Chapter 5
Father, consumed by guilt, always insisted I yield to Claire. Even when she hijacked my wedding to James, he merely scolded her before allowing the bride swap.
I spiraled into self–doubt and depression until Alexander seemingly rescued me with his devotion and
care.
When Claire repeatedly stole my roles, Alexander would say, “Treat acting as a hobby, darling. I’d rather have you at home with me anyway.”
His words had seemed so sweet then.
Claire’s star rose with each role meant for me. Now I realized my rival wasn’t just my sister–it was also my husband who shared my bed while dreaming of another.
“Oh, right,” Claire smirked. “Alexander brought me a script. He’s financing my new film–top director, premium production team, starting soon.”
She handed me the screenplay. The title read “Salvation Heights.”
My hands trembled as I flipped through it. For seven years, I’d crafted a script on my laptop, based on my journey with Alexander–our arranged marriage evolving into love.
Or so I’d thought. Now he’d gifted my story to Claire.
Before I could speak, Claire’s expression shifted. She suddenly slapped herself twice, messed up her hair,
and screamed.
“Stop! Evelyn, what are you doing?”
Alexander burst in. Without a glance at me, he shoved me aside and rushed to Claire.
“Claire, are you alright?”
She covered her face, tears glistening. “Alexander, I… I just invited her in for tea. She attacked me, called
me horrible names…”
His gaze turned cold when he looked at me–a stranger’s eyes. “Evelyn, I know you resent Claire, but
violence? Look at her face–how can she film like this?”
“What if the paparazzi saw? Have you thought about the consequences?”
I stared at him, eyes burning but tearless. I didn’t defend myself against Claire’s lies. Instead, I asked,
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Seven Years of Love, Seven Minutes of Truth
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Chapter &
“Why did you give her my script?”
“What script?” His voice turned icy. “Didn’t we agree you’d gradually leave acting? Come home, start a family?”
I turned away, nails digging into my palms, drowning in exhaustion and disappointment.
Start a family? Never again.
Something in my expression made him soften. “Evelyn, I apologize for losing my temper. I’m just worried about the media–everyone already knows you’re sisters. As my wife, I don’t want people speaking ill of
you.”
He stroked my hair. “Go film your scene. I’ll take you to lunch later. Be good.”
I nodded.
Turning away, I allowed myself a bitter smile. Poor Alexander, forced to juggle two women.
