No Longer Her Useful Idiot

It was at the Actors Guild Awards ceremony.

During the required group photo, some viral TikTok star took my center spot.

The organizer shifted uncomfortably. Hes Ms. LowellsBianca Lowellboyfriend. She called and asked us to take care of him.?Would you... mind moving?

I nodded and moved.

After the ceremony, my agent, Rhonda, leaned in to whisper a reassurance. You did the right thing. The Lowell family is too powerful. We cant afford to cross them.?Im sorry, sweetie. You didnt deserve that.

I paused.?I shook my head.

During my years with Bianca, shed done more than a few unreasonable things to elevate me.?Now the tables had turned. What goes around comes around.?It was only fair.

1?The day I walked away from Bianca Lowell, I knew this day would come.

Everything she had once given me, she would eventually give to someone else.

Id flown too high on her private jet, moved too fast on her borrowed power. When we broke up, every resource that had bent my way snapped back to its original alignment. I vanished into a three-year silence, practically a ghost in the industry.

Its only been in the last few years, clawing my way through a string of supporting roles, that Ive managed to rebuild a name for myself: Jude Ellison.

Kellan Brooks, the kid who stole my spot, was the same story. A total unknown, a social media personality who hadn't shot a single legitimate film. Yet, here he was, at a gala of industry titans, occupying the space Id spent a decade fighting for.

Coincidentally, at the pre-ceremony dinner, Kellan was seated right next to me.

As he was trying to capture the perfect selfie, his teacupa delicate, steaming porcelain thingtipped sharply backward. The scalding liquid flew toward me. If I hadnt quickly blocked it, it wouldn't have just been my arm and neck blistering, but a vintage, eight-figure custom-tailored suit.

It was a small disaster. The host was horrified and immediately rushed me to the nearest emergency clinic. Kellan followed, his face a mask of performative guilt.

The burn was bad. They needed to drain the blisters and dress the wound.

I hate needles. I hate pain. In a situation like this, I used to grab the arm of whoever was nearby, shaking. That person would look at my pathetic display, chuckle, and call me a coward.

The joke now was that the person standing next to me was her new pet.

Kellan was already on the phone, his voice shaking.

Ms. Lowell Im so sorry I caused trouble.?I didnt mean to spill the tea, I promise. Ill apologize, but the online chatter is starting to get bad

He went on for an embarrassingly long time, utterly pathetic and desperate.

The woman on the other end answered in a voice as flat and distant as a faraway coast.

This is hardly a crisis, Kellan. Dont bother me with it.

Kellan lowered his voice, whining.?But his profile isnt small, and the burns are serious. If his fans blow this up, it could look terrible for us

Her impatient voice cut him off.?Who is it, Kellan??Jude Jude Ellison.

A beat of absolute silence hung in the air.

Biancas tone was barely a whisper.?I see.

2?Kellan hung up and visibly sagged with relief. He managed an awkward, apologetic smile.

About the C-spot I really didnt know. He rushed to explain, clearly trying not to make an enemy. I just mentioned to Ms. Lowell that I wanted to attend and maybe get some press I had no idea shed assign me your seat. I am so sorry.

He didn't know Bianca's style. For someone of her stature, the moment she decides to "handle" something, the staff automatically delivers the absolute best.

It was over. I gave him a polite, practiced smile.?Its fine. Just a small misunderstanding.

I used to be the beneficiary of those misunderstandings. Now I was on the other side of the wheel. I had no right to feel wounded.

Rhonda came to the hospital later that evening after the event had wrapped. She brought bad news: the Best Actor award had gone to a complete surprisea newcomer whose work and acting chops were clearly inferior to mine. A blatant back-room deal.

Rhonda looked at me with genuine hurt. If you were still with Bianca, who in Hollywood would dare steal your award?

I said nothing. Some things are just not built to last.

I was the one who ended it.

By then, she was coming home later and later. Her attitude toward me was ice. Rumors were everywhere about the Lowell Group CEO marrying a foreign conglomerates heir. I wanted to save myself some dignity before I was publicly thrown out.

