Chapter 3

The reporters' voices drew closer.

If I walked out now, what awaited me wouldn't be an interview—it would be an execution.

"Scarlett, do you admit those chat logs are real?"

"Adrian said your marriage put immense pressure on him. What's your take?"

Those voices filtered through the walls, more piercing than any direct accusation.

Three years ago, when Adrian and I decided to hide our marriage, we thought we were protecting each other.

I never imagined that one day, that choice would become a weapon used to destroy me.

"Make them leave," I said, looking at Adrian. "Now."

Adrian didn't move.

He just looked at me with conflicted eyes.

"Scarlett, going out there right now will only make things worse."

I froze.

"Worse?"

"Adrian, I've already been framed as the woman who trapped you in a marriage."

"How could it possibly get worse?"

He parted his lips, but didn't immediately reply.

That hesitation made my heart sink completely.

Because I suddenly realized he was calculating which option would cost him the least.

"What are you going to do next?" I stared at him. "Keep letting everyone believe I forced you into this?"

"No," Adrian muttered. "Scarlett, I didn't have a choice."

"No choice?" I repeated. "When you chose to tear me down, how did you come up with that choice?"

Adrian's brow furrowed tightly. "You know the situation. Every brand is watching this."

"They don't want their ambassador caught in a marriage scandal."

"If we don't handle this right, both our careers will go down."

I looked at him. "So you decided to ruin mine first, so at least yours could be saved."

His face darkened. "That's not it."

"Then what is it?" I pressed. "Adrian, tell me—if you were the one being misunderstood by the whole world today, would you accept it?"

"What makes it more ridiculous is that the person slandering me is my own husband."

Just then, Vanessa, who had been quiet beside him, gave a soft laugh.

"Scarlett, you still don't get it."

I turned to her. "What do you want me to get?"

She straightened Adrian's cuff.

"You need to understand that Adrian isn't the fresh face who just started walking runways three years ago."

"He has countless deals, brands, fans, and an entire team behind him."

"He can't let everyone's hard work go down the drain over a private relationship."