Chapter 1

I stood by Xavier Campbell for eight years, watching him rise from obscurity to stardom. During his new song performance, he knelt on one knee backstage, his voice filled with emotion.

"Selena Jenkins, will you marry me?"

Cheers erupted from countless fans, but I collapsed onto the floor. He was singing a song written for me while proposing to his muse, his "white moonlight." As their engagement was celebrated, they embraced tearfully on stage. But amidst the chaos, I was jostled by excited fans and ended up with a broken bone, unnoticed until they left and I was finally taken to the hospital.

Ignoring the pain, I called him, but there was no answer. Moments later, his private account announced their engagement. Watching their kiss dominate the trending topics, I couldn't help but laugh at myself. I sent a message to my boss: "I agree to be Ryatt Weaver's manager."

Betrayal—I've helped you rise to the top, and I can also watch you fall.

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With my leg fractured, I barely had time to hand over my duties before I was wheeled into surgery. The anesthesia spread quickly as the bright surgical lights loomed over me, and my mind began to drift.

Eight years ago, I interviewed Xavier. He didn't have an impressive background or credentials. While others unanimously decided to reject him, I was captivated by his pure voice and signed him on my own accord. He worked tirelessly, and with my resources, his first song became a hit. On the day his album was released, he confessed his feelings to me.

From then on, we began a secret relationship, with him repeatedly promising to propose after his next song. I waited for seven years—when he finally did propose, it wasn't to me.

The image of Xavier kissing Addison Sullivan flashed through my mind, and I jolted awake to see Xavier frowning at me.

"Awake?"

I nodded, struggling to determine if this was reality or a dream.

"For someone your age, how could you fall and hurt yourself like this? Do you have any idea how inconvenient it is for me to visit you as a public figure?"

He spoke without tearing his gaze from his phone screen. Biting my dry, cracked lips, I watched the smile play on his lips, bewildered at how he could be so cheerful under such circumstances.

Perhaps my stare was too intense, for he finally put down the phone and placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Alright, I know it's tough for you, but I've been really busy, and I can't take care of you right now."

"I have a signing event this afternoon, so I need to go."

"Wait."

I grabbed his hand, my gaze locking with the figure at the door. It seemed I wasn't dreaming.

"What about you and her?"

I asked, each word tinged with a tremor. His expression shifted to impatience.

Xavier yanked his hand away forcefully, causing a jolt of pain in my leg that was now stabbing through my senses.

"It's just a publicity stunt to increase exposure for the new song. You, of all people, should understand that. Why bother asking me?"

He's a singer; what rumors does he need to stir up, especially ones involving a public proposal? Moreover, I, his manager, was utterly in the dark.

Tears born of pain and grievance welled up, but I held them back.

"Got it."

I watched him leave the hospital room, his fingers interlaced with Selena's.

"Is your manager alright? She seems pretty hurt."

"What could be wrong? She just fell. Sweetheart, don't worry about her; come with me to the signing."

Through the glass, Selena was all dolled up, clinging to Xavier. They were just like any couple in love, completely different from the secrecy of our relationship.

I carefully adjusted my injured leg and couldn't help but let out a soft laugh, mocking my own misplaced confidence and foolishness.

I thought eight years of companionship meant knowing each other's hearts. Yet, as soon as his unattainable muse appeared by his side, I was left with nowhere to hide.

I laughed until tears streamed down my face. What did my eight years with him count for?

The vibration of my phone snapped me out of my emotional turmoil.

"Phoenix Weaver, this is Ryatt Weaver. I'm looking forward to working with you."

His voice was smooth and resonant, filled with ambition. It felt like I was witnessing a new ray of hope.

"I'll make sure to guide you well."

That was my promise, and I intended to keep it.