Chapter 4
In Vivian’s social media posts, Ethan wore an apron, cooking specially for her.
He’d once told me his hands were meant for performing autopsies, for giving voice to the dead. So I had taken on all household chores without complaint, developing calluses on my hands.
Now, those precious hands of his were immersed in cooking, personally feeding Vivian bite by bite.
My heart, which I thought would ache unbearably, had become numb after repeated blows and betrayals, unable to feel even a ripple of emotion.
I took a deep breath, let out a self–mocking laugh, put down my phone, and also let go of my obsession with Ethan.
On the day of my discharge, Ethan finally appeared.
With Vivian in tow.
As if he’d neglected me long enough and decided to throw me a bone, he said, “Vivian says she’s willing to forgive you, so forget about apologizing. She’s so much younger than you, yet more magnanimous. You should really learn from her.”
I gathered my things without responding.
Seeing this, Ethan pressed his lips together, softening his tone. “Today’s your awards ceremony. I’ll take you there.”
Before I could react, I was bundled into the car.
It wasn’t until I was seated at the venue that I felt a twinge of nervousness.
The director had privately told me I’d been selected as this year’s Oscar Best Actress, and the ceremony was just a formality.
I was thrilled and grateful. That role was the result of countless days and nights of meticulous crafting.
I adjusted my dress, preparing to rise and accept the award.
The next moment, the host announced, “Congratulations to Miss Vivian Pierce.”
I froze mid–movement, feeling like I’d plunged into an icy chasm.
Vivian swept past me like a socialite butterfly, smugly walking onto the stage to receive the gilded.
08:12
Fake Death, Real Payback How I Scammed My Ex
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Chapter 4
statuette.
“Acting requires hard work and dedication. I’m not like certain people who think they can sleep their way to the top. How… unsanitary.”
Almost everyone in the venue and among the press knew I had been the internal selection for Best
Actress.
Vivian’s words clearly implied I’d slept my way to the top.
Suddenly, countless cameras turned toward me, flashing frantically.
The blinding burst of flashlights made me feel uncomfortable. I gripped the armrests of my seat, feeling like a clown being publicly stripped naked.
The next instant, I couldn’t help but laugh, though tears streamed down my face.
I should have realized sooner! Ethan, who had never cared about my career, had suddenly become so kind as to drive me to the awards ceremony.
Ethan, sitting next to me, glanced over, a flicker of discomfort in his eyes.
“Vivian just wanted to experience being Best Actress. Don’t be so petty.”
“Besides, she put in a lot of effort for this film too. She deserves this award.”
“She was so scared after accidentally cutting your face that she cried. Consider this award your apology gift to her.”
I stood frozen in disbelief, pierced by waves of pain that left me breathless. “And what about me?”
