Chapter 3The Choice You Made

Life at the Thorne estate was quiet. I actually liked it better than the Sterling house.

I loved to read and study. Even though I had dropped out, I never stopped learning.

Julian changed, too. He went from staying out late to coming home on time every day.

Even when work was crazy, he’d text me to let me know where he was.

I started learning massage therapy from an old specialist. I thought maybe I could help his leg.

When I first suggested it, I was shy.

But six months later, I knew every pressure point on his body.

Julian went from resisting it to waiting for it every night. My hands grew stronger, more confident.

Life was peaceful, if a bit boring. One day, while dropping off documents for Julian at Thorne Enterprises, a producer spotted me.

He asked if I wanted to audition for a small role in a web series. The character was a quiet genius.

I said yes on a whim. Julian didn't object.

Unexpectedly, the show blew up. I gained a small, loyal fanbase.

It was fun. I never thought I’d be part of the entertainment industry.

The Thorne family owned a massive media conglomerate, Rainmaker Entertainment. Julian told me I could do whatever I wanted, as long as I didn't use the Thorne name to get ahead.

So, I got an agent, Sarah, and started booking small roles.

I became a C-list actress, and honestly? I loved it.

Sometimes, I’d lie in bed and read fan comments to Julian while massaging his leg.

One night, my hand slipped higher than intended. Julian groaned.

I tried to pull away, but he pinned me to the bed.

The kiss was natural. The intimacy that followed was explosive.

From that moment on, everything changed.

He bought me my favorite pastries. He bought me jewelry. We went to movies and walked by the lake.

We were like a normal, happy couple. And thanks to my massages, his leg improved miraculously. Unless he walked very fast, you couldn't even tell he had been injured.

Three years into our marriage, Lily came back.

That day, for the first time in a long time, Julian didn't cling to me in the morning.

My parents called—the first time in three years—demanding we come for dinner.

Lily hadn't returned once in three years. My parents always made excuses for her.

Julian’s face was cold. I didn't know what he was thinking.

When we arrived at the Sterling estate, a vision in white threw herself into Julian’s arms.

I stood there, watching. He didn't push her away.

She was crying, ruining his custom suit with tears, calling him "Julian, Julian."

My heart felt like it was being stabbed with a thousand needles.

Seeing me, Lily straightened up. "I'm so sorry, Jessie. I was just so happy. Julian... oh wait, should I call you brother-in-law now?"

Julian’s jaw tightened. He took my hand and led me to the table.

Lily stared at our joined hands in shock.

Dinner was torture. My parents ignored me completely, spending the entire meal trying to get Julian to talk to Lily.

It felt like they were trying to sell her to him.

From that day on, Lily was everywhere.

Julian went from annoyed to accepting in less than a month.

Lily wanted to act. Julian assigned Rainmaker’s top agent to her.

She strutted around Thorne Tower like she owned the place. Everyone assumed she was Mrs. Thorne because I had kept my identity a secret.

Lily would call Julian on speakerphone, whining and flirting, then bring lunch to his office.

I had visited his office once. He scolded me for interrupting. I never went back.

People just thought I was some starlet trying to sleep her way to the top.

With Julian’s backing, Lily became an overnight sensation.

My agent, Sarah, asked if I knew her. I said no. Sarah vented about what a diva Lily was, stealing endorsements left and right.

When I lost three contracts in a row to her, I realized she was targeting me.

And Julian? He gave me nothing. If we passed in the hallway, he looked right through me.

I hadn't thought about divorce yet. I still loved him.