61. The Red Carpet

KAYLA“I guess the limo’s here,” Maddie said.We all looked toward the entrance and, sure enough, the limo was already waiting for us.We walked toward it, and I had to smile and wave at the people we passed whenever they called my name. Like the usual movie star that I was.“Oh, Derek’s dashing as always,” Melanie whispered.She and Belinda giggled behind me as they watched Derek step out of the limo.He looked handsome, yes. He was wearing a black suit tailored perfectly to his body. He had his usual actor look, complete with his perfectly styled hair and that charming smile he always wore whenever there were cameras around.I used to love that smile.I fell in love with that smile.But now, I couldn’t help but feel irritated whenever he smiled. Because I knew that behind that charming expression was the true color of the person who broke me.“Hey, my love,” he said with a smile as he offered me his hand.I stared at it for what felt like forever before taking it anyway.I forced my

62. Always On Mind

CORVINThe hotel was busier than usual tonight. Every corner was filled with people in expensive suits and elegant gowns. Cameras flashed from every direction, reporters moved around with their microphones, and the sound of people talking filled the entire lobby.I've attended countless events like this before, but tonight was different. Not because of the premiere. Not because of the celebrities.Because she’s here.I stood near the entrance with a few members of our management team, greeting guests and exchanging polite smiles. Since our family owned the hotel where the premiere was being held, I was also invited.It was expected of me to be here, so I came.But then I saw her.For a moment, everything around me seemed to slow down.She stepped out of the car wearing a dress that made her look almost unreal. Her hair was styled perfectly, her makeup was soft but striking, and she carried herself with the kind of confidence that made people turn their heads.The cameras immediately w

63. The Bathroom Scene

KAYLAMy heart was beating so fast inside my chest that I felt like it was about to jump out of my body. I had to hold onto the bathroom sink the moment I got inside. My fingers gripped the edge tightly because, if I didn’t, I’d probably be on the floor by now.Seeing him looking like that–like some prince straight out of a storybook, hurt like hell. Because I knew I couldn’t touch him. I couldn’t be with him. I couldn’t hug him.It was torture. I admit it. I miss him.My life shifted into a different phase without him. It was like something was missing, and somehow, he was the missing piece.God, I’m hopeless.I’m crazy.I stared at myself through the mirror. I saw the miserable Kayla staring back at me. The Kayla who had to pretend she’s happy tonight when, in truth, she just wanted to disappear.I’ve had too much faking tonight. I don’t think I can handle it any more.I took a deep breath before deciding to go inside one of the cubicles. I had to keep myself together for a few more

64. The After-Party

KAYLAAfter the showing comes the after-party. From a glamorous and classy dress, I changed into a sparkly spaghetti-strapped dress that falls just in the middle of my legs. It looks sexy and a little playful, which suits the event tonight.After changing into my dress for the after-party, I headed back to the rooftop where the party was being held. A lot of people were already there, and everyone seemed ready to let loose after the long night.I didn't have Derek with me, as we were staying at different hotels. My team had to drop me off at the venue because I insisted that he not fetch me this time. I didn't want that after what he did.He did wait for me before he got inside, though. Because if he didn't, rumors would surely spread, and that's something he couldn't afford right now.Especially knowing I have something on him.His brows were in a knot when he saw me getting out of the car."Disappointed?" I grumbled when I got near him."Shut it," he replied.I almost rolled my eyes

65. The Morning After

KAYLAI stared at the ceiling, a million thoughts swimming through my head, while fear lingered deep inside me.The room was already dark, and I was alone on this huge queen-sized bed. Alone with my thoughts. Alone with my tears.After what happened, Derek apologized furiously and insisted that I stay here. He said he would come back in the morning. I was too dumbfounded to react. Too stunned to fight back, to retaliate, or even move.When I think about it now, there were moments when he wanted to hurt me. But I was too emotionally devastated to notice the signs. I was so focused on the pain he was causing me that I never really stopped to think that he might actually hurt me physically.And when I think about it even more, he only hurt me because of Sarah.Was he really in love with her?Enough to hurt me like this?Enough to throw away everything we had?Was I not even worth being honest with?I mean, if he had just told me that he was in love with someone else, that he wanted to be

66. Panic Attack

KAYLA“That fucking asshole!” Maddie commented after I told her everything that’s been going on between Derek and me.It was so draining having to retell all those stories, but I had to. I needed someone to vent to. If I kept everything inside, I’m sure I would explode sooner or later.I was a ticking bomb, and once I got triggered, all of my secrets might spill. And I couldn’t afford for that to happen.“He texted me earlier, telling me to bring you meds, food, makeup, and clothes because you were hungover,” she said. “I wasn’t sure if it was true, but I went anyway. I was even impressed by how much he seemed to care about you. But God!”I slowly shook my head, unsure of what to say.“That wasn’t caring, Maddie,” I finally said. “He was trying to make sure I looked fine. He didn’t want anyone to notice what happened.”Maddie’s face softened. She looked at me for a few seconds before asking, “Does Casey know about this?”My heart skipped.“No,” I quickly answered.“Are you sure?”I no