[I deeply apologize for stirring up drama to gain attention. I digitally altered the wedding photos with investor Asher Monroe to embarrass Nora. I also want to apologize to Nora Wallace. I never intended to take her leading role. I hope we can work together harmoniously in the future.]
My hands trembled as I read it.
The apology post came with a shocking attachment—a fake depression report.
Asher had gone so far to protect Nora that he painted me as a deranged lunatic.
Terrified, I opened the comments. Each one stabbed deeper than the last:
[Terrible actress, 1st place for being a mistress. The entertainment industry is in a mess because of people like you.]
"Everyone can see how good Asher Monroe is to Nora. The whole network sees it in the eyes. And here’s Lily Rose, butting in and playing the victim. How shameless."
Panic overtook me as I tried to type explanations, but the more I replied, the crueler and more vicious the comments became.
Suddenly, Asher snatched my phone out of my hands. He sighed in exasperation.
"Stop reading this. Just apologize to Nora and I will release a statement clearing your name."
I reached for my phone, but he called for someone to hold me down.
They pressed down on my injured left hand and I screamed in pain.
"Ahh!"
Asher finally seemed shaken. He ordered them to let go and scolded them,
"Why were you so rough with her?"
He crouched beside me, gently helping me up. "If you were not so stubborn, you would not have gotten hurt."
Clutching my throbbing hand, I bit through the pain and glared at him. "And whose fault do you think these injuries are?"
He avoided my gaze, frowning. "I told you, if you just apologize, I would not let the online harassment worsen."
I shook off his hand and forced myself to stand. With a bitter smile, I said, "Fine. I will apologize—but only if you sign the divorce papers."
His face froze for a second before he chuckled coldly.
"Lily, do you really think anyone else will give you opportunities to act? Who would cast you as the lead in a major movie without me?"
He thought his usual manipulation would still work, that I’d obediently fall in line like I always did.
"I know you are upset, but I told you I would never hurt you."
But this time, I was done.
I thought back to the day we got married. He had suggested keeping our marriage a secret to protect my career and I had believed it was because he truly loved me.