From The Background Wife To His Unreachable Memory

ward-winning actress-flung a pregnancy test report onto the desk

child," she said, her tone

eated, her posture composed as she responded in an eve

nfidence faltering as confusion overtook her

, her calm gaze settling on Stella as she

least come up with something less childish." Verena's gaze dropped to the report on the desk, and a mocking smile touched h

earing Verena dismiss her performance so

hild I'm carrying is Brayden Hughes'. I'm not like tho

uckles paling with suppressed fury. Across from her, Verena remained effortl

rested back with casual ease, as if sc

ith one scandal after another, facing down countless women until

passing temptation, Verena intended to k

wife, she had no intention of

e in broad daylight. Aren't you worried about landing yourself in tomorrow's hea

e best actress with a polished image to protect. If Brayden hadn't given her permission to c

ere were no cameras in sight, Stella grew bolder. Brayden's

been married to him for three years and still haven't given him a child. Maybe you should start asking yourself why that is. I've only been wit

e reaction she was sure would come. She refused to beli

a was supposed to have

inning to end, and Stella couldn't

s, she had no idea how she was s

Williams, if you're so determined to keep that child, then go ahead and have

, but the phrase "illegitimate

Stella stood there speec

ce. "I know exactly what kind of man Brayden is. He's caused me more than enough trouble over the years. But if he expects me to bring up divorce

chin, a quiet, unmistakable sign

ella forgot every cutting line and dramatic

she could not understand why Veren

ng, that they lived separate lives under the same roo

elieve Verena could stay so unmoved at the sight of h

truly gone numb to it all simply becau

not as a rival, but as a woman, and an une

a loveless marriage? Or would you put up with anything for money? Are yo

with steady hands. "When a man is determined to stray, no woman can stop him. That's why you never marry a man for love.

illiams, you've survived in the entertainment industry for

After a long beat, fury twisted across her face. She snatched the pregnancy test report off

a spun on her heel, shoved the door open,

rs tightened around the cup until her knuckles blanched, the faint heat seeping into

well moments ago. A faint, bitter curve touched her

th quiet cruelty. Could she really accept raising anothe

ly, sharp and undeniable.

as fast-heavy, inescapable

iled behind him, chasing his shadow, hoping that one day he might finally notice her. To stand beside him, she had forced herself into a path she was never suited for, choosing pu

orking late nights and early mornings, all for the faint

received in return were endless scandals and a steady s

tant, almost cruel. Even the moments they shared in bed felt mechanical and devoid of warmth. He had mad

han a convenient instrument-someone he used to manage

ubborn love she had carried for him since her youth refused to let go, k

de rising in her chest, forcing her expression back into co

building than a swarm of reporters surged f

all around he

r microphones into Verena's face. Camera flashes burst nonstop, sha

ecent scandal involving Mr. Hughes an

Hughes' child and plans to marry into the Hughes fa

the sake of the family's interests, or

e years and still don't have a child. Some peo

Mr. Hughes have actually been h

you please respond

each question cutting sharper than the last, like

erena's composed exterior, her patience th

count of how many scandals she'd cleaned up for

hing, it felt deliberate, as though he were using these pu

ared by a mutual friend she and Brayden both knew. From that single update, sh

. That had to be why he was suddenly so

tion followed-he had to be the one who tipped off t

oval, no reporter would have dared to stir

refused to swall

g there, enduring public humiliation-nor was she meant to

ung to finally snapped. All the resentment and quiet suffering she had buried deep inside surged upward

st reporter. "Brayden has a low sperm count, and he barely lasts five minutes in bed. Instead of worrying about him che

turn her life into a spectacle, then sh

swept over t

across their faces, leaving

cted Verena to say somet

r and driving away from the TrueLight Group building. Before long, her explosive remark had been turned into an article