Chapter 3

The Benedict standing before me felt like a stranger. My heart sank, as if it had been plunged into an icy abyss. Five years together meant nothing compared to his precious first love.

When I brought up ending the contract, he shot me down. But all it took was his first love batting her lashes, and he caved instantly.

Seriously, this guy was nothing but a jerk!

I bit my lip and asked, "So what about the termination fee?"

Benedict said, "I'll pay you double."

Alright, that was more like it. Who in their right mind would turn down extra cash?

Sure, I lost my shot at love, but at least I was walking away with a fat breakup payout and double compensation!

There were no regrets. Not even a little!

I signed the termination papers with a flourish and didn't look back as I walked out.

Stepping out of L&B Entertainment, I let out a long sigh and dialed up my dad.

"Hey, Dad, I'm tired. I want to come home," I said.

"You little brat, done playing around and finally wanted to come home?" my dad teased, his voice booming through the phone.

His familiar, thunderous voice made me smile despite everything.

"Yeah, I'm over it. I broke up with Benedict. Dad, let's pull our money out of L&B Entertainment," I said.

"Just come home soon. Your mom and brother have been missing you," my dad replied.

Five years ago, I was hell-bent on becoming an actress, even though my whole family was against it. In a fit of rebellion, I packed my bags and stormed out, swearing I'd never take a dime from them again.

That all changed when I met Benedict. I couldn't stand watching him drink himself to sleep every night because he couldn't get investors for his projects.

Left with no other choice, I secretly asked my dad for help.

My dad always talked tough, but his heart was soft. He said no at first, but the very next day, he had someone reach out to Benedict—using my brother's name, of course—and took care of the company's money problems.

Till this day, Benedict still had no idea that his company's second-biggest shareholder was my brother, Marshall Palmer.

With the Palmer family pulling the investment, Benedict's company was about to turn into a total dumpster fire. Let his darling first love handle the mess this time.

I'd had enough. I decided I should be out!

The annual Antasha Charity Gala was the most glamorous event of the year, drawing the eyes of everyone in the entertainment and fashion circles. Award-winning actors, actresses, powerful investors, and all sorts of high-profile celebrities were invited to attend.

Marshall and I showed up as the official representatives of the Palmer family.

It had been ages since I'd set foot at such a high-profile gala, and I couldn't help feeling nervous, trailing behind Marshall and doing my best not to stand out.

"Mr. Palmer, pleasure to meet you. I'm Benedict Fuller. Here's my card," Benedict said, stepping forward.

He was dressed in a sharp black suit, wearing the navy blue tie—the one I gave him. He handed Marshall his card with a steady, self-assured air.

Marshall didn't bat an eye. He just looked at Benedict with a cool detachment and said, "And what can I do for you?"

Benedict, still unaware that I was standing behind Marshall, continued, "I hope you don't mind me asking, but may I ask why you decided to withdraw your investment from L&B Entertainment?"

Marshall scoffed, his voice full of contempt. "People who bite the hand that feeds them always get what they deserve."

Benedict's expression went stiff. He just stood there, shell-shocked.

But Lilliana, standing right beside him, couldn't hold back anymore. She jumped in, eager to stick up for Benedict.

"What's that supposed to mean? How can you slander Benedict like that?" Lilliana snapped.

I smirked, cradling my wine as I stepped out from behind Marshall.

"Mr. Fuller, you know better than anyone whether that's slander or not," I said.

Benedict looked genuinely surprised when he finally noticed me.

Lilliana shot me a snide look and said, "How did a D-list nobody like you even get in here? Did you get in by sleeping with Mr. Palmer..."

Before she could finish, Marshall slapped her hard across the face.

"Who let this trash run her mouth here? Open your eyes and take a good look. She's Meredith Palmer, the only heiress of the Palmer Group, and my little sister," Marshall said coldly.

Lilliana clutched her face and retreated behind Benedict, not daring to say another word.

Benedict looked like he'd seen a ghost, his eyes wide and breath catching. His voice shook as he barely got the words out, "Mer... why didn't you ever tell me?"

"Would you not have broken up with me if you'd known?" I shot back.

Lilliana immediately clung to Benedict's arm, staking her claim. "Benedict and I have been together since we were kids. If I hadn't gone abroad, you never would've even had a shot with him. Now things are just going back to how they should be!"

I stared straight into Benedict's eyes and asked, "Summer Night Stars—isn't it really about you and Lilliana? You picked me for the lead because when I played the piano, I looked just like her, didn't you?"

He couldn't look at me, lips pressed tight as he turned his head away.

I kept pushing, my words cold and relentless. "This whole movie was your love letter to her. She saw it, and now she's finally back. So I'm just disposable now, right?"

Lilliana blocked my way, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "Exactly. You were just a stand-in. Now that I'm back, you can get lost!"

I let out a cold laugh and poured my wine right over Lilliana's head. "Shut up. I'm talking to Benedict. Stay out of this!"

Lilliana shrieked and shoved me away. Benedict's icy facade finally showed a crack, his voice low and brimming with anger.

"Meredith! Don't go too far!" he snapped.

The commotion caught everyone's attention, and all eyes were suddenly on me and Lilliana.

"Wait, isn't that Lilliana, the pianist who just came back from overseas? Why does she look such a mess?" someone whispered.

"I heard she's the real-life inspiration for the main character in Summer Night Stars. Now this is about to get juicy!" another person chimed in, clearly loving the drama.

Seeing the crowd gather, Lilliana instantly switched to her damsel-in-distress mode—clutching her hands to her chest and dabbing at her eyes like she was about to burst into tears, playing the victim for all she was worth.

"Meredith, I know you have feelings for Benedict... but Benedict and I are truly in love. Please, just let us be together..." she pleaded, her voice all soft and pitiful.

People who didn't know the real story probably thought I was the other woman, out to steal her man. Suddenly, everyone was whispering and shooting me dirty looks.

"Miss, I think you must be mistaken. Why would my fiancée be interested in your boyfriend?" The voice was cool and magnetic, slicing through the commotion.

Everyone turned at the sound, only to see Preston Terrell himself, the movie king, standing there.

I was rooted to the spot, staring in disbelief at the man who ruled the entertainment industry.

Since when did I become Preston's fiancée?