Chapter 8

When I woke again, I abandoned my usual obedience, stubbornly refusing treatment. "Jayden, I can't love you anymore. Just let me go." My voice trembled with reluctance, yet beneath it lay an unshakable resolve. "I don't want to be an actress anymore. I don't want to be your admirer, either. I just want to live my life." A perfectly timed tear traced its way down my cheek as I continued, "You're the one who pushed me onto this path… Jayden, that's why Louise hates me so much…" The pain in Jayden's eyes was impossible to hide, and his voice was heavy with guilt. "It's all my fault. I won't push you into the spotlight anymore. Ariana, all I ask is that you don't leave me. I'll give you anything you want, alright?" I said nothing, letting my tears fall in silence. As if remembering something, Jayden continued, "That bitch Louise—how dare she do this to you? I'll deal with her the same way I did five years ago, as long as you stay with me." I neither agreed nor objected. And of cours