Chapter 2

Crystal Merry stepped into the bathroom early that morning to refresh herself. Leonard had already left to meet his mistress, as usual.

Alone again, she found herself wondering how her father could have sold her so easily—as though she were nothing more than a bargaining chip.

She could not understand it. Perhaps she never would.

Just as she changed into a bathrobe, her phone buzzed.

She paused.

It was a private message from Priya Brown, the director of an international company.

Crystal’s expression shifted instantly.

She moved quietly toward the window and glanced around to ensure no servants were nearby.

Even a passing car outside caught her attention. Only after confirming she was alone did she answer the call.

When she spoke, her voice was no longer soft or wounded.

“Hello.”

The transformation was unmistakable. The fragile, humiliated wife was gone.

In her place was a calm, composed woman whose tone carried authority and confidence.

This was a side of Crystal Merry no one in the Harrison family had ever seen.

Her voice over the phone was commanding, yet calm at the same time.

“Good morning, Ms. Bella,” Priya said excitedly.

“I am so happy for you. Every movie industry is looking for Ms. Bella Brown."

"Every major studio wants you to star in their films. Each one of them is willing to pay millions just for your acting.”

Priya continued speaking breathlessly, barely pausing between sentences.

Crystal stood still, her expression unreadable.

On this side of the world, she was known as

Crystal Merry — the neglected wife of Leonard Harrison.

But on the other side, she was Ms. Bella Brown, the mysterious actress every producer was desperate to sign.

A double identity.

“Good,” Crystal replied coolly. “I don’t have time right now. I’ll call you later.”

Her tone was sharp and professional. Without waiting for a response, she ended the call.

For a moment, she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

Bella Brown.

Crystal Merry.

Two names. Two lives.

And soon, the world would discover that the woman Leonard Harrison had dismissed so easily was the very star the entire film industry was fighting over.

Crystal stepped into the bathroom and slowly sank into the warm water.

The heat wrapped around her like a quiet embrace, gradually soothing the anger burning inside her.

She closed her eyes.

For a brief moment, she allowed herself to let go of the painful memories—the humiliation, the loneliness, the betrayal.

The water muffled everything, as if the world outside no longer existed.

After finishing her bath, she wrapped a towel around her hair, gently drying the strands. Her mind felt calmer, lighter.

But the peace did not last.

The moment she stepped out of the bathroom, she saw him.

Leonard Harrison was seated on the edge of the bed.

He had already removed his suit jacket, and it lay neatly folded beside him. His presence filled the room with a heavy, suffocating tension.

Crystal froze.

Her steps halted instantly. Her body stiffened, and her thoughts went blank.

She had not expected him to return.

And judging by the unreadable expression on his face, he had not returned for something simple.

This was perhaps only the third time in three years of marriage that Crystal had found herself alone in the same room with Leonard.

In all those years, he had never slept beside her.

They had never shared a meal as husband and wife, never done anything a real couple would do.

To him, she had been nothing more than a shadow—something present, yet insignificant.

A fragile figure that could be blown away by the slightest pressure.

Crystal clenched her hand into a fist.

What did he want now?

Refusing to show weakness, she walked past him toward the walk-in closet,

pretending not to notice his piercing gaze.

Yet she could feel it—heavy and unmoving—following her every step.

Still, Leonard did not speak.

He did not move.

He simply watched her with a strange, unreadable expression, one that sent an uneasy chill down her spine.

The silence between them stretched, thick and suffocating.The silence between them was suffocating, thick enough to choke on.

Then—

“So you pretended you didn’t see me?”

Leonard’s deep voice cut through the room.

Crystal felt a chill slide down her spine.

Slowly, she turned around to face him. This time, she did not lower her gaze.

She forced herself to meet his eyes directly.

She had the courage.

The boldness.

She would not look away.

Leonard Harrison’s lips, already curved downward in their usual cold expression, tightened even more. His eyes darkened as they studied her.

For a brief second, something flickered across his face—confusion? Displeasure? Surprise?

Crystal noticed the slight frown forming between his brows.

Before he could say another word, she turned her back on him and walked toward the closet.

She would not let him see how fast her heart was beating.

She opened the wardrobe and pretended to search for a dress.

But she could feel it.

His eyes were still on her.

Watching.

Piercing.

It felt as though his gaze could strip away every layer of defense she had carefully built around herself.

Without thinking, she grabbed the first dress her hand touched and walked toward the dressing table, her movements controlled but hurried.

Behind her, Leonard still hadn’t moved.

He was simply observing her—like a man seeing his wife for the very first time.