CHAPTER 2

I lay on my bed inside my mother's house. Refusing to get up. It's already 4 A.M, only one hour and thirty minutes away before the filming starts again.

What happened last night keeps repeating inside my head, making my heart drop and unprotected. I nuzzled my head on the pillow as soon as I noticed a tear fell to my cheeks again.

What did I do to suffer like this? What did I do to make him cheat?

Damian and I met when we became co-stars in the movie 'Dreamscape', where he became my leading man. Throughout the production, he keeps making his moves on me, telling me affirmations that often make me flattered and blush. Many people on social media keep saying our chemistry is undeniable. That's why they anticipated our movie more than we expected.

After the movie premiered, I agreed to go on a date with him. For months, it feels like I am in paradise. He lavished me and cared for me, gaining my trust and my body. After a year of dating, he proposed. Because I thought I was in love, I agreed. That was the happiest day of my life. Not until I met his mother.

Her mother hired someone to find out my background and as soon as that person found out everything about me, she looked at me like I am some kind of peasant. Often shame me for not having a father around. Telling me that my mother probably couldn't keep a husband even if she remarries again. She even blackmailed me with my own information. Telling me that the moment she exposed my background, I’ll be over.

It's not like I am afraid of her threats, I just don't want to risk my career so I remained silent. More like a doormat, letting her step on me without fighting back.

After Damian announced our engagement, both of us became even more busy with our schedules and contracts. Lots of collaboration and projects to do, but fortunately, we still got married in November… that was 6 months ago

And now…

Not even a year after tying a knot… he cheated

I want to punch him along with his mistress. He dared to bring filth onto our bed.

My phone rang, and saw Ellie’s name. I answered, “Hello?”

“Where are you, Giselle?” She asked over the phone, “I am in your house right now and a woman I've never seen before opened, she told me you're not here.”

“What are you doing there? It's 4 AM.”

“4 AM? What are you saying, Giselle? It's already 5:11 AM.”

I looked at my phone and saw that it was indeed already five in the morning. I must've lost in my own thoughts that I didn't notice the time had passed.

“Let's just meet at the filming location. I am at my mother's house.”

“What happened last night? And who's the lady in your house?” she asked

“I'll tell you later, I need to prepare.”

“Alright, drive safe, okay?”

I smiled, “Yes, Ellie,” I stated before I hung up the phone. I sighed and went to the shower to take a quick bath.

I put on a simple clothes and kissed my mother’s cheek as a goodbye, “I'll be going now, mom,”

“Wait, Giselle,” she called and placed her palm on my cheeks, “Are you alright now?”

I gave her a faint smile, “I don't want to lie to you mom, I am still not okay,” I uttered

“Are you sure you can work today?” She asked worriedly

“I'll try, mom. Thank you for comforting me last night.”

My mother embraced me, “I know what you're going through right now, so I wanted to make you feel better. No one did the same to me, that's why I want to make sure you won't feel lonely,” she stated and caressed my hair

We broke off the hug, “I really have to go now, mom,”

“What about breakfast?” She asked, “I made omelette and bacon.”

I am indeed hungry since I haven't eaten last night after the incident. I walked towards the table and ate what she cooked as fast as I could. “This is great, mom!” I uttered while my mouth is full

“Uhm… Giselle… careful you might choke on the food…”

I stopped stuffing food in my mouth and went to the kitchen to grab some water.

“I really have to go now, mom,” I said after I swallowed all the food.

My mom chuckled, “Alright, you may go now. If you want to come back here later, I'll be cooking dinner. Say hi to Ellie for me,” she added.

I nodded and rushed directly to the garage. I hopped on to my car and drove to the taping location. I looked at my watch and it's almost 5:45, I was extremely late. At this point, I'll be scolded by the director for not being on time.

I finally arrived at the location where we will be filming the next scene after a few minutes' ride. And to my surprise, only few people have arrived

I went towards Ellie, “Where's the director? Is the taping cancelled?” I asked as I looked around

She shook her head, “No, the director said something came up and he might get late. But at least you're earlier than he is.” She joked

I looked at my phone and he did send a text message saying he'll be running late. I sighed in relief.

“If I just read this earlier, I might've had time to eat breakfast properly” I murmured

“You haven't eaten yet? Come on, I saw a very good place where we can have breakfast near here.”

“You haven't had breakfast either?” I chuckled, Ellie simply shook her head as a response, “Alright, let's go.”

We went to a small business eatery and I sat on the available table. Ellie ordered the food for both of us before sitting down in front of me.

“This place is great, actually. Home cooked meals! Plus it's morning so everything is freshly cooked.” She uttered to me enthusiastically

“Do you miss home sometime?” I asked

I thought for a bit, “Well, yeah… sometimes… but thinking how intoxicating they are, I think it's best for me not to go back.”

I smiled and pats her head, “My mom said hi, by the way,”

She smiles at me genuinely, “Aww, that's so sweet of her!”

“I will be having dinner with her tonight, would you like to come?” I invited her

“Really? Okay!”

“Great!”

As soon as we received our food we immediately ate.

“So, if it’s okay to ask, who's that woman in your house?” She asked without hesitation.

I paused, I looked at her and smiled, “It's… uhm…” I don't know what to say, I have no idea who that woman is.

“It's who?” She looked at me, waiting for me to answer her question

“I- I don't know, Ellie…” I honestly stated

“Wait, you're telling me you don't know who's that woman in your house?” She asked, trying to connect everything. Minutes later, she gasped and covered her mouth, “Don't tell me… D-Damian’s having an…. affair?!” She whispered

I didn't answer. She figured it out so I don't have to respond. I continued eating my meal.

“Is it true?!” She whispered so no one around us could hear

“Yes. Please do not mention this to anyone, I don't want the public to know about my personal life.” I stated without looking at her, I am shameful for everything that happened.

“What are you going to do?”

“I just don't want to see him yet.”

“So, like what? Are you just gonna avoid him until the day you die?”

I shook my head, “Of course not. I just…. I don't know, Ellie… I have a lot to figure out now,” I said, “All I know right now is that I'm frustrated and I don't want to forgive both of them.”