Chapter 1 The Engagement Party

“Let me have a taste of you.” Jessica furrowed her brow in confusion, hearing those words from the man called Oliver. “What do you mean?” she asked, even though deep down, she knew exactly what he meant. “You know what I’m talking about, Jessica. You’re not a kid. I can assure you that you’ll get what you want, and even more—” he didn’t finish his sentence, as Jessica cut him off. “I’ll have to decline. I have a boyfriend whom I love dearly. I’m not the type of woman who throws herself at a man just to get what she wants,” Jessica said through gritted teeth. She was boiling inside. Her gaze settled on the glass of wine before her. She badly wanted to pour it on his face, but offending this man would be a terrible idea. Jessica, a D-list actress whose dreams of becoming an A-list star had faltered with each rejection she received, made a living as a part-time model, using her looks and body to get by. She had thought of asking Oliver Martins, a famous actor she met two months ago during one of her auditions, to help her out. He had been kind to her, unlike other famous actors and actresses, but she was wrong. This man was no different from the rest. “Boyfriend?” Oliver scoffed. “I wouldn’t sit back and watch my woman struggle. I’d always find a way to help her. He doesn’t deserve you, Jessica.” “I’ll find another way. It was nice chatting with you, Mr. Martins.” She stood up from her seat and began to leave the restaurant. “Think about it, Jessica!” he called out loud enough for her to hear. “Damn him,” Jessica muttered, not bothering to turn around. She took a deep breath, running her fingers through her hair. “Gosh, I feel like ripping his throat out. Who does he think I am?” Jessica complained as she walked down the street. She pulled out her phone and dialed her boyfriend Louis’s number. It rang, but there was no answer. “Is he busy?” she mumbled, trying his number again, but the same thing happened. Today marked two years since she and Louis started dating. They had made plans for today, but strangely, he wasn’t picking up. She was about to dial his number again when a notification popped up on her screen. Normally, she would have ignored it, but seeing Louis’s name in the headline made her click on it—and she immediately regretted doing so. **"FROM SECRET TO SPARKLES: Louis Newman and Amara Saunders Reveal Surprise Engagement"** **"Renowned actor Louis Newman and supermodel Amara Saunders have announced their engagement, leaving fans and friends stunned.** **According to trusted sources, Louis and Amara had been secretly dating for several months before deciding to take their relationship to the next level."** **"The news came as a shock to many, as the couple had kept their romance hidden from the prying eyes of the media and public."** **"Fans are overjoyed for the couple. ‘So happy for Louis and Amara! They make a stunning couple!’ wrote one fan…"** Jessica felt dizzy as she read further. It felt like the world was spinning around her. No, this has to be some kind of misunderstanding, right? It can’t be her Louis they’re talking about… right? There was only one way to find out. Jessica thought about heading to Louis’s place but, on second thought, she went to his family home. When she arrived at the mansion, her heart sank further as she saw the crowd. The guests were dressed elegantly, chatting amongst themselves. Some cast her scrutinizing looks, wondering who she was and why she was at such an event, dressed so casually. Jessica’s gaze traveled through the crowd, and when her eyes landed on him, she felt her heart break. There stood Louis, a glass of champagne in hand, casually conversing with his guests. A stunning woman clung to his free arm, and they smiled at each other affectionately. Louis’s gaze met hers, and he couldn’t hide the surprise in his eyes. Jessica began walking towards him, but he glanced at his bodyguard, who quickly understood the gesture. Before Jessica could reach him, two large men blocked her path. “Miss, we’ll need to see your invitation card.” “I just want to speak with Louis. It’s—” “We’re sorry, but we’ll have to escort you out. Only invited guests are allowed to stay,” one of them said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “What? No! There’s a misunderstanding! Louis is— Wait, let me go!” Jessica struggled as they dragged her away. “Where are you taking me? Let me go!” The men released her, pushing her forward. “This isn’t the exit! Where are you—” “Jessica,” Jessica immediately turned to see Louis walking towards her. The warmth he once showed her was gone. Now, he looked at her like a stranger. “Louis, what’s the meaning of all this? This is—” “I’m engaged to Amara. We love each other very much. So, I’d appreciate it if you never showed up in my life again,” Louis cut her off coldly. Jessica’s lips trembled, and she felt speechless. “L-Louis… did I do something wrong? Tell me, and I’ll fix it. I love you—” Louis snickered. “It’s funny how you haven’t realized what my intentions were from the start.” He took a step towards her, brushing a hand against her cheek, tucking her hair behind her ear. “I bring money and fame to the table. Tell me, what do you bring? Nothing.” “Your sister was a better catch than you. Too bad she’s already taken. Love is a give-and-take situation, darling. However…” Louis paused as his hand moved down to her chest. “If you become my mistress, I’ll make sure I treat you better than your family ever did.” Jessica slapped his hand away, covering herself with her blouse, tears filling her eyes. This wasn’t the Louis she had fallen in love with. “I see you’ve made your decision, then. Good,” Louis said, turning to his guards. “Get her out of here and make sure she never comes close to this mansion again.” Before they could act, Jessica rushed out of the area in tears. Stupid, heartbroken, and betrayed were the only words to describe how she felt. Her thoughts were a mess. The taxi dropped her off in front of her apartment, and Jessica went straight to the bathroom. She turned on the faucet, letting the water pour over her. “Why… why is it that nothing I do is ever enough for the people I care about?” Jessica sobbed as Louis’s words replayed in her head. *“I’m engaged to Amara. We love each other very much."* *“I bring money and fame to the table. What do you bring?”* *“Your sister was a better catch than you."* She wiped her tears as a numb feeling overtook her. After getting out of her wet clothes and wrapping herself in a towel, she grabbed her phone and made a call. The person picked up on the second ring. “I didn’t expect you to call this soon,” Oliver said. “Will you really help me get famous if I accept your proposal?” “Anything you want, beautiful.” “Alright. I’m in,” she replied. “I’m curious to know what made you change your mind so quickly,” Oliver chuckled. “We have a deal, then. Meet me tomorrow at 10. I’ll send you the location.” He hung up. Jessica lowered the phone from her ear. “I’ll make sure every one of you regrets treating me the way you did,” she muttered through gritted teeth.