Chapter 1

"Tell me, Nolan Carter! Why were you fighting?"

I handed my phone to my boyfriend. His gaze shifted from my face to the phone I had just forced him to take. There, a video showed Nolan involved in a fight with another actor who was the center of media attention, just because he defended Valerie.

"Scarlett, don’t misunderstand! I was just helping Valerie because that actor was being inappropriate and hitting on her. It made Valerie uncomfortable."

I could only laugh bitterly. He was more focused on defending Valerie than caring about my feelings.

I held back my anger in silence, but Nolan gently touched my cheek.

"Honey, don’t be jealous. I was just protecting a coworker. Besides, we were in a photoshoot together at the time."

But the problem was, that wasn’t the first time Nolan was always with Valerie.

The first betrayal happened when he forgot my birthday, even though I had reminded him over and over. That night, I sat alone until late at night, waiting for Nolan to come. I had prepared a cake and a small celebration. But instead, he celebrated his win as Best Actor with Valerie, forgetting my simple party and not celebrating it with me.

The second, he forgot to pick me up, and instead partied on a yacht with Valerie to celebrate her birthday. Meanwhile, I arrived at my apartment, waiting for news from him with deep concern.

Unbelievable! All my worries about Nolan disappeared the moment I found out everything from an unknown number, and I saw a clear video of Nolan and Valerie laughing together.

The ninth betrayal... the most painful.

Nolan called off our wedding.

Invitations had already been sent out. A luxury hotel had been booked. My wedding dress, which I had passionately sewn myself over the course of months, hung neatly along with his tuxedo.

But all of it ended as just a nightmare. Even more painful was the reason behind it all.

“Our wedding it would lower my marketability in the public eye. Valerie is more suitable as a public figure’s partner. We’ve been contracted as a couple icon.”

Nolan uttered his words as if they meant nothing. But behind those words, my entire world collapsed.

"Calm down, Scarlett! This is just temporary. After the contract ends, we’ll build our dream wedding."

Again and again, Nolan tried to extinguish my disappointment. But it wasn’t enough.

The news spread quickly. While I was busy answering media questions, clarifying the reason our wedding was canceled, Nolan was caught on camera enjoying a romantic dinner with Valerie in Paris.

I was bombarded with comments, accused of seeking attention, laughed at for being left behind.

Nolan disappeared just like that, as if I never existed. As if my love was just a shadow easily blown away by the wind. Three years with him were all for nothing.

That same day, I called my father.

"Dad, is your marriage proposal from before still on the table? I’ll accept it now."

My father was surprised to hear that, and suddenly chuckled.

"Finally, you changed your mind, Scarlett. Life has to be realistic, right?"

I also gave a bitter laugh while roughly wiping my tears.

This time, I will choose who gets to be my husband!

——

It had been a few days since Nolan disappeared. I thought he wouldn’t come back, until that night he suddenly showed up at my apartment door.

Without permission, he hugged me. The warmth of his embrace was still the same, and I inhaled the scent of a woman’s perfume on his body.

He kissed my forehead, then my lips, like a lover returning from a long journey.

“I missed you so much, Honey,” he whispered softly. But I stood there like a statue, showing no expression, flat.

When I entered the bedroom. On the bed, he hugged me again from behind, his head resting on my shoulder. Just a little more, and the wall I had worked so hard to build nearly crumbled from his warmth.

Until his phone rang.

He answered it beside me. I could clearly hear Valerie’s voice.

“Nolan, please help me! The lights in my house suddenly went out. I’m afraid of the dark.”

Valerie once again disrupted my relationship with Nolan. Ever since her arrival this past year, when she decided to move to New York, my relationship with Nolan had slowly started to crumble.

It only took a few seconds. Nolan got up, grabbed his jacket.

Without looking back, he left in a hurry. He chose her again.

I lay there alone, hugging the leftover warmth of his body that slowly turned cold and empty.

****

One time, Nolan asked me to make a dress for a famous actress who would be appearing at the annual fashion event.

“Honey, I need something special. A dress that can steal the stage for her. Only you can make that.”

“That dress, match it to your body measurements, because I noticed your body shape is almost the same as hers,” Nolan told me.

I worked on it wholeheartedly. Every fold, every embroidery detail, I crafted as if it were for myself.

And Nolan praised it over and over again.

