Two years had passed since the release of that movie. In that span of time, I managed to scrape together some funds and directed a low-budget film. It didn't make waves, and when things started to look bleak, a production company purchased it for a modest sum. This, at least, offered a glimmer of hope in my financially challenging circumstances.With the money at my disposal, I followed Luke's advice and ventured abroad to pursue further studies. Luke had played a significant role in making this happen, although, back then, influenced by prevailing norms, I mistakenly considered his support as a sign of a man's devotion to a woman. I was swayed by this misconception.Fortunately, Luke never expected anything in return. Perhaps he couldn't fathom what someone like me, lacking connections or influential contacts, could offer him. It was a simple act of generosity on his part.During that period, Luke's self-founded brand often required him to connect with international company blogg
In 2015, my career suddenly hit a plateau, and troubles followed suit, causing a complete work stoppage. Someone online spread rumors, alleging that a certain female celebrity was engaging in scandalous activities with several directors in private, providing explicit details that eventually shifted all the attention to me.The reason behind this was rather straightforward: I had just entered the industry with a major project and a promising future, which conveniently matched the description of the person they were referring to. To make matters worse, the leading actress accused someone of interfering in her marriage, and regrettably, I had recently worked with the leading actor.Being entangled in this mess resulted in a swift downfall of my career.My agency didn't immediately intervene to halt the spreading scandal. They thought this scandal could boost my fame. However, in an era where even negative publicity could make someone famous, this risky move nearly ruined my entire care
A week later, the wife of my co-actor made it clear publicly that I wasn't the one meddling in their marriage. The whole buzz soon pointed fingers at another famous star.Those who had faith in me continued to do so, and some of the skeptics even turned into my die-hard fans.The agent got released on bail but work still hadn't returned to normal.I went through a lengthy legal battle with the talent agency, and in the end, someone from the agency spilled the beans about the agency's involvement in this sensational scandal. They had indeed boosted my fame, but from the very beginning, they had also targeted me. However, the masterminds behind the manipulated public opinion remained a puzzle.And so, I just let it all fade away, lost in the sands of time.On my thirtieth birthday, my new talent agency had already organized a set of events such as fan meet-ups and birthday parties to mark this special milestone.However, I turned down each and every one of those invitations.Coi
Beautiful fantasies will eventually shatter, and the illusion of happiness can suddenly come to an end, so swiftly that you can't even anticipate it.My relationship with Luke had lasted for a very long time, so long that even Max found it surprising. He once privately told me that Luke had had women before, but it was all casual and short-lived, at most just a month. Luke had a strong appetite for novelty."You, my dear, are like an endlessly fascinating toy."I didn't think comparing myself to a toy was quite appropriate, but in their eyes, even though I had become a big celebrity, I was still a disposable plaything. I didn't bother trying to correct Max, at least he was the only person in Luke’s social circle I could get along with.During that period, a renowned international movie director approached me to star in a movie centered around love. With an ensemble cast of international stars and a production team boasting Oscar accolades, speculation about this film had already ig
The international director's film suddenly lost its funding, and production came to an abrupt halt. Feeling helpless, I returned home.With no upcoming projects, I ended up spending my days leisurely in the villa that Luke had bought earlier that year. I occupied my time by reading books and contemplating my situation.Luke had joked when he bought the villa, saying that it would be our little getaway in the future. Inside the cottage, we had created countless memories together. We had chosen plants and decorative paintings as a couple, and there was even a Ragdoll cat we had bought together. It would stand on the balcony, meowing away, and Luke would playfully call it our "second princess.""Of course, you're the first princess, my forever little princess," he would tease.During those days, I had naively believed that he could withstand the pressure from his family.After three days of being at home, Luke finally sensed that something was amiss. After some inquiries, he found ou
It didn't unfold like the dramatic farewells you read about in novels – no over-the-top displays of grief or grandiose goodbyes. I left quietly, without a trace.On a night when Luke was oblivious to my plans, I sent him to buy my favorite lemon cake, neatly packed my bags, and embarked on the journey back home.Max was there to pick me up, and together, we boarded the plane heading back to our home country. He told me we were just friends after all, and that there was nothing more he could offer in the future. In the end, I realized that after I left, I would become one of those forgotten contacts in their phone.During those two months abroad, we had our moments of deep love and intimacy, but we ultimately couldn't escape the relentless march of time, succumbing to something called fate.The plane glided over Lanslen, and I gazed at the iconic landmarks, as if our silhouettes still lingered there, casting remnants of shadows.I averted my gaze but couldn't hold back my tears. We
The day after I left, Luke bombarded me with phone calls, and I eventually decided to change my number. Since I couldn't give him a future, I couldn't stop him from pursuing his own.I have no idea how Luke spent those days, but I could keenly sense his heartache. During that time, I locked myself in my room, clutching our photos, crying until I felt numb, tears leaving my eyes vacant.My mom had to visit me every two hours, fearing I might do something drastic. I lay on my bed, repeatedly scrolling through our chat logs from over nine years. Each time, my heart ached afresh.A month later, word on the street had it that Luke had returned to the country and officially set a wedding date with Julie Blanchet. You see, in the end, there's always compromise. He compromised, and it was time for me to do the same.Before long, I received unexpected news from the international director I had previously worked with. He said the funding was in place and wanted me to return for the film. I n
Later on, my mom would describe me during that period as if I were a lunatic. I never mentioned my pregnancy to her. I simply claimed my health was deteriorating and asked her to come and care for me. I wasn't sure if I'd retain the will to live without her.The view beyond the hospital window was serene, and I often found solace in watching the trees and birds outside. For a period, there were always two birds engaged in an intricate dance, but my mom, fearing it would trigger memories, closed that window.In truth, Luke visited several times during that time. But what was the point of his visits? It was all over between us, completely over.With a child as the wager, I lost my one true love. Perhaps, the Luke I knew was merely the young man who came to my rescue back in 2008. Fate works in mysterious ways, all part of the grand design. My mom mentioned that he often stood at the doorway of my hospital room, quietly and hesitantly, never stepping inside without my permission, a