Chapter 1

In the dressing room of the wedding of the century, I was wearing my custom-made wedding dress when my phone lit up.

Henry White sent a message: [Winnie, something happened on Nancy's set. I have to go over there. The wedding will be delayed by two hours. Can you explain to the guests for me?]

Before I could reply, another message popped up. [It's Nancy's first time as the lead, and she's really stressed out.

[She's been crying nonstop on set today, and everyone's waiting for her. I'm her friend, so I really have to be there.]

[You're a pro agent now, Winnie. I believe you can handle this kind of situation. Two hours will fly by.]

I stared at the screen, my fingers unconsciously tightening around my bouquet.

Five minutes later, the number one trending topic popped up.

It was a photo of Henry and Nancy Green on set. He had his arm around her shoulders, and she was leaning against his chest, smiling with her eyes crinkled.

The caption, posted from Nancy's account, read: [Thanks, Henry, for coming to see me even though you're so busy. I finally nailed the scene today.]

The comments section was blowing up.

[Wait, isn't Henry getting married today?]

[He bailed on his own wedding to be with Nancy? Poor Winnie. That's brutal.]

[No way, is this the wildest scandal of the century or what?]

Then, Henry's third message came through. [You saw the trending topic, right?

[Can you post a statement saying you've got commitment issues and that you called off the wedding yourself? It's the best way to protect both our images.]

When I didn't reply, he added: [Winnie, don't get upset. Once Nancy wraps up filming, we'll have a grander wedding, I promise. You're my agent. You know better than anyone I can't have any negative headlines right now.]

I stared at my phone screen and laughed so hard that my makeup started to run.

The makeup artist carefully handed me a tissue. "Winnie, do you want to fix your makeup? Everyone outside is asking what's happening."

I didn't take the tissue.

I opened the drawer and pulled out the contract that had been sitting there for five years.

On the cover, the title was "Exclusive Management Contract," signed by Henry White five years ago.

Back then, he was an extra, completely invisible in the industry. I was the one who brought him into the spotlight.

I dialed a number I'd had saved for five years but never called.

He picked up almost instantly, his voice tinged with surprise. "Winnie?"

"Josef," I said, my tone businesslike. "Remember that offer you made five years ago? Does it still count?"

There was a three-second silence on the other end. "Are you sure about this?"

"I'm sure."

"Alright. I'll have someone come to see you tomorrow."

After hanging up, I lifted the hem of my wedding dress and walked out of the dressing room.

Outside, over three hundred guests were whispering among themselves. The moment they saw me, the room fell silent.

I gave everyone a slight bow. "I'm sorry, but the wedding is canceled. But you can keep the wedding favors. Please enjoy the party tonight."

With that, I turned and walked away.

Behind me, the room erupted in an uproar, but I didn't want to hear a single word of it.

Henry's call came through only after I got into the car.

His tone was laced with impatience. "Peter said you told the guests the wedding was canceled? Who told you to do that? I said it was postponed, not canceled."

"It was my decision," I replied.

"What do you mean?" His voice shot up. "Winnie Sterling, are you messing with me? I already told you. I went to the set just to help Nancy out. You're my agent, can't you wrap your head around something this simple?"

I leaned back in the car seat, watching the street scenes blur past the window. "Henry, let's break up."

There was a two-second pause, and then Henry laughed, so sure of himself, almost mocking. "Alright, when you're done with your little drama, come back to me.

"I'll give you a day to cool off. Tomorrow, you post the statement, and we'll carry on like nothing ever happened."

"You're not getting it. We're done. The engagement's off, and I'll have my lawyer reach out to you about terminating my contract as your agent."

His laughter stopped cold. "Winnie, have you lost your mind? You really think you can make it in this business without me? Who else do you have?

"Without me, you're nothing. Don't forget, I made you. You were an assistant before I came along."