Chapter 2
At first, I refused to believe it, telling myself maybe there was just a misunderstanding.
But when I came across Devon's chat history with Lexi, my heart sank.
Lexi wrote: [I'm pregnant. So when are you dumping her?]
Devon replied: [Just give me a little more time. I know it's tough on you and the baby, but please hang in there for now.]
Devon: [I've finally built up my persona, and everyone in showbiz is watching me. I can't let anything mess up my career now.]
Turned out, he never loved me, not even a little.
He only stayed with me to protect his precious career.
After the engagement party, Devon and I went back to the house we shared.
He bought this place with the money he earned from his very first film.
Back then, he wrote my name on the deed so earnestly, promising me this would be our home.
Today, the house felt extra warm and inviting, with adorable pink-themed decor everywhere you looked.
Devon used to say that when we finally tied the knot, we'd decorate this place for the wedding.
After we showered, we each lay down on our own side of the bed.
His long fingers were flying over his phone, texting away. I was pretty sure it was Lexi he was messaging.
Lexi didn't show up at our engagement party today, saying she was tied up with some showbiz event.
Not long ago, she posted a bare-faced selfie on social media, looking all cozy at home. She even tagged me and wrote a long, heartfelt message wishing me well.
Her fans flooded the comments, saying how jealous they were of our 'sisterly bond' and couldn't stop raving about how gorgeous she was.
But honestly, the irony wasn't lost on me.
Devon and Lexi really were a perfect match, both masters at selling themselves to the world.
I was lost in thought when Devon leaned in toward me.
His strong hand wandered over my body, his breath hot against my ear.
I froze, not daring to move.
He kissed me, his hand slid under my nightgown.
I jolted awake and reached out to stop him before he could go any further.
Devon looked at me, puzzled, his gaze burning with desire.
"Etta, I want you," he murmured.
I shook my head without hesitation, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm tired. Sorry."
The desire in Devon's eyes slowly faded. He was quiet for a few seconds, then pulled his hand back and sat up, his gaze lingering on me.
He said, "You don't have to say sorry. I should've thought it through. You've been running around in heels all day.
"Get some rest. I need to head back to the office and deal with a few things."
He stood up, about to walk out.
I reached out and held onto his shirt, my voice soft and pleading.
"Can't you stay? I want you here with me," I whispered.
A flicker of hesitation crossed Devon's eyes, but he shook his head.
"You go ahead and sleep. I'll come back when I'm finished," he said.
Half an hour later, I pulled up his location on my phone and saw he was at Hyde Garden.
That was the place Lexi just bought.
My heart went cold.
Devon was gone the whole night.
I just lay there in bed, wide awake, watching the ceiling go from pitch black to slowly light up with the first rays of morning.
At seven in the morning, I saw a post Lexi had put up on her secret account.
The photo showed a shirtless guy in the kitchen, making pasta.
The caption read: [Thank you for loving me.]
Even though it was just a shot of his back, I could tell it was Devon.
I recognized the tattoo on his lower back. It was a string of letters: DBEH. Those were our initials.
At nine o'clock, Devon came back. He even brought me my favorite pastries.
That bakery was more than 25 miles away from our place. I couldn't figure out why he'd go out of his way like that.
Maybe he just wanted to ease his own guilt a little.
I sat at my computer, working on the script, with tired eyes and dark circles showing.
"You didn't sleep at all last night?" Devon asked.
Devon was always so observant.
Devon came over, his brows knitted. "Seriously, Etta, how many times do I have to say this? Your health can't handle these all-nighters."
I lifted my head and met his gaze, my expression completely unreadable.
He probably thought he'd startled me, so his voice dropped lower, trying to coax me.
"Why don't you eat something? I brought your favorite pastries," he said softly.
I just sat there, didn't budge, quietly staring at him.
Devon kept his gentle tone, still trying to comfort me.
"Not hungry? How about I make you pasta?" Devon said softly.
That hit a nerve. I shouted, "Enough!"
Devon just stood there, totally caught off guard by my outburst.
Just a few hours ago, he was sleeping with Lexi, and even lovingly made her pasta. Now he was doing the exact same thing for me.
The whole thing made me want to puke.
Devon looked at me, a little lost, but I could already see the impatience flickering in his eyes.
"Are you feeling sick or something? Maybe you should just lie down," he said.
I wondered how he was such a natural at this, juggling two women, never missing a beat.
Was he really the big shot actor on screen, or was his whole life just one long performance?
As those thoughts swirled, my eyes started to sting with tears.