Five years ago, I broke up with superstar Theodore Fleming in the most dramatic way possible.

Out of spite, I told him, "I'll definitely find someone before you do."

Five years later, I was forced to share a stage with him once again.

Right there, Theodore made an announcement. "Please, everyone, stop shipping me and Cynthia Levine. I already have a girlfriend."

The entire room fell silent. Fans glanced at me sympathetically.

But I didn't say a word—because in these five years, I'd gotten married and had children.

***

Starshine Entertainment, makeup room.

I sat before the vanity, deftly touching up my powder.

My agent, Evelyn Pridham, hovered nearby, pleading, "Cindy, your fans who ship you and Theodore have invested a fortune. They want you two to perform your signature duet, 'Love.'"

I froze, powder puff suspended in mid-air.

"No," I refused instinctively.

Evelyn had expected this. "You know how popular your ship is, even after five years apart?"

I stayed silent.

Once, Theodore and I debuted together, rising from nobodies in the crowd to the top of the Hollywood A-list.

Everyone was obsessed with our "Best Actor & Actress Couple."

But after the breakup, Theodore stayed in the spotlight.

I gradually faded behind the scenes.

Everyone in the industry knew, the name Theodore was taboo around me.

And for Theodore, my name was just as forbidden.

But this time, the company wouldn't indulge me.

The fans had invested too much.

Half a month later, I was forced onstage, singing 'Love' with Theodore at Boston Stadium.

The massive arena was packed.

The introduction music played.

As I stepped out, the once rowdy stadium fell into a hush.

No cheers. No applause.

I closed my eyes and began softly, "If not for loving you, how could I still be awake so late at night..."

My voice floated, light and ethereal, drawing everyone in.

Then, from behind me, a clear and familiar voice joined in.

"Every thought is about you. I miss you, miss you, miss you so much..."

The silence was shattered into a tidal wave of screams.

"Ah—Theodore—"

"Theo, we love you—"

With the deafening cheers, I opened my eyes and instinctively turned.

Theodore, dressed in a dark, custom-tailored suit, walked toward me step by step.

His eyes, once bright when they met mine, now held only calm indifference.

Yet his lips sang words full of longing.

"Love is a torment, but I can't bear to forget."

I joined in, harmonizing with him. "Always guessing what's in your heart, is my name there..."

Our voices intertwined, unearthing memories I'd buried deep.

Five years ago, I visited Theodore, who was located in the mountains, only to see the leading actress casually drinking from his water bottle.

Theodore, usually a stickler for cleanliness, didn't stop her. His gaze toward her was unusually gentle.

In that moment, I realized I'd never truly been loved by him.

A month after Theodore wrapped filming, I ended things abruptly.

"Let's break up."

He paused, didn't ask why, only said, "Are you sure?"

I nodded firmly.

"Sure."

"Okay."

Theodore didn't try to win me back. He didn't cling.

Our relationship, from college to adulthood, ended quietly, without closure.

That day, I posted on Twitter.

"It's over between Theodore and me."

The replies were full of regret, begging us not to break up.

But in the five years that followed, we never shared a frame again.

Before I knew it, the song was over.

Theodore walked to my side, glanced at me, then looked out at the fans, raising his microphone.

"I'm grateful for all your support, but I need to make something clear.

"Please stop shipping me and Cynthia. I already have a girlfriend.

"It's Lauren Townsley."

Lauren is an A-list rising star and also the actress who once drank from his cup.

The crowd, moments ago wild with excitement, fell silent.

I heard his words and looked at Theodore's familiar face—still cool, his deep eyes calm and unreadable.

The concert ended awkwardly.

Escorted by staff, I left backstage and headed to the underground parking lot.

A sleek black Lamborghini sped past me, the rush of air sending my dress and hair flying.

I recognized the car—Theodore's first purchase after winning Best Actor, bought with his prize money, with my name engraved on it.

I hadn't expected him to still drive it.

Just then, a luxurious diamond-blue Rolls-Royce, license plate "CL7777," pulled into the parking lot.

It stopped right in front of me.

The driver stepped out, opened the door, and bowed respectfully.

"Ma'am, Miss Jennifer and Mr. Titus are asking to see their mother."

Back at Villa One in Honolulu.

As soon as I walked through the door, my twins, Jennifer and Titus, came running into my arms. "Mommy!"

I gently stroked their heads, my eyes full of tenderness. After playing with them for a while, I coax them back to their rooms and tuck them into bed.

Exhausted, I collapse onto my own bed, scrolling endlessly through Twitter on my phone.

At the top of the trending list is "Best Actor & Actress couple officially over."

Right behind it, "Theodore & Lauren."

I clicked in and saw that Theodore had made it official.

