The Actor Husband’s Fall From Grace

Three years after my remarriage to Jaxson Mason, on Valentines Day, a reporter broke the news to me, his agent: a livestream of him playing with a popular young actress in a set restroom.

After enduring the media onslaught, fighting back tears, I stormed over to the set, dragged him away from a table laden with food, and confronted him.

Jaxson Mason, if you couldnt control yourself, why did you come crying and begging me to remarry you?!

I was only twenty when I got with you! I even missed my mothers last moments so I could support your acting career and help you win awards! And now, on Valentines Day, youre openly causing a scandal with someone else? Do I mean nothing to you?!

A hickey was starkly visible on his collar. He exhaled a puff of smoke at me, a careless smirk on his lips. Did I beg you to be with me at twenty? Did I tie your legs down so you couldnt see your mother?

Aria Taylor, you did it willingly.

I froze, my blood turning to ice. Only the person who loved you most knew exactly where to twist the knife. After a long silence, I choked back a sob and nodded. Youre right.

But what he didnt know was that if I could spend ten years making him a star, I could just as easily make someone else one.

The heating in the house was cranked high, yet my body was trembling. The dinner Id spent three hours preparing on the table was already stone cold. Jaxsons favorite dishes were placed closer to his seat, even though he hadnt eaten a meal in this house in ages. Even though my workload was piled up for the next month, Id still taken a few hours off because hed mentioned wanting my cooking for Valentines Day.

Now, he had driven the sharpest dagger straight into my heart. Tears streamed down my face, one after another, uncontrollably. I covered my face, sobbing. Jaxson impatiently pursed his lips, then reached out and wiped a tear from my cheek with his thumb. Stop crying, its annoying.

Youre not a twenty-year-old girl anymore. Tears dont work on me.

I pushed his hand away, looking down to grab a tissue and harshly wipe my face. When was the last time I cried? It was at our wedding, when Jaxson couldnt stop crying, saying he couldnt live without me and would love everything about me. The man in front of me was still him, but how could his words have changed so much?

After a long pause, a soft knock came at the door, and a head peeked in. Boss, the big boss is on the phone It was Jaxsons assistant. It seemed this mess was indeed quite big.

I sniffled, took the phone, and said, my voice heavy, Boss, Ill consult with the other team before issuing a statement. They likely just had too much to drink

Jaxson suddenly snatched the phone from me and yelled into it, Remember to put all the blame on me in the announcement; Chloe Rivers has nothing to do with this. His voice held a tender concern. I couldnt control myself shes still young, she cant handle the media.

I shot my head up, my eyes wide with disbelief, my heart trembling violently. Jaxson Mason, are you out of your mind?! That lurking reporter was called by Chloe Rivers herself! Dont you know what shes up to?!

He gave me a dismissive glance, nonchalant. I know.

Im fine with it.

Those three words struck my heart with brutal force, making me sway precariously. He had said the same thing three months after our divorce when he came begging for reconciliation. Back then, hed found my house, knelt at my doorstep for half the night, and almost set a hillside ablaze trying to light fireworks for a grand confession. When the media asked if he was okay, his eyes had sparkled, and hed said the same thing. As long as Arias happy, Im fine with it.

I had softened then. But now, all my love and self-respect were being trampled underfoot.

My thoughts snapped back to the present. Jaxson had already hung up the phone and was sitting at the table, looking at the spread of dishes. He picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of his usual favorite spicy chicken, put it in his mouth, then quickly spat it out. Disgusting. Next time, lets just order takeout.

I picked up the dishes and dumped them all into the trash, shedding my last tear. Alright.

Jaxson looked back at me, his gaze lingering, as if he wanted to say something but held back. An ill-timed ringtone broke the silence. He glanced at the caller ID, a smile touching his lips. Chloe, yes, Ill be right there.

I called out to him, my voice cold. Jaxson Mason, if you walk out that door today, were getting a divorce.

He paused, his eyes briefly widening in surprise. Aria Taylor, are you threatening me? Then he let out a soft laugh. You need to calm down first. Look at you, what a mess. With that, he strode out without a backward glance.

I looked at myself in the mirror: swollen, red eyes beneath disheveled hair, even the buttons on my shirt were mismatched. I looked like a lunatic. A bitter smile touched my lips. I changed my jacket, combed my hair, and headed to the office with my assistant to deal with work. There was no choice; life had to go on.

