Wendy was about to return to her bedroom when Michael suddenly called her.

Ever since she learned the truth,she’d moved to the guest room and cited poor sleep quality.

“Anything else?”

She paused,her long,soft hair flowing freely.Her face,always cast as a“femme fatale,”was breathtakingly beautiful under the bright lights.

Michael stared at her for a moment,then said gently,“Tomorrow’s the anniversary of Grandma’s death.I’ll go with you.”

Wendy’s eyes widened slightly,as if she hadn’t expected him to remember.

She had been raised by her grandmother since childhood and they had a deep bond.Even after marriage,he would accompany her,but this was the first time he’d mentioned it on his own initiative.

For three years,it was precisely because of these seemingly caring moments that she had foolishly believed Michael truly loved her.“I have a meeting this morning.I’ll pick you up after it’s over.”

“Okay.”Wendy didn’t hesitate,but when Michael leaned in for a kiss,she turned away.

“It’s too late.I’m going to bed.”She hastily closed the door.

***

The next morning,Wendy woke up and packed her things.It was almost ten o’clock.

Last night,they had agreed to leave at eleven,but as the clock ticked past eleven and twelve,her calls to Michael remained unanswered.

Looking at her chat history,which had become increasingly quiet since Madison returned,a familiar sense of desolation washed over her like a tide.

She gave a self-deprecating laugh and hailed a taxi to the cemetery.

The cemetery was shaded by green trees and she placed a bouquet of white lilies in front of the tombstone.

“Grandma,I’m going back to Stellis.I don’t know when I’ll see you next.You always said I deserved the best in the world and now I finally understand.”

The old woman in the photo smiled kindly,just like she always did when she was little,coaxing her to sleep.

“I fell in love with the wrong person,but I’m starting over.I’ll think of you and I’ll get better and better.Please bless me.”Wendy’s eyes were red as she whispered for a long time before reluctantly getting up.

As she stepped out of the cemetery,she saw Michael’s car parked outside.He hurried over,a look of regret on his sculpted face.“Sorry,my phone was muted and I didn’t notice the time.”

Wendy numbly wanted to say,“Nothing,”but the passenger door opened.Madison,dressed in a red dress,stood out from the solemn cemetery.

“Miss Presley,I’m so sorry,”Madison said,her smile meaningful.“I’ve been feeling unwell for the past couple of days and I had no appetite this morning,so Michael accompanied me to buy those butterfly cakes.The line’s long,would you like to try some?”

Wendy suddenly raised her eyes.

That place…just driving there and back took over three hours.

So,he’d broken his promise without a care in the world,just to please his beloved.

In the face of true love,he was willing to do even these little things.Wendy felt a sharp pain in her chest,clearly suffocating with pain,yet she forced herself to remain calm.“No need.”

She turned to leave,but Michael stopped her.“Madison said she’s been back for so long and she hasn’t even formally greeted you yet.She wants to treat you to a meal.”

Madison immediately responded,“Yes,Miss Presley.After all,a secret marriage is still a marriage.Michael and I grew up together and are the most important people to each other.It’s only right that I treat you.”

Wendy’s gaze swept over the two figures huddled together and after a long pause,she said,“Okay.”

In the private kitchen,secluded and quiet,Michael quickly named a few dishes.

“I love it.You remember it all,”Madison recalled sweetly.“When I was in school,I hated the cafeteria food,so Michael learned all these recipes just for me…”

“Madison,”Michael interrupted with a frown.Madison was stunned,then immediately lowered her head and said aggrievedly,“I’m sorry,I shouldn’t have said that in front of Miss Presley…”

Wendy shook her head.“It’s okay,I don’t mind.”

Michael,however,looked at her.

He and the female lead from another drama were always hyped as a couple and after Wendy finished reading the gossip,she would angrily hug him.“I’m clearly the real couple!”

But now,she seemed to care nothing.

Throughout the meal,Madison kept talking about their past.Michael responded,while Wendy remained silent.

As Michael went to answer the phone,Madison suddenly asked,“Aren’t you curious about why we broke up?”

Her tone was one of condescending pity.Wendy raised her eyes.“Why?”

“Because the better the man,the more he yearns for what he can’t have.”Madison said confidently,“It’s important to be sensible.It’s not nice to feel like both the role and the lover belong to someone else,isn’t it?”

Wendy watched her quietly and suddenly found it amusing.She put down her teacup.“I understand.”

She would leave him,too,but she no longer needed his constant lingering thoughts.

After dropping Wendy off downstairs,Michael didn’t get out of the car,but instead squeezed her hand through the window.

