Chapter 2Lost My Heart Under Her Spotlight

I went to the awards ceremony that night too.

At the end of the red carpet, Vivian wore a black couture gown, elegant and untouchable.

Jamie stood beside her in a white suit, clean-cut and handsome.

The media asked them to stand closer.

He turned slightly and rested a hand on her waist.

She smiled.

Camera flashes exploded.

I watched in silence.

Soon, my phone vibrated.

【You’re here?】

I did not reply.

She sent another.

【Tonight matters to me. Don’t make that face.】

When Best Actress was announced, the lights dimmed.

The big screen played the crying scene that made her famous.

I had coached her through that scene, line by line.

Back then, the director had yelled at her, “It’s fake. There’s no feeling in it!”

She hid in the dressing room and smashed a cup.

I comforted her, encouraged her, and rehearsed with her.

Later, that scene passed in one take.

When the host read her name, applause thundered through the hall.

Vivian stood up and glanced at me first, as if confirming I was still there.

The next second, Jamie wrapped his arms around her.

The camera caught a close-up.

People in the audience cheered.

Vivian stiffened for half a second, then patted his back.

She went onstage with red-rimmed eyes.

“Thank you to the director, the crew, and every audience member who supported me.”

She paused.

My hands slowly tightened on my knees.

Then she looked down at the audience.

“And thank you, Jamie.”

The spotlight swept over Jamie.

He looked up at her, eyes wet.

Vivian smiled. “During this time, I was under so much pressure. He talked with me, stayed with me, and helped me through the hardest days.”

Applause rose again.

The camera, very considerately, cut to my face.

On the big screen, I sat in the audience, my expression pale.

Someone nearby whispered, “Isn’t that Noah Reed?”

“Her ex? Awkward.”

“Did Vivian just announce her new man?”

I heard every word.

Vivian saw it too.

For a second, her expression faltered.

But she still did not add my name.

She only lifted the trophy.

“Thank you for loving me.”

Afterward, she had her assistant call me to the dressing room.

When I entered, Jamie was sitting on the sofa, pale-faced.

Vivian stood beside him, holding a cup of warm water.

When she saw me, the first thing she said was, “Why weren’t you smiling earlier?”

I opened the photo and held it in front of her.

“Explain.”

Her face hardened. “Do you have to make trouble today of all days?”

“When am I allowed to ask?”

“I told you, Jamie was stressed. I was rehearsing with him. It’s just the angle.”

Jamie immediately stood. “Mr. Reed, it’s all my fault. The director said I had no talent, and I drank too much that night. Vivian was just afraid something would happen to me.”

As he spoke, his eyes reddened again.

Vivian’s voice softened at once. “You don’t need to explain.”

Then she turned to me, frost in her eyes. “Noah, you’re a grown man. Do you really have to pick on a younger actor who just entered the industry?”

Younger actor.

Two light words, and seven years of my devotion were pressed into nothing.

Jamie lowered his head. “Maybe I should go. As long as Mr. Reed stops being angry, I won’t see you again.”

He had barely moved when Vivian grabbed his wrist.

“You’re not going anywhere.”

She looked up at me. “Apologize to Jamie.”

I stared into her eyes for a long time.

Then I said quietly, “No.”

She froze.

In the past, as long as she frowned, I would lower my head first.

Even when I had done nothing wrong.

But this time, I did not.

Her expression darkened. “Then go cool off. I don’t want to see you tonight.”

I nodded.

“Okay.”

Before the door closed, I heard Jamie ask, “Vivian, does Mr. Reed really hate me that much?”

Vivian comforted him gently.

“Don’t mind him. I spoiled him too much.”

The door shut.

Those words landed squarely on my back.