Chapter 1
I'd been secretly married to Ryan Cooper, the superstar actor, for six years. In this industry, everyone mocked me—the shameless, clingy manager who just wouldn't leave him alone.
Ryan never denied it. Never set the record straight.
At the wrap party for his new show, someone called me out in front of everyone.
"Some people can't take a hint. Ryan and Olivia are official now, and you're still hanging around like a third wheel."
Ryan was busy cutting steak for Olivia Lane. He didn't even look up. "Emma, know your place."
In my past life, I snapped. I pulled out my phone and showed everyone our wedding photo, but Ryan just said coldly, "Are you insane?"
To protect Olivia's "innocent" image, he blasted a statement across the internet, calling me a delusional stalker who photoshopped everything.
I got blacklisted from the entire industry. When a crazed fan killed me, Ryan was at a glamorous fashion gala with Olivia.
With my last breath, I finally understood—I was just the first person he threw away after making it big.
Now that I had a second chance at life, I looked at his indifferent expression and swirled my drink.
"You're right, Mr. Cooper. I really didn't know my place.
"I've emailed you my resignation. Starting tomorrow, I won't be your manager anymore."
*****
Ryan's hand froze mid-cut.
The entire table went silent, everyone glancing between the three of us.
Olivia, the female lead of the new show, stiffened for a second before plastering on that fake smile.
She tugged gently at Ryan's sleeve, her voice wounded. "Ryan, what's going on..."
I had zero interest in watching their drama. I set my glass down and walked away.
Images from my past life flashed through my mind.
It was in this very hotel that I'd shown our wedding photo on my phone, and Ryan snapped, "Are you insane?" in front of everyone.
The next day, every media outlet dragged me, accusing me of faking evidence and harassing Ryan.
I was blacklisted. In the end, I was killed by a crazed fan.
Right before I died, the TV showed Ryan and Olivia at some fancy fashion gala, soaking up congratulations.
"Emma!"
Ryan chased after me to the elevator, grabbing my wrist.
"What's your problem now?" His face was stormy. "Resign? Who said you could just leave?"
I yanked my hand back and pulled the contract termination papers from my bag.
"Read it carefully, Mr. Cooper. My release was signed off by upper management. You don't get a say in this.
"I emailed you my resignation a month ago. By law, I can quit with 30 days' notice, and today's day 30.
"My resignation is totally legit."
He snatched the papers and scanned them, eyes widening in shock.
This termination agreement was something I'd arranged, thanks to connections I'd built in my previous life.
After my death, a media mogul who owed me a favor personally made sure Ryan paid the price.
This time, I played that card early.
Ryan gripped the papers tight. "I won't allow it."
I laughed. "And what gives you the right to stop me? That marriage license you kept hidden? Or is it because you let everyone treat me like a pathetic stalker for six years and never said a word?"
Ryan pressed his lips together, silent.
Olivia rushed over, clutching her dress. "Emma, please don't be mad at Ryan. It's all my fault..."
Every word dripped with a sickening intimacy.
I sneered, "Get out of my way."
She really was an actress—her eyes instantly turned red, looking all pitiful and helpless.
"You..."
She acted like I was being harsh on her.
"I said, get out of my way."
She instinctively stepped back.
"Emma," she choked out, "Ryan and I got together because of the show. If that makes you unhappy, I apologize..."
"Don't bother," I said, hitting the elevator button. "Whatever you two do is none of my concern."
Ryan didn't budge, his tone icy. "Think carefully. If you walk away now, there's no coming back."
The elevator doors slowly slid open.
"Perfect," I said, stepping inside. "I never planned on coming back."
As the doors closed, I caught Olivia leaning into Ryan's arms, her lips curled in a triumphant smile.