Chapter 2

Vanessa turned and left without another word. Before she was out of earshot, I heard Mason's voice. "Vanessa, are we really just leaving? What about Beckett?"

Vanessa's reply was ice-cold. "Forget him. He's just putting on a show for sympathy. Besides, I've spoiled him for too long. It's time he learned his lesson."

With that, Vanessa drove off, ignoring my cries for help. I was desperate and broken, screaming for someone, anyone, at the bottom of the cliff. Tears streamed down my face. I had always been the one who gave more in this relationship.

Back when she dreamed of becoming a star, I used every connection and ounce of energy I had. I swallowed my pride and begged people on my hands and knees.

Later, to land her the scripts and endorsements she wanted, I went three days and nights without sleep. I drank until I had a bleeding ulcer.

At home, I took care of everything. I refused to let her lift a finger. Vanessa used to tell me I was the perfect man. She said she wanted to spend the rest of her life with me. I never imagined her idea of forever would be so short.

No one came to help, so I dragged myself up the cliffside again and again in desperation.

It got darker. The wound from the boulder earlier seemed infected now. The pain blurred my vision. I broke down and called Vanessa over and over, begging her to save me. No one answered. Just when I thought all hope was lost, the call finally connected.

"Vanessa, please, I'm begging you to help me..."

What came through the line was the sound of heavy breathing.

"Mason, slow down..."

I nearly threw up. My heart plummeted into the abyss.

That day, I thought I was going to die. Luckily, a nearby farmer found me. When I woke up again, I was in the hospital. I stared at the empty room. Then, I called my father back in Hartford.

"Dad, I agree. I'll come back for the arranged marriage and join the company to inherit the corporation."

Years ago, I ran away from Hartford to escape that arranged marriage. I came all the way here for school. That was where I met Vanessa.

I helped her build her career from nothing. I used every skill and connection I had to transform her from nobody into an award-winning actress. I put her on top of the world.

When her kidneys failed, I even gave her one of mine without hesitation. However, I regretted it now. She was not worth the depth of my love.

Dad's voice on the other end sounded relieved. "Seven years. You've finally come to your senses. Did you finally see that love is worthless?"

I closed my eyes and nodded. "Yes. My contract with her ends in a month. I'll be back on time."

After that, I spent a week in the hospital. Meanwhile, the internet exploded with news about Vanessa and Mason being together. The usually aloof Vanessa publicly confessed to Mason after a concert, promising to give him all the security he needed.

On Mason's birthday, she even rented an entire yacht to celebrate. Photos of them kissing went viral online.

I remembered how she used to forget my birthday or claim she was too busy to make time. Now, I realized it was never about being busy. She just did not care. A faint ache stirred in my chest, but I quickly pushed it aside.

When I finally made it back to the house, all of Vanessa's relatives and friends were there. Vanessa stood at the center of the crowd like a queen, holding Mason's hand.

Vanessa's mother, Patricia Winters, announced loudly to everyone, "The Laurent family finally has an heir. Vanessa is pregnant!"