1 At my best friend's birthday party, I got wasted and crashed next to a gorgeous stranger. Platonically. My so-called best friend, instead of looking out for me, snapped a perfectly angled photo and posted it to his Instagram story. The caption: “That’s my boy Leo, ‘scoring’ wherever he goes! ” The next morning, I was trending for all the wrong reasons. During a media scrum, my two childhood friends, Bella and Zoe, who had always sworn they’d trust me unconditionally, didn’t just fail to defend me—they threw me under the bus. “Leo’s always been a player, ever since we were kids. He loves the attention from women. What can we do?” “I guess we’re just not as exciting as the girls he finds on the outside. But thank God we have Finn now!” I let out a cold laugh. After deciding to quit the industry, I cornered the beautiful stranger from the party outside her hotel. “Hey. About last night. Aren’t you going to take responsibility?” Her eyes, a stunning shade of amethyst, widened slightly. “How, exactly?” “Marry me.” … When Bella and Zoe returned to our shared condo, I was staring blankly at the freshly printed marriage certificate in my hand. I was so out of it, I didn't even notice them walk up. “A marriage certificate? Whose?” Bella snatched it from my grasp, flipped it open, and let out a derisive snort. “Leo, seriously? Your career is in the toilet, so you get a fake marriage license to shut people up? Pathetic.” Zoe’s smile was more restrained, but her words were just as sharp. “A fake like this won’t fool anyone, Leo. When you’re exposed, it’ll only be more humiliating for you.” I frowned, taking the certificate back. A bitter laugh almost escaped me. These were the girls who had professed their undying devotion to me, who swore to trust me no matter what. As I stood to go to my room, my eyes met those of the person standing behind them. Finn. I was surprised to see him. “What are you doing here?” Finn stepped forward, his face a mask of guilt, and before he even spoke, he slapped himself hard across the cheek. “Leo, I’m so sorry. I swear I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. You know I’m new to the industry. I had no idea a stupid Instagram story would blow up like this.” He played the innocent victim to perfection. A damn shame he wasn’t an actor. I crossed my arms, watching him with a detached curiosity. “Then why don’t you clear things up?” He blinked, feigning confusion. “Clear what up?” “The truth, Finn. That nothing happened.” I couldn’t stand his act anymore, and my voice rose. He immediately flinched and ducked behind Bella, as if I were about to hit him. “I… I can’t lie.” “That’s enough.” Bella and Zoe instantly jumped to his defense. One grabbed my arm, pulling me back, while the other stood between me and Finn. “Leo, you’re the one who can’t keep it in your pants, and now you want Finn to lie for you?” Bella sneered. “You think everyone is like you, able to lie through their teeth without a shred of conscience?” “Honestly, you brought this all on yourself,” Zoe added, her voice laced with disappointment. “Finn is just too kind and naive. He felt so bad he insisted on coming to apologize in person, and this is how you treat him? By bullying him?” “Bullying him? Me, with no self-control?” I was so angry I could only laugh. Growing up, thanks to Bella and Zoe’s possessiveness, there hadn’t been a single other girl in my life. Even Finn, my one and only guy friend, had to get their stamp of approval before I was “allowed” to hang out with him. I’d actually been happy to finally have a brother. Now, it seemed my joy had been tragically misplaced. “I’m not arguing with you. You’re being completely irrational, as always,” Bella scoffed, taking Finn’s arm and leading him downstairs. Zoe sighed. “Leo, you need to get your act together.” She followed them down the stairs. Staring at the empty stairwell, it suddenly hit me. If I was going to sell this place, I’d have to fix it first. Years ago, I’d entered a TV talent show on a whim. I ended up getting a bit of a following and was signed by a label. After my first real paycheck, I bought this condo. Bella and Zoe, not wanting to be separated from me, used the excuse of “protecting” me to get money from their parents and buy the unit directly below mine. Then, against all building regulations, they had a spiral staircase installed, connecting our two homes. It meant they could come and go from my place as they pleased. I’ll admit, that convenience had its perks. There was a time I fell into a lake during a variety show shoot and came down with a raging fever that night. They’d come up with takeout, found me delirious, and rushed me to the hospital. But I didn’t need that kind of “care” anymore. 