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"You have desires, but force yourself to act humble. Aren't you tired?"
"I know your parents died young—you've always been insecure. I never said it, but I felt for you. But you didn't appreciate it."
He never knew.
I gave more than money and love.
I carefully protected his pride and dignity.
Because to me, he was still that lonely boy from eighteen years ago.
"And the thing you're ashamed of—why you never had children."
…
"Enough."
He broke down completely, kneeling and sobbing.
I walked over and touched his head.
"I loved you. But now I regret it."
Liam left.
At 3 PM on Sunday, we went to the city hall.
After the cooling-off period, we divorced.
I don't know if he truly understood.
But that day, he smiled brightly.
In all the years I'd known him, I'd never seen him smile like that.
As if he was free.
I returned to my career.
The drama had put me back in the spotlight.
People remembered me.
They even dug up my old films.
Praised me as a forgotten gem.
Said my acting was award-winning.
I didn't let the praise get to me.
I knew—they love to build idols.
And love to tear them down.
My mentor was still strict.
But I saw the kindness beneath.
He wasn't angry—he cast me in his new film.
With that film, I won awards.
I stood on bigger stages.
Became a better version of myself.
Later, I heard about Mia and Liam.
The two men confessed.
Denied Mia's involvement.
Mia lay low.
She sold the company and shares.
Took the money and ran.
Liam lost the rights to all the songs he'd written.
Started over.
Mia left the city with the money.
But she overestimated herself.
The money could've lasted a lifetime.
But she'd grown used to luxury—she couldn't go back.
She forgot she was ordinary.
Without Liam's unexpected fame,
She'd never have seen that world.
But greed has no end.
She bought luxury goods, dressed up for high-society events.
She networked.
But she had no real skills.
She was scammed, became a mistress.
Ended with nothing.
She grew irritable, unhinged.
She blamed Liam for her downfall.
Liam had moved behind the scenes.
Sometimes sang in bars to get by.
But Mia, desperate, found him again and again.
Demanded money.
He refused, so she cried to everyone about her sacrifices.
Mia was like gum stuck to his shoe.
She wouldn't let go.
Finally, Liam snapped and hit her.
Mia stabbed him with a knife.
Mia went to prison.
Liam survived but was paralyzed.
He'd need a catheter for life.
Everyone paid the price for their actions.
Later,
I met someone wonderful.
We married, had children.
He held my hand at parties.
Proudly told the world I was his wife.
When I was torn, he said, "Do what you want. I'll always have your back."
He was truly kind.
He loved me, and loved himself.
I loved him, and loved myself.