“This is amazing, baby. This dress will make her shine even more, and she’ll definitely be proud of your magical hands.”

Until the day of the event arrived.

I came as a guest, sat in the third row, waiting to see who would wear my most beautiful creation.

In the final moments of the event. Valerie appeared on stage. Wearing the dress I made, which truly shocked me.

Her steps were confident, her smile full of victory. The cheers and applause of the audience followed every strike of her heels on the runway.

It turned out, Nolan lied to me. It wasn’t a celebrity like he had said. But he gave the dress to Valerie.

I stood up, not waiting for the event to end.

But I ran into Valerie backstage. She gave me a mocking smile as she approached.

“Were you surprised or dazzled by my appearance, Scarlett?” she whispered softly. “You really are a great designer. I admit your dress is stunning. And look, who’s shining tonight.”

I turned my face away, and before I could reply, Valerie walked off with a wide smile.

The monitor backstage lit up. There, Nolan stood beside Valerie. A reporter asked about the beautiful dress.

“Was Miss Valerie’s dress and your outfit tonight designed by Miss Scarlett Hayes?”

Nolan chuckled, then looked at the camera with a crooked smile.

“Who said this was Scarlett’s work? She wasn’t even involved in the process. She doesn’t even know the concept of making this dress and my outfit.”

I stepped back, walking away from that place. Enough, I didn’t want Nolan anymore.

Chapter 2

"Hey, Scarlett! What are you doing here?"

I turned as the silence disappeared, finding my father approaching with a wide smile. In his hand was a bottle of liquor.

I held my breath for a moment.

“Dad, let me stay with you here, just for a while. Right now, I don’t want to stay in the apartment.” My voice trembled, full of hope that he would understand how I felt. At least help me so I wouldn’t have to see Nolan right now.

Dad suddenly let out a mocking laugh.

“What’s wrong with you? I already told you I’m still waiting for Mr. Charles decision about the arranged marriage. In the meantime, you can be with Nolan, at least until my debt is paid off!”

“What? You don’t understand. Nolan has already called off our wedding. He humiliated me in front of everyone. You should be defending me, not—”

Dad stepped forward, his face sharply closing in.

“Shhh! Quiet, Scarlett! I’m your father! Don’t act like you can control everything. Wasn’t it you who rejected the arranged marriage for Nolan in the first place? And now, after three years, you want me to go back and persuade Mr. Charles for his son? It’s not that easy.”

I fell silent. My chest rumbled with uncontainable frustration.

“I already saw Nolan’s post with that stunning woman. Isn’t she a model? Scarlett, don’t be so sensitive. You should understand that the celebrity world is just like that.”

My father chuckled softly, as if his words had just placed me in the wrong and completely dismissed how I felt.

Every time I saw Nolan and Valerie on screen, whether they were smiling or hugging, my heart felt like it was crushed by a burning stone. Meanwhile, the comments from their fans made me feel like I didn’t mean anything at all.

[They’re the perfect couple, like today’s Romeo and Juliet!]

[Finally, Nolan’s with someone on his level. Not Scarlett. Honestly, she looks more like an extra.]

[Nolan’s choice is way classier this time. Not with that fashion designer! She should’ve never dreamed of being a star’s partner in the first place.]

Look at that! The world is laughing at me. And my own father is pushing my head further into the mud.

I knew that behind my father’s attitude, he didn’t support this relationship out of love but for profit. Nolan only became worthy once popularity and wealth came his way. If he had remained an ordinary man without a big name, my father would’ve kicked him out of my life a long time ago. All he ever chased was the transaction value of every relationship.

“I’m going to call Nolan. Let him pick you up tonight.”

Dad walked over and sat on the couch. He tapped his phone screen and held it to his ear.

“Nolan, Scarlett’s at my house now. She seems a bit under the weather, or maybe... her mood’s just off. Would you come pick her up?”

I glanced cynically as my father’s voice turned sugar-sweet for Nolan. My father always had a way of selling his drama just to make sure Nolan would come.

“Scarlett! You’re still standing there? Sit down now! Wait until Nolan arrives!” he snapped lightly, but with pressure, as the call ended.

I took a deep breath, half-heartedly, then dragged my body to the sofa and sat beside him in silence.

Twenty minutes later, Nolan’s car pulled up in front of the house. I got in without a word. During the ride, silence wrapped around us and neither of us started a conversation.

