During a brand livestream, I couldn’t fight the nausea and ended up throwing up twice on camera. A minute later, Carter Sterling sent me a text: “Why are you throwing up? If you’re not feeling well, end the stream. I’ll come pick you up.” I replied: “I’m fine. Just thinking about you makes me sick.” Chapter 1 Carter Sterling. The current king of Hollywood, heir to a massive corporate empire, and possessor of a face so flawlessly handsome it could make girls faint with a single glance. He wasn’t just a phenomenal actor; he could play the piano like a maestro. And as of today, he was my ex-boyfriend. I’m Blair Mitchell, a newly rising starlet in the entertainment industry. My career was finally on the upswing, and I had just dumped him. The main reason? I was terrified our secret relationship would be exposed and ruin my acting career. My trajectory could have ended right there. I was wide awake to the reality of this business; I absolutely refused to sacrifice my career for love. At least, that was the lie I told myself. The real reason was that Carter was trash. On Valentine’s Day, I had just wrapped up a shoot. Wanting to give him a huge surprise, I slipped into his favorite little black dress and snuck into his penthouse bedroom. Instead, he gave me the biggest surprise of my life! He walked into the apartment laughing and chatting with Chloe Vance, a wealthy socialite. I looked down at the text he had sent me just two hours prior: “Stuck on set today. Might be back really late, but I bought you a present.” I instantly felt a massive pair of green horns growing on my head. I exploded. I leaped out of his bedroom, pointed right at his nose, and screamed, “Carter! You bastard!” When he saw me, his body stiffened. His brows furrowed slightly before he casually took off his suit jacket, draped it over my shoulders, and said in a maddeningly calm voice, “Blair, I ran into Chloe downstairs. I just brought her up to grab something.” I wrenched my arm out of his grasp, threw his jacket onto the rug, grabbed the Birkin bag I had left on the bed, and glared at him. “Carter Sterling, I’m officially announcing that we are done.” He reached out and grabbed my arm again, a flash of irritation crossing his handsome face. “Blair, stop throwing a tantrum.” Chloe covered her mouth in shock, stepping forward to gently pull at my sleeve, her voice dripping with fake innocence. “Oh my gosh! Carter, are you dating this girl? I am so sorry, I had no idea! I shouldn't have come up with you. You two talk, I’ll just leave.” She pretended to pull me back, but she didn’t even look at me. Her eyes were glued to Carter the entire time. And Carter, that jerk, actually held her back to explain! “Chloe, wait a second. I’ll be right with you.” He was holding onto me with one hand and telling her to wait with the other. Wow. It’s the 21st century, and he still thought he could have his cake and eat it too? Even if he was the crown prince of the Sterling Corporation, I wasn't having it. I absolutely refused to swallow this humiliation. “Let go! Carter!” I yanked my arm away with all my strength and stormed out. It wasn't until I reached the elevator that I realized he hadn't chased after me. “Fine! Good riddance. The next one will be better,” I muttered to myself. But seeing my reflection in the polished elevator doors, my eyes stung, and two frustrating tears rolled down my cheeks. Thank God his penthouse had a private elevator. I quickly pulled a mask and sunglasses out of my purse and hid in the lobby restroom, waiting for my manager, Valerie, to bring me some normal clothes. Valerie helped me out of the dress, frowning as she scolded me. “I told you not to date him! Do you have any idea how powerful the Sterling family is? Now look what you’ve done. If you offend him, how are you going to survive in this industry?!” I pouted, staying silent and taking the scolding. “You didn’t actually offend him, did you?” Valerie paused, leaning in with a look of pure dread. I was about to answer when my stomach violently turned. “I don’t… hurk.” “What’s wrong with you?” Valerie eyed me suspiciously. “Nothing… I probably just caught a chill running downstairs,” I said, rubbing my stomach. It felt like a balloon had popped inside me, filling me with air. Once changed, Valerie and I bundled up and hailed a cab. My phone buzzed. A text from Carter: “Where are you? I’ll drive you home.” I locked the