Chapter 1

My award-winning actress girlfriend just announced her engagement at the gala.

Overjoyed, I stepped onto the stage, but she shoved me away without hesitation.

"Could you move aside? You're blocking my fiancé's shot."

Before I could even process her words, the male actor beside her barged past, knocking me right off the platform.

Seven years of quiet devotion and unwavering support down the drain.

I was finally sick of being treated like a ghost.

Watching the two of them share a passionate kiss on stage, I turned and walked out without a word.

Back home, I packed my bags and sent her one last text.

"I wish you two a lifetime of happiness."

1 Elena didn't stroll back home until two in the morning.

Seeing my packed suitcases by the door, she picked up the glass of warm honey water from the counter and downed it in one gulp.

"Nate, what was that ridiculous text supposed to mean? The engagement with Tristan is just a PR stunt arranged by the studio. He's had bad press lately, and we need this buzz to save the box office for our new premiere."

"It was just a show for the fans, and you took it seriously? Can't you be a little more understanding for once?"

As her former manager, I knew the entertainment industry inside out.

Tonight, Elena had won the Best Actress award for her hit drama.

It was the most important milestone of her career.

It was also our seven-year anniversary.

She had promised that tonight, she would finally go public with our relationship. She promised she'd give me, the man who had stayed in the shadows as her "assistant," the official title of boyfriend.

Near the end of the ceremony, she had stood before the media and admitted she'd been in a committed relationship for years.

The crowd gasped, while my palms grew slick with nervous sweat.

"All these years, my partner has stood by me in silence. Without his sacrifice, I wouldn't be standing here today."

Tears welled in her eyes, her voice breaking with raw emotion.

My heart raced as I stepped up with the flowers and gift I had prepared.

Yet the moment Elena took the bouquet, she shoved me away with an irritated scoff.

"What are you still standing there for, Assistant Cole?"

"Could you move aside? You're blocking my fiancé's shot."

In a daze, I took a step back.

I watched Tristan slide up to her side, their fingers instantly interlocking.

He deliberately bumped his shoulder into mine, knocking me off the stage.

Right before the flashing cameras, they shared a deep, passionate kiss.