"2020-2025, thank you for spending these long years with me. Here's to the rest of our lives together @Lauren."

The post is accompanied by a series of photos, from when they first met to recent snapshots.

My finger freezes on one picture, which was Lauren drinking from Theodore's bottle.

And under their announcement, the top comment with over a million likes is all about me.

"Theodore made it official, but Cynthia's stubbornness means she'll regret this for the rest of her life. There's no way she'll ever find a better man than Theodore."

Others quickly chime in.

"Yeah, remember when they were filming and the set caught fire? Theodore risked his life to save her."

"I heard some big shot tried to force Cynthia to drink, and Theodore smashed a bottle over the guy's head."

"That's not all—when she came down with pneumonia, Theodore never left her side."

"And every year at midnight, he'd send her birthday wishes, carefully picking out jewelry and luxury bags for her."

"After every movie, he'd take time off just to be with Cynthia."

"That's why women should learn to appreciate what they have, or they'll regret it!"

I read everything in silence, unable to resist typing out replies to each comment.

"He was good to me, and I was good to him, too.

"I don't regret breaking up with him.

"I had reasons I couldn't ignore."

Almost immediately, people screenshot my replies and start grilling me.

"What reason could possibly justify breaking up with a man who saved your life?"

"You say you don't regret it, but you must be hurting inside. No one waits forever."

"You've been single for five years and haven't had a single suitor. Maybe look at yourself for the problem."

Just as I'm about to reply again, a message pops up on my phone.

It was from my agent, Evelyn.

"Go to bed early. You have only one kidney now, so take care of yourself."

I reply, "Got it, going to sleep soon."

Then I put my phone away and close my eyes, but my thoughts drift back to seven years ago.

Back then, Theodore suffered acute kidney failure. Without hesitation, I donated my own kidney to him.

After our breakup, Evelyn asked me countless times if I regretted it.

I always shook my head.

When you love someone, you give everything without reservation. The outcome may not be perfect, but I have no regrets.

The next morning, bright and early.

I ride in the nanny van to Starshine Entertainment.

Just as I walk into the company, I see Theodore being interviewed.

Reporters, microphones raised, crowd around him, asking, "Theo, your popularity is still sky-high. It's totally different when you and Cynthia appear."

"Back when Cynthia broke up with you so suddenly, did you feel relieved?"

Only then do I realize that most people want to see us together just to humiliate me.

Theodore looks at them calmly, his gaze drifting over to me. "That chapter with her is closed. I have a new life now.

"I believe she's started a new chapter, too."

A reporter quickly responds, "Cynthia's been single for five years. She's still alone."

All these years, the paparazzi have tried to dig into my private life, but strangely, nothing's ever leaked.

I've kept my distance, refusing to take any romantic roles.

They think it's because I haven't gotten over Theodore.

Theodore, hearing this, looks away, his expression indifferent.

"Then I wish her happiness, wherever she finds it."

I watch Theodore, the star everyone circles around, and silently answer him in my heart.

"Thank you for your blessing. I found my home four years ago."

With my agent Evelyn and a bodyguard escorting me, I returned to my private lounge.

Evelyn handed me a stack of contract termination papers.

"You're at the top of your game—why quit now?"

I sat down on the couch, picked up a pen, and signed my name on each contract without so much as looking up.

"I've made my name and earned enough money. Now I want to spend more time with my family," I replied.

"And I want my family to be able to live in the public eye, too."

Seeing my mind was made up, Evelyn sighed and started helping me handle all the details of my exit from the industry.

That evening, the company hosted a welcome party for Theodore, who'd been living in New York for years. Every artist was required to attend.

I finished my makeup, slipped into a deep navy velvet couture gown, and arrived at the door of the V777 private suite at the Empire Grand Hotel.

The door was ajar.

Before I even stepped inside, I overheard people talking about me.

"Cynthia must regret it so much now."

"Theo was so good to her, and she didn't appreciate it—she even dumped him."

"Now Theo's with Laurie, and honestly, they're a much better match."

"Theo, you have no idea how jealous I was of you and Laurie playing the leads in 'Sky Clear.' You two were made for each other."

"After 'Sky Clear' aired, everyone online said nobody could resist Laurie's Sabrina Willett."

Sabrina was the female lead in the series "Sky Clear."

Hearing all this, I felt myself drifting.

Six years ago.

Theodore and Lauren co-starred in "Sky Clear," filming together in isolation for a year.

A year later, the show aired and became an instant hit.

Online, people raved about Theodore's character, Xavier O'Malley, saying he was obviously head-over-heels for Lauren's Sabrina.

What they didn't know was that, in real life, Theodore's heart was just like the hero's—he'd fallen for Lauren.

A month before I broke up with Theodore, his phone was filled with 1,346 behind-the-scenes photos of Lauren from the shoot.

