Chapter 1

My girlfriend told me she had a surprise waiting for me at the press conference for her new movie.

I thought she was finally going to go public with our relationship, and I was so excited I couldn’t sleep all night.

Dressed in my best suit, I showed up holding a bouquet of 999 red roses that I had carefully prepared.

Yet under the blinding flashes of the media cameras, she casually introduced me to the crowd.

“He is just an assistant who helped me buy flowers.”

Then, she turned around and presented the giant bouquet to her leading man.

“On screen, you are my fated lover. Off screen, would you be my real boyfriend?”

Standing under the spotlight, she smiled radiantly while an icy chill seeped deep into my bones.

In that exact moment, I knew it was time to let go.

The camera flashes were blinding, stinging my eyes as I stood frozen.

Not far away, Summer Sullivan and Shawn Evans embraced tightly on stage.

The bouquet of roses was carelessly tossed aside onto the floor.

Strangers stepped all over the bright crimson petals, crushing them into pieces just like my heart.

She had promised me a special surprise at this premiere.

I had even bought the roses and an expensive diamond ring in advance, planning to propose the second our five-year relationship went public.

Instead of finally stepping into the light after five years of secrecy, I was hit with a brutal blow.

She did announce a relationship today.

Except it was with a young actor she had met only six months ago.

I touched the custom-made engagement ring in my pocket, feeling the bitter sting spreading through my chest.

The hall erupted with cheers as reporters swarmed them for juicy gossip.

Nobody noticed me standing alone in the dark corner.

I let out a faint, self-deprecating smile, turned around, and walked out of the venue.

The moment I got into my car, Summer called me.

Her voice was sharp and impatient. “Where the hell are you? Didn’t I tell you to wait for me by the entrance?”

I looked up at the tiny photo hanging from my rearview mirror.

In the photo, Summer only showed the side of her face.

She used to say she hated taking photos, which made this our only picture together.

Now I realized how absurd that was.

She was an A-list actress adored by millions. How could she hate taking photos?

My throat felt dry and tight. “Do you have anything you want to explain to me?”

“Explain what? Stop changing the subject and get your ass back here right now!”

She hung up before I could reply.

I gave a mocking chuckle, ignored her orders, and drove straight back to our apartment.

Late that night, when Summer finally returned, I had already packed my bags.

Her face darkened instantly when she saw the suitcase by my feet.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Facing her irritated gaze, I replied calmly, “I’m moving out.”

“Caleb, what kind of midnight tantrum is this?”

I said nothing, gripping my suitcase handle and walking toward the door.

“Cut it out. Where else can you even go besides staying with me?”

When she realized my steps didn’t falter, her expression shifted.

She rushed over, grabbed my arm, and softened her tone slightly.

“Caleb, please don’t be mad.

“You know how this industry works. A lot of things are just publicity stunts pushed by my agency. As my assistant and my boyfriend, you should support my career.”

Listening to her excuses now, I only felt like laughing.

Forced?

She was an award-winning movie star now. Who could possibly force her?

“Then tell me, who forced you to confess your love to Shawn Evans in front of the world?”

The living room fell dead silent as she guiltily averted her eyes.

“It was just PR hype! My new movie just hit theaters, and fans are obsessed with our on-screen chemistry. It was all acting for the cameras. Don’t be so jealous.

“The only person I truly love has always been you!”

With that, she wrapped her arms around my waist and kissed my cheek.

How familiar those words sounded.

It reminded me of five years ago, right after I bought my first car with my own earnings.

We got into a terrible car crash on a deserted highway while out for a drive.

She had desperately dragged me out of the burning, overturned wreckage, saving me from being consumed by flames.

When I woke up in the hospital, she cried and swore I was her one true love, saying she couldn’t live without me.

Because of that devotion, I chose her for life.

I even cut ties with my wealthy family, turned down an inheritance worth billions, and became her personal assistant.

I stayed by her side through countless sleepless nights when she was just an extra, watching her rise to become a celebrated superstar.

And what did I get in return?

She completely erased my sacrifices and publicly mocked me as a servant.