2 The next morning, I was jolted from a deep sleep by a frantic call from my assistant, Benny. “Leo, what the hell happened last night?” I was still half-asleep, mumbling, “Happened? With who?” “Dude, just check your socials. You’re trending again.” Trending? The fog in my brain vanished. I immediately pulled up my phone’s browser. My name was everywhere. #FinnApologizesInPerson,GetsVerballyAbusedByLeo #LeoCutsTiesWithChildhoodFriendsAndBestieAfterScandal #BellaAndZoeSpeakOutOnLeosBetrayal The comments were a cesspool of vitriol. 【What a scumbag. Can't control his own dick and now he's attacking people. I always thought Leo seemed like a decent guy, but he's disgusting behind the scenes.】 【Unfollowed him yesterday. Honestly heartbroken. Can't believe the artist I supported is this kind of trash.】 【A man with no self-respect is worthless. If I were his friend, I'd cut him off too. Who needs a friend like that?】 This was… interesting. Bella and Zoe had brought Finn over last night, and he’d left through their apartment. So how did this become about me attacking him, instead of a potential three-way scandal? It was obvious. Someone was buying bots and boosting these hashtags, using me as a stepping stone. I clicked on Finn’s social media profile. Sure enough, for a brand-new artist, his follower count had skyrocketed past 300,000 in less than two days and was still climbing. The comments were filled with people praising his "purity" and "kindness," vowing to protect him. When I switched back to the call, Benny’s voice was hesitant. “Leo… Rex said they’re putting your new album on hold. He wants you to come into the office.” “Do you need me to get the driver to pick you up?” I stretched, sitting up in bed. “No need. I was planning on seeing Rex anyway.” If I remembered correctly, my contract was up in a month. Given the current PR nightmare, the label would never re-sign me. Perfect. I was tired of it all anyway. This was my chance to just walk away. As soon as I arrived at the agency, Benny rushed to meet me, his expression a mixture of pity and anxiety. I waved a hand, letting him know he didn’t need to say anything. When I entered my manager Rex’s office, Bella, Zoe, and Finn were already there. Rex, his face grim, tossed a contract onto the desk in front of me. “The variety shows you were booked for have all dropped you. No one wants to touch you right now. This opportunity… Bella fought to get it for you. Take a look. If it seems okay, sign it.” In the middle of this firestorm, some producer was brave enough to sign me? And Bella got me the gig? Since when did she have that kind of pull? Puzzled, I opened the contract. After a few glances, I flipped to the attached script. And I laughed. This wasn’t Bella fighting for me. This was a custom-made production designed for the four of us. The script had me deliberately antagonizing Finn on camera, turning our real-life drama into a primetime spectacle to maximize the buzz. They were going to squeeze every last drop of value out of me, letting Finn build his career on my ashes. My laughter clearly unnerved Bella. “What’s so funny?” she snapped. My smile vanished. “What are you so nervous about?” I retorted instinctively. “You…” Bella clenched her fists, about to step toward me, but Finn held her back. “Leo, if you don’t want to be on the same show as me, I’ll just pull out. You really need this chance right now. Don’t let your pride get in the way.” Before I could even respond, Bella and Zoe said in unison, “No.” “Finn, you’re a rookie,” Zoe said. “Every moment of screen time is precious for you.” Rex’s face was grim as he stared at me. “Leo, this is the company’s decision!” I nodded slowly, then asked the question that had been burning in my mind. “Last night’s trending topics… that was the company’s doing too, wasn’t it?” Rex’s lips thinned into a hard line. He didn’t answer. That was answer enough. A bitter wave of sorrow washed over me. I picked up the pen from Rex’s desk and signed my name on the contract with a flourish. Everyone in the room visibly relaxed. I stared Rex straight in the eye, handing him the contract. “For ten years of guidance and support,” I said, each word precise and cold, “our debt is paid. We’re even.” Without a second glance at their stunned faces, I grabbed the script and walked out. 3 “What artist gets hit with a scandal and then immediately signs on for a show? That’s just asking for more trouble. What is Rex thinking?” Benny muttered, frowning as we waited for the elevator. I