I had set up a rumor involving the talented actor Jaxon and a popular actress Sloane, expecting it to create some buzz. But things took a turn when a reporter suddenly spoke up for the actress during the event. On the spot, Jaxon panicked and desperately called out, “Aurora, my dear! Help me!” The next day, news about our three-year marriage shot straight to the top of the trending list.

1

I’m Jaxon’s assistant—and also his wife.

Three years ago, Sloane went abroad for further studies and broke things off with Jaxon. That night, I kept him company while he drank his sorrows away, and one thing led to another. We slept together. Maybe it was his strong sense of responsibility or maybe it was just revenge, but the next morning, we ended up getting our marriage certificate.

The day we got married, he insisted I become his assistant. Over time, he made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, eventually becoming a popular actor. Three months ago, he finally won the Best Actor award—and that’s when Sloane returned.

I took the initiative to help Jaxon accept a movie role in Knowing My Love and naturally set up the narrative that he and Sloane were the “couple” just like those in the movie.

At the press conference, Sloane stood on stage, shining like a star, and smiled at Jaxon. The fans in the audience went wild, and even the reporters were encouraging her, chanting, “Pei Emperor, confess your love! Don’t keep our Sloane waiting!”

With a shy, affectionate smile, Sloane said, “I’m not afraid to wait.”

I winked at Sloane on stage, trying to play along, but Jaxon just stood there, cold and unresponsive, not even bothering to answer the reporters’ questions. I kept making faces at him, but he ignored me completely.

Then, Sloane, with a charming smile, said, “Jaxon, what do you think?”

Finally, Jaxon’s expression shifted slightly. He looked at me with a pitiful gaze and softly said, “My dear, help me.”

2

Back in the lounge, I was blushing, trying to find a way to explain my relationship with Jaxon to Sloane, but the words wouldn’t come out. Sloane’s eyes moved back and forth between us, her emotions unreadable.

Jaxon stood beside me, lips pressed together, holding onto my sleeve like he couldn’t

Finally, Sloane broke the awkward silence. “Aurora, how long have you two been together?”

I felt even more embarrassed, but before I could respond, Jaxon answered for me. “Three years.”

I was already on edge, and Jaxon’s sudden answer startled me into silence. I looked back and forth between Sloane and Jaxon, finally focusing on Jaxon’s face, trying to decipher what he meant by that.

Three months ago, when I heard that Sloane was coming back, I was genuinely happy for Jaxon. Finally, he was getting his old love Sloane—a dream he’d been waiting for.

I still remember the day I told Jaxon that Sloane was back and that they were cast as a couple in a movie. He had this intense, troubled look in his eyes. He seemed like he wanted to say something but held back. Deep down, I knew what was going on.

I silently encouraged him, thinking that if he ever brought up divorce, I’d handle it swiftly. I even had a divorce agreement ready, but he just wouldn’t say anything.

“Um… Jaxon, Sloane, you two take the lead,” I suggested. “I’ll handle the communication with the production team and work on the PR strategy with the company. Don’t worry about a thing.”

I started to feel that maybe my presence was holding Jaxon back. Being practical, I quickly came up with an excuse to give them some time and space. But as soon as I reached the door, Jaxon grabbed my hand.

“No need! Let’s go home,” he said.

3

Jaxon forcefully pulled me into the car, and my heart sank. The company’s phone was ringing off the hook with calls. He took my phone and calmly declined each call. Then he opened my social media apps and started managing things himself. When it comes to handling statements, Jaxon is definitely more skilled than me.

I glanced at his profile and felt a bit mesmerized before forcing a reluctant smile. Jaxon has always been the heartthrob since high school—handsome enough to make anyone jealous. The three of us—Jaxon, Sloane, and me—are all alumni from high school and college. Jaxon is a senior to both Sloane and me, and Sloane and I were high school classmates and college roommates.

Back in high school, Jaxon was always hanging around our class. I was the first to notice the chemistry between Sloane and him. They were always whispering to each other in the hallways. In college, Jaxon would wait for us downstairs almost every day. Every time Sloane and I came out together, I could see the sparkle in his eyes when he looked at Sloane.