His palm was warm,but that warmth had never truly belonged to her.

“Madison and I have to shoot an endorsement shoot later,so we won’t be back.Go to bed early.”

Madison leaned out from the passenger seat and smiled sweetly.“Don’t worry,Miss Presley.I’ll help you keep an eye on Michael and keep girls away from him!”

Wendy lowered her eyes.“Okay.”

Upstairs,the large apartment was filled with a vibrant atmosphere.It was the home she had meticulously decorated over the past three years.

Wendy took a deep breath and stuffed all the Michael merchandise,magazines and unused couple’s items she had collected over the years into a trash bag.

She opened the drawer and revealed two cold wedding rings.Wendy remembered that Michael had never worn them except on the day they got their marriage certificate.

Because they hadn’t had a wedding,she excitedly wanted to take a hand-in-hand photo with the rings on,but Michael flatly refused,“We’re having a secret marriage,so let’s keep it low-key.”

But for Madison,he filmed commercials,gave away resources and let his name trend all over the internet—never a low-key act.

Wendy’s nose ached and she closed her eyes.The ring tinkled softly as it fell into her pocket.

When Michael returned the next day,he immediately noticed how much emptier the house had become.Even the couple dolls Wendy had specially custom-made by someone at the entrance were gone.

“Why are so many things missing from the house?”Michael asked gravely,her recent behavior making him inexplicably uneasy.

Wendy just emerged from the bedroom and clutched a photo she’d forgotten to throw away the night before.

She said calmly,“The old stuff was taking up space,so I got rid of it.”

Michael wanted to say something,but upon seeing her hands,his doubts suddenly dissipated.

She loved him so much that she even treasured this one photo together...

He relaxed instantly.“We’d like to invite you to be a guest on Madison’s show next episode.”

It was a national lifestyle variety show and it was precisely because Michael arranged for her to be a regular that she had quickly amassed so much popularity.

Wendy was stunned and refused,“I don’t want to go.”

“Why?”Michael frowned.“You’re not well-known and Madison is kind enough to help you.You should appreciate it.”

Looking at his handsome yet displeased face,Wendy’s fingertips felt cold.His decision reflected only Madison’s“good intentions,”not her own.

Thinking that there were only a dozen days left,she didn’t want to argue with him about this matter anymore,so she finally agreed.

In the countryside on Saturday,the wind was clear and the clouds were vast.The fragrance of green grass wafted in the air.

The live broadcast camera had already been turned on and by the time Wendy got out of the car with her simple luggage,the barrage of comments was already rapidly scrolling.

[Why is Wendy here this episode?I’m so annoyed just seeing her!]

[She’s here to ride on Madison’s popularity again!]

The regular seniors greeted her politely.Madison,wearing a white dress and a plain face,came over and warmly took her arm.

“Wendy!You’re finally here!Fans always say we look alike,but we’ve been on the same set and rarely see each other.Now we can finally be together!”

Wendy curled her lips,but her eyes were cold.“After all,I’m just a supporting actress.I can’t compare to you,Miss Crawford.”

Madison’s face froze for a moment before she smiled again.

The show had a pastoral atmosphere and Wendy skillfully helped make dinner.

Acting Queen Bridget took a bite and praised,“Wendy’s cooking is quite good.”

“Wendy is amazing!Unlike me,my family takes care of me so well that I can only cook instant noodles.”Madison pouted and complained and was immediately praised by the commenters,“That’s what a princess should be like.”

Wendy smiled.Before she started learning cooking specifically for Michael,she’d been a princess too.

After dinner,everyone gathered around to chat and play Truth or Dare.A Coke bottle spun on the table,finally slowly pointing towards Madison.

“Madison won!”

Singer Joan laughed and cheered,“The punishment is...I’ll pin your WhatsApp and call you!On speakerphone!”

The room erupted in excitement.The camera zoomed in and Madison’s cheeks flushed as she shyly unlocked her phone.

On the pinned bar,only“Michael”was prominently displayed.

“Wow,Mr.Greenwood!I knew you two had a close relationship!”

“Madison,call quickly!”

The room erupted in exclamations and a barrage of“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.”

The call was quickly connected and Michael said with a smile,“Hello,Madison?”

“Oh my god,that’s so sweet!”

“Actor Michael’s voice is so gentle!”

The two chatted tenderly for a long time amidst countless comments of“I’m hooked”before hanging up.

Wendy sat in a corner,the bustle around her like a layer of fog,only the chill in her heart spreading.

