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Their divorce had never been amicable.
Three years ago, when Liam's career began its steady decline.
Mia grew increasingly dissatisfied with their life together.
She always thought her looks deserved a wealthier husband and a more luxurious lifestyle.
Under the pretense of networking for Liam's career.
In reality, she was secretly hunting for her next target.
Eventually, she began an affair with a wealthy man from San Francisco.
She then began picked fights, pressuring Liam into a divorce.
They had no kids, no substantial ties.
After the divorce, she manipulated him into giving her nearly all his assets by playing on his guilt.
Liam, desperate to protect his public image,
Relented.
But the wealthy man turned out to be a complete fraud—a married cheater with no fortune, whose wife publicly exposed and humiliated Mia.
With nowhere else to go, she latched onto Liam once more.
But this time, Liam told her he had a girlfriend and no intention of remarrying.
She weaponized tears, recounting all her supposed sacrifices, and each time, Liam's resolve weakened.
He even used the savings my mother had carfully set aside for my future-my dowry-to open a new studio.
He installed Mia as the legal head.
Granting her 90% of the shares.
The divorced couples' reality show was Mia's brainchild—a public stage for their fabricated reconciliation.
The only surprise was that Liam had lied to her.
I wasn't just his girlfriend—I was his lawful wife.
The evidence, the timelines—everything was laid bare with crystal clarity.
The truth was undeniable.
Public opinion reversed in an instant.
Liam was exposed as a serial cheater and a liar.
Mia became the greedy gold-digger.
Their drama was no longer my burden to carry.
I stood at my mentor's doorstep,
My heart heavy with nerves and hesitation.
When I first started my acting career, he'd chosen me as his lead despite my complete obscurity.
He had guided me with immense patience.
Liam's betrayal had caused him significant professional trouble.
I needed to apologize.
The door creaked open.
My mentor, about to take out the trash, saw me and wordlessly gestured for me to enter.
I braced myself for a well-deserved scolding.
But he simply looked at me in silence for a long moment.
Finally, he spoke.
"Did you do anything wrong?"
I was rendered speechless.
A wave of profound wronged washed over me.
I hadn't cried when Liam and Mia hugged on national television.
I hadn't cried when I was called the other woman and publicly shamed at the event.
I hadn't cried when I made the firm decision to leave Liam behind.
But now, the tears came unbidden, welling up in my eyes.
Trembling, I looked at him and said,
"I didn't. I didn't do anything wrong."
It was the truth. I had chosen Liam for love.
He was already divorced when I met him.
He told me his heart was free and clear—no lingering attachments.
How had any of that become my fault?
"If you didn't do anything wrong, then why should you be the one to suffer? The truth has a way of revealing itself in the end."
I couldn't hold back my tears.
"I chose you back then because I saw the genuine fire in you for acting. You were, and still are, my ideal protagonist."
His expression softened. "I have a daughter too. I'd want her to be strong in a situation like this—not be defeated by it."
I looked at him, overwhelmed with gratitude, and nodded firmly.
He continued, "Go home now, I'm not angry with you. Sort out your own life first—just don't get hurt in the process. Don't make your parents worry about you."
Stepping outside, I looked up at the vast, clear sky and felt a weight lift from my shoulders.
Yeah, I still had my parents.
I called them immediately and told them not to worry.
I was so deeply sorry—I remembered how I had thrown tantrums when they tried to stop me from marrying Liam.
Liam hadn't even wanted a wedding.
But my parents had given their all to ensure I had what they believed was a beautiful start to my marriage.
Now, with everything in ruins, they didn't blame me—they comforted me.
With people like this standing so firmly behind me, what in the world did I have left to fear?
