Chapter 1

I drank until my stomach bled just to secure a lead role for Valerie Lyndon.

Instead of thanking me, she wore the ring I gave her while climbing into the bed of Manhattan’s elite Crown Prince.

I swallowed my pride and begged her to come back.

She called me a pathetic, incompetent loser.

When I finally gave up on her, my billionaire father found me.

Suddenly, she was the one begging for my forgiveness like a madwoman.

1.

“Director Miller, it’s a deal then. You’ll consider Valerie for the second lead in the new movie!”

“Alright, kid. I’ll give it to you. You’ve got guts, downing eight shots of tequila like a champ. Is Valerie Lyndon your savior or something?”

Miller laughed, leaning into the woman beside him. I bowed and scraped my way out of the VIP lounge.

By the time I stepped out, it was 1:00 AM.

I ignored the agonizing burn in my stomach and called Valerie.

I just wanted her to pick me up.

This part of town was too expensive for an Uber, and I didn’t have enough in my bank account.

Our only car was always with her.

I called a dozen times, but it was like shouting into a void.

Finally, a man picked up.

He snapped impatiently, “So annoying! Stop fucking calling while I’m busy!”

Then, the sound of heavy, rhythmic breathing filled the phone.

I went cold, my body trembling uncontrollably.

My stomach turned.

I don’t even remember how I made it to the curb.

I just remember waving down a cab.

And then, everything went black from the pain.