I took a deep breath and opened Evan’s video first. “Honey?”
His eyes focused intently on the camera. “I have just finished work, completely exhausted. It’s gotten colder in the mountains, so cold. I especially miss you warming my bed.”
“Today’s filming went pretty smoothly. How about you? Are you bored at home? Make sure to eat well, okay?”
His care was still meticulous and his sweet words came effortlessly.
Looking at the face I had loved for so many years, hearing his gentle rambling, waves of nausea surged in my stomach.
I forced out a few words and then hung up the video call as if escaping. My fingers trembled violently as I opened the encrypted album my sister sent.
In several photos, Evan and Lila walked side by side, standing very close. Lila’s hand rested on Evan’s lower back.
Evan opened the door and Lila followed closely behind him inside.
The door closed.
I searched for Lila frantically on a certain social media platform, scrolling through post after post and the more I looked, the colder my heart felt.
She posted many behind-the-scenes moments from the crew, seemingly just sharing work, but between the lines were all kinds of flirtations and hints.
“Today I learned a lot acting opposite the senior, he’s really so professional and charming.”
The accompanying photo was a blurry close-up of a man’s hand holding the script. The watch on that wrist was the one I gave Evan for his birthday last year.
“The stars in the mountains are so beautiful, just as dazzling as someone.”
“Being cared for feels so good! Someone’s warming pads came just in time!”
I froze suddenly, staring hard at the post date.
That day!
I had a high fever of 40 degrees Celsius, feeling dizzy and weak. Struggling to get some water, my vision went black and I collapsed onto the floor.
It was the neighbor lady who came to borrow something and found me, then called an ambulance.
I was hooked up to an IV at the hospital until midnight. My phone was completely silent—Evan only sent one WhatsApp message that afternoon.
[Honey, I'm filming a late-night scene today, so I might not be able to reach you. Don't worry.]
I put on a mask, hat and sunglasses, bundling myself up tightly like a paparazzo, then drove through the night toward the film studio area.
Evan and Lila were shooting a scene together. As soon as the director called "cut," Evan hadn’t fully wiped the tender expression from his face and naturally walked over to Lila waiting nearby.
Lila immediately brightened with a radiant smile and handed him the water cup. Evan took it and drank smoothly. Meanwhile, Lila stood on tiptoe, holding a tissue and affectionately wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Fans nearby let out low screams and whispers.
“Wow! They’re such a perfect match!”
“Look at how the best actor Evan looks at Lila! I’m shipping them, totally shipping them!”
“Are they this sweet in private too? Feels like a real couple!”
I, like a fool, was trapped at home by Evan’s sweet words, thinking he was working hard for our future together. Little did I know, in the moments between his efforts, he was living out passionate, loving couple moments with someone else.
The sunlight was blinding, but I felt no warmth at all. Behind my sunglasses, tears silently surged out and my fingers uncontrollably frantically called his video again.
The call was hung up.
Lila took his phone and pressed the power button to turn it off. “Evan, since you’re already on set, just focus on spending time with me.”
Evan didn’t object, showing a slight indulgent smile. “Whatever you say goes.”
“Evan, while the media hasn’t dug this up yet, hurry up and get a divorce—better a short pain than a long one.”
Her voice was both sweet and urgent, carrying a hint of seduction.
