Lucinda hadn’t even been able to attend Sean and Charlotte’s engagement party. At the time, she had been overseas attending a major international film festival <b>and </b>simply couldn’t get away


    This time, when Sean decided he had to make Charlotte give up on himpletely, he went straight to his distant cousin and asked her to help him put on a show


    When Lucinda first heard that her <b>cousin </b>wanted her to “act,” she assumed he was producing some blockbuster and haile to her for casting. She lit up with a


    contide smile.


    *Sean, if you’re investing. It’s gotta be something big<b>. </b>You’vee to the right person. I’m an award–winning actress, remember? If I star in your mode, it’s guaranteed to brahit!”


    But Sean’s expression was cold, and his tone was t


    “It’s not a mode. I need you to act–forreal”


    Lucinda’s smile froze.


    Wait, what?”


    “You’re going to y my numored girlfriend<b>.</b>”


    Lucinda stared <b>at </b>him.


    You dealing with a clingy ex or something? Want me to be your decoy?”


    She sniffed out gossip immediately, eyes lighting up with interest


    <b>“</b>That can’t be right. You’re sean Jasper. What kind of woman would dare cling to you? Besides, don’t you already have a fiancée?”


    Sean’s expression darkened


    She’s not clingy. She’s the only woman I’ve ever loved.”


    Lucinda blinked. It took her a moment to process that.


    Uncharacteristically patient, Sean exined the whole situation to her.


    When he finished, Lucinda let out a long sigh.


    <b>Wow</b>. Poor girl. Do I get a say in this? I haven’t even met her, and now I’m supposed to y the other woman in her love story? How am I supposed to look herin the eye after this


    *This is your payment.” Sean held out <b>a </b>ck card.


    Lucinda scoffed and tumed away


    “Please. <b>You </b>can’t just buy me oft. I don’t do gigs that hurt beautiful, innocent women.


    Lucinda paused.


    Well when you put it like that, we are doing this to protect her. Once the truthes out, I’m sure she’ll understand. She seems like the reasonable type,” she slowly reached over and plucked the card from his hand with a gdn.


    “Don’t me me,<b>” </b>she thought silently. “He offered way too


    y taxes. But now? A few staged photos, a little acting,


    She could spend months filming a <b>drama </b>and barely make that kind of money. In addition, she still had to pay t and she would walk away with the same paycheck. It was the easiest job she would ever tak


    Sean’s ex


    Sean’s exprsstoemained cool <b>and </b>unreadable.


    “Male in convincing. She can’t suspect anything.


    patted her st“,”


    “Rx. <b>You’ve </b>got the best the business. I didn’t win that Best Actress trophy for nothing”


    After lunging up the phone, Charlotte sat by the window, her eyes <b>vacant </b>and tears streaming uncontrobly.


    A few minutester, her phone rang. It was Seancalling her back


    She picked <b>up </b>right away, heart pounding. Some <b>part </b>of her still hoped he was calling <b>to </b>exin everything to tell her it was all a misunderstanding. Seam’s voice <b>was </b>calm, almost ton calm.


    Lulu said you called earlier. <b>What </b>did you want?”


    -25 Bonus


    Such <b>an </b>intimate way to address her<b>. </b>


    Just like how he used to call her “Lottie.”


    Any hope that had flickered in Charlotte’s chest was instantly extinguished


    Her voice trembled as she spoke, trying to keep herself together.


    “You and her….


    She wanted to ask if the rumors were true, if Sean was really with Lucinda now, but the words just wouldn’te.


    Her chest tightened, and it was hard to breathe


    Sean’s tone remained detached.


    “We broke up. <b>Who </b>I’m with now has nothing to do with you.”


    Charlotte felt like she had been pped.


    Her voice cracked.


    Just tell me the truth–is this because of Joseph? You still love me, right?


    <b>“</b>You’re lying, aren’t you? Sean, I don’t believe it. There’s no way you moved on that fast. Just tell You’re doing this to protect me… aren’t you?“.


    There was silence.


    On the other end of the line, Sean could <b>hear </b>her sobbing. His heart twisted painfully in his chest.


    He closed his eyes<b>, </b>took a deep breath, and forced his voice to <b>stay </b>cold


    “Don’t tter yourself


    As <b>soon </b><b>as </b>he finished spealing, he couldn’t keep up the act any longer. In a <b>panic</b><b>, </b>he hung up the phone,


    If he had stayed on the line even one second longer, he would have caved.


    BIG SALF: 3500 <b>bonus </b>free <b>fou </b>you