Leah was lounging with my man like she owned the place. “Jordy and I have been a thing. It’s time for you to move on,” she said. I couldn’t believe my ears.
She was eating my food, wearing my clothes, using my connections to get ahead in the business, and now she was sleeping with my boyfriend. And she had the nerve to tell me to chill? “You must be the guy Eva mentioned,” a stranger said, grabbing my arm at the bar later that night. “You look handsome.
Come have a drink with me. ”
“You’ve mistaken me for someone else. ”
“I know it’s all about money, right? Tonight, you’re mine.
”
I tried to shake her off, but she wouldn’t let go. A man stepped in. “Hey, what the heck is wrong with her? ”
She turned on him.
“Mr. Griffits. Oh, sorry for interrupting. Don’t mind me.
I’m leaving. ”
After I escaped that disaster, the real nightmare began. “Miss Bulma, did you really cheat on your boyfriend? You were seen coming out of a hotel with a man.
Do you have anything to say? ”
“You have breached your contract with the company. Starting today, all brands have cut ties with you. Fail to pay the penalty and we will take legal action.
”
I was screwed. Five years ago, I disappeared from the spotlight in disgrace, and now I had nothing. But I had a daughter. Cindy was the reason I came back at all.
“Mommy, who is that? ”
I turned to see Jordy, my ex, staring at Cindy with wide eyes. “Haley, I know I messed up before, but now that you’re back, I’ll make it up to you and our daughter. I promise.
”
“What the heck? She’s not your daughter. ”
“Look at her face. She must be my daughter.
”
“Her father is much hotter than you. ”
“Stop eating. Daddy,” Cindy said, pointing at him. A man appeared out of nowhere and took Cindy’s hand.
“Hello, I’m her husband. ”
Jordy bristled. “Haley, you’re not leaving until we get this straight. ”
But the stranger had already pulled us into his car.
“Haley, start the car. Let’s go. ”
“Thanks so much, sir,” I said, breathing a sigh of relief. “And you’re going to thank me, Haley.
Here’s a friend. ”
That’s when I realized he was the man I’d tried to hire as my driver. But when I offered him a tip, he just stared at me. “You don’t remember me, sir?
You don’t remember me? ”
“Have I met him before? Nah, he’s too hot. If we’d met, I’d remember him.
”
In the following days, he kept showing up. He moved in as my fake husband to make Cindy happy, who had grown attached to him. “Can I ask you something personal? Are you married?
No offense, it’s just my daughter’s always wanted a father. ”
“Are you suggesting we get married? ”
“No. It’ll just be like a fake marriage.
I know it’s a bold request, but you agree, and I can pay you monthly. ”
“Okay, I’ll do it. ”
“What do you do for a living? ” I asked.
“I’ve been in between things. ”
“Otherwise, I wouldn’t accept to do this. ”
“But last time I saw you driving a Lamborghini. ”
“That was my boss’s car.
”
“So, you’re a driver now. ”
“Yes. ”
I had no idea he was the CEO of the Griffith Group, the entertainment empire I desperately wanted to join. When we checked into a hotel, Leah was there.
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the lovely Haley, a once big star, but now such a disgrace. I can’t believe you dare to come back. After paying a penalty of that amount, you can still afford to bring a boy toy here.
”
“If you’re done worrying about me, maybe focus on your own boyfriend. I just got back, and he’s claiming to be the father of my child. ”
“Jordy’s just being responsible, thinking he’s the father of your little bastard. But for a woman who bed hops in hotels, who knows who the father could be?
”
I tried to get the hotel staff to kick her out, but instead, they turned on her. “Mr. Green, what are you doing? Get her out of here now.
”
“Apologies, Miss Scott, but we do not cater to unreasonableness here. ”
“Do you know who I am? I’m the face of this hotel. I’ll have your boss fire you.
”
“Oh, I just got the word from my boss, and we are cutting the ties with you right now. It seems like you are out of the job. ”
“His boss? But that’s impossible.