Until finally, I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Tell me! Why didn’t you credit my design? And about that actress’s dress… it turned out to be Valerie? Isn’t she a model?”

I suddenly bombarded him with questions. Nolan turned quickly, looking nervous.

“Oh, Honey. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was just trying to protect you. If I mentioned your name, the media would’ve dragged you everywhere. Besides, that dress wasn’t originally for Valerie. My original partner canceled, so… Valerie filled in.”

I turned back to the window, falling silent again. Nolan always had a reason.

Once we arrived at the apartment, Nolan opened the trunk and handed me a paper bag.

“I got something for you. Please don’t be mad at me.”

I looked at him sharply, then slowly took it from his hand.

Nolan gently stroked my arm, then leaned his face closer to mine.

“I’m sorry… I have to go again tonight. But I promise I’ll be back soon. You know, lately the entertainment world has taken up so much of my time. I hope you understand.”

I searched his face, looking for sincerity in his eyes. My gaze slowly dropped to his white blazer, and there on the collar, I saw a red lipstick stain.

Red lipstick, just like the kind Valerie always wears.

I held in a deep breath, then gave a small nod.

“That’s a limited edition dress. I’m sure you’ll like it,” Nolan added.

I forced a smile, thanked him, then stepped into the apartment as if I had forgotten what he had done.

As soon as the door closed, driven by curiosity, I immediately opened the paper bag. Instantly, my eyes fell on a blazing red dress—so revealing and flashy. Far from my taste. Nolan should’ve known that.

I reflexively brought it closer to my nose. Valerie’s perfume burst out, so strong and piercing.

Then my phone vibrated.

A video came in from an unknown number.

Clearly in the recording, Valerie was sitting on Nolan’s lap, laughing and caressing his face. Then she kissed Nolan’s lips passionately.

A few seconds later, they were already in bed, undressing each other.

And what almost made my heart stop beating Valerie was wearing that red dress. The dress that was now in my hands.

“Oh my God!” I instantly threw the dress to the floor.

My breathing quickened. My throat tightened.

“Damn it! So Valerie wore this dress while sleeping with Nolan? Why would Nolan give it to me? CHEAP MAN!”

I closed my eyes, holding back the rage and disgust that merged into one.

“I have to endure this. Just this one time.”

Chapter 3

"I need your help," Nolan said in a straightforward manner. He appeared out of nowhere in my boutique.

"What do you want?"

"I've been asked to a party by a big perfume company. They want Valerie and me as the couple in their ad campaign. I hope you can make us an amazing exclusive collection for us. One set. A couple's outfit.".

I stared at him for a long while. I suppose it was more amusing for Nolan to waste all his time with Valerie than to do anything for me.

I nodded my head to his sentences like a trained robot.

"All right. I'll make it."

He breathed easier with a huge sigh, as if the world had been lifted from his shoulders.

"Scarlett, you're a sweet woman. I'm sorry that my promise to wed you has been put on hold because of my job. But I assure you, marrying you is my wish."

I could muster a pale smile and nodded. Trying to accept his promise, which I knew would eventually be broken.

Nolan squeezed my hand for a moment. "Thanks for being understanding."

I just sat there staring at my fingers as he left. Still warm, but no longer whole.

****

I've been weird the last few days. I've been dizzy, nauseous, and vomiting every morning. My appetite's gone, and I can barely tolerate the scent of the perfume I usually wear.

My head was heavy rolling out of bed. And then my phone buzzed like a flurry of messages arriving.

And it was a full dozen messages. All photo and video from a quantity that hadn't registered.

Heavier in my chest, I opened the first video.

And there they were. Valerie and Nolan.

Dark room. Satin sheets draped over nothing. Bodies all wrapped in each other on the bed.

I tried to conclude the video, but another video replaced it instead. And this one was worse. It was longer.

Then a clear voice full of groans.

"Look at me, Valerie. Only you can make me feel this way and lose control."

"You still like it, don't you? When I touch you like that…"

Valerie groaned gently, then spoke in labored breaths, "I love it, every touch by you, darling."

"Say what you want tonight," Nolan whispered in a kiss.

"You… only you… Nolan. No one else," Valerie panted, stifling a groan.

Nolan inched closer, kissing her neck gradually, before he spoke softly.

"Show me, now! Let's fight to let this passion go."

I gagged.

My body blazed at once. My hands trembled and I nearly dropped my phone.