just smiled, a sad, knowing smile. “Benny, I’ve been in this business for ten years.” Ten years. I hadn't won any major awards, I wasn't a superstar, and my voice was even starting to lose its edge. Every agency needs fresh blood. And Finn just ‘happened’ to create this massive stir at the perfect time. The company might have considered damage control at first. But once Bella and Zoe, my supposed "devoted sisters," hammered the final nail in my coffin, any attempt to clear my name would have been met with skepticism from the fans. It was far more profitable to use my downfall to launch Finn. This is the entertainment industry. It’s a cruel place, devoid of loyalty. Benny fell silent, chewing on the pearls in his bubble tea. His eyes started to turn red. “But it’s not your fault, Leo. I’ve seen how careful you’ve been with your reputation these past ten years. It’s Bella and Zoe who are the ungrateful ones. Without you, they never would have even had a career, let alone become this beloved ‘devoted duo.’” A wave of gratitude washed over me. I pulled him into a quick hug. The two girls I grew up with were less loyal than the assistant I’d known for a decade. “Benny, I’m planning on leaving the business. So… use this time to figure out your next move, okay?” As I let him go, the trio walked up behind us. “Leaving the business?” Bella’s voice was sharp with suspicion. “Leo, who are you bad-mouthing now?” Her voice was drowned out by the ding of the arriving elevator. I pretended not to hear her, waved goodbye to Benny, and stepped inside. I saw a flash of annoyance on Bella's face, but she was too proud to follow me after I’d given her the cold shoulder. It wasn’t until I was in my car that I saw a message from my not-yet-well-acquainted wife, Aurora. 【Sorry, I was busy and just saw the news. Do you need me to make a statement?】 I quickly typed back, 【No, it's fine. Thanks!】 After a moment’s thought, I sent another. 【Could you book my flight to Aethelgard for a month from now? I have to film a show first.】 The reply was almost instantaneous. 【Of course.】 I cringed, feeling the awkwardness even through the screen. The truth was, when I’d cornered her at the hotel, it was a moment of pure impulse. I’d spouted all that nonsense without thinking. I never, ever expected her to actually agree—and then, as if afraid I’d back out, she dragged me straight to the courthouse to get the license. I figured she must think I was loaded with money. But then, as soon as we had the certificate, she handed me a black card linked to her private account. Holy hell. The balance in that account was more than I’d make from ten platinum albums. And that wasn’t all. She then mentioned her properties in the capital, Aethelgard, and said she’d take me to have the deeds transferred to my name. That’s when it hit me. I hadn't just married some girl. I’d married a goddamn CEO. When she later mentioned wanting to have the wedding in Aethelgard, I naturally had no objections. My parents happened to live there too. That night, I was eating instant ramen and scrolling through my tablet, looking for a construction company. Zoe came up from downstairs, snatched the ramen cup out of my hands, and tossed it in the trash. “This is what you’re eating? Come downstairs. Finn made spicy hot pot. He sent me up to get you.” I looked at her, my heart filled with a profound sense of disappointment. I’ve had a sensitive stomach since I was a kid. They both knew that. For eighteen years, they never let me eat anything spicy or raw, let alone something as oily and fiery as hot pot. But now, because of Finn, they could so easily forget something they once cared about so deeply. “I don’t eat hot pot. Give me back my ramen.” Zoe’s lips tightened. For a long moment, she didn’t move. Finally, she crouched down, meeting my eyes at eye level, just like she used to when she was trying to coax me. “Leo, I know you’re still angry. But Finn is different from you. He’s a rookie. If we don’t speak up for him, your fans will tear him apart, and he’ll never get his big break.” “But you’re different. Even if you can’t make it in this industry anymore, you still have me and Bella. We’ll take care of you.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Hard pass. I don’t eat leftovers.” My dismissive attitude infuriated her. “Leo…” she snapped, her face hardening. I was done listening to her nonsense. “Can you please leave? I’m busy.” Zoe’s face grew darker and darker until she finally stormed out in a rage. She never once glanced at what I was doing on my computer.
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