Everyone—from teachers to students—was tired of their constant sweetness. Naturally, I got all the freshest gossip. They always included me when they went on dates, making me feel like the third wheel in their relationship.

When I finally started dating someone, they insisted on joining our dates, which ended up ruining my relationship. It was the only serious relationship I had in college, and their interference made it impossible to keep it going.

In his senior year, Jaxon starred in a low-budget web drama that quickly blew up online, bringing him into the spotlight. Later, Sloane decided to go abroad to pursue her dreams in singing and dancing. On the day Sloane left, Jaxon was devastated and cried his heart out in my arms. I assumed they had broken up, so I stayed with him to help him get through it.

That’s how things spiraled out of control, and I ended up sleeping with Jaxon. Now, I can’t help but feel guilty towards Sloane.

4

When we got home, I handed Jaxon the divorce papers. I couldn’t understand why he publicly called me his wife and acknowledged our marriage in front of Sloane. But it didn’t really matter—I was planning to leave anyway.

In the car, I sent Sloane a message, but I didn’t get the chance to read his reply later. The moment we got in the car, Jaxon snatched all my electronic devices at lightning speed.

Jaxon took the divorce agreement from me, his lips pressing, and his expression instantly went cold. I just shrank back, heading to my room where I tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.

The next day, I finally got my phone back. With dark circles under my eyes, I opened up my social media apps. Sure enough, yesterday’s drama was at the top of the trending headlines.

#Jaxon’s Secret Marriage Revealed

#Jaxon’s Wife

#Aurora, the Assistant

I clicked on one of the tags, and three trending posts made my blood run cold, like my heart had stopped beating.

[Jaxon: Married for three years. She’s my wife, please wish us well@AuroraTheAssistant]

[AuroraTheAssistant: He’s my husband @Jaxon]

[Sloane: Congrats @Jaxon @AuroraTheAssistant]

The comment section was chaos—like a circus gone mad. Some people were furious at Jaxon for hiding his marriage, others felt bad for Sloane, and some attacked me, saying I wasn’t good enough for him. There were even people digging up our history from high school through college.

Panic set in as I opened my contact list and found the conversation thread with Sloane. Because Jaxon had taken my phone, the conversation was still stuck on yesterday afternoon.

[Me: Sloane, it’s not what you think. Let me explain.]

[Sloane: It’s okay, no need to explain.]

[Sloane: Congratulations to you guys~]

5

The posts from both Jaxon’s account and mine were all made by Jaxon yesterday while we were in the car. I was overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions I couldn’t even begin to describe.

Then Jaxon’s voice broke through my thoughts, sounding rough, like he hadn’t slept well either.

“Aurora, I’ve been thinking all night,” he said, his tone serious. “You slept with me, so you can’t just leave. You’ve got to take responsibility.”

“Tell me what I did wrong. Can I change?”

I looked up, stunned, and met his gaze. His eyes were dark, glistening with unshed tears, as if they would spill over if I said no.

We’ve been living together for three years. He’s always so cold and distant in public, but at home, he’s gentle. Yet, I’ve never seen him look so vulnerable before.

In all the time we’ve been married, Jaxon and I have only slept together once, that night we drank too much. Since then, we’ve kept our distance, even though we share a home. And in these three years, he’s only called me his wife three times: once yesterday, once today, and once two years ago.

Two years ago, my grandma passed away. My parents died in a car accident when I was in elementary school, so my grandma was the last family I had left. I cried for three days and three nights holding her body and another day and night in front of her tombstone until I passed out.

When I woke up, Jaxon was sitting by my bedside, looking worried and unshaven. All my grief and bitterness came rushing back, and for the first time, I reached out and hugged him.

“Jaxon, I have no one left. I’m all alone now.”

He said, “Honey, don’t cry. I’m still here, and I’ll always be here.”

I have to admit, my heart definitely skipped a beat then.