Chapter 3

Danielle's POV

Only after hanging up did Robert finally remember me. He frowned slightly.

"If the pain gets too bad, call 911."

With that, he grabbed his jacket and walked out without another backward glance.

The moment the front door clicked shut, the kettle came to a boil. The shrill whistle sounded like it was mocking the ten years I'd wasted on a relationship that had ultimately amounted to nothing.

In the end, I didn't go to the hospital. I couldn't tell whether I drifted off to sleep after exhausting myself from crying, or if I had passed out from the pain.

But the next morning, I used whatever shred of clarity I had left to do one last thing before rushing over to the awards ceremony.

…

When I walked backstage, Robert was already in the makeup chair, but the person doing his makeup was Hayley.

I didn't know what they were talking about, but they were laughing happily together. The moment they saw me, however, Robert's smile vanished. Hayley, on the other hand, lit up.

She trotted over to me in quick little steps and held out a jewelry box.

"Danielle, Robert told me that once we go public with our relationship, you'll handle the PR for us. We picked this out especially for you as a thank-you gift."

I froze, making no move to take it. "When did I ever say I'd handle your PR?"

"You're our manager. Isn't dealing with public opinion part of your job?" Robert said matter-of-factly.

"So, being your manager means cleaning up after every mess you make?"

I stared at him in disbelief, but his silence was answer enough. I took a deep breath and finally said what I'd wanted to tell him the day before but hadn't managed to.

"In that case, listen carefully, Robert. As your manager, my advice to you is not to act rashly. This won't affect just you. It'll also affect your fans, the agency, your brand partners, and your entire team. Furthermore…"

I paused and glanced at Hayley, trying to keep my tone as objective as possible.

"It'll affect Hayley the most. She'll be the person everyone tears into first. Are you sure you want to ruin her career?"

Hearing this, Hayley's face paled. Robert's expression darkened as well.

I let out a small breath, thinking I'd gotten through to him. But in the next second, Hayley lifted her head.

"I'm not afraid, Danielle. As long as I can be with Robert, I can give up acting."

At her words, Robert's expression softened. He pulled her behind him protectively before glaring at me coldly.

"Danielle, if you're unwilling to help, then forget it. But do you see it now? I made the right choice this time. She's willing to give up everything for me."

I stared at his retreating figure in bewilderment. Was he accusing me of not being willing to give up everything for him?

My eyes stung, and an absurd, bitter laugh swelled inside my chest.

"Robert, oh, Robert. You really know nothing at all," I murmured under my breath.

I didn't bother heading out to the main auditorium. Instead, I watched the ceremony from the backstage live feed.

I watched Robert achieve his dream of winning Best Actor. I heard him drop to one knee on the stage and confess his love to Hayley before proposing to her.

Almost instantly, the entire venue erupted.

At the same time, my phone began vibrating nonstop, but I ignored all the work-related calls. I only answered the one call from a familiar number.

A man's smooth, deep voice came through the line. "The paperwork on this end has been finalized. When are you coming back?"

"In a week."

Hearing my response, the man seemed to let out a quiet breath of relief.

"I'm sure your parents and your brother will be very happy. Truth be told, they were the ones who arranged that job offer."

He didn't say much else, but I understood exactly what he was saying.

Robert had always believed I was an orphan. But that was because my parents had adamantly opposed me staying in Ravenor to help Robert chase his dream in the entertainment industry, and so they had cut ties with me.

But now, they'd finally given in. They were willing to clean up the mess their stubborn daughter had gotten herself into.