Yet, even while I was with Bianca, I swallowed plenty of indignities. She was the physical manifestation of resources and power. Whoever owned her, owned a fast pass to fame.

I once worked on a set where the lead actor was her old flame. I was the supporting character. The scene where the lead "angrily slaps" the scheming supporting character took twenty-something takes.

I walked out of the studio with a face like a swollen pumpkin.

Similar incidents piled up, but I endured them. In her eyes, I was no different from any of the other men who flocked to her for the access and the fame.

I told Rhonda the story, trying to make it sound like a funny anecdote. She stared at me, dumbfounded.

How can you think that? You were with her when she had nothing. You were her rock.

I just smiled. What did that even matter?

3?We both thought that after the boardroom coup, Bianca Lowell had lost.

Her father had died suddenly, and the vulturesthe Lowell uncles and cousinsswooped in, seizing the assets and forcing the young heiress out of the company.

Everyone scattered. In that entire, dark period, only I remained by Biancas side.

I began to take on any acting job I could find. The stress was immense. I was plagued by nightmares, often waking up screaming, reaching for Bianca.

She would open her sleepy eyes and gently pull me into her arms, her voice soft as she asked what was wrong.

I remember sobbing, I dreamt you killed yourself.?Please, dont ever give up. No matter what happens, I will be here for you.

That was the first time I saw Bianca genuinely freeze. She narrowed her eyes, cupped my face, and stared at me in silence.

I also saved her life once.

When that out-of-control sedan barreled toward us, I instinctively shoved her out of the way.

Lying in the ambulance, I clutched her hand, terrified and crying. Bianca, am I going to die?

When I woke up, a simple, faded red thread was tied around my wrist. It was a charm Biancas mother had brought back from a pilgrimage, a token meant for protection. Bianca had always worn it close to her skin. Now, inexplicably, it was on mine.

She seemed to change after that. This woman who existed on an untouchable pedestal was suddenly making me bland, unsatisfying hospital meals by hand. When I lost my appetite, she would bring the bowl to my bedside and spoon-feed me.

While I was recovering, the Lowell Group saw its second, more brutal, round of purging. Everyone said Bianca had completely re-established her dominance.

I was ecstatic for her.

Until one day, I went to a high-end club to drop off a watch she'd requested.

Outside the private room, several socialites surrounded a handsome man, sitting opposite Bianca.

Congratulations, Bianca. You finally cleaned out those old fossils.?We were terrified when you had that crash, actually thinking those old cronies were trying to take you out. Never thought the whole thing was a self-directed masterpiece.?That poor guy who shoved you out of the way, what was his name? A life debt like that, maybe you should marry him?

Biancas voice was cool, dismissive.?Him? He was just... the useful idiot.?Men like that are the best actors. They mix in just enough genuine emotion to make you fall in love, and in the end, they expect you to hand over your entire kingdom.

The socialites fell silent.?So what are you planning to do with him?

She didn't answer. She sat in the dim light, looking down. Then, a few of the men, highly attuned to the atmosphere, moved closer, whispering against her shoulder.

I didn't want to see any more. I turned and walked away.

4?Rhonda is one of the few people who knew about my relationship with Bianca. She was Biancas executive assistant when we first met, witnessing our entire saga unfold.

Years later, when Bianca and I split and I hit a professional low, Rhonda quit her lucrative, high-profile job with Bianca to become my agent.

When I asked her why shed do it, she laughed.?Im betting on a grand reunion. If you two get back together, Ill be your bosss boss.

Rhonda is the smartest person I know. She only ever lost one bet.

Its been three years since the breakup. Bianca has had more boyfriends than I can count.

I, on the other hand, have a wife in name only: Camille Stone. Shes a cardiothoracic surgeon, gentle, and utterly level-headed.

We have a contract marriage. At the time, I was under surveillance by Bianca's scheming family members, and I had a childa daughter born prematurely whom everyone believed had died of complications, but whom I had quietly hidden away. I desperately needed a new identity to create a shield.

