Chapter 1

At the wrap party for our new movie, I suddenly announced our divorce.

Julian looked mortified. He quickly covered by claiming I was drunk, trying to drag me back to the green room.

"Evelyn, what the hell is this about? Just because I gave Chloe the lead in my next project?"

I nodded calmly.

"You've already won every major award! Do you really need one more movie?"

"We've always been good together. Announcing a divorce out of nowhere in front of the entire press is going to ruin both of our careers!"

"Once you're in the lounge, I'll go clear this up with the reporters. You need to sit down and reflect on what you've done tonight."

Julian was convinced I would never leave him.

To the outside world, we had the fairy-tale romance—Hollywood's golden power couple.

Too bad for him, I was done playing my part.

When I arrived, reporters were already swarming around my husband, Julian, and the rising starlet, Chloe.

"Director Cole and Miss Miller look stunning together! Can we get a shot of you two?"

Chloe was wearing a striking crimson gown, while Julian had a matching red rose pinned to his lapel. They looked like a picture-perfect match.

Julian didn't even try to hide it. When Chloe leaned in close, his arm naturally wrapped around her to pull her in.

"Sorry I'm late," I said calmly.

I was already used to this.

Julian frowned the moment he saw me. He leaned in and whispered sharply against my ear:

"Why aren't you wearing the white dress I picked out for you? Black doesn't suit you. Besides, tonight is all about introducing Chloe. You're going to steal her spotlight."

I was the actual lead of this film, yet my own husband was demanding I play background decor for someone else.

I offered Chloe a polite smile and ignored him completely.

Seeing everyone gathered, the host raised a champagne flute.

"A toast to a record-breaking box office—"

"Chloe can't drink. Her stomach is sensitive," Julian cut in abruptly.

He brushed past me, stepped up to Chloe, and gently took the flute from her hand.

"Thank you, Julian," she whispered softly.

Whispers of praise rippled through the crowd about what a true gentleman he was.

"It's obvious Director Cole thinks very highly of our new talent, Chloe. How would you rate both leading ladies' performances?" a reporter asked.

"Evelyn was steady, as always. But Chloe? She's the real standout. She has raw, magnetic brilliance. Give her a few more opportunities, and she'll be walking up to the podium for Best Actress in no time. In fact, she's already locked in as the lead for my next film."

He dismissed my entire performance in half a sentence, yet showered Chloe with endless praise.

I forced a faint smile, exhausted to my core.

"Yes, Julian already gave me the heads-up," Chloe chimed in, pretending to look bashful. "It's my first lead role, though, so I'm honestly terrified."

"Don't worry," Julian said, his voice softer than it had ever been with me. "I'm right here with you."

Applause and congratulations echoed across the room. Chloe turned toward me with a smug gleam in her eyes, though her voice remained sugary sweet.

"Evie, I know I lack experience. I already asked Julian to cast you as the supporting lead so you can mentor me on set."

Since when did I need charity roles handed to me by an amateur?

Before I could decline, Julian answered for me:

"Evelyn is an industry veteran. She'll guide you well."

Until tonight, as long as I was in Julian's films, I was always the leading lady.

The room erupted into quiet shock.

"Wait, this is the first time he's ever relegated Evelyn to a supporting role, right?"

"Who is this girl? Even Evelyn has to step down for her?"

"They definitely have something going on behind closed doors."

Chloe tilted her head, her smile dripping with venom. "Evie, at this stage in your career, mature and quiet supporting roles suit you so much better anyway. The lead takes so much youthful energy, right? Think of it as passing the torch to the next generation."

I didn't hold back. I took my glass of champagne and splashed it right into her face.

The room instantly fell dead silent.

"Miss Miller, as a newcomer, the very first thing you need to learn is respect," I said evenly.

"Coming at me with backhanded insults—do you really think this industry has no rules left? You don't need my acting lessons. You need a crash course on basic decency and how to respect your seniors."

Humiliated and furious, Chloe raised her hand to throw her drink back at me.

I was already prepared. I stepped aside gracefully and put on a look of sheer, composed disbelief.

"What are you doing, Miss Miller? Did I say something wrong? You throw a tantrum and get violent just because someone called you out?"

The glances from the press and crew instantly shifted, filled with judgment toward Chloe.

Julian immediately ripped off his suit jacket and draped it over Chloe's soaked shoulders, his tone frantic and tender.

"Get to the dressing room and change before you catch a cold."

When he turned to glare at me, his eyes burned with pure fury. He offered a strained smile to the flashing cameras.

"Apologies, everyone. A little misunderstanding."

"If she doesn't know the most basic set etiquette, I don't mind teaching her," I said smoothly.

Julian opened his mouth to snap at me, but a reporter cut him off.

"Evelyn, are you and Julian... having marital issues?"

"Not issues," I replied, my voice crystal clear.

"We're getting a divorce."