”
I had no idea that my fake husband was the hotel’s owner. My big break finally came when I landed a chance to audition for the lead role in the show *Desires*. A manager at the Griffith Group had set up a dinner for me to network. But the producer, Mr.
Simpson, had other plans. “If you want to join the Griffith Group, I can make it happen in just a nod. Spend the night with me and make a superstar. ”
“Put your dirty hands off me.
”
“Stop pretending. You’ve been known to be associating with gigolos. ”
“I’d rather be unemployed. ”
I thought my chance was over.
But after the disastrous night, I got the call. “The Griffith Group hired me. They hired me. ”
“Really?
Fantastic. Congratulations. ”
“I’m surprised they hired me after the embarrassing mess I made yesterday. ”
“Seems like some kind of divine intervention, you know?
”
“Divine intervention? More like my damn good decision,” my fake husband said under his breath. We moved into a new place. Cindy started school.
For a moment, life felt like it was finally coming together. But the audition for *Desires* was a trap. “Miss Palmer, the director wants to see you. Please come with me.
”
I was locked in a storage room. I couldn’t get out. Through the walls, I heard them call my name. “Miss Palmer is up next, but she’s nowhere to be found.
If she doesn’t show up on time, her audition might be cancelled. ”
Then I heard him. “Haley, what are you waiting for? Get this door open.
”
He freed me just in time. I walked into the room and delivered the monologue of my life. The director stood up and applauded. “What the hell?
” Leah spat. “You tell me. You had me locked up. Seems you have little confidence in your acting skills.
”
“Haley, how dare you? I’ll tell Jordy, and there will be consequences. ”
“Telling Jordy? Really?
Is that all you got? I’m not afraid of you. ”
Later, a photographer from that night approached me in a coffee shop. “So, it was you who posted those photos years ago.
”
“What? ”
He slid a folder across the table. “Just imagine people knew that not only did you sleep with a gigolo, but then you had his baby, married him. What would they say?
”
“What do you want? ”
“Give up the lead in *Desires*. Otherwise, I’ll share them. ”
I confronted my fake husband that night.
“You don’t have to lie to me anymore. I know who you are. ”
“She knows. Well, I’ve been using my real identity so blatantly to help her.
Even a potato will catch on by now. ”
“Since you already know, I’ll admit—” he started. “You’re that gigolo from five years ago, right? ”
“Huh?
”
“I get it. Your kind ain’t supposed to mix business with pleasure. And becoming a father must have been really difficult for you. Trust me, I know.
I was hit with motherhood overnight, and I struggled too. ”
I told him about the photographer’s threats. “Leah stopped by the office today, stirring up trouble. She threatened me with some old photos.
But don’t worry, I won’t let you or Cindy get hurt. ”
The next day, the photographer found me in a parking garage. “Miss Scott. Consider this a warning.
If these photos ever get out in public, you’ll regret it. ”
“Haley, did you send those goons after me to snatch the photos? ” Leah screamed at me later. “What?
What are you talking about? ”
“You won’t get the lead role by playing dirty tricks. The role is mine, so back off. ”
I didn’t understand what was happening.
But somehow, the photos disappeared, and Leah’s social media accounts were wiped clean. A wave of relief washed over me as I looked at my fake husband, who I was starting to love. But just when I thought things were getting better, everything fell apart. The production team announced the casting for *Desires*.
Leah got the lead role. I was offered the second female lead. “Why did you accept it? ” my handler asked.
“All right, I’ll accept. ”
“Leah? How did Leah get the lead? ” I asked.
“Production team is aware that your acting is better than Leah’s. But Jordy is cast as the male lead, and they think that featuring a real-life couple in the show will catch more attention. ”
“That’s so unfair. ”
The filming was a nightmare.
Leah made sure every scene we shared was as painful as possible, especially the slap scenes. “Don’t you find it shameful to flirt with your friend’s husband? ” my line said. “Shameful?
No. You’re just a complete idiot. ”
“Cut. Brilliant.
Excellent job. ”
“Director, should be slapping in the scene. ”
“Last-minute change. The producer thinks it will really crank up the drama.