screen and tossed the phone into my bag. When we reached my apartment building, Valerie reminded me to take some medicine and make sure I was in top shape for tomorrow night’s livestream. Chapter 2 Carter and I met at a brand gala. It was freezing that winter night. As a low-tier actress, I had no choice but to wear a skimpy, backless evening gown, sitting at my table shivering. When we finally got a break, I sneaked out into the hotel corridor to soak up some of the heater's warmth. That was when I ran into Carter, who had stepped out for some air. It was the first time I had ever spoken to him; before then, I had only admired him from afar. He was ridiculously handsome. Six-foot-two, broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs. His tailored black tuxedo hugged his perfect physique. He was leaning against the wall with his overcoat draped over his shoulders, his cold, beautiful eyes casually sweeping over me before landing on his own shoes. He exuded an air of absolute aristocracy. I admit it, my heart skipped a beat. He fit my image of the perfect man completely. Rich, gorgeous, and talented. I lowered my head to compose myself, and then his deep, smooth voice drifted over. “Aren't you cold?” I looked up to see him handing me his heavy overcoat. My heart went into overdrive, pounding against my ribs like a motor. I stared at his perfectly sculpted lips, totally starstruck, and mumbled, “Is this… for me?” His face remained impassive. “Who else? A ghost?” I looked around frantically, searching for cameras. I didn't dare start a rumor with a superstar of his caliber; his rabid fanbase would tear me to shreds. He sighed. “There are no cameras here.” I carefully took the coat and wrapped it around myself. Carter lit a cigarette. The white smoke swirled around him, making him look like a mysterious prince in the dark. We stood there in silence for ten minutes before I handed the coat back to him. Strangely, after that night, I started running into him everywhere. If it wasn't at industry events, it was at hotels. We slowly got to know each other. He invited me to a music festival, and I agreed. That night, half-drunk and flushed, I knocked on his hotel room door. “Carter Sterling. Be my boyfriend.” Yeah, I was that bold. I wasn't going to let a perfect man slip away. I had to try. Through my blurry vision, I thought I saw a flash of smug satisfaction in his eyes before he softly replied, “Okay.” I froze, not knowing what to say. It was that easy? He pulled me forward, and I stumbled into his arms. His soft, warm lips covered mine. The crisp scent of cedar mixed with a faint hint of tobacco rushed into my senses, and I completely forgot how to resist. The hormones of new love have a way of making you lose your mind. Chapter 3 We started dating. By unspoken agreement, neither of us made it public. When Valerie found out, she tore me a new one. She said I could mess around with anyone, but never Carter Sterling. The capital behind him was immense; a small-time actress like me couldn't afford to cross him. When he got bored and tossed me aside, I’d lose everything. But love had blinded me. I didn't care. What was the worst he could do, eat me alive? Besides, I never expected to marry into his billionaire family anyway. As long as I had him for a while, I’d be happy. I didn't realize that missing someone could become a physical ache, even after knowing they’re garbage. The Sterling family was a dominant force in New York, with their hands in multiple industries, including entertainment. Carter was their only son and the definitive heir. He just happened to like acting, so he played around in Hollywood. Now, I believed Valerie. You do not mess with Carter. When disaster hasn't hit you yet, it’s easy to brush it off. The morning after our breakup, I opened my phone to a headline: “Carter Sterling Spotted with Mystery Non-Industry Girlfriend on Valentine’s Day!” I stared at the paparazzi photo of him and Chloe laughing together, and my heart clenched. So much for "stuck on set." That evening, my livestream was popping. The chat was flooded with “Blair is amazing!” and “So gorgeous!” I had just played a very likable supporting role in a hit drama, moving me from a nobody to a rising star. I kept glancing at the clock, wondering when I could log off. My stomach was violently rolling. The next second, I gagged right at the screen. “I’m so sorry, my