Chapter 1

For five years, I was with Scarlett. Her latest movie became a blockbuster, raking in hundreds of millions at the box office.

I used my five years of savings to secretly order an engagement ring, believing that the day we'd finally start a family was just around the corner.

But the night before the wedding, she leaned back on the couch and casually dropped the bomb.

"The inspiration for this movie was Ethan, my first love."

"Back then, I was afraid he'd have to endure hardships with me, so I sent him abroad."

"And you, you were just a stand-in."

My hand, which was ironing my shirt, froze. "Why are you telling me this today?"

Her tone was as nonchalant as if she were discussing dinner, so entitled it was absurd.

"Ethan has suffered a lot abroad over the years. I want to make it up to him, so I already married him yesterday. But don't worry, I'll divorce him in a year, and then I'll definitely marry you."

"I haven't treated you badly all these years. I've taken care of you, supported you. You haven't lost out."

It was as if she thought giving me a hidden, unofficial position was some grand favor.