A Stranger on Her Stage のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 1 - チャプター 10

The studio felt like a freezer, the air conditioning on full blast.I zipped up Noelle's jacket as she buzzed with excitement. Her cheeks were rosy with anticipation. I let out a resigned sigh."Daddy, is that the Super Babies Dash Forward track? It looks super easy!"Noelle pointed at the stage's centerpiece, her eyes alight with the thrill of the challenge.I tousled her hair gently. "Noelle, let's make a deal. Once we're done here, we'll head straight home. Your mom's waiting for us to have dinner."I would not have dreamed of entering that world if Noelle had not been glued to the TV, watching the show's trailer. She begged to take part, right after we had landed and were still shaking off the jet lag.Especially since it meant running into the last person I wanted to see.I had heard Jennifer Shaw had become a celebrated actress, her trophy shelf heavy with awards, her calendar booked solid. A family variety show like that should not have been on her radar.However, then t

Jennifer was speechless.The air hung heavy for a few seconds.Then, she erupted into a grating laugh, her body quivering with mockery."The show's top sponsor? Everyone knows the Shaw Group runs the show."In the end, it all boils down to ambition, doesn't it? What's the matter? Done with playing the devoted lover? Now, you're just a kept man, huh?"Cedric, you're shameless! Claiming I'm your wife when I've never agreed to such a thing?"Noelle's face flushed with anger, and she was about to let loose a torrent of words.I held back my daughter, my gaze turning to ice."Jennifer, if you won't believe us, there's nothing left to discuss. Come on, Noelle, we're leaving."I took Noelle by the hand and headed for the door.However, Jennifer blocked our exit, one hand on the door and the other propped against my side, trapping us in her power play."Leaving? Not until you've explained yourself."She looked down, her presence suffocating.I could only look at her and feel sorry

The hallway felt like a vacuum.Jennifer's eyes were glued to Melanie, her lips twitching, the term 'brother-in-law' crumbling in her mouth."Sis, what did you just say?"She pointed at me, her finger shaking wildly, disbelief and absurdity swirling in her eyes. "You're saying he...he's...""Are you having trouble understanding plain English?" Melanie did not even bother to look at her straight, just cradled Noelle in one arm and looped the other around my waist, a clear statement of ownership and protection.She turned to the director, who looked like he had seen a ghost. "We're done recording for today. And I expect no fake stories about my husband and daughter tomorrow. Got it?"The director was drenched in sweat, nodding as if his life depended on it. "Got it! Got it! Ms. Shaw, don't worry. We'll act like none of this ever happened!"Melanie looked away, pulled me close, and we walked away.Passing Jennifer, she paused, her voice frosty as she said, "And you. Take a good lo

Jennifer, clad in a crisp white suit, glided through the banquet hall with the dapper Elliot. They were the center of attention, basking in the crowd's admiration."She's really talented for her age.""I've heard Mr. Baker's latest production is set to be a smash hit. Truly a beautiful couple."Jennifer's smile was practiced perfection, but her eyes kept straying to the door, filled with a dark sense of expectation. She bided her time, waiting for Melanie to show up alone so she could openly taunt her about her 'hidden love' pretense.However, as the clock hit seven and the party officially started, the sound of footsteps echoed from the spiral staircase.All eyes and lights turned to Melanie as she descended in a stunning black gown, her presence impossible to ignore. She was on my arm as I looked sharp in a deep blue suit, my features needing no embellishment. Beside us was little Noelle, dressed in a matching outfit. Together, we were the picture of unity.Jennifer's smile sei

The venue was packed with reporters and cameras at the ready.Melanie did not do what everyone expected by clearing up the rumors.Instead, I took the stage.Dressed to the nines in a crisp white suit, my hair perfect, I owned the room.The giant screen behind me flashed with my new title.[Chief Designer for the Shaw Group's premier jewelry line 'L&Z' - Cedric]The crowd gasped."Good evening, I'm Cedric," I said into the mic, cool as a cucumber. "We're here for two reasons tonight."First, to unveil L&Z's latest design vision."And second, to set the record straight."No sooner had I finished than the screen switched gears.Gone were the sketches of glittering jewels, replaced by a video and a string of damning chat screenshots.The video showed Elliot from four years back, cutting a deal with a tabloid reporter."Leak these texts, and claim Cedric sold them to you. Do it, and there's 7500 bucks in it for you."The chat logs laid out his whole scheme: how he plotted my