stomach has been acting up,” I quickly apologized. If I didn't, the haters would come for me. “Is Blair okay?” “Poor thing!” “Ugh, I hate actors who fake being sick for attention.” I kept bowing and thanking the supportive comments, praying I wouldn't dry-heave again. Back in the dressing room, I pulled out my phone and saw Carter’s text. Seeing his name made me furious. I fired back: “I’m fine. Just thinking about you makes me sick.” The moment it sent, I regretted it. Would he retaliate? Would he have me blacklisted? Probably not. He wasn't that petty. My head was spinning and I felt completely drained, so I headed straight home. When I flipped on the lights in my apartment, I nearly jumped out of my skin. Carter was sitting on my couch like a stone statue. “Are you trying to scare me to death so you and your childhood sweetheart can live happily ever after?!” A smug smile touched his lips. He walked over slowly, trapping me against the wall, and whispered, “So that’s why you’re mad?” I rolled my eyes and started listing his crimes. “You lied about being on set. You went to dinner with her, got photographed by the paparazzi, and you expect me to play the fool? I’m done playing with you, Carter. Get out and go find your little princess.” He affectionately ruffled my hair, his voice gentle. “Blair, we really are just friends. I was working. She just landed at the airport and couldn't get a ride. You know we grew up together, so I picked her up and we grabbed a quick bite. That’s it.” I was even angrier now. Oh, so I was the unreasonable one? A rich socialite couldn't get a ride from the airport? My voice went ice-cold. “I see. So you just love drinking her poison, huh?” He blinked. “What? I prefer whiskey.” “...” My stomach churned again. I pushed past him and ran to the bathroom, dry-heaving over the sink. Carter gently rubbed my back, his voice anxious. “I’m taking you to the hospital.” “No. I just need to sleep.” After rinsing my mouth, I curled up on the couch. He sat beside me, blowing on a mug of hot water. The quiet domesticity was broken by his phone ringing. “Chloe, what’s wrong? Don’t panic, I’ll be right there.” He hung up, looking guilty. He pulled a blanket over me. “Chloe got into a fender bender. I have to go sort it out. I’ll be right back. Get some sleep.” He hurried out the door. I stared at his retreating back, my heart seizing violently. “Carter Sterling!” I screamed at the door. “If you walk out that door, don't ever come back!” He didn't turn around. Chapter 4 I felt too awful to sleep. Lying in bed, scrolling through my phone, a sudden thought struck me. I checked my calendar. My period was late. Panic seized me. I threw on a hoodie, grabbed a mask, and ran to the 24-hour pharmacy. Ten minutes later, I was crouched on the cold bathroom tiles, staring at two glaring red lines on the stick. My limbs went numb. “God, please tell me this is a joke.” I was in a daze all night. The next morning, I showed up to work with massive dark circles under my eyes. Valerie took one look at me and let loose. “Blair, do you want to ruin your career?! Look at your face! You’re yellow, and you look like a raccoon!” “I’m sorry, Val. I didn't sleep well,” I mumbled, lacking the energy to fight back. “Alright, just push through. We have the charity gala tonight. We'll leave early.” She patted the back of my head, her tone softening. Valerie was tough, but she actually cared about me. I glanced at my phone. A text from Carter: “Blair, wait for me at home tonight.” He was always like this. He never thought his actions were wrong. He always thought he was right, and that I had no right to be angry. I already told him we were broken up! But to him, it was like nothing had happened. Beneath that cold exterior, Carter was just an arrogant, thick-skinned man-child. He used to come to my apartment, complain about his private chef, and demand I cook for him. He’d tell me not to get any ideas about marrying him because I was "too nagging." When I got mad, he’d accuse me of causing drama and give me the silent treatment. I never brought up marriage. Neither did he. I always knew we were from two different worlds. But sometimes, when he slept beside me, and I watched his peaceful face, feeling his arm subconsciously tighten around me... I couldn't help but fantasize about forever. I ignored his text. He walked into my dressing room while I was reading a script. I