Chapter 6
922words
It would become the most humiliating day of my life.
A month before the event, a major fashion magazine featured Daniel on its cover.
When the issue hit stands, I read the interview at home.
The interviewer asked him about the turning point in his career.
His answer: "I once thought a certain relationship would advance my career, but I've realized true success comes from within. That period was actually a detour for me. While I appreciate what I learned then, I now know that relying on others only holds you back."
I stared at those words, my hands trembling.
Detour?
He called our relationship a detour.
Was he talking about me?
I texted him immediately.
"In your interview, when you mentioned 'a certain relationship,' were you referring to me?"
It took him thirty minutes to respond.
"Don't overthink it. I didn't name names. Why are you always so sensitive?"
His message made me laugh bitterly.
I laughed at my own foolishness.
I'd sacrificed my career for him, leveraged my family's empire, buried his scandals, secured his opportunities, and transformed him into a star.
In his eyes, all of that was just a "detour."
I didn't reply. I simply saved the interview.
I wasn't sure why I kept it—just a feeling it might prove useful someday.
On the night of the awards ceremony, Daniel was nominated for Best Actor in the very film I had financed.
As producer, I attended alongside him.
On the red carpet, a reporter asked Daniel about my contribution to the film.
He smiled that practiced smile. "Alice is a competent producer, but the creative success really belongs to the director and cast."
I maintained my perfect smile beside him, though my heart had turned to ice.
Midway through the ceremony, Daniel excused himself, claiming he needed the restroom.
Susan was also attending as some brand's special guest, draped in a pink gown and seated just rows away.
Minutes after Daniel left, Susan also rose and headed toward the backstage area.
A sick feeling twisted in my gut.
I waited ten minutes. Daniel didn't return.
I grabbed a glass of champagne and followed their path.
The corridor stretched long before me, harshly lit, my heels clicking sharply against marble.
Outside the green room, I heard hushed voices within.
I pushed the door open.
The scene I dreaded most in life unfolded before my eyes.
Daniel and Susan locked in a passionate embrace.
His arms encircled her waist, her hands clutched his shoulders. Her crimson lipstick had smeared across his collar—a scarlet badge of betrayal.
I stood frozen in the doorway, champagne glass trembling in my hand.
They heard the door and jerked apart.
I expected panic, stammered excuses, perhaps even shame. But instead—
Daniel showed no panic, no guilt. He simply pushed Susan aside and walked toward me with cold determination.
"Alice, we're done," he announced, his tone as casual as if discussing the weather.
My mouth opened, but no sound emerged.
He stopped directly in front of me.
"You should be more dignified about this. Stop clinging to me."
His eyes were cold and foreign—belonging to a stranger wearing Daniel's face.
I finally found my voice.
"What?"
"We've been incompatible for ages. You're yesterday's news—a has-been Best Actress. Not good enough for me anymore."
Not good enough for me.
Those words pierced deeper than any knife could reach.
"Daniel, I gave up everything for you..." My voice broke.
"That was your choice, not mine." He cut me off. "Don't play the victim card now."
Tears spilled down my cheeks.
I hated crying in front of Susan, but I couldn't stop.
Daniel watched my tears with detached curiosity, his lips curling into a cold smirk.
"Why the waterworks? Think your tears will change my mind? Don't flatter yourself."
He turned away, pulling Susan toward the exit.
As Susan passed, she paused to whisper in my ear.
"Thanks for making him a star, Alice. He's mine now."
She hooked her arm through his, flashing a victorious smile as they left.
In the empty room, the champagne glass slipped from my fingers, shattering across the floor.
Just like my heart.
I crouched down, mindlessly gathering the shards, and sliced my finger. Blood dripped onto the pristine marble, blooming into a crimson flower.
I stared at that drop of blood and found myself smiling.
I laughed at my own stupidity.
I thought he loved me. He merely used me.
I thought my sacrifices would earn his gratitude. He only took them as his due.
I thought we had forever. He'd been planning his escape all along.
A staff member appeared to clean up. "Do you need help, ma'am?"
I shook my head.
I stood, smoothed my gown, wiped my tears, and walked out with my head high.
The hallway remained brightly lit, indifferent to my tragedy.
But everything had changed.
I drove home dry-eyed.
But when I saw Daniel's photo still sitting on my coffee table, the dam broke. I sobbed until I had nothing left.
I cried for a solid hour.
With tear-stained cheeks, I called my father.
Three rings before he answered.
"Dad." My voice was eerily calm.
"What's happened?"
"You were right. I regret everything."
Silence stretched for several seconds.
"Come home, daughter. The Walton family will give you whatever you need."
I hung up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the endless stream of traffic below.
"Daniel," I whispered to the glass.
"You will regret this."