Rhonda connected us. Camille needed an officially married status to quiet her familys demands for a husband; I needed a wife to deflect the press and the Lowell familys curiosity. For three years, we have lived together more like courteous roommates.

To Bianca Lowell, I was a stranger.

5?The next day, I was on a video call with Camille.

She had just finished a grueling surgery, and the fatigue was visible in her eyes. Noticing the bandage on my jaw, she frowned. Ive bought a flight. Im coming over to take care of you.

I smiled and shook my head, about to tell her not to bother.

Thats when Kellan Brooks walked in, clutching a massive bouquet and followed by a throng of production assistants and cameramen.

My heart sank. I quickly ended the call.

Kellan spent a long time offering scripted, earnest condolences. I played along with the required formalities. There was no point in arguing now. The organizers had released a statement claiming the seating chart was a mistake. Public opinion was already swinging Kellans way, giving him a massive follower boost.

The strength of capital. I smiled politely, shaking my head internally.

The mood had been artificially harmonious until the door to the hospital room was pushed open.

A man in a sharp suit bent low, ushering in a tall, slender figure.

I froze.

Bianca Lowell. How could she be here? Yesterday, the financial news was reporting she was in Warsaw finalizing a massive deal.

Kellan was just as surprised. Ms. Lowell, you

Bianca, her expression utterly detached, took his arm. I wasnt comfortable leaving you alone. I came to check on you.

I managed a strained smile and spoke first. Ms. Lowell.

She glanced over the hospital bed, her cool gaze sweeping over my face without lingering. How is your injury?

I was slightly stunned. Its fine. Ill heal up in a few days.

Kellan, finally recovering from his delight, formally introduced me. Ms. Lowell, this is Jude Ellison. Hes played in a lot of really famous things.

After a few seconds of heavy silence, Bianca curved her lips into a slight, practiced smile.

Ive heard the name.

She produced a check and held it out, her voice level. Mr. Ellison, I apologize on behalf of my boyfriend.

He is spoiled, I admit, and rather careless. Please dont hold it against him.

Kellan was looking up at her with a sickeningly worshipful, small-bird-like gaze.

I shook my head, declining the offer. Mr. Brooks has already covered my lost wages and medical expenses.

Bianca stood directly in front of me, her still presence like a mountain. She lowered her eyes, letting her gaze rest on my face.

Mr. Ellison, the reality show Kellan is about to film? Youre in it too.?Id appreciate it if you could look out for him.

The money wasn't an apology; it was a payment for Kellans smooth sailing.

I accepted the check with a brief, humorless smile. It was surprising that Bianca was still this involved in her latest boyfriends career.

Though, I should have known.

Before I ever walked onto a set, Bianca would read every one of my scripts herself. If the romance was too involved, the intimacy too explicit, or the plot too weak, the script was out.

The most telling incident was when she read a script I was genuinely excited about. After finishing the final act, she raised an eyebrow.

Why would the female lead beg the male lead to take her back?

I patiently explained. Because she finally realizes she loves him. She has all the money in the world, but shes miserable without him, so she makes a desperate plea

My voice faded under the intensity of Biancas increasing, cold derision.

Dont ever mistake rich people for fools.

She tossed the script casually into the trash, a slight, chilling laugh escaping her lips.?Someone like me? I would never debase myself for a man.

Daddy!

The hospital room door was abruptly shoved open. A tiny, bounding pink blur launched herself toward my bed.

It was my daughter.

Our nanny followed her in, offering a helpless, apologetic smile. Im sorry, sir. The little one insisted on seeing you. I couldnt stop her.

I was filled with surprised joy and sat up quickly, pulling her into my arms. My daughter, Daisy, was wearing a pink princess dress, her cheeks plump and round. Her eyes, her entire face, were an undeniable, perfect mirror of Bianca Lowell.

Kellan was utterly shocked. Jude, you have a kid?

I looked up, smiling, and unexpectedly locked eyes with Bianca.