For six years, I lived like a joke—a hidden wife kept in the dark.
Meanwhile, Rio Beasley placed his golden girl on a pedestal, turning her into the brightest star in the entertainment industry. His Instagram was flooded with their sweet moments, their love story played out for the world to see. Every post, every picture, every doting caption felt like a knife twisting deeper into my chest.
Another day of being pampered by Mr. Beasley.
Bethany Arterton had the audacity to send me a private video, her voice dripping with mockery.
“You're nothing more than a watchdog he keeps at home, Hazel. A dog he can kick away whenever he pleases.”
I confronted Rio, hoping—praying—he’d put an end to it. But all I ever got from him was a dismissive shrug.
“Beth is just a friend. Don’t overthink things.”
Friend. That’s what he always called her, no matter how many times he abandoned me for her. And then one day, Bethany orchestrated something far more sinister. She arranged for both of us to be kidnapped at the same time.
Tied up in a filthy basement, I cried and screamed for Rio to save me. But when he arrived, his eyes filled with nothing but disdain. Without hesitation, he rushed to untie Bethany, leaving me behind like I was nothing.
“This was your plan wasn’t it?” he sneered, his voice dripping with disgust. “You staged this whole kidnapping just to make me feel sorry for you.”
He scoffed. “I know exactly what you are, Hazel--a manipulator with a system, twisting everything to make men fall for you.”
Then, without sparing me a second glance, he ordered, “Let Bethany go. I don’t give a damn whether she lives or dies.”
A broken laugh escaped my lips. He had no idea—no idea that the system he accused me of having had vanished long ago. The day I risked my life in that racing accident to save his.
The next thing I knew, a blade plunged into my chest, the pain searing through me like fire. As darkness closed in, a familiar voice echoed in my mind:
[System alert: The host meets the conditions for resurrection. Do you choose to revive? The cost: complete erasure of all love for Rio Beasley.]
***
The day of the GT Grand Prix finals had arrived. If Rio won today, he would secure the championship title for the sixth consecutive year.
I stood amidst the roaring crowd, my heart pounding. He had promised—sworn—that once he won the championship, he would finally acknowledge me. That he would no longer keep me a secret.
The stadium erupted as Rio’s car crossed the finish line first. The victory lights flashed and for a moment, I could almost see it—him walking toward me, holding out the championship trophy, his eyes filled with love as he declared to the world, “She’s my wife.”
After six years of hiding, I would finally step into the light.
Overcome with emotion, I took a step forward, ready to embrace him, to celebrate the dream we had built together.
But he shoved me away.
“Hazel,” he hissed, his expression darkening. “What are you doing here? I told you not to show up at events like this.”
My breath hitched.
“There are people watching! Do you have any idea what this could do to my reputation?”
The cheers and flashing cameras blurred as I fought to keep my composure, swallowing down the lump in my throat.
“Rio,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “You promised. You said if you won the championship, you would finally acknowledge me.”
His brows furrowed, irritation flickering across his face as he glanced around, his mind already strategizing damage control. Before he could respond, the reporters swarmed him, their voices overlapping.
“Mr. Beasley, how does it feel to win six consecutive titles?”
“Mr. Beasley, what’s your secret to maintaining peak performance?”
“Mr. Beasley, what are your future plans?”
Before he could answer, a small, delicate figure darted toward him and threw her arms around his neck, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
“Rio,” she squealed, clinging to him like a trophy wife. “You did it! I knew you would! You’re amazing!”
Bethany Arterton—top-tier actress, media darling and Rio’s golden canary.
She was dressed in a form-fitting off-shoulder dress, her flawless skin glowing under the stadium lights as she nestled into his arms, basking in the spotlight.
Rio chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately before turning to the cameras with a beaming smile.
“I wouldn’t be here without Bethany’s unwavering support,” he declared. “She has been by my side through everything. Especially during my lowest moments.”
Then he turned to me. And for the briefest second, his expression twisted with cold amusement.
“Not like some people who only cling to me like a bloodsucker.”
I stood frozen as the world around me spun. A bitter laugh bubbled up in my chest. This had to be a joke.
