting. "You've worked too hard to get here. You can't let fear hold you back."