His Twitter was overflowing with likes for clips of their on-screen couple moments from "Sky Clear."

I still remember the day we broke up—it was my birthday.

Theodore was there with me, but he kept replying to Lauren's messages on his phone...

The day after we split, I learned Lauren had been stuck working late at the office the night before.

Theodore must have been worried sick about her that night...

A server pushed open the door, and everyone inside turned to look at me.

When they saw me—dressed to kill, standing at the threshold—they all froze for a moment.

"Cindy, you're here?"

At the sound of my name, Theodore, seated at the head of the table, turned his deep, enigmatic gaze toward me.

His eyes were unreadable.

Lauren, in a simple white dress beside him, instinctively linked her arm through Theodore's.

"Cindy, we thought you wouldn't come."

"The company requires it, so of course I'm here," I replied calmly.

I found a seat as far from Theodore as possible and sat down.

The room fell into a brief silence.

Theodore squeezed Lauren's hand and spoke first.

"Now that Cynthia's here, I have some good news to share.

"Lauren and I are getting married on October 8."

I was stunned.

October 8 was my birthday.

It was also the day I'd chosen to leave the industry...

I don't even know how the party ended. I walked out of the hotel, lost in thought.

At some point, rain had started pouring outside.

I stared at the curtain of water, dazed.

Not wanting to go home yet, I texted my driver to pick me up later.

Just then, my colleagues began filing out.

"Cindy, why are you still here? Didn't your driver come?" someone asked.

Before I could answer, another chimed in, "Come on, you know the company doesn't send cars for Cindy anymore."

I was no longer the reigning queen of Hollywood. I'd stopped taking commercial gigs, and the company was already pushing Lauren as the new star.

Whispers filled the air.

"Poor Cindy, huh?"

"Yeah, Theo and Lauren are about to get married, and she's all alone."

"Her career isn't what it used to be."

I didn't bother to respond to their pity, mockery, or scorn.

Just then, Lauren stepped out with Theodore.

"Cindy, it's pouring. Why don't you come with us?"

I was about to politely decline.

Theodore's lips parted slightly. "Sorry, that's not convenient."

His words stung like a needle. I looked into his cool, unfathomable eyes and parted my lips.

"It's fine. Someone will come for me."

But—who?

Everyone exchanged glances, waiting to see me humiliated.

But only moments later, a pair of dazzling headlights sliced through the rain.

A limited-edition Lincoln stretch limo with the license plate "NS7777" stopped in front of us.

The driver stepped out, unfurled a black umbrella, and strode respectfully toward me.

"Ma'am, it's late. Sir sent me to bring you home."

Ma'am? Sir?

Cynthia had married?

For a moment, everyone was frozen in shock.

All around us, only the sound of rain pounding against the car broke the silence.

Theodore looked at me, his brow furrowing slightly. "You're married?"

I paused, turning back to face him.

"Did you forget what I told you when we broke up?"

Five years ago, after I ended things with Theodore, I said, "Theodore, don't worry. Now that we've parted ways, I'll definitely find someone before you do."

Right now, Theodore clearly didn't believe it. The corner of his mouth lifted in a skeptical smirk.

"Really? Then why haven't you brought him to meet us?" So there isn't anyone, is there? That's why you just sent a driver.

Lauren stepped forward, her eyes bright with a gentle smile. "Cindy, Theo is someone who feels deeply. You've always meant a lot to him.

"I hope you'll come to our wedding."

Their wedding was set for October 8th—my retirement day.

I answered honestly, "I have something very important that day. I'm afraid I won't be able to make it.

"I wish you both happiness."

With that, I glanced around at everyone present, offering a polite smile as I said goodbye. "It was wonderful seeing you all tonight. Until next time."

But in truth, it was a farewell for good.

I climbed into the car, and the Lincoln limousine rolled away into the night.

Everyone watched me go, finally snapping out of their daze, murmuring among themselves.

"Did Cynthia get rattled by Theo's wedding announcement?"

"She even hired a driver to fake being married?"

"She went all out, renting a luxury car."

"The once-proud, now-forgotten queen of the screen..."

***

Back home, I did what I always did—spent time with my children.

I watched Jennifer show off a new dance she'd learned, then helped Titus with his drawing.

Jennifer curled up in my arms and asked, "Mommy, why has Daddy been so busy lately? He hasn't spent time with me and Tito."

I gently stroked Jennifer's hair, answering softly, "Daddy's working hard for us. Soon, we'll get to see him, and our whole family will be happy."

Jennifer nodded. "Okay."

After tucking Jennifer and Titus into bed, I gazed out the window into the vast, quiet night, feeling peaceful inside.

Just then, my phone lit up unexpectedly.