She was distracted playing the game for an unknown amount of time when she felt a sudden tap on her shoulder.She came to her senses and realized the bottle was facing her.

“Wendy,it’s your turn!”Joan said excitedly.“Quick,get your phone out and call your pinned friend!”

Wendy’s mind went blank.As several people scrambled to open her phone,she suddenly realized that her pinned friend was also Michael!

“Can you change the punishment?I…”

The screen lit up and Wendy couldn’t stop it.The camera had already clearly captured her pinned profile picture—the exact same profile picture as the one on Madison’s phone,Michael’s profile picture.

The whole audience was stunned!

The comments went blank for a few seconds,then scrolled wildly.

[Is Wendy crazy?Who the hell does she think she is?!]

[You’re such a shrew?Have some shame!]

The atmosphere froze and everyone’s expressions varied.Joan gritted her teeth and tried to smooth things over.“Wendy,this...is just a bump in your profile picture,right?”

Wendy stared at the moon emoji on the note.She hadn’t had time to change it and now it had become glaring evidence.

“I’ve never heard that Miss Presley and Mr.Greenwood have a personal relationship?”

The female host,who was close to Madison,folded her arms and sneered,“Is it idol worship,or is she trying to compete with Madison?”

Madison immediately faced the camera,her eyes red,looking aggrieved but“magnanimous”.“Everyone,please don’t be like that!Michael is so outstanding,it’s normal to like him...I don’t mind.”

She knew Wendy wouldn’t really defend herself and this“rescue”was actually adding fuel to the fire.

“Just call according to the rules!”

“If it’s Mr.Greenwood,she’ll get a good slap in the face!”

Wendy’s heart was in turmoil and her eyelashes trembled unconsciously.She wasn’t sure if Michael would answer and since she was about to leave,she didn’t want to be involved in this performance.

“Let me help you call!”Seeing that she didn’t move,Madison’s eyes flashed with a fierce look.She snatched the phone away and pressed the dial button.

The long busy tone was particularly piercing in the silence,once,twice…until it automatically hung up,leaving no one to answer.

“Didn’t you hear it?Try again.”

Madison smiled and dialed again,but the result was the same.

Compared to the call that had just been answered instantly,this cold silence practically nailed Wendy to the pillar of shame.

“It seems Michael doesn’t like answering unfamiliar calls,”Madison said,her tone drawn out,sympathetic.“Wendy,don’t do such embarrassing things next time.”

Wendy tried to speak,but was silenced by the guests’disdainful or indifferent glances.Even the previously kind Bridget shook her head.

“Since you know Madison’s close relationship with Mr.Greenwood,you should have some sense of propriety.”

The comments were now out of control,with terms like“Wendy is shameless”and“18th-tier shameless girl loves to scam people”instantly becoming trending searches.

The game ended abruptly.Wendy returned to her room like a zombie.The bed reeked of mold and there was no hot water in the bathroom.

She looked at herself in the mirror,her face pale.Tears welled up in her eyes as the phone rang.

Michael finally called her back,with his usual gentleness.“Is there something you need?I was busy.”

How could he have the nerve to say he was busy?

In a matter of minutes,his beloved’s ringtone was a call,but hers was a disturbance.

Wendy raised her head and smiled,but tears silently wet her cheeks.

“I regret this,”she whispered into the phone and hung up without waiting for Michael’s response.

What she regretted most was falling in love with him.

An agonizing night passed and the next morning,the negative comments still lingered.

The recording session had concluded and when she left,no one offered to say goodbye.Only her whispered“thank you for your hard work”faded into the wind.The van slowly drove away.Wendy leaned against the window,exhausted,when she suddenly realized something was amiss.

The country road was quiet,but a gray van was following them from behind.

The phone vibrated and her agent sent a real-time screenshot:

Michael(V):[Image]The soup was almost overcooked.

Madison(V):/Happy,my favorite flavor,I’ll try it when I get back!

Then came a panicked voice.“Madison’s fans are trying to block you!Quickly,have the driver drive onto the main road—”

Before she could finish her sentence,the car’s body shook violently with a“bang!”,instantly hitting Wendy’s forehead and causing a splitting headache.

Followed by the sound of footsteps,several young men with menacing looks roughly yanked the car door open!

“Bitch!You’ve caused Madison so much grief.We need to help her vent her anger!”

“How dare you covet Mr.Greenwood?You’re such an overconfident,shameless bitch!”

In the chaos,punches and kicks rained down.Wendy’s world was drowned in pain and curses and her consciousness felt like sinking into icy waters,slowly falling towards an endless abyss.