“Do you even realize how ridiculous you look, clinging to Rico like this?” Jane sneered, her tone cutting through the silence like a blade. “What do you even bring to the table? Me? I have the backing of the most powerful company in the industry. Rico gets access to countless resources because of me. And you? What do you have? An entire orphanage?”
Jane laughed, covering her mouth delicately, as if the insult amused her.
Maddie froze, her heart pounding in her chest. This wasn’t the same Jane Harper who appeared so poised and gentle on screen. This was someone cold, calculating and cruel.
“I… I didn’t mean…” Maddie stammered, trying to explain, but Jane waved a dismissive hand.
“Save it,” she snapped, her patience wearing thin. “I don’t care what your intentions were before, but here’s the reality: Rico is my boyfriend now. Do yourself a favor—pack your things and leave. Otherwise…” She paused, her eyes narrowing. “Don’t blame me for being unpleasant.”
Without waiting for a response, Jane turned on her heel and strode into Maddie’s bathroom, leaving her standing there in stunned silence.
Maddie sighed deeply, fighting back tears. She told herself it didn’t matter. She was leaving anyway. Soon, Jane’s harsh words and accusations wouldn’t matter anymore.
***
As Maddie sat on the edge of her bed that night, her thoughts drifted back to the past.
During high school, she had leaned heavily on Rico’s support. At the time, Rico was just starting his acting career, taking small roles that barely paid the bills. Money was tight, but Rico had never hesitated to make sure Maddie had everything she needed.
When Maddie entered college, she wanted to ease his burden. She started writing novels, earning a modest income that gradually grew. From $200 a month to $2,000 and eventually tens of thousands, Maddie became fully self-sufficient. But even then, Rico insisted on sending her money every month. She had tried to refuse, but he always found a way to ensure she accepted it.
Quietly, Maddie saved every penny Rico gave her, including what he spent on her during high school. The money sat untouched in a separate account, ready to be returned to him if he ever needed it.
After graduating college, Maddie planned to pursue a job as an editor. But Rico asked her to stay.
“I’ve never had a real family before,” he’d said, his voice soft and vulnerable. “Now that I finally have one, I don’t want to lose it.”
Moved by his words, Maddie stayed. She took care of him, managed the house and wrote her novels. For a time, she thought she had built something unshakable with Rico—a warm, unbreakable bond.
But now, as Jane’s voice echoed in her mind, Maddie realized how naive she had been.
***
The next morning, Maddie woke late. She glanced at the clock—it was already ten. Panicking, she rushed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Rico.
She cooked millet yam and red date porridge, made fluffy egg cakes and fried two simple vegetarian dishes. Rico had a sensitive stomach and Maddie always took care to prepare meals that wouldn’t upset him.
As she finished setting the table, Jane sauntered into the kitchen wearing one of Rico’s oversized shirts. Her bare legs and confident smirk made Maddie feel even smaller.
“Good morning!” Jane chirped, her voice syrupy sweet. It was a far cry from the venom she’d spewed the night before.
Maddie forced a polite smile. “Morning.”
Jane scanned the table and pouted theatrically. “Oh no, it looks like someone forgot about me. No breakfast for the guest? Is this how you treat Rico’s girlfriend?”
Maddie blinked, realizing there were only two bowls of porridge on the table—one for her and one for Rico. Forcing herself to remain calm, she walked back to the kitchen and ladled another bowl for Jane.
As she turned to bring it to the table, she bumped into someone.
“Ah!” Jane shrieked, stepping back dramatically.
The bowl slipped from Maddie’s hands, crashing to the floor. Hot porridge splattered everywhere and the ceramic shattered. Maddie gasped as the scalding liquid splashed onto her feet. A sharp pain followed as a shard of porcelain sliced into the back of her foot, blood pooling instantly.
***
Jane’s scream drew Rico into the room. He rushed to Jane’s side, his eyes wide with concern.
“Jane, are you okay? What happened?”
“She just… bumped into me,” Jane said, her tone laced with accusation. “It’s fine, though. I’m not hurt.”
Rico turned to Maddie, who was crouched on the floor, clutching her bleeding foot. His brow furrowed as he noticed the injury. “Maddie, are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Maddie murmured, her voice strained as she fought back tears. She tried to stand, but pain shot up her leg, making her wince.
Jane’s gaze flickered to Maddie’s foot, but her expression remained indifferent. “I mean, accidents happen,” she said breezily, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “But Maddie, you really should be more careful.”
Rico helped Maddie to a chair, his concern genuine, but Maddie could see the way his attention kept drifting back to Jane. The dynamic was clear: no matter what happened, Jane would always come first.
