It was only because I shamelessly pursued him that he agreed to be with me.
There was a pause, then a sigh.
“If this is what you’ve decided, I’ll support you. You’ll always have a home to come back to.”
After hanging up, I sent an email to HR to terminate my contract.
I had originally planned to finish my contract and then retire from Hollywood to marry Adrian.
That evening, the Award Ceremony took place as scheduled.
I arrived in a custom-made gown. As I walked in, people’s gazes lingered on me, full of strange meaning, though I didn’t understand why.
Out of habit, I walked toward the front row.
But in the seat beside Adrian—where I should have been—sat Chloe Miller.
I froze.
Adrian glanced at me, his eyes flickering briefly before his tone cooled.
“Sit in the back. Chloe isn’t used to her first award ceremony, so I’m staying with her.”
Chloe tilted her head and gave me a smile.
I looked her over. She was dazzling, dressed boldly—not at all like a rookie actress.
Her gown was the final masterpiece of the renowned designer Mia.
The sparkling earrings on her ears were the very pair of couple’s earrings I had custom-made for Adrian and me while filming in Germany.
Urged by the staff, I sat in the back row, where I had a clear view of the two of them chatting intimately.
Soon, the announcement for Best Actress was made.
The director even had the camera trained on me, my face magnified on the big screen. Around me, people turned with congratulatory looks.
My fingers tightened around the hem of my gown.
This award was mine.
When Adrian first founded Rose Pictures, I gave up my position in my family’s company and signed with his fledgling studio.
For five years, I worked tirelessly, studying scripts and honing my craft.
Everyone agreed I had long since earned this honor.
And yet—the winner of the Best Actress Award was Chloe Miller.
When she hopped excitedly onto the stage, the entire hall was stunned.
Directors I had worked with shouted about corruption.
“Who is this woman? What work has she even done?”
“This award must be rigged!”
Even rival actresses spoke up.
“She barely has two obscure films to her name. By seniority and skill, Sophia Green should have won!”
I sat still, my eyes fixed on Adrian.
But his gaze was on Chloe alone, and he led the applause.
Now, Rose Pictures was no longer the small company it once was. Adrian held absolute power. No one in the industry dared oppose him.