They say love makes you blind, but I wasn’t blind—I just wanted to believe in him.

Until today.

Standing at the entrance of the studio, gripping the suit I had carefully chosen for Jeremy, I watched the truth unfold under flashing cameras. His hands on her waist, his smile meant only for me, now given so freely to Lolita.

The whispers around me felt like knives. The reality was even sharper.

I wasn’t blind. I was just a fool.

***

Chapter 1

Melody's Pov

I stood still in front of the open door of the shooting studio, my fingers gripping the suit I had bought for Jeremy. My eyes were glued to a scene I shouldn’t have seen—Jeremy, my fiancé, posing intimately with Lolita Vergas, his manager. Camera flashes flickered, capturing their every move and a few unnecessary touches.

The whispers of the crew in front of me slipped into my ears like sharp needles.

"They look so good together."

"Lolita is a perfect match for Jeremy."

"They're always lovey-dovey at every photoshoot. I like to see them."

"I envy Lolita because Jeremy's gaze on her is very sincere. Let's wait until they go public!"

My chest tightened. My heart refused to believe, but my eyes couldn't avoid reality. I saw how Jeremy smiled gently, his hands naturally adjusting Lolita's position; he seemed so comfortable.

I never felt that touch again in the past year. I was only treated as necessary and often ignored because he was tired from working.

I could no longer make a fool of myself. I realized there was a change in attitude. Jeremy was becoming distant and cold, and now I saw clearly what the reason was: that woman, the one who applied for the job as his manager a year ago.

I thought she was a hard worker and a trustworthy person managing Jeremy's work, but it turned out that she preferred to take care of Jeremy in another way.

I felt that our five years together meant nothing to Jeremy. Jeremy had never looked at me that gently, and he often rejected my gaze, but what was happening now?

Were those crew members right? Did they have an affair?

When the photoshoot session ended, instead of going to the dressing room as he should have, Jeremy was still busy with Lolita. He spoke in a low voice, praising her appearance and even complimenting Lolita's makeup, his eyes full of concern as he said that. His hands fixed Lolita's hair several times. I trembled as I stared at that. It hurt and stung to be one.

Lolita let out a chuckle, touching Jeremy's arm in a way a manager shouldn't do with her clients. It was too gentle and soulful. I was a woman; I understood Lolita's gaze toward Jeremy. She liked him.

I bit my lip, holding back the anger that was starting to burn through my heart.

Then Jeremy averted his gaze; he finally noticed my presence. But instead of being surprised or feeling guilty, he seemed annoyed.

"Why are you here? Aren't you waiting in the dressing room?" His voice was sharp. People looked at me like thieves caught red-handed.

I was stunned. I was in the wrong? I was the one who was supposed to wait like his obedient fiancée while he flirted with other women.

Lolita gave me a faint smile, wearing an innocent expression. "I need to change into costumes and talk to the crew for a while." She glanced at me, then just walked away.

The crew, who had been flattering Jeremy and Lolita, were shocked to notice my presence; they hurried away.

I moved closer to Jeremy. I clenched my fists, trembling with emotion. "What are you doing, Jeremy? This is not a job. This is not just a photo session. You know that! Stop your intimacy with Lolita, or everyone will misunderstand!"

Jeremy sighed as if I were the one making a big deal. "Melody, you're overreacting. I'm just filling my spare time with extra photoshoots as a form of gratitude to Lolita. She's helped me a lot. She always says she wants to try modeling; you see for yourself, she's good in that field."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Thank you? What has she done for me? She's already been paid for her work, so what else should I give to her? Yourself?!"

Jeremy's face turned angry. "Watch your words, don't cross the line! Or I'll make you beg for my forgiveness." If I were still considering my feelings as I used to, maybe I would choose to remain silent as he ordered. But now, since I was unable to withstand the turmoil of my deeply hurt heart, I had to defend myself.

"Don't pretend to be holy, Jeremy. I know you lie a lot! Ever since Lolita started working with you, you've changed a lot. You often go off-schedule and do work outside the agreement. Like now, you make her wear expensive dresses and do photoshoots. You've crossed the line!"