I’m sorry I didn’t clue you in earlier, Haley. I wanted to capture your genuine reaction. ”
Leah’s slaps were brutal. After the fourth retake, my face was burning.
“This is all your fault,” Leah hissed. “How’s it feel? Does your face hurt? ”
“It stings.
”
Later, a fan of Leah’s attacked me outside the hospital and I got hurt. My fake husband was furious, and the lead producer whispered that the production team wanted to change the casting. “Mr. Griffith is here.
He saw your performance and thought you were amazing. Congratulations. ”
“What? ”
“You got the lead role.
It’s Mr. Griffith’s choice. ”
“When did I get the lead role? ”
“It’s a directive from higher management.
The director didn’t like your performance. I managed to secure this supporting role for you through my own efforts. ”
Leah was furious. But I was too happy to care.
My fake husband had saved me again. Then the rumors started. Online, someone leaked photos of me and my fake husband together, and the caption screamed that I was a home wrecker. “I only told Kellen about those photos.
Could it be him? ”
The next morning, my agent called. “The team has pulled all your scenes because of the backlash. Take some time off.
I will handle things. ”
“They’ve put a hold on all my scenes. Everything’s cancelled,” I said, sobbing. “It’s okay.
I’ll take care of everything. ”
He got to work. Within days, Leah’s own scandalous photos were leaked, and she was finished. “Who leaked these photos?
Leah’s account’s gone. Well, serves her right. ”
“Haley, new engagements are lined up. Come to V your office ASAP.
”
“Great. I’ll be right there. I’m back to work. You don’t have to worry about finding another job.
”
But my fake husband was acting strange. “Why is he acting so odd today? Haley, there’s something I need to tell you. ”
“I got to run.
Just chill out. ”
“Haley, I have something to discuss with you. ”
That’s when Jennifer Campbell walked into my life. “Miss Campbell, it’s a pleasure to meet you.
And who is this gentleman? ”
“Oh, this is my husband, Kellen. ”
“What? Your husband?
”
“Do you two know each other? ”
“No, I guess not. I just didn’t expect your husband to be so charming. ”
Jennifer was the founder of the Campbell Group, a major player in the industry.
She was also, as it turned out, Kellen’s former fiancée. And she wanted him back. From that day forward, Jennifer made my life a living hell. She invested in every production I auditioned for, then blocked me at every turn.
“Haley’s acting is topnotch. Why hasn’t she landed any roles in the past month? ”
“The word is the Campbell Group is pulling the strings in the background, telling everyone not to hire Haley. ”
“Jennifer’s handiwork again.
Wherever Haley auditions, the Campbell Group invests in that production. Directors cannot cross investors. So, play the money game, huh? ”
Then the truth about Kellen finally exploded in my face.
“Did you only marry her because of the kid? ” Jennifer asked him, in front of everyone. “Yes, I love her. ”
“But how can you love her?
You’re from different backgrounds. We grew up together. You’re supposed to love me. ”
His family was pressuring him to marry Jennifer.
The news of our secret marriage had broken, and the headlines were vicious. My past with Jordy, the gigolo rumors, the out-of-wedlock child—it was all being dragged through the mud. “Mr. Griffin’s considering public opinion to cut all ties with Haley.
”
“Veto. ”
“To restore Griffin’s public image, we have decided to announce your marriage to Miss Campbell in a press conference. ”
“My father entrusted me to look after you. I’m like a father to you.
Growing up with Haley makes her the perfect fit to be your wife. ”
“If you won’t come in to Jennifer, I won’t hesitate to ruin Haley. ”
I couldn’t take it anymore. I sought him out, desperate for the truth.
“Are you Kellen or Mr. Griffith? ”
“No, you’re just a bastard worse than Jordy. Was it all just a dream, Mr.
Griffith? ”
He looked at me, his face unreadable. “Did Jordy agree to marry me because of Cindy? ”
“Yes.
”
“You don’t have feelings for me, do you? ”
“No. ”
“So it was all a lie when you promised to be my husband. ”
“About the ring.
