A Seven-Year Illusion

At the Film Guild Awards, Isla is crowned Actress of the Year and, before a sea of reporters, finally reveals the long-term relationship she has kept hidden. Richard, her secret boyfriend of seven years, steps forward with flowers — only to be pushed aside so she can pose with her new fiancé, Aidan. He leaves the auditorium without a word.

Isla insists the engagement to Aidan is a studio publicity stunt to clean up his scandals. Richard, once her manager, knows the industry's games, but he also remembers the wrap party where she called him merely her assistant. When he returns for his belongings, Aidan orders him around and Isla takes Aidan's side.

Seven years of sacrifice have bought him nothing but a velvet ring he presses into her palm. Now he must decide whether to keep waiting or finally walk away.