decided not to tell him about the baby. But an abortion meant a week of bed rest, which meant I’d have to find a way to tell Valerie. He walked over, sat next to me, and rubbed my hair. “Tomorrow is my family’s annual gala. You’re coming with me.” I kept my eyes on the script. “I don’t want to go. I’m not feeling well. Take your little princess. We’re over anyway. Give me back my keys.” He was silent for a few seconds before saying casually, “If you don't go, I’ll have you blacklisted from the industry.” I glared at him. He looked incredibly smug. Evil corporate tyrant. Valerie was right. I stood up, too tired to argue. “Just push through,” his voice trailed after me. “I have a surprise for you.” Chapter 5 Out of sheer lack of options, I went. I felt awful the entire week. Damn you, Carter. It was a boring, stuffy high-society event. There was no surprise. “You lied to me again,” I muttered, stabbing a piece of cake at my table, cursing him a thousand times in my head. Chloe Vance strutted toward me in her designer heels. I looked away, trying to ignore her. “Ms. Mitchell. You’re here?” her sweet, saccharine voice rang out. She used my name, so I couldn't hide. I gave her a polite, tight smile. “Can I help you?” “I heard acting is so exhausting. Yesterday at Carter’s house, Mr. Sterling was saying how entertainers are so unpresentable. He made it very clear that Carter would never be allowed to marry an actress. It must be so hard being you, Ms. Mitchell.” Bitch. She was finally showing her true colors now that Carter wasn't around. She wanted to mock me to my face? She picked the wrong girl. “I’ve heard Carter talk about how refined you are, Ms. Vance,” I said smoothly, taking a sip of my sparkling water. “But to be honest, I can smell the fake snake on you from a mile away.” It took her a second to process the insult. When she did, her face twisted in rage, and she raised her hand to slap me. In a room full of elites, I wasn't going to brawl. I simply stepped to the side. Her hand, suspended in mid-air, suddenly changed direction. She grabbed a piece of cake from the table, smeared it on her own face, knocked over a tray of champagne, and started screaming. “Ms. Mitchell, why did you hit me?! Is it just because Carter and I had dinner?!” The commotion drew a horde of paparazzi, their camera flashes blinding me. She set me up. Carter appeared out of nowhere. Seeing the mess, his brows furrowed. He immediately yelled for security to lock down the room and kick the reporters out. Then he helped Chloe off the floor. He looked at me, furious. “Blair, what are you doing?” Oh, so he was blaming me. I held my ground. “She fell on her own. It has nothing to do with me.” “Carter, don't blame her,” Chloe sobbed. “She just pushed me by accident. I’m fine.” “Blair, apologize to Chloe,” Carter said. His voice was low, but his eyes were burning. I stepped forward and slapped Chloe across the face. Hard. The entire room gasped. If I was going to be framed for it, I might as well get my money's worth. “Blair! What the hell are you doing?!” Carter roared. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Ms. Vance,” I mocked. “You wanted me to apologize, Carter? There. I apologized.” Giant tears rolled down Chloe’s pale cheeks. Any man would feel bad for her. I turned on my heel to leave. Carter grabbed my wrist in a vice grip. “Stop causing a scene! Apologize to her properly!” I looked straight into his furious eyes. “Never.” He yanked my arm, trying to pull me toward Chloe. I struggled violently. Suddenly, his grip slipped. I flew backward, my spine slamming brutally against the edge of a heavy mahogany chair. Panic flashed across Carter’s face. He rushed forward to catch me, but I violently swatted his hand away and stumbled out of the ballroom. Something inside me felt like it had shattered. A dull, agonizing pain spread through my entire body. In the cab, my lower abdomen cramped so hard I thought I was dying. I told the driver to take me to the ER. Looking at the ultrasound monitor, I saw the tiny flicker for the first time. The doctor said the baby was fine and had a strong heartbeat. “Can I terminate it?” I asked coldly. “You need to think this through. Where is your husband? Your uterine lining is extremely thin. If you terminate this pregnancy, it is highly unlikely you will ever be able to conceive again.”
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