Chapter 1

After two years of separation, I bumped into my ex-boyfriend, Marcus Cole, at the launch event for my family's top-tier jewelry brand.

He recognized me right away, with an unmistakable air of superiority in his eyes.

He snedred, "Scarlett? Why are you here, working the door? I heard you haven't booked any gigs in the past two years, so you went overseas to pad your resume.

"Did you hear I'm a director now and just happened to show up here, hoping to score some luck?"

I looked down at my chest. He actually thought the logo on my shirt was just a service staff badge.

Marcus sighed and contineud, "If I'd known things would turn out like this, back then, you wouldn't have thrown a fit over the lead role.

"Marissa was so thoughtful. She knew it was your dream role, and even cried to me, saying she didn't want to take it because she was worried that you would be sad.

"But you? Instead of being grateful, you broke up with me out of spite.

"Anyway, three days later, there's a big jewelry showcase here. When the time comes, you can come here to Marissa for an interview. I'll introduce you as her stand-in for the dance scenes. And I'll offer you this salary per month."

He slowly held up one finger, and I thought he meant ten thousand dollars.

But then he smirked and said, "One thousand dollars."

Seeing how smug he looked, I laughed.

I replied, "No need, Marcus. My husband doesn't like me showing my face in public, especially not as a dance double for some C-list celebrity.

"Money is never a problem for me. I've got one hundred million dollars lying around as pocket money."

*****

Marcus was stunned for two seconds, then laughed out loud.

He scoffed, "Scarlett, who are you trying to fool with such a ridiculous lie?"

He put his hands in his suit pockets, with a relaxed, almost smug posture.

He continued, "Who doesn't know that you have been with me for six years. Honestly, I'd be surprised if you found anyone who still liked you.

"Look at me now. I'm a legit director, with six projects that all got attention. You know Marissa's status, don't you?

"Back then, if you'd just listened to me, you wouldn't be stuck here greeting guests."

"But," he suddenly changed tack, lowering his voice. "Seeing you end up like this, I almost feel sorry for you. Come back to me, start as Marissa's stand-in, and maybe I'll help you become famous."

After hearing these words, I was surprisingly calm.

After two years in the world of the wealthy family, I'd seen real craziness and stupidity. Marcus didn't even compare to them.

I replied, "Marcus, I don't need a job, let alone the opportunity you gave me."

He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Really? Then what are you standing here? Trying out the real world?"

He couldn't help but chuckle at his own words.

"Alright, I know you've got your pride. So what if you're working the door? No job is beneath anyone, and I won't laugh at you," he added.

I stared at him, the face I had looked at for eight years.

Eight years ago, he was just some nobody intern, and I'd just won the Best Newcomer award.

At that time, he promised I'd be the leading lady in his first project.

But when he finally made it as a director, he called me heartless for fighting a poor girl over a part.

I didn't speak. Marcus thought he'd struck a nerve on me. His gaze zeroed in on my phone, which looked a bit outdated.

He snorted, as he'd just found proof I was lying.

"Still pretending? Isn't that the phone I gave you back then? Screen's cracked, and you still can't bring yourself to buy a new one?" he sneered.

He waved his designer watch around and said, "Marissa only uses the good stuff I gave her."

I looked down. Two years ago, this phone was actually from my husband, Silas Voss.

It was packed with memories of Silas and me.

Marcus clearly misinterpreted my silence.

He said, "See? You say you don't care about me, but deep down, you still can't let me go."

He smiled with satisfaction, as if everything was under control.

He continued, "Alright, stop acting childish. Three days later, I'll pick you up myself and give you a taste of the director's VIP treatment. Not bad, right? But you have to keep a low profile.

"Don't think you can act up just because you used to be my girlfriend. Just do whatever Marissa says. She's the main focus here, and her temper's no joke. She hates people who get in through connections.

"And about that so-called husband?"

He waved his hand dismissively and added, "This kind of lie is too childish.

"Scarlett, nobody knows you better than me. Didn't you just make this happen to attract my attention and make me regret it, and come back to you, right?"

"Congratulations, you got what you wanted," he said, leaning in, his gaze aggressive and full of confidence.

"I can let the past go. Just stick with me in the future, and we can be together again," he added.

Looking at that smug expression on his face, like he honestly believed dating him was some kind of blessing for me, I felt nothing but contempt.