Jeremy growled. "Watch your words. You think too far. You've proven that you're jealous of our work relationship. You know nothing about what Lolita is working on; she does everything sincerely. Is it wrong for me to make her wish come true?"

"I was the one who fought for you from scratch, Jeremy. I was the one who stood behind you, lifted your career, and supported you. But instead, you chose to scold me over another woman who admires you! She has only been working for one year; she is just living what I have built with my hard work. What are you doing to comfort me? Have you ever asked me what I want or realized my dreams side by side with you in public?"

Jeremy laughed sarcastically. "You are too proud. Who do you think is paying for your life? You look down on people who have worked hard. The money you enjoy is the result of my hard work—and Lolita also has a hand in it. You are ungrateful! Everyone knows you are my lover; what else do you want? Too many demands make me nauseous!"

I really couldn't believe what I was hearing. Not only was he defending Lolita, but he was also insulting me.

"So now I have to thank you for giving me money while you have fun with another woman in front of me?"

Jeremy moved closer, looking me sharply up and down. "I've had enough. You're always looking for trouble. I don't care if you want to come to the movie gala or not. I'm going with Lolita. Go alone!" He pushed me until I took a few steps back.

Jeremy roughly grabbed his suit jacket and threw his car keys at me without looking at me again.

I froze on the spot as he walked away. He didn't care about me anymore or this relationship.

I tightened my fists. No way was I going to let him come out on top. I was going to show up at the gala. Standing there, I would demonstrate that I wasn't some feeble woman who could be discarded.

As I got into his car, I found another piece of evidence of his betrayal—a pack of condoms and a pair of bikinis that weren't mine.

I swallowed hard. My hands shook as I lifted the small card resting on top of the bikini.

'You look hot in this. Wear it again next week and make sure I feel satisfied like I did yesterday.’

The world around me seemed to crumble. My vision blurred, clouded by tears, itching to fall.

Jeremy was nothing short of a jerk. He was trampling all over my dignity and playing with the vow of loyalty he had promised when things were good between us.

There was no way I could go back to him. I fished my phone from my purse and swiftly typed a message to my mother.

'Mom, I’ve decided to go through with the arranged marriage. I’ll return in a few days.’

I snapped pictures of the evidence of his vile actions. If he believed he could walk all over me, he had another thing coming. This time, I would carve my path.

Determinedly, I started the car engine. I would attend the gala, and I would make sure Jeremy knew that I would never be a woman he could toy with at will. I also wanted to have some clarity on all these discoveries of mine; at least they had to admit their mistakes.

Upon arriving at the gala, it seemed I was early; my eyes searched for Jeremy, but he was nowhere to be found. I approached a crew member to inquire about his whereabouts; he informed me that Jeremy was engaged in a conversation with one of his co-stars regarding the film.

I decided to wait for Jeremy in his dressing room; this matter should be resolved quickly and calmly. I would be gone in a minute, but I still needed clarity.

When I opened the door to the dressing room, I saw Lolita inside. She was smiling while looking in the mirror; she was still wearing the photoshoot dress from earlier. Lolita was trying to put earrings in her ears.

"This dress is simply stunning. Jeremy never makes a poor choice!' Lolita exclaimed

Melody's Pov

"You seem to like your dress very much, Lolita?" I moved closer to her and looked at her with a probing look. The woman's body had frozen in front of me. There was tension that radiated clearly from her expression.

Lolita smiled stiffly; she dropped her earring. Lolita's body seemed to freeze on the spot. I moved closer, then stepped on her earring with the tip of my high heels.

"Melody, I thought you weren't coming because it seems that Jeremy didn't want to wait for you. Emm, Can you give me back my earrings?" Lolita said in a tone that was very annoying to hear.

I tossed the earring again on the floor; Lolita picked it up quickly.

"I was specially invited to accompany Jeremy. Did it seem like I didn't want to come earlier? It was you and Jeremy who just left me." I looked her up and down. "Do you intend to take my place on the red carpet?"

"No, this is the dress Jeremy gave me. Em, sorry I'm leaving. Jeremy is outside. I'll call him." Lolita's tone halted. Lolita walked past me, but I held her hand, restraining her movement.

"No rush. We'll settle this matter together first."

