CHAPTER 1: Loveless Marriage

Five years ago...

 

"You surprised everyone with the success of the hit television series 'The Wife's Illicit Affair'! Your portrayal as a married couple is truly convincing, right? The fans even say that there's a strong spark in the SereLey love team! What can you say about that?"

Both Brantley and I laughed at the host's question, exchanging glances to see who would answer first. He gestured for me to go ahead.

"For me, well, first, I am very thankful for the fans of SereLey, who eagerly await each new episode and support Ley and me—it's really heartwarming to know that they are emotionally invested in every scene!" I said with a smile, glancing at Brantley beside me. "I don't know, but many people say that Ley and I have a real spark! It's definitely fun to know that our acting chemistry doesn't end on-screen!"

Brantley chuckled and agreed with me. "Yeah, for the fans to praise us like that—it means a lot to me, especially since I'm working with a professional actress," he said, giving me a smile. "It's nerve-wracking to think that someone might criticize me because I'm not worthy of working with her on this project."

"Wow," I laughed at his comment. "It's not just me carrying the show, you know! We're both working hard, and you deserve as much credit as I do, Ley."

Mami Vic exclaimed, seemingly thrilled. "But is it really just a loveteam? Could it be that something more is developing off-camera that you haven't revealed to the fans yet?~"

The studio erupted with excited screams from the audience, most of whom were fans of the SereLey love team that was formed through the series we were currently starring in.

My smile slightly diminished at the host's question and the teasing from everyone.

The truth was, nobody knew that I had been married to another man for two years. The media had no idea that I had a husband waiting for me behind the scenes.

"Um," Brantley scratched the back of his neck and looked at me inquisitively.

I forced a smile, indicating that I would face the audience. "Not yet, for now, let's focus on work, haha!"

"Not yet, for now?" Mami Vic emphasized, standing up from her seat and playfully interacting with the audience. "Does that mean there will be something in the future!!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and excitement. Background music added to the liveliness. I laughed along with them.

The truth was, there was nothing between Brantley and me beyond work. Yes, we were close off-camera, and he was my best friend on set, but it didn't mean anything more.

But to further boost the popularity of the SereLey love team, we were advised to create scenes that would delight the fans. This way, they would support us even more, making the show more successful.

***

After the interview, I felt tired as I returned to my car. It was late at night, and I was starving since I hadn't eaten since lunchtime.

"Are we going home now, Ma'am Serena?" my elderly driver, Kuya Pier, politely asked.

"Where else? Your boss is already mad at me for not going home, saying I'm disrespecting our marriage! If I don't go home now, I don't know what other insults I'll hear from his sharp tongue!"

"Ma'am, that's just how Sir Heskel is; he just misses you!" He started the engine, and I let out a sigh.

Misses me? Really? That's why every time he sees me, he looks at me as if I'm a disgusting insect. He just doesn't want me to cause a scene, expose our secret relationship to the media, and tarnish his reputation.

He's always so strict about my actions in front of the camera, as if I could do something wrong at any moment that he wouldn't approve of.

It's in our contract to keep our relationship hidden from the public for the sake of our reputations. So he doesn't need to be strict with me because I won't do anything that would tarnish my name.

With so many women out there, why did he choose to marry an actress if he didn't want any disturbances in his peaceful life?

I clenched my fist as the reason why he chose me suddenly crossed my mind, and frustration overcame me.

"Sorry, Ma'am Serena!" Faye entered the car looking exhausted and sat in the passenger seat before Kuya Pier drove off.

"Where were you going? I didn't see you after the show."

She hesitated to look at me. "Many people wanted to take pictures with you earlier; luckily you left quickly. Sir Brantley got caught up in it, and I couldn't pass because I didn't have my ID! The guard wouldn't let me through! Fortunately, Sir Brantley recognized me and let me in."

"Tsk! You know the guards are strict; don't take off your ID when you're on set, understood?"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

Faye was my personal maid, provided by my talented husband. She was always there for my needs, and my life became easier when she arrived.

The downside, however, was that she was a spy. She reported all my actions to Ezekiel. Isn't that amazing?

"Oh, by the way, your mother has been calling, Ma'am Serena." Faye handed me my personal cellphone.

I furrowed my brow and accepted it. There were ten missed calls and over twenty messages from her.

'Serena, don't you have a two-week break before the next shooting? Why haven't you been home for a week??? Your husband is looking for you!'

