Chapter 12 

“Is there anything we can do to help James now?” I ask Yasmine. 

I know she wouldn’t seek me out without a plan. 

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The last time she approached me, she had already determined everything, forcing me to leave James. 

This time must be similar. 

“Sophie, don’t blame me,” she says. “You’ve seen it yourself – you and James can 

never be together. If the public decides James is unfaithful, his career will implode instantly. Once that happens, contract terminations follow, and many require penalty payments. James’s current contracts combined could bankrupt him completely.” 

“Just get to the point,” I say calmly. 

Yasmine is direct: “You need to publicly clear James’s name. Say you’re the woman who abandoned him years ago. Now that he’s successful, you tried to reconnect, 

but he rejected you.” 

“You weren’t satisfied, so you made one request – for him to take you to Disneyland to see the fireworks one last time before leaving you alone forever. James agreed, but you tricked him and kissed him, thinking you could win him back. Instead, you were met with disgust, and the situation spiraled into this mess.” 

“Now James has completely cut you off. You regret everything and are revealing the truth, hoping everyone will believe in James. You take full responsibility.” 

I listen to Yasmine’s detailed plan and consider it. “That’s all?” 

“The PR team and James’s agency will handle the rest. Just do this part right.” She pauses before adding, “Don’t worry, we’ll compensate you.” 

Meaning she’ll pay me again. 

“Fine,” I agree immediately. 

I didn’t hesitate five years ago. Why would I now, when I’m dying? 

My only wish is for James to live well, to thrive. 

So early the next morning, I recorded a video and posted it online. The video instantly went viral: 

#JamesReedExGirlfriend ClearsHis Name 

#PlotTwistJamesWasSetUpByEx 

#YasmineStands ByJamesUnshakenTrust 

That’s when I received James’s call. 

“Who forced you to do this? Christina? Or Yasmine?” James demands furiously. Christina is his agent. 

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12:05 PM 

Mon 28 Apr 

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Known for her ruthless tactics and cutthroat approach, she’s infamous as Hollywood’s “ice queen.” 

“This was my own decision,” I insist. 

“Why?” James doesn’t believe me. “What do you gain from this?” 

“Your agent paid me two hundred thousand dollars.” 

James falls silent for a long time. 

I can’t imagine what he’s feeling now. 

I only know my own heart is numb with pain. 

After what feels like forever, James’s voice becomes eerily calm. 

“Is my value only worth two hundred thousand now? Can’t even lie convincingly?” 

he says. 

“Your agent said if your career crashes, you’ll lose everything you have.” 

“Why won’t you trust me?” he asks, anguish breaking through. 

“People are practical—” 

“I could have announced our relationship officially. My ‘devoted lover‘ image would remain intact. The only person I’d hurt is Yasmine, but my agency would handle 

that. They wouldn’t abandon me – I’m too profitable now.” 

His voice breaks slightly. 

I bite my lip hard, fighting back tears. 

By now, my own face is streaked with silent tears. 

“Why don’t you ever believe in me? Then and now? Didn’t I promise I’d take 

responsibility?” James asks, his voice breaking. 

I take a deep breath, keeping my tone detached and cold: “Forget me. I’m not worth 

it.” 

“Huh.” He laughs bitterly. 

I don’t know if he’s mocking me or himself. 

“Sophie,” he says finally, “I guess I deserve to be treated like this by you, over and over again.” 

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