Chapter 1

Devon Banks was the biggest star in the country, loved by millions, always under the spotlight.

He never cared about hiding, going public with our relationship, telling the world he wanted to marry me, even have kids with me.

But he didn't know that I'd already found the prenatal report he tried to hide.

The mother's name? Lexi Marshall, my best friend.

*****

At the engagement party, guests kept pouring in, all eager to congratulate us.

Most of the crowd were showbiz insiders, and a few were even legendary directors from around the globe.

A month earlier, fans had secretly filmed Devon decorating the venue for the engagement party.

The video was grainy and obviously shot on the sly, but Devon's ridiculously good looks were impossible to miss.

That same night, Devon shot straight to the top of the trending charts.

Fans went wild, saying I was incredibly lucky to end up with him.

Today, Devon was beaming, one arm wrapped around my waist while he raised his glass to the guests.

Whenever someone tried to toast me, he'd always take the glass and drink on my behalf.

Every so often, he'd helped tidy my outfit and softly ask if I was feeling tired.

Guests nearby couldn't hide their envy. Quinn Markey, a director, remarked admiringly, "Devon, you really treat your wife well."

Devon gave a bashful smile. "She's not quite my wife yet.

"But I'll do my best to win the Best Actor award and finally marry Etta.

"Hope you'll give me a shot to learn from you, Mr. Markey."

With that, he gave me a gentle smile, like he was making a promise.

An ache gripped my heart.

I nodded in apology and slipped away to the dressing room.

The makeup artist saw me come in, quickly stood up to give me her seat, and started fixing my makeup.

Devon followed me in, leaning against the table and watching me with a focused, gentle look, like I was the only one in the room.

The makeup artist snuck glances at Devon, her eyes crinkling with a knowing smile.

She remarked, "Mr. Banks, you really do love Etta, just like the rumors say. Fans outside are losing their minds with envy."

I didn't say a word, just met Devon's eyes in the mirror.

I lowered my gaze, my mind swirling with thoughts.

If he really loved me, why would he turn our engagement party into just another red carpet event for the industry?

If he really loved me, how could he have a child with someone else?

And that someone was my best friend.

When Devon first burst onto the acting scene, he was always making headlines for his wild dating life, swapping girlfriends every month.

But once Devon and I got together, I was the only one by his side, and his scandals died down for good.

He even made our relationship public when he was at the peak of his fame, just to make me feel secure.

Back then, tons of his fans turned on him, spamming his feed with all kinds of nasty comments.

No one believed we'd last, saying I'd be lucky to make it more than a month with him.

After all, I was just a nobody, while he was the hottest star around.

Who would've thought we'd actually last five whole years together?

Slowly, people online started calling Devon a real man, saying he'd turned over a new leaf and had the guts to go public with our relationship at the peak of his career.

Everyone thought I was the one Devon truly loved, and I believed it too.

Whenever he was on set, filming shows, or at social events, he always kept his distance from the other actresses.

Devon would video call me every single day just to check in. His assistant would joke that Devon was hopelessly in love, that all Devon wanted was to stick by my side, barely caring about acting anymore.

Back then, I felt guilty, worried I was holding Devon back.

But he'd always turn around and comfort me, telling me to focus on writing my script and promising he'd be my perfect leading man one day.

I was touched and a little guilty, secretly vowing to write the best script ever, just so Devon could play my leading man.

Later, Devon got really sick, and I followed him to the set, just to look after him.

Whenever he was filming, I was always nearby, ready with his water and snacks.

I kept a constant eye on him, worried he might have another health scare.

I handled everything for him, his food, his clothes, his daily routine. I was pretty much his shadow.

Only when he was asleep at night did I finally get a moment to myself, so I could work on my script.

People on set kept whispering that I was only hanging around Devon to keep tabs on him.

But Devon understood everything I did for him. He'd reassure me behind the scenes, and go out of his way to clear things up with everyone on set.

Back then, I was so touched I wanted to hand him my heart on a silver platter.

I swore to myself repeatedly I'd be even better to him, and stick with him all the way.

Then, two weeks ago, everything changed.

I was putting away his clothes when I stumbled across a pregnancy report hidden away in the deepest pocket of his jacket.

The name on it was Lexi Marshall, my best friend.