'Why aren't you answering his calls?! Do you really want to give me a headache?!'

'Do you want us to suffer? Come home now. What are you waiting for?!'

I didn't bother reading the rest of the messages and immediately powered off my cellphone. I closed my eyes and massaged my temples.

It's my mother's fault that I ended up marrying that heartless billionaire who looks at me as if I'm a big insect!

Because my mother was buried in debt from gambling, my earnings as an actress weren't enough. I don't know what she did, but one day she presented me with a marriage contract to sign!

She even attempted to take her own life when I refused, burdened with debts that I couldn't repay no matter what I did.

Even though I didn't want to marry for money, I had no other choice. This marriage was just an opportunity for us. If I didn't take it, I would regret it for the rest of my life.

But now, I already regret choosing this kind of marriage with Ezekiel. I can't feel his love, so why should I show mine?

Even though we do some things that married couples do, it still feels different because neither of us shows any emotion.

"Ma'am Serena!" Panying exclaimed as if she saw a savior when she saw me enter the mansion. "Thank goodness you're home! You should change your clothes first! Sir Heskel is waiting for you in the dining room!"

One of my eyebrows was raised. "He knew I was coming home and hadn't eaten yet, huh?" I glanced discreetly at Faye, who seemed startled and hurriedly left.

"Tsk! Has he been waiting for long?"

"Um... maybe?"

"Exact time?"

"A-Around eight p.m.?"

"An hour, is that so?" I sighed and made my way to the dining room. "I'll eat first before changing."

"Ah, alright!"

When I arrived at the dining area, I immediately saw him seated in the central chair, surrounded by rows of empty seats and various types of food.

He looked up at me as he sensed my presence. Just like before, there was no emotion to be found on his face.

He also seemed to have just come from work, as he was still wearing his business attire. But considering he had been here for an hour, why didn't he change first? Tsk!

I sat on the chair opposite him in the middle, three meters away. Then, I stared at him.

His undeniable beauty couldn't be denied. Honestly, Brantley pales in comparison to him, especially in terms of physique. But when it comes to personality, he can't compare to Brantley.

We haven't seen each other for almost three weeks. I was busy with shooting, and he was busy with his new project in business. I didn't even come home for a week just to have some rest.

Honestly, being an actress is tiring; you always have to act happy in front of the camera, and it's also tiring to come home to this mansion without any happiness. No rest!

"Why are you sitting so far away?" His voice was hoarse, and he looked tired.

"Change the dining table next time if you want me to sit close to you."

Panying approached to move the plate beside Ezekiel's plate and placed it next to mine. She also brought some dishes closer to me.

"Thank you, Panying," I said, starting to scoop food. My stomach was rumbling with hunger.

"You're welcome, Ma'am. Just eat a lot! You've lost so much weight, that's not healthy!"

"Yes," I ate without restraint, not paying attention to the man staring at me.

From the corner of my eye, I saw him move his knife and fork to eat.

"If your agency is starving you to death, you should just leave."

"No, thank you." I took a sip of juice and looked at him. "My agency values me a lot. Besides, I have a contract with them. I cannot leave, especially since our show with Brantley is still airing."

He tapped his fork on the plate, and his gaze suddenly intensified. "That... that television series you're making—when will it end?"

"I don't know?" I shrugged. "As far as I know, because of its high ratings, they will prolong the story. And we're only halfway through the plot. We still have to go through those tragic scenes, hot scenes, and a lot of drama before it's over!"

I just thought about how tired I am. Another sleepless night and an endless flow of emotions after this remaining week they gave us.

"Hot scenes...?" He lowered his gaze to the large piece of pork on his plate. I watched as he sliced it into small pieces with a small knife. "Aren't there already a lot of kiss scenes? What do you mean by hot scenes?"

"It's rated R. What do you expect?"

Besides, it's not like Brantley and I are having sex for real. That's why it's called acting—because it's not real!

I was taken aback when I heard a 'crack' sound from his plate. My eyes widened. "What cracked? Did you just break your plate?"

He had a dark expression as he set aside the knife he was holding and stood up quietly. "I'll wait for you in the bedroom."

"Huh?" I was dumbfounded as I watched him leave the dining room. "Hey, I'm tired right now! Tsk!"

I know he has his own needs, but shouldn't he be considerate of me? Instead of suddenly attacking whenever he wants.

My small, poor womanhood still can't get used to his big, thick, and large manhood!

"Ugh, whatever!" It's not like he'll ever care about me.