I picked it up and saw a message from Theodore.

"If you showed up today just to keep your promise from five years ago, I don't think it's necessary.

"I'm about to get married. Let's forget about the past."

Staring at those words, I remembered our breakup five years ago.

I had told Theodore, "Theodore, don't worry. Now that we've parted ways, I'll definitely find someone before you do."

I, Cynthia Levine, have always kept my word.

But Theodore never believed me.

Looking at my children, I felt a serenity I hadn't known five years ago.

I typed back, "I've long forgotten the past."

Then I closed my phone and drifted off to sleep.

That night, I dreamed of my college days with Theodore.

Back then, Theodore was the cool, aloof heartthrob at Boston University—the one everyone admired but no one could get close to.

Countless girls tried to win him over, but none succeeded.

Only I pursued him relentlessly for three years before we finally got together.

Once we were a couple, I learned about Theodore's obsession with cleanliness—he wouldn't let anyone within a meter of him.

It took me a year just to hold his hand, another year before our first kiss, and two years before we finally slept together...

He was so disciplined and fastidious—a man who would never cheat.

But while filming a series with rising star Lauren, he was the first to fall for someone else.

The moment Lauren picked up Theodore's water bottle and drank from it, I understood.

When a man truly loves a woman, there's no such thing as being a neat freak.

The next morning, I was jolted awake by my phone ringing nonstop.

Groggy, I answered.

On the other end, Evelyn's voice was urgent.

"Cindy, you're trending!"

I opened up the trending topics.

"Theodore and Lauren Announce Their Engagement—Ex Cynthia Offers Heartfelt Blessings."

"Cynthia Rents Luxury Car to Save Face."

"Cynthia Refuses to Attend Theodore's Wedding—She Still Loves Him!"

Every headline at the top was about me.

I clicked into one at random.

It was footage from last night—of that limited-edition Lincoln limousine picking me up, and a video of Lauren inviting me to the wedding and me turning her down.

The clips were going viral, some already racking up over a hundred million views.

Evelyn's voice came through the phone. "Do they seriously think you could rent a global limited-edition car like that?"

I just smiled, unfazed. "It's fine. I'm used to it. It doesn't bother me."

After chatting with Evelyn for a while, I hung up and noticed my Twitter DMs were flooded.

I opened them—every message was a jab.

"If Theo's already moved on, you should too."

"Theo always shielded you too well. Maybe you don't realize, but the kind of sponsor who drives a limited-edition Lincoln would never go for a washed-up actress like you."

"All the fans know you're not going to Theodore's wedding because you still love him."

I read each one, then closed Twitter.

Glancing at the date—October 6th. Only three days left.

I put away my phone, settled the kids, then changed into a black French-style dress and drove alone to the cemetery outside town.

Cradling a bouquet of white roses, I walked to my parents' graves and gently laid the flowers down.

White roses—Mom and Dad's favorites.

I gazed at their kind faces etched on the headstone, my eyes stinging with tears.

Taking a deep breath, I said softly, "Mom, Dad, the day after tomorrow, I'm leaving the industry.

"I'm also planning to leave Boston and move with the kids to London. From now on, I'll only be able to visit you on holidays.

"I'll miss you both so much.

"A lot has happened lately. Theodore's back, but... there's no going back for us."

I stood there, talking to them for a long, long time.

I don't know how much time passed, but suddenly, a cool voice sounded behind me.

"Didn't expect to find you here."

I turned around and saw Theodore standing not far away, dressed in a black trench coat.

He was holding a bouquet of white roses, too.

For a moment, I felt disoriented.

It had been five years since Theodore and I had visited Mom and Dad's grave together.

"You came to see my parents, too?" I asked.

Theodore nodded, stepped up to the headstone, and placed his roses down, bowing deeply.

"Professor Levine, Mrs. Levine, I came to see you."

My dad had been a professor of theater at Boston University, and Theodore's mentor—like a father to him.

But Dad had passed away before Theodore and I broke up.

I still remember—

On his deathbed, Dad told Theodore, "Theo, having a student like you, I have no regrets in this life.

"But I still worry about Cindy."

Theodore had held my father's hand, eyes red, and promised solemnly, "Don't worry, sir. I'll take care of Cynthia for the rest of my life. I'll never leave her."

Looking back now, a lifetime feels awfully short.

After we finished paying our respects, Theodore and I walked out of the cemetery together. I glanced at him.

"Thank you for coming to see my parents."

A strange emotion flickered in his eyes as he replied, "I just came to visit my mentor and his wife."

I said nothing more and turned to leave.

"Cynthia."

Theodore called after me. "I want to ask you something."

I stopped. "What is it?"

Word by word, Theodore asked, "Five years ago, why did you suddenly break up with me?"