"What do you mean?" Lolita’s brows knitted together.

"Stop the pretense you made! I already know everything; you are Jeremy's mistress; are you aware of your position?"

"What are you saying? I don't understand Melody!"

Instead of answering her words, I would rather reach into my bag, grab a bikini, and then throw it right in her face.

She looked annoyed and gave me a sharp look, but she started to change his face into a small smile, then picked up the fallen thing.

"Ah, why do you know this is mine? Isn't it supposed to stay in Jeremy's car so that it's easier for me to wear it if he can't stand it?"

Lolita revealed the bikini model in front of me. I didn't expect that I could stare at her attitude, which was 180 degrees different from what was displayed in public.

"I doubt what your position is. Are you still working as a manager or a whore?"

Lolita laughed even more amused at me. She replied, "I don't care what status I get when I'm with Jeremy."

She then revealed the earrings she was wearing, the bracelet, and the necklace with JLolita's pendulum; Lolita approached and whispered, “It was all Jeremy's gift, often when we finished having sex on the bed. And I enjoyed it."

I got furious at the disgusting statement on her lips. My reflex immediately gently pushed Lolita away, but she fell to the floor instead.

"You are a lowly woman who has no attitude; I never thought you could justify any means to make your plan work! You are so talented to be a mistress!"

Lolita got up from her position, pointed at my face, and answered my insult with a curse. "I am much more beautiful and sexy than you. Jeremy often discusses you; he wants you to leave his life, but he is still afraid of the punishment of his fans if that happens. You don't have to insult me to protect your thin ego!"

I couldn't stand this heated debate anymore. I grabbed Lolita's hair for a moment to stop her words that kept coming out. Lolita replied to me by scratching my arm; I had dodged when her hand was about to float to my cheek. I closed my eyes, and when I opened it instead, I saw Lolita doing the unexpected: she slapped her face red and screamed at the same time.

"Sorry, Melody, I swore that I would never take Jeremy from you. You just misjudged me. I am sorry." She cried as loud as she could.

"What are you doing? If you admit your mistake, I won't hurt you!"

I caught a glimpse of a smirk appearing on Lolita's lips, and then I heard the sound of someone's steps approaching.

It turned out to be Jeremy walking up to me and the lolita without me knowing. He helped Lolita up. Then looked at me pointedly.

"What else do you want to do here? And admit what mistake you mean?"

Jeremy helped Lolita tidy up her hair and asked her what I had done. Jeremy even hugged her for a moment as if I had attempted murder on his beloved woman.

I couldn't see the treatment before my eyes, so I pointed at Jeremy furiously. "You ask so many times about other people's circumstances, but you don't care about me at all?"

Lolita was playing drama again; she pretended to be frightened and said, "Jeremy, I didn't know Melody suddenly came in here, grabbed my hair, slapped, and was about to strangle me; she said I was teasing you and wanted to take her place on the red carpet. She even slandered me with that thing!" She pointed to the bikini and on the floor.

I clapped my hands at her shrewdness in words. "Do you not intend to be an actress to compete with Jeremy in his movie?"

"Enough Melody! Get out of here!" Jeremy kicked Melody out harshly. "If you can't take care of yourself, you're just embarrassing me!"

I was shocked and didn't think Jeremy would do this to me.

"Are you aware of what you're saying? You're defending others by kicking me out and insulting me?"

"You should realize why I stand up for her. It's because of your disgusting attitude. You're the one who plays dramas whenever I'm close to Lolita. I'm sick of your attitude!"

I revealed Lolita's scratch wound. "You see this, she did it. Are you going to scold her?"

"I knew you must have prepared for this incident. You framed Lolita."

"Have you lost your mind? You have been unfair; this way, it has been proven that you love Lolita and want to get rid of me!"

Jeremy slapped me tightly.

"Stop your nonsense!" Jeremy shouted, "Get out of here! If you don't obey me, then you will know the consequences you will get! Join the other guests outside; don't embarrass me and Lolita!"

I was stiff on the spot for a moment, staring at Jeremy's face filled with a dark aura of anger. I could also see Lolita stifling a laugh behind Jeremy. She held up her middle finger quickly before changing her face to feigned fear.