As the car pulled into the parking lot, I spotted Jaxson, masked, chatting with someone. I intended to pretend I hadnt seen him, but his words brought me to a dead halt.

What devotion? Back then, I just put on an act, going all out to reconcile with Aria, all for that resource she had that helped me win Best Actor.

My head exploded, and suddenly I couldnt hear anything else. My memory flashed back to when I was twenty. After my graduation ceremony, I met Jaxson at the school gate. He took my hand and said he wanted to be an actor. Aria, I know this path might be incredibly tough. But I want to try. Will you stay with me? I looked into his fiery gaze and finally nodded.

That path truly was incredibly tough. We had no connections, no resources. In the beginning, I acted as both his agent and assistant, running to sets in heavy snow, shamelessly asking directors if they needed anyone. It was too cold. Wed huddle together in our tiny rented apartment. Hed wrap the only down jacket around me, grinning foolishly. Aria, Im so glad youre here.

Later, fate smiled upon him. He was finally discovered and became a huge star. The day he won Best Newcomer, Jaxson proposed to me, holding the trophy. That day, the top trending searches were filled with photos of him crying and embracing me. I thought our love had found its happy ending.

So why did we divorce later? I couldnt quite remember, only that Jaxson came home less and less, breaking away from the team to do his own thing, and the cold glare hed sometimes cast my way. I want to do what I love, not be a puppet under your arrangements. Aria, you just dont understand me.

By then, I had become a prominent agent in the industry, yet I still only managed him. What I thought was good, he apparently didnt appreciate. During our most intense argument, we went straight to the courthouse and divorced. Looking back now, in those three months after our divorce, Jaxson was indeed rarely active on screen. His subsequent rise to stable fame only came after he secured that resource I held. This remarriage was never pure to begin with.

My heart was so cold it felt numb, beyond pain. Under my assistants bewildered gaze, I took several deep breaths and returned to the office. There was noise coming from the conference room; Jaxson and Chloe Rivers were livestreaming.

I hope everyone refrains from spreading those videos; its not good for Chloe. And I hope everyone can support our upcoming movie. As Jaxson spoke, he saw me walk in, and his eyes flickered. Ms. Taylor

Chloe Rivers frantically jumped out of his embrace, so flustered she couldnt even look at me. What are you afraid of? Theyve handled the sneak shots; were just promoting the movie. He forcefully pulled her back, giving me a nonchalant smile. Ms. Aria Taylor, isnt that right?

I watched with a blank face as he waved to the livestream, made playful remarks, flirted, and officially confirmed their relationship.

After it ended, I let out a heavy sigh, suddenly wanting to clear things up. Why her, of all people?

Jaxson was still staring at the womans lingering back. Hearing my question, his tongue pressed against his cheek. Why ask so many questions? He met my trembling gaze, a knowing, half-mocking smile on his lips. It could be Chloe Rivers, or Claire Rivers, or Melanie Rivers. All of them are women I would actively choose.

I told you, I only want to do what I love, not be forced by you, Ms. Aria Taylor, to film those commercials or go on those variety shows. What does any of that have to do with my acting career?!

Watching his increasingly agitated eyes, I suddenly laughed, a bitterly sarcastic sound. Werent you ecstatic when you won Best Actor back then? What, did you forget that I also gave you that?

His eyes instantly turned cold, and he slammed his hand on the table. Aria Taylor! Dont you dare think youre so incredible! Its Jaxson Mason who got to where he is today, one step at a time!

Its my own hard work that has forged my current status. You, Aria Taylor, merely basked in my reflected glory. Anyone else could have done the same!

My nails dug deep into my palms. Suddenly, I understood. He resented me. He resented that his brilliant career was even partially attributed to me, resented the arrangements he had to accept even as he wished to break free. In an instant, all the bitterness and pain settled into a quiet calm. I looked at him for a long time, then nodded faintly. If thats how you feel, then thats fine.

Then, I walked into the CEOs office and handed over a document. Mr. Thompson, I will no longer be managing Jaxson Mason. Additionally, this male artists profile looks promising. Please take a look.

