: 2

2

I was just an agent for a Superstar Actress, but after a chance meeting at a dinner party, he began to pursue me relentlessly.

He sent me flowers and food, and even drove me to and from work.

I was just a young girl back then, and his sweet talk easily won me over.

After we started dating, he began bringing me onto film sets, lining up opportunities and getting me small parts here and there.

I genuinely thought he was doing it for my own good.

After all, his exact words were, "Elara, if you work hard and become a Superstar Actress, then we'll be on equal footing."

At the time, I didn't even realize how strange that sounded.

Later, he brought me along for a cameo in a rural drama. One day, as filming was about to wrap up, the crew was getting ready to shoot the final scene, pack up, and head out.

Nearly all the other actors had already left for a nearby hotel.

In the farmhouse courtyard, only Quentin Stratton remained, intending to finish his last scene before calling it a day.

But after countless takes, he just couldn't get into character for the scene.

I was quietly keeping him company from the side when I noticed something off about the nearby propane tank out of the corner of my eye.

Before I could even react.

BANG— The propane tank exploded, the blast deafening.

I was right next to Quentin Stratton, and my first instinct was to push him away with all my might.

But the force of the push sent me stumbling backward uncontrollably.

I fell straight back, toward the propane tank.

Through the flames, I could dimly see Quentin Stratton and the crew standing frozen outside, but not a single person dared to come forward and save me.

The heat around me grew more and more intense until I finally couldn't bear it and lost consciousness.

...

When I woke up again, I was in the hospital.

The acrid smell of disinfectant was overwhelming.

I forced my eyes open a crack. My mouth was so dry I couldn't make a sound.

My body ached, too; there were sharp pains all over.

Part of my face was also searing with pain.

I had just managed to turn my head a little when I saw Quentin Stratton and his Agent at the door to my room.

They were standing there, talking.

His Agent sighed. "The doctor said Elara Sterling's injuries will heal over time, but... she'll be left with such a large scar on her face. What's going to happen to her acting career?"

'A scar on my face? Am I disfigured?'

My heart sank, and a wave of grief washed over me.

"It doesn't matter," a nonchalant voice drawled. It was Quentin Stratton. "It's a good thing she was the one who got burned, not me."

My heart plummeted.

'What did he mean by that?'

His Agent said nothing.

He continued, "I was the one who brought her into this business in the first place. If she can't make it anymore because she's disfigured, that has nothing to do with me."

I thought I must have misheard him. I stared at him in utter disbelief, my eyes wide with shock.

He didn't notice me, but his Agent seemed unable to listen any longer. "But she did it to save you..."

"Mm," he said, his tone still nonchalant. "I suppose I should thank her. She took the hit for me."

His Agent frowned, about to say something else.

He cut her off. "Besides, she was never good enough for me anyway. There was never going to be a future for a nobody and The Superstar. The only reason I was with her was for her looks. If anything, I was doing her a favor."

...

3

As I came to my senses, I stared at the disgusting man before me.

I couldn't help but shudder.

His face was plastered with a smile. Though he was a head taller than me, he was practically stooping to my height.

I forced a smile and answered his earlier question. "Quentin Stratton, have we ever dated?"

He froze, a baffled look in his eyes.

I scoffed and was about to walk away when he grabbed my wrist.

My gaze turned ice-cold. I whipped my head around, glaring at the hand he had on me.

The moment he realized, he let go.

I looked up at him, my expression devoid of emotion.

Quentin Stratton gave an awkward laugh. "Uh, I..."

"Stop." I frowned, cutting him off. "You said you could offer me something. Tell me what it is, and then I'll decide whether to give you the resources."

A light breeze swept the hair from his forehead, and I saw a flicker of bewilderment in his eyes.

'True. Anything he has, I have too.'

He could rack his brain all day and still not think of anything to offer me in exchange.

While he was still hesitating, my phone suddenly rang.

I glanced at the screen and answered without hesitation.

I even put it on speakerphone.

A boisterous female voice came through the phone. "Elara, where are you?"

I watched Quentin Stratton's face. Sure enough, the moment he heard the voice, his expression darkened.

I had to stifle a laugh. "I'm right outside my house. What's up?"

"Oh. Perfect." It was a little noisy on her end. "I'm on my way to get you now. Wait for me out front, and I'll take you to meet our partner."

I agreed and hung up.

Then, smiling, I looked at the priceless expression on Quentin Stratton's face.

"Aren't you leaving? Or do you want to come with us to meet our partner?"

Quentin Stratton immediately shook his head. He forced an incredibly ugly smile. "I'll... I'll come back another day."

I scoffed, watching Quentin Stratton beat a hasty retreat.

'Goes to show...'

'A guilty conscience will always catch up to you.'

'Or else...'

I watched his retreating figure and said aloud, "...you end up just like him."