Chapter 2

My life went on as usual, busy with schedules, filming, and making money.

My time off was spent at home with my three little ones.

One day, right after finishing work, I rushed home.

The nanny had called. The kids had gotten into a fight at school.

There was a parent-child event at school today; the nanny went in my place.

When I got home, the kids were already there.

Aaron, my eldest, had a face that mirrored Luke's, but now it was marred by bruises and scratches; still, he remained silent.

My second son Ben and my youngest daughter Callie were clinging to each other, crying their eyes out.

They weren't hurt, though.

The nanny couldn't calm them down.

Seeing me was like seeing a savior.

"Miss Perry," the nanny greeted me.

"Mommy!" Ben and Callie ran to me, throwing themselves into my arms, their cries growing louder.

Aaron looked at me, eyes red, stubbornly refusing to cry.

I gathered all three into a hug, my heart aching as I asked Aaron, "Does it hurt?"

I lifted my hand, almost afraid to touch his bruised face.

"It doesn't hurt," he said bravely, shaking his head.

"Mommy, he got hurt protecting us." Callie hugged my leg, utterly wronged.

At the parent-child event, all the other kids had their parents there. Only mine had the nanny. No mommy or daddy.

One kid called them bastards.

Callie cried from anger.

Ben, heartbroken for his sister, angrily went to hit the other child.

Aaron stepped in to protect his younger siblings, and the other kid's parent took sides. Aaron got hit several times, and his face was scratched.

"Mommy, we're not bastards. You said Daddy just went to work far away and he'll be back soon," Callie sobbed, breath catching.

"Mommy, I miss Daddy," Ben cried too.

Aaron's eyes were rimmed red, silently watching me.

"I'm sorry, my darlings," I said, full of guilt as I held them close.

I was a public figure.

Having children out of wedlock? A career killer.

So I couldn't reveal them.

Going to parent events was out of the question.

I knew this would be the outcome when I was pregnant.

I knew keeping it from Luke and having them alone was selfish.

But when the doctor told me I had triplets, I just couldn't give them up.

It took a while for the kids to calm down.

"Mommy, when will Daddy come home?" Callie asked again, eyes wide.

I opened my mouth but had no answer.

Seeing my discomfort, the nanny quickly made an excuse to take the kids to bed.

After they fell asleep, she came to talk to me. "Miss Perry, children need to grow up in a normal family environment to be mentally healthy.

"What happened today might happen again. The other child's family apologized, but the kids are still scarred.

"Miss Perry, you're still young. You should find a father for the children eventually."

I stayed silent.

Maybe I should be brave. Just this once.

If not for me, then for the kids.

For the first time in all these years, I took the initiative and knocked on Luke's office door.

"Miss Perry. Is there something?" Luke closed the file in front of him, his expression cool.

I clenched my fingers, took a deep breath. "Mr. Morris, are you... single?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Luke's face.

He was silent for a moment before speaking. "Miss Perry, I'm sorry. I like someone else. Please keep your distance."

I froze.

Someone he likes... Grace?

Everyone always said Luke and Grace were a thing.

But Luke has never publicly admitted it.

Even when the media pressed him, he explained they were just friends.

After clarifying, he still appeared everywhere with her.

But now, Luke was telling me straight up. He had someone he liked.

It had to be Grace.

My sarcastic remarks to Grace in the bathroom now seemed like a joke.

I was the clown all along.

It felt like a slap in the face. I fled the office, humiliated.

Luke wanted distance.

I wasn't about to shamelessly chase after him.

I hadn't for these past six years.

But before, accidentally running into him would make me happy.

Now, I avoided him at all costs.

As for the kids, if I couldn't give them a complete family, I'd work hard, earn money, and provide for them materially as best I could.

Their mother would never do something like break up someone else's relationship.

I filled every moment of my schedule.

Keeping busy meant no time for pointless thoughts.

A few months later.

I saw the headline. "Luke and Grace to Announce Engagement."

In the photo, Grace stood beside Luke, grinning triumphantly.

She was really about to become Mrs. Morris.

So, Luke really did like her.

Childhood friends, perfectly matched families, what a lovely love story.

Given Grace's hatred for me, once she became the rightful lady of Starlight Entertainment, my life would be hell.

So, I asked to terminate my contract.

Luke requested to see me.

In his office.

"Why terminate?" His demeanor was still aloof, his dark eyes serious.

I could see no trace of engagement joy on his face.

But that wasn't my concern.

To him, I would forever be a stranger.

"A smart bird chooses the right branch," I said.

Luke elegantly poured a cup of coffee. "Isn't Starlight's offer good enough? You can make requests."

I looked at him. "Mr. Morris, I don't think I need to spell it out, do I?"

Luke replied, "Go ahead."

"You're getting married," I said.

Luke just stared at me, silent.