My secretary will return it to you. I’m just a minor actress. Do you really think I’d marry you? Stop dreaming.
”
“Kellen Griffith, you’re going too far. ”
“Jennifer and I grew up together. If it weren’t for this child, we’d have been married long ago. ”
“So it was all fake.
”
“You tell me. ”
I left him, shattered. I told myself I was done with him, done with the lies. But then Jennifer threw her engagement party to celebrate her “upcoming marriage” to Kellen.
I was dragged along as her fitting model. “If Jennifer wants you to change and just do it,” my agent said. Suddenly, Kellen took the stage at the party. “Thanks, everyone, for taking time out of your busy schedules to be here for my engagement party.
Now, let’s give a warm welcome to my fiancée, Haley. ”
“What? ” Jennifer screamed. “Kellen, what’s the deal?
Get down from there. ”
“Mr. Campbell, you better explain this now. ”
“Kellen, I’m the one you’re marrying.
It’s me. ”
“You know exactly what you’ve done. ”
He started playing recordings. Jennifer’s voice filled the room.
“I wanted to break up with Haley, otherwise I won’t back down. ”
“You deliberately allowed Leah to slap Haley and then circulated the news about Haley’s kid to sabotage her career. ”
“You pretended to promo pics about the play and arranged for Haley to be assaulted and banned from showbiz. ”
“You then had scenes filmed of me and Haley together and anonymously posted them online to turn everyone against her.
”
“You pretend to be a victim and pressured me into marrying you. There was never an engagement between us. Jennifer, you brought this upon yourself. ”
Jennifer was exposed.
The board stripped her of her duties. But before she left, she hissed at me, “Kellen, Haley, you’re in for it. You left me with nothing, and I swear I won’t let you get away with this. ”
I should have listened.
A few days later, Cindy was taken. Jennifer had orchestrated it. “Do you have Haley and Cindy? ”
“Indeed, they’re in my gasp.
You have blacklisted my number. This is the only way I can get in touch with you. ”
“What are your plans with them? ”
“Kellen, you have humiliated me.
And for that, you should taste the bittersweet sting of losing your loved one. I’ve got nothing to lose. I just wanted to drag Haley and your precious daughter with me. Now, I will give you a choice.
Your daughter or Haley? Take a pick. ”
Kellen raced to the abandoned building where the police suspected Jennifer was holding them. He found Cindy first, guarded by Jennifer’s hired thugs.
“Don’t move! Put your hands in the air. ”
“Miss Aaron, you’re here,” Cindy said. “What’s happening?
”
“I’m having a chat with them. ”
Unsure of what was happening, Kellen rescued Cindy and left her with his bodyguards. But when he went after me, Jennifer had set the building on fire. “Are you insane?
” I screamed as she drenched the floor with gasoline. “Maybe I am, but I’m going to take you down. ”
“Is it worth doing all of this with someone who doesn’t even love you back? ”
“Shut up.
He’s mine, and you stole him from me. ”
Kellen appeared. “Haley, take back. ”
“Did you just pick Haley over your own daughter?
” I gasped. He pushed me out of the collapsing building, and as he turned back for me, Jennifer flicked a match. Flames erupted everywhere. I woke up in a hospital bed.
Jordy was there. “Where’s Kellen? Please tell me. Where is he?
Please. ”
“He’s in the next room. Haley, brace yourself. ”
I ran to his room.
He was unconscious, his face burned, his hand wrapped in bandages. I couldn’t stop crying. “Please wake up. Please.
Will he marry me? Yes, you fool. I’ll marry you. ”
Days passed.
Finally, he opened his eyes. A wedding was arranged at his bedside. “Mr. Griffiths, do you vow to take Miss Palmer as your wife?
For better or for worse, till death do you part? ”
“I do. ”
“Miss Palmer, do you vow to take Mr. Griffiths as your husband?
”
“I do. ”
“You may now kiss. ”
I leaned in and pressed my lips to his, ignoring the hospital monitors beeping around us. This man had lied to me, but he had also saved me.
And I knew, finally, that he loved me.