I hadnt expected Chloe Rivers to find me so quickly. Or to be so direct. Im pregnant. Its Jaxsons. This wasnt the first time Id dealt with Jaxsons rumored girlfriends. The previous girls were all quite green, constrained, and Id sent them packing with a mix of veiled threats and encouragement. But Chloe Rivers was different. Her eyes gleamed with ambition. And why wouldnt they? To enter the entertainment industry and land a lead role opposite Jaxson in just three months, she couldnt possibly be that naive.

I wasnt in the mood to play games. What do you want?

Her eyes flashed with a determined glint. I want to be with him, to go public with our relationship. And I want your resources.

She was audacious enough to target me, the wronged party. I couldnt help but let out a small laugh. The woman mistook it for mockery, and her expression soured. Ms. Aria Taylor, I have plenty of chat records with him. I wouldnt mind telling the media. See you next Monday. She then paused, seemingly remembering something, and let out a peculiar laugh. Were you forced to have an abortion back then, so now you want me to have one too?

My blood froze at that moment, and my mind instantly went blank. She covered her mouth, stifling a giggle, her face full of mocking triumph at having hit a nerve. You act so proud in front of me, but werent you on your knees, big with child, begging Jaxson back then? Aria Taylor, are you his dog?

If it were me, Id want to find a rope and hang myself.

My pupils suddenly dilated, and my breathing became rapid. Jaxson and Is first child had come at the most inopportune time. He had just landed a supporting role and needed to join the set. I sent him off to the set, then went through the pregnancy alone, thinking it would be a surprise. Until I was five months along, that show, along with Jaxson, suddenly exploded in popularity. He was on trending topics for weeks, all the spotlights chasing him.

When he returned home and saw me, pregnant, his smile froze on his face. What what is this? My heart plummeted, and I suddenly realized something was wrong. After smoking half a pack of cigarettes, he took my hand and said the baby couldnt stay.

Aria, I finally got to this point. Opportunity waits for no one! If people found out I had a child out of wedlock, who knows how many rumors there would be!

You know how long I waited for this chance. Well have more children. Please, alright?

I looked at his pleading eyes, but my tears wouldnt stop. Finally, my emotions collapsed, and I knelt on the ground, begging him. He squatted down, holding me tightly, but still wouldnt relent. After he accompanied me through the abortion, he canceled all work and stayed by my side day and night as I had nightmares, never leaving my side. I convinced myself to bury that painful memory.

But How do you know?!

Chloe Rivers propped up her chin, a knowing smirk on her face. Its pretty obvious, isnt it? Jaxson told me in bed.

A voice in my head told me not to get emotional, but my whole body started trembling uncontrollably. Memories collapsed before my eyes, shattering into pieces, impossible to put back together.

Chloe Rivers, shut your damn mouth!

Jaxson appeared out of nowhere, his face cold, and started dragging her away. The womans eyes widened suddenly, quickly welling up with tears. Jaxson, how can you do this to me Im carrying your child!

His brow was furrowed deeply, too annoyed to even control his expression. Things said in bed stay in bed, didnt I tell you?

Retire from the industry, and give birth to the child in peace. Ill give you a sum of money. Chloe Rivers, Ive given you more than enough. He looked deeply at me, his hand resting on my shoulder, and said in a low voice, That time, I drank too much I didnt mean what I said.

I abruptly pushed his hand away, a desolate smile on my face. Jaxson Mason, lets make a deal.

Fighting back the pain in my heart, I looked at the man I once loved so deeply and said, word for word, The child can stay. Were getting a divorce.

Jaxsons eyes widened in disbelief. Aria Taylor, what are you saying?!

Chloe Rivers quickly rolled her eyes, feigning an injured look. To bear your child, Im willing to retire from the industry, Jaxson. As long as I have a place in your heart She continued, I know, you must be worried about me getting an abortion and harming my body. After she spoke, she didnt forget to give me a triumphant look.

But Jaxson didnt even see it. He was just staring intently at me. Are you really going to be so heartless, Aria? All because of a child!

I smiled weakly, a smile that ultimately faded. Youre the heartless one, Jaxson Mason.

Yes, because you had a child with someone else, I want a divorce. You dont agree?

He should have felt relieved.

The mans eyes trembled violently, and he glared at me fiercely. I dont agree!