When I was struggling to climb my way up from the bottom rung of the entertainment industry, Donovan was nowhere to be found. But here he was, using the fruit of my painstaking efforts spent over several months to appease his precious Lila. How amusing.

Director Chen patiently persuaded me, "My mentor, Mr. Lee, is planning a new film abroad and is still in need of a suitable leading lady. If you're interested, I can recommend you for an audition."

"If you're willing, I can book you a flight ten days from now."

Director Chen's mentor, Lee, is an internationally renowned director. His name is known by everyone. Director Chen was personally guided by him and is now a top-notch director in the country. Lee's works are outstanding, but he's known to be sharp and temperamental. Actors who have worked with him often complain, yet they can't resist the opportunity.

Of course, I would be more than eager to work with him. But in ten days, it will be my wedding with Donovan.

When I arrived on set, Lila was wearing a costume, interacting with fans, and signing autographs. She had a youthful face and a sweet smile, exuding a charming and playful appeal. Donovan had invested heavily in her, and now she had gained some fame. Yet it might not be enough for her to star in a major production worth billions.

Donovan’s Cayenne was parked nearby, and the car was empty. As I approached, the group of fans surrounding her excitedly called out my name, asking for my autograph. Lila's expression instantly darkened. Before I could say a word, she walked over in her costume, exuding arrogance as she flaunted herself before me.

"Miss Lena, are you here for a visit? Unfortunately, we've signed a confidentiality agreement, and outsiders aren't allowed on set."

The director, looking troubled, glanced at me and softly reminded, "Lena, these are Donovan's instructions."

“Of course, Donovan cares for me the most. Any irrelevant person wanting to step into the Donovan family has to get my approval first.”

"Some people always think they can rise to the top without considering if they deserve it."

Her words were aimed at me, but loud enough for everyone to hear. The fans' gazes towards me changed instantly. Lila twisted the truth, leaning on her status to paint me as someone looking to latch onto a wealthy family.

I chuckled coldly, "Haven't you risen to the top yourself? Clinging to Donovan like a leech under the guise of your deceased parents' connections. Compared to me, perhaps you should reflect on yourself more."

“Watch your mouth!”

A deep voice interrupted me. Lila's eyes turned red as she looked pathetically at Donovan, "Donovan.” Her acting was something even I couldn’t best.

Donovan, frowning, quickly walked over and grabbed my wrist, dragging me into the dressing room. “You know Lila is sensitive, yet you intentionally say things to upset her in front of others!”

Donovan's grip was so tight that I felt my wrist bones about to snap.

"She's already pitiful enough, and yet you attack her sore spots. You’re supposed to be the elder here, and she's still just a child. Can’t you be more considerate?”

Lila was only seven years younger than Donovan. A child? Donovan seemed to be the only one in the world who couldn’t see through Lila's intentions.

Despite the pain, I couldn’t help but laugh. Forget calling me 'Aunt,' she didn’t even want me set foot in the Donovan family.

“She’s the rose I’ve nurtured myself. I’ve poured endless effort into her. Forget a mere role, even if she wanted stars from the sky, I’d find a way to get them for her.”

While saying this, Donovan's eyes were gentle, his tone calm, completely different from the fury he had just directed at me.

I looked up at him. "Donovan, what about me? What am I to you?"

The atmosphere suddenly froze.

Donovan hesitated for a moment, but I still read it in his eyes.

How could I compare to her?

But I'm supposed to be his future wife, the person who will stand beside him forever.

Even though I already knew his answer, my heart still ached painfully.

I, who love him with all my heart and soul, am nothing to him compared to his niece, who isn't even related to him by blood.

My smile was bitter.

Seeing my devastated appearance, Donovan softened his tone. "As long as you don't target her anymore, the wedding in ten days will proceed as planned."

I shook my head.

There will be no wedding.

There will be no future.

I won't marry you.

Donovan assumed I was acting out of spite due to what just happened and forcefully pulled me into his arms.

"Sweetie, as compensation, I won't have a prenuptial agreement. Half of the Donovan family fortune will be yours."

He still thought our marriage was a downgrade for him, a gift to me.

As if marrying into the Donovan family was some grand favor.

But he forgot.

I am a three-time Best Actress award winner, a natural talent in the eyes of directors.

I won't be worse off without him.

I looked up at him. "Donovan, let's break up."

I was with him because I liked him.

But you can't let a little love make you compromise your entire life.

Maybe my tone was too cold.

He froze, eyes filled first with shock, then with a casual, teasing gleam as if he figured something out.

"Lena, I hate being threatened."

"I know you've been wronged today, but there's a limit to how angry you can get. Act up too much, and you'll lose more than you gain."

"Stop messing around with me, alright?"

His warm palm caressed my cheek slowly, intimate and ambiguous in this cramped space.

His eyes almost overflowed with tender affection.

As if he really loved me.

But the paparazzi squatting outside the film set only caught the photo of Donovan gripping my wrist and scolding me.

No one could see a trace of love.

Couldn't see the rings we exchanged.

Couldn't see that we wanted to spend our lives together.

The media wrote that Donovan was furious on behalf of Lila and wanted to blacklist me.

Starlet tactics are all the same. Undermine the other to boost your own worth.

I looked at the trending news, utterly disappointed.

I couldn't believe that even at this moment, I still harbored fantasies about him.

How ridiculous.

How much of this escalating drama was Lila's doing and how much was Donovan's indulgence?

I didn't want to guess anymore.

I was exhausted.

I dialed Director Chen's number.

"I've made up my mind. Please write me a recommendation letter. I'll audition in ten days."