“You promised me, once this show airs and you win the award, we’ll go public and still enjoy the benefits of the show’s couple hype.”

Evan remained silent, the lines of his profile tight and tense. Seeing his silence, Lila grew more anxious, her voice trembling with tears.

“Have you forgotten what you told me last night? You said you’ve long lost feelings for her—that being together is just a responsibility, like your left hand touching your right hand, completely meaningless! You said she stays at home every day, lifeless like a boring nanny, unlike me, who can make you happy.”

I bit my lower lip hard, tasting an even stronger metallic bitterness, holding myself back from storming out to tear apart that venomous mouth spewing lies.

Evan seemed to reach out, pulling Lila close by the shoulder and in a soothing tone said softly, “When have I ever broken a promise to you? I’ll take care of it as soon as we get back—cut the knot with a quick stroke.”

Only then did Lila wipe her tears and smile, nestling into his arms. “I knew you cared for me the most! Evan, we will definitely be very happy!” She stood on tiptoe and quickly kissed his cheek.

My mind went blank, all the blood rushed to my head and then froze into ice the next second.

Those cruel words stabbed sharply into my ears. So in his eyes, my years of devotion were just that of a boring nanny?

Evan’s body stiffened for a moment, instinctively glanced around, but in the end didn’t push her away—only whispered urging, “Alright, hurry up and get ready for the next scene.”

That night, before I could recover from that harsh conversation, Lila posted again.

“Today was another day of being coached by the senior on my acting! Gained so much! Someone said I have talent! Keep it up, Lila!”

The accompanying photo was a blurry close-up of a man’s hand holding a script, with studio lights in the background.

I’d recognize that hand as Evan’s even if it turned to ashes!

She was secretly throwing out sugar again, guiding fans to ship the couple, cementing her image as the one favored by the Best Actor.

Fine, you like playing on social media, huh?

I logged into my private Instagram account. From the many photos I secretly took during the day, I selected the one most suggestive yet without direct evidence.

In the photo, Evan’s distinctive back was slightly bowed as he looked at his phone.

The caption was just a simple sentence: “First time here as family. Such a unique atmosphere.”

Sent.

But within half an hour, Evan’s video call came through.

“Honey, why did you go to the film set over there? That place is so bad—messy, full of mosquitoes. You’re already delicate; what if you get bitten or hurt? I’d be heartbroken!”

Heartbroken?

During the day, Lila wiped his sweat and handed him water—he enjoyed it so much. Why didn’t I see him worry about Lila struggling on set?

He forced a smile.

“Feeling bored at home? Missing me? It’s my fault, all my fault! I’ve been too busy lately and neglected you. When I get back, I’ll definitely spend good time with you. Wherever you want to go, it’s fine! Buy bags! Buy clothes! Whatever you want!”

Hearing these once heart-melting sweet words now pierced my heart like a blade. Every word about neglect was a betrayal I witnessed with my own eyes and ears during the day.

“Honey? Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you feeling unwell?”

“Nothing, I just suddenly wanted to see where you work. Is that not okay?”

“Of course it is! Absolutely!” He immediately jumped in, “Honey, you can go wherever she wants!”

“Honey, where are you staying? Should I pick you up and bring you to the set?”

“No need to trouble yourself. You focus on filming—I’m just taking care of some things myself.”

Using my sister’s camera, I gradually calmed down and watched everything in the room with cold eyes.

Suddenly, Evan sat up, as if he saw some message on his phone.

I zoomed in on the camera— it was a callback from the order for the Starry Moon series necklace.

It turned out that day Lila had been pestering him for a birthday gift, coquettishly insisting on choosing it herself to make it more sincere.

But when filling in the contact number, Lila was either flustered or deliberately declaring war on me—she entered his usual business phone number.

That business number’s physical SIM card had been in one of my spare phones all along because I often helped him handle emails and business matters. That’s why the crucial pickup notification call went straight to me.

After Evan found out, he probably broke out in a cold sweat.

He immediately called me to test the waters. When he connected, I was in the backstage lounge of a bidding conference, touching up my makeup in front of the mirror.

Today’s bidding event was for the advertising sponsorship of the big-budget drama starring Evan and Lila, a grand affair with industry bigwigs gathered.

Coincidentally, today was also Lila’s birthday.

“Hello, Valerie? Are you busy?”

I replied with a calm tone, “Mm, just handling some things outside. What’s up?”

“Oh, nothing major.” He gave a nervous chuckle. “Just checking if you got home safely and if you’ve been feeling okay lately.”

“Oh, I see.” I replied lightly, with no emotion to be heard, “I’m doing fine.”

He was silent for a few seconds, then tentatively asked, “What have you been busy with outside today? Do you need my help? Should I send the driver to pick you up?”

“No need, just a small matter, almost done.” I swiftly ended the topic. “I’m hanging up, you get back to your work.”

After hanging up, my sister just walked in—she’s my strong support today. As soon as my sister came in, she lowered her voice, face full of disgust.

“So? Have those two scumbags shown up yet?”

“Soon. Are the gifts ready?”

“Don’t worry!”

My best friend raised her eyebrows proudly. “I’ll make sure her birthday is unforgettable for life!”

We exchanged a smile.

I wasn’t here to bid. I was here to deliver a big gift for their new drama—for Lila’s birthday.

At the bidding event, glasses clinked and toasts were made. Relying on the vast network I built as Evan’s secret manager and my other lesser-known identity “Vale”—as a hotshot screenwriter in the industry—many top directors owed me favors or were interested in my scripts.

I easily entered the inner area as a special consultant, accompanying a producer I knew well. Scanning the room, I precisely located the seats reserved for the main creative team.

The spot closest to the center, with the best view, bore Lila’s name. I smiled faintly and walked straight over, calmly sitting down amid some surprised glances from those around.

Before long, a small commotion arose at the entrance. Evan and Lila walked in, surrounded by assistants and staff.

Lila was indeed wearing the Starry Moon necklace, her face glowing with the happiness of being spoiled. When she spotted me sitting in her seat at once, her smile instantly froze. “Who are you?”

She hurried over in her high heels and pointed at my nose.

“How are you here? Who told you to sit in my seat? Get up, this is my spot!” She snapped arrogantly, completely forgetting the occasion.

Her outburst immediately drew the attention of many people around. Evan also saw me; his face instantly darkened, his eyes filled with shock and panic. People around started whispering and pointing at me.

Lila’s assistant immediately called over the venue security.

“Ma’am, please leave this seat immediately! It’s reserved for Miss Camden!” the security guard said sternly with a serious expression.

The eyes around me were full of scrutiny and suspicion—probably thinking I was just a fan who sneaked in.

In the whole scene, Lila held the absolute moral high ground. She looked at me with a mix of triumph and anger, waiting for me to be disgracefully kicked out.

Just as the security guard reached out to ask me to leave, I slowly lifted my head.

My gaze didn’t look at the furious Lila, nor the approaching guards, but pierced through the crowd, landing coldly and directly on Evan’s pale face.

My voice was quiet but carried a penetrating force. “Evan, in our story, suddenly there’s this important new supporting character—aren’t you going to tell me about her?”