I ran to the sink. Nausea I had stifled burst in a single wild spasm.

I vomited the putrid liquid from my stomach.

Teardrops accompanied the revulsion that flowed into my mouth.

Because my health had been failing, I at last had myself tested.

I was stunned when the doctor told me the test results which I had just undergone.

"Congratulations, you are four weeks pregnant," the doctor spoke with a smile.

I was dumbfounded, not knowing what to say.

Do I need to be happy or be in tatters?

That moment was there when Nolan was intoxicated, and I could not hold him back. In a mistake, we had ended up in that night.

I looked down at the small ultrasound report in my hand. Part of me wanted to be thrilled, hoping for nothing more than that this child's life would soften Nolan's heart and cause him to love me. But the image of that hot video nagged in my mind for the umpteenth time.

With hope, I clutched the test results to me and left the room. I would speak with Nolan, at least let him know. Maybe there still was a path through it all.

But I procrastinated. When I met Valerie on my way to go down to the main floor.

She folded her arms over her chest with a satisfied smirk. Her bright scarlet lips curled in disdain.

"Hello, Scarlett! Did you see the video I sent? You know who captured Nolan's heart, don't you?"

I was taken aback by what she said. So Valerie was the number that did not reveal my name. I could not hold back my fury and slapped her on the face.

"So it's been you all this while trying to get at me? You cheap woman!"

Valerie gasped, but only for a moment. Her face was fierce.

"You've got some nerve!"

She shoved me hard. I hadn't seen it coming. My heel had slipped on the steps.

I fell, thumping several stairs, then rolled until my body came to rest against the ground below.

My leg hurt with pain, and a burning, searing pain flashed through my abdomen. When I placed my hand on my thigh, blood began trickling down my skirt.

"No! My baby…" I whispered softly, my lips quivering.

Valerie shrieked suddenly.

She collapsed onto the ground, shrieking hysterically.

"Nolan! Help me!"

Down from the topmost floor came Nolan, frantic. His eyes were locked on Valerie, sobbing theatrically. He fell to his knees immediately to check Valerie's leg.

"What happened?" Nolan exclaimed anxiously.

"It looks like Scarlett was jealous of me. she shoved me on purpose down the stairs. And now my leg really aches," Valerie gasped dramatically.

Nolan's face turned cold. He scowled at me. He walked over and grasped my arm in a tight hold.

"What the deuce, Scarlett?! What did you do to her?"

I couldn't talk. Stomach cramps worsened along with leg aches.

All I could do is look at the blood still flowing beneath my thigh.

Nolan pulled his hand back harshly. Then turned, taking Valerie instantly and leaving me behind.

I was all shattering at once my body, heart, and last tiny hope.

In my mind, I was counting once more.

"This is the twelfth time, Nolan. Wear one more! And never see me again!”

Chapter 4

I saw the look on my father’s face tighten. His eyes swept across my body lying on the hospital bed, then nervously looked at the doctor.

“How is my daughter’s condition, Doctor?” he asked softly, almost in a whisper.

The doctor took a breath. His eyes briefly looked at me before shifting back to my father.

“Her condition is stable now. But I’m sorry she had a miscarriage because the fall was too hard. The pregnancy was only four weeks. The internal bleeding was quite serious earlier, but we’ve handled it.”

I froze. My breath caught. My eyes burned as I stared at the white hospital ceiling. My hand trembled, gripping the blanket.

I had just heard the news of my child growing inside me, and on the same day, they disappeared from me forever. It was suffocating.

“You were pregnant, Scarlett?” my father’s voice broke the silence again. He moved closer toward me.

I slowly turned my head. Unable to hold back my tears. Then I nodded.

“I just found out today. I was just about to tell Nolan.” My voice was faint, trembling. I swallowed a sob.

“But… I ended up meeting Valerie at this hospital. We argued then. Suddenly, she pushed me down the stairs.”

Father let out a heavy sigh. His breath sounded like an angry hiss.

“Oh God!” he muttered, bowing his head while rubbing his forehead.

“How did it come to this, Scarlett? I think Nolan is the root of all your problems now.” He looked at me deeply.

I closed my eyes. There was truth in his words. But my heart was too shattered to either deny or agree.

“Maybe… this is a sign. The Moretti family has accepted you. This could be a new beginning.”

I looked at him with a blank stare. My memory seemed to be pulled back.

