Prologue
Before the awards ceremony, I was threatened by Miles Shepherd, my ex-boyfriend of three years and current boyfriend of my rival, Serena.
He texted me.
【Jenna, drop out of the Best Actress race before the ceremony.】
【What if I don't?】
【Then get ready for your private photos to go viral.】
【If you're not afraid of me exposing your… inadequacies, go ahead.】
【Jenna, you're asking for it!】
Three years ago, we were in a car accident.
He nearly died saving me.
But while he was still in the hospital, I took a large sum of money from his father and left him.
Now, he's the heir to a massive empire.
He's here for revenge, isn't he?
Chapter 1
Backstage at the awards ceremony, I stood straight in my designer gown, looking like a warrior queen.
Turning off my phone, a dull ache spread through my chest.
I couldn't believe Miles would go this far for Serena.
Threatening to release my private photos.
But I, Jenna, don't cave to threats.
Besides, I have a hundred‑million‑dollar performance clause hanging over my head. I can't afford to lose.
Miles Shepherd, my younger ex-boyfriend I'd once taken care of for three years.
When we were together, he was just an abandoned son from the Shepherd family, unwanted and shunned.
He had nothing but a monthly allowance.
After we broke up, he became the heir to the entire Shepherd fortune.
Back then, I was the one who told him I'd fallen for someone else and ended things.
For that, the industry labeled me “the most short‑sighted ex‑girlfriend.”
My reputation was in tatters. So I focused on my craft.
With my skills, I was nominated for Best Actress at the Globe Awards.
I needed this win to turn my life around. There was no way I'd let Miles threaten me out of it.
Soon after, it was my turn on stage.
I walked out like an unbreakable queen, took the trophy from the presenter, and smiled wide.
I raised the statue.
“Thank you to the audience, the jury, the crew, and myself for pushing forward…”
“Only I know how hard I fought to get here.”
Finally, I looked directly at one camera.
“To all the girls out there: hard work pays off.”
The applause was thunderous. Many had tears in their eyes.
Miles sat in the audience. He narrowed his eyes, a cruel smirk on his lips.
“Jenna, you've got guts.”
After accepting the award, I returned to my seat. I saw Miles sitting not far behind me, staring at me like a wolf with an unhappy Serena beside him.
Memories flooded back involuntarily.
We were so good together back then.
When I wanted to climb Everest, he endured altitude sickness to go with me. He almost died.
When I wanted to paraglide, he faced his fear of heights. Afterwards, he threw up for hours.
When I wanted fireworks, he bought a mountain of them for me.
When I wanted a pet but was too lazy to care for it, he did it for me.
My name in his contacts was “Boss.”
Miles was incredibly good to me.
But three years ago, the car accident changed everything.
He shielded me with his body.
He was gravely injured, in a coma, his kidney pierced.
While he was still unconscious, I took the money his father offered and left without a word.
When he woke up, all he got was my breakup text.
【Miles, let's break up. I don't love you anymore.】
Seeing that almost killed him again.
Later, his father brought him back into the family, making him a wealthy heir.
He spent three years there, biding his time, until he became the successor.
Thinking about it made my chest ache again.
I took a deep breath, trying to push the feeling down.
I knew Miles wouldn't let this go easily.
My agent, Leo, noticed my unease.
“What's wrong?”
Worried about a PR crisis, I told him about Miles.
Leo frowned deeply after hearing it.
“Jenna, that was a stupid move!”
“Maybe… apologize to him? See if he'll forgive you?”
But he immediately shook his head.
“Forget it. I wouldn't forgive you.”
Then he added, “No man would.”
I stayed silent. The ache in my chest sharpened.
After a moment, I texted Miles.
【I'm sorry.】
He replied instantly.
【Not forgiven.】
Two hours later, the news broke. Headlines exploded.
New Film Queen Exposed: Dumped Her Hero Lover for Money
Scumbag Actress Jenna
