Before my new movie started filming, the director gave my leading actress role to a newcomer supported by none other than my secretly married husband of two years.
I was so angry that I went to the crew to question them, but on the way, I had a car accident and my left hand was slightly fractured.
I tried calling Asher Monroe, but he didn’t answer. Instead, I stumbled upon the new actress Nora Wallace’s post on her social media, just like another new drama had started:
Nora Wallace: [Thank you to Mr. Asher Monroe, our incredible investor, for giving me the chance to play the leading role in this big movie!]
Below her post, Asher had commented: [You deserve it.]
The attached photos showed them hugged openly and Asher even lowered his head to accept Nora's kiss on his cheek.
I wiped away my tears, pulled out my wedding photo with Asher and posted it to the movie’s production crews.
My caption was simple but scathing: [So this production crew is happy to see a mistress on the throne, huh?]
Later, Asher showed up, kneeled down and begged me to delete the posts about our wedding photos. I had my security guards throw him out.
***
When I was at the hospital for a follow-up appointment, Asher appeared in anger and as soon as he dragged me into the emergency stairwell, he started yelling at me:
"Lily Rose," his voice low but sharp. "Nora is just a college student I have been sponsoring. Are you seriously jealous over this? Hurry up and delete the posts!"
Bitterly, I stared at him and asked with a miserable smile, "She took my leading role and you don’t think you owe me an explanation?"
He faltered for a moment before his face hardened with impatience. "Your leading role? Look, that’s not important right now. What matters is that you delete those posts. It is blown up on social media and affecting Nora."
Asher’s tone turned icy, "Also, this role was Nora who first asked me for it. She came to me directly. There has to be a first come, first served in everything."
I could not believe my ears. My husband, who was supposed to support me, was defending her. My anger boiled over. I laughed angrily; my husband didn't care about my injuries at first but excused Nora.
"I fought for that role on my own. Who is she to say she can grab it? Shameless!" I spat.
"Enough, Lily!" he shouted, his disappointment cutting deeper than his words. "All I am asking is for you to delete the posts and apologize to Nora. You can't even do this little thing, right? Ah, I remember you used to be sensible and unreasonable."
My chest tightened, my eyes stinging. "I am asking for justice for myself. How is that unreasonable?"
Asher opened his mouth as if to retort, but his phone buzzed before he could say a word. My gaze flicked to the screen, where Nora’s name glared back at me.
"What's wrong?" Asher asked, his tone softening into something gentle and caring—a tone he hadn’t used with me in years.
That was the breaking point. I turned and walked past him, my expression blank.
"Wait, I will go with you to get your test results," he called after me, grabbing my wrist.
But then Nora’s saccharine voice came through the phone, loud enough for me to hear, "Asher, there are paparazzi outside my house and I am so scared. Can you come over?"
Asher dropped my hand as it burned him. "Don’t worry, I am coming," he reassured her before rushing out.
I stood frozen, staring after him as tears blurred my vision. For the first time, I didn’t chase him. I didn’t beg him to stay. Instead, I bit back my pain and went to my appointment alone.
Some people aren’t worth holding onto.
***
It takes a hundred days to recover from an injury and after the doctor was aware I was an actress, he gave me a strict warning. Urged me to rest appropriately and avoid stress. Staying in a good mood would help me heal faster.
But Asher seemed determined to test my limits. The next day, he showed up at my apartment, dragging me toward his car by the arm.
"Earlier today, I logged into your Instagram account and deleted those photos. I also issued an apology on your behalf," he said coldly.
He didn’t stop. Instead, “But Nora said she wants you to apologize in person before this matter is considered over. So, hurry up, go with me to the set and apologize to her.”
I yanked my arm free, staring at him in disbelief. "How dare you make decisions for me without my consent?"
Climbing onto Instagram, I saw the statement apologizing on the top post.
[I deeply apologize for stirring up drama to gain attention. I digitally altered the wedding photos with investor Asher Monroe to embarrass Nora. I also want to apologize to Nora Wallace. I never intended to take her leading role. I hope we can work together harmoniously in the future.]
My hands trembled as I read it.