Three years ago. I ran away from home, still in a party dress, ignoring my father’s call to meet the Moretti family that night. At the time, I hated arranged marriages. I wanted love, not a family transaction.

But that very night, I chose to run away.

And my father scolded me harshly afterward. But now, the Moretti family still accepted me. Even though I had once humiliated them.

This time, I don’t want to disappoint them again.

****

Four days have passed since the incident at the hospital. Since then, I’ve been trapped in silence without Nolan. He hasn’t even asked about my condition.

My leg is still bandaged. Every step feels like walking on nails. But I still forced myself to return to the apartment today.

I dragged my feet up the stairs. My breath was heavy. When I reached the apartment hallway, I saw Nolan.

He was standing in front of the door, about to leave, wearing his favorite black jacket.

His gaze faded when he saw me. There was a brief pause between us.

“Scarlett, you’re back? Where have you been?”

I looked down, avoiding his eyes. My legs could barely hold me, but I stayed standing.

“How are you?” he asked again, stepping slightly closer.

“I’m fine, Nolan. I can handle it. On my own,” I answered flatly, slightly gritting my teeth.

Then fast footsteps broke the moment. Valerie appeared from the end of the hallway, wearing a flashy dress, her hair loose, and a sly smile plastered on her face.

“Nolan, why are you taking so long?” she shouted while running and, without warning, slammed into my shoulder from behind.

My body swayed. My balance faltered. My injured leg tried to hold me up, but... a sharp jolt struck.

I whimpered. My hand braced against the wall as my body trembled from the pain.

“Arrggh...” I winced, holding my breath while trying to stand straight.

Nolan looked at me. But he didn’t help. Just stood still like he didn’t know what to do.

Valerie smiled in satisfaction, then clung sweetly to his arm.

“I got tired waiting for you in the car. Let’s go,” she said coyly, as if trying to provoke me.

Nolan looked at me once more.

“Come on! let’s go,” Valerie said again while pulling Nolan’s hand. And he followed without protest.

My steps were staggering again as I entered the apartment. My leg was still bandaged, but the pain was nothing compared to the wounds etched in my heart.

I opened my bedroom door. Something felt different inside.

I walked over to the vanity, where my photo with Nolan used to stand side by side in a glass frame. But I found nothing. A new photo had taken its place. A photo of Valerie and Nolan.

My bedroom wall was filled with many pictures of them, as if a cruel reminder that I didn’t belong there. I walked toward the kitchen, and that’s where I found the remnants of those memories. My photo with Nolan was still beautifully framed, lying in the trash.

“That’s enough. I call this the 13st betrayal,” I said softly, with a bitter smile. This number is far too many for patience.

1 hour later. Social media was in an uproar over the news of my engagement to the Moretti family.

Now, I’m sitting on the living room chair in an elegant black dress with a small suitcase beside me. Not long after, the apartment door was knocked on.

Several men dressed in all black entered, bringing with them an aura of power and dignity. One of them bowed politely.

“Miss Scarlett, it’s time to leave.”

I nodded calmly. They took my suitcase, then another man tried to support my body to help me walk.

As I was about to get into the car, Nolan came running after me, breathless.

“Scarlett, wait! What are you doing?!”

I only glanced briefly, then the door of the luxury car was opened for me and I chose to enter quickly without facing Nolan.

One of the men raised his hand, pushing Nolan back with a single strong movement. His body fell, sitting on the ground as he tried to approach me.

The car began to move slowly.

From the slightly opened window, I reached into my small bag. I took out a small folded sheet I had carefully kept.

An ultrasound photo. A tiny proof of life that had once grown in my womb. I threw it out the window. The paper floated gently, landing right in front of Nolan who was now crawling on the road.

His hand grabbed the photo. His face turned pale. His gaze was blank.

“No! Were you pregnant, Scarlett?” His voice was hoarse as tears streamed down his face.

Nolan tried to stand while attempting to run after the car.

“Scarlett! Explain this, and don’t leave me. I’m begging you!”

He shouted, breaking the silence. But it was all too late. The car drove off, leaving him in deep regret.

Moments later, the car that carried me stopped in a private airfield. There, a private jet was already waiting, luxurious and heavily guarded.

I got out, greeted by an elderly man in a neat suit. I just gave a slight smile. My feet climbed the jet’s stairs, this time, I welcome my new life.