I thought Jeremy had lost himself. At the beginning of our relationship, he was a gentleman, never hurt me, and even yelled at me; now, he even did that to defend his affair.

I tried to calm down, and without many words, I came out of the dressing room. I had wanted to leave no matter Jeremy's orders, but an officer from the TV station who knew me as Jeremy's lover pulled me to keep attending the gala that had started.

I saw a lot of artist couples coming, and my heart ached because that was supposed to be what happened today, but it was all just a fantasy that wouldn't come true because Jeremy had chosen that woman.

Even now, Jeremy caught up with me and stood beside me, but it was all just for the sake of maintaining the image. I felt empty. Jeremy also didn't want to stay away from Lolita, who kept smiling at me full of mockery.

I couldn't continue anymore. The relationship between Jeremy and I could no longer be maintained. For the past year, I felt that Jeremy wasn't mine anymore. He was also indifferent and rude, so what else would I have to keep if everything was no longer left?

The award show was over, and everyone was doing a photoshoot; in the middle of the photo shoot, Lolita walked up to Jeremy to tidy up his collar; he looked annoyed that Jeremy had to stand close to me; he kept staring at us, and watching my movements.

After a few poses, we were almost done, but there was a faint shout from one of the officers standing guard above.

The guard said to move away, but at the same time, a roar sounded. I looked at where the sound came from, a large lamp hanging off one of its hooks so that the weight of the floodlight was unbalanced and fell very fast.

The number of panicked people made it difficult for me to move and be pushed around.

I wanted to hold Jeremy's arm, but he brushed it off harshly and ran towards Lolita, who kept staring at the lamp, so she survived. The lamp crushed me with some people who didn't manage to escape.

The heaviness that fell on my lower body made me unable to move. I was still in a semi-conscious state because only my hips were down; I saw Lolita, hugged by Jeremy, and they ran out while a man helped me. And I couldn't remember what happened anymore.

Everything went dark

Melody's Pov

The bright lights that greeted me were the first things I encountered after waking up. Also, the chemical scent of drugs made me sure I was in the hospital.

I looked at the table beside my bed, and there was the name Hamilton Hospital. My bag is also on the table.

I remembered the incident of being hit by the floodlight at the gala. Then, the image of me in pain and trying to ask for help, but Jeremy left me was clearly drawn instead. I was about to sit up, but the excruciating pain in my stomach made me unable to move. I grabbed the button beside the bed and then pressed the thing to call the doctor.

Not long ago, Doctors and nurses came over to me. They smiled sympathetically.

The doctor said, "I'm glad that after more than 24 hours of sleep, you're awake?"

"Has anyone seen me or asked about my situation?"

"Meet in person, nothing, but he just took care of the paperwork and then left again."

"Then, why do I feel pain in my stomach? Every move, I'm uncomfortable."

The nurse helped me to sit up; she explained how to sit properly so that my pain would not interfere with my mobility too much.

The doctor grasped my hand. He looked at me with a sad glare. "We are sorry. We tried our best, but the result has been determined."

My heart churned. I didn't know how my physical state was now, but the doctor's words made me think far away that I was in a serious condition.

"The burden that fell on you was too heavy; it caused damage in your uterus melody, so we took the correct path of removal of the uterus so that you do not experience more serious and risky conditions."

Hearing the doctor's explanation instantly broke my dream; my hopes were scattered, and my heart hurt so deeply. I felt my stomach, even though I wasn't married, but I had the desire to have children one day. With the process of removing the uterus, then I wouldn't get that chance.

"So I won't be able to have children?" I asked, confirming this impossible thing; even though I knew the answer, I tried to get an even better opinion.

The doctor nodded and tightened his grasp on my hand. "You can't have offspring when the uterus is removed."

I was silent for a moment, trying to accept, but in fact, unable.

"Sorry, miss, is there anything else to ask?" the nurse asked.

"Who has approved the removal of my uterus?"

The nurse seemed to think long before she opened the document she was carrying. She replied, “In the document, I saw Mr. Jeremy; as the guardian of the family, he wrote on the note that he would operate immediately."

I wasn't ready, but hearing his belief broke my heart. How could Jeremy confess to my family to speed up the process when he could wait for me to regain consciousness, or he accompanied me so that I would look at his face when I woke up?

"Then when can I go home?"

The doctor refused to say when, but I kept asking until he said that I could go home when I didn't feel any excruciating pain when I woke up.

I nodded my head, grateful for the explanation. The doctor and nurse immediately said goodbye, leaving my ward.

I quickly grabbed the phone that was in the bag on my bedside table. I dialed my friend. When it was connected, I said, “Pick me up tomorrow at Hamilton Hospital; don't be late!"

* * *

A day later, I insisted on going home, even though the pain was still overpowering me before I was asked to sign an agreement at the hospital. That they would be irresponsible if something happened to me after the treatment that should still be running.

After all was done, a nurse removed my IV tube. I just had to wait for my friend to pick me up. According to the information Elena gave me, she was on her way. In half an hour, it would arrive.

After the nurse came out,

The sound of knocking on the door was heard, then Jeremy, with a face full of guilt. I didn't expect him to come. I thought he would settle down with Lolita and forget about me.

Jeremy walked up to me and hugged me, and then he said, "I'm sorry for not being able to accompany you in difficult times. I saw Lolita screaming out loud, and then I remembered that Lolita had told me that she had been traumatized by chaos, like the gala yesterday. I thought you would run because you were very good at the car. But I just got the news that that thing hit you. I...."

I raised his hand. "Stop your excuses. I don't want to hear anything else, especially about what happened yesterday."

"I'm sorry, you must be sad because you lost your uterus. I'm sad too, but I won't mind whether we have children or not. I won't leave you."

I rolled my eyes at Jeremy's words, and I ignored all of them. I just wanted to leave the hospital as soon as possible. I sent a message to my friend to pick me up as soon as possible. I could have asked my Mom or Dad, but I didn't want them to worry.

As I tried to close my eyes and make sure that I could endure this pain, I heard the door open again, and then in came Lolita, who appeared unscathed, walking as she was with a made-up face, sad as usual.

"Melody, I'm so sorry. It's because of me that you can't be a mother. I know you must be heartbroken. However, I know you've always wanted to have children with Jeremy."

I'd tried to be patient, but Lolita's words ignited my anger again. Even though I felt excruciating pain, I still got up from the ward bed and walked over to Lolita.

Jeremy tried to hold me back because he understood I was furious.

"Don't be reckless, Melody; Lolita is just conveying her mourning for you. You can't hurt her. She could be traumatized again if she keeps hearing the commotion!"

I don't care. I slapped Lolita hard.

"I'm sorry, I didn't slap you in the first place!"

Lolita was crying, and Jeremy immediately hugged her and protected her. Yesterday, I was angry to see that scene, but now I even want to throw up in front of them.

"You should accept your situation gracefully. I have guaranteed to stay by your side. Don't forget your anger over your condition, which is no longer perfect for others. You are really unable to control your emotions, melody."

"Let her blame me, Jeremy. If melody feels calm after doing so, then I'm happy too."

"No, Lolita, don't say that. You have no right to blame."

I almost choked on my spit when I heard the foul conversation. I walked closer to Jeremy, who was immediately on standby to protect Lolita. "You stood up for her because you and she are already one. You've also made me lose my precious years of waiting for you; you made me lose the womb that was part of my future. You will regret every pain in my heart!"

I got the phone and saw my friend's number. I quickly grabbed my phone and prepared to walk out of the ward.

"I make sure you guys will have bad days after this!" I walked away from the ward.

Elena's luxury car stopped right in front of the lobby. I had prepared to enter the car, but Lolita held back my steps.

Lolita whispered, "Goodbye. Jeremy and I will be a good match. We will get married soon."

Jeremy approached, and Lolita returned to acting and fell into tears. Jeremy was angry and shouted, then said, "I don't care what you do anymore, Melody. You deserve this punishment!"

I could no longer argue with Jeremy; all I did was point my middle finger at him and then get in Elena's car.

On the way, I contacted a major media outlet.

"I have information about Jeremy that you guys can elevate to the hottest news. Photos and videos I'll send you right now."