Lost My Heart Under Her Spotlight

After seven years together, Vivian Crosss greatest talent was threatening to break up with me.

Every time I reminded her to sleep earlier and stop wrecking her health, she would snap, Noah Reed, can you stop managing me like my agent? If youre sick of this, then break up with me.

To help her win Best Actress, I rewrote scripts for her, buried scandals, and stayed with her through night after night of online abuse.

Then, on the eve of the awards ceremony, I received a set of photos.

In them, she and Jamie Cole were kissing in a hotel hallway.

That same night, she had told me her stomach hurt and asked me to skip an investment meeting to bring her medicine.

Before I could question her, she sent a voice message first.

Jamie was under a lot of pressure. I was just rehearsing with him. Can you be mature for once? If you keep being paranoid, we should break up.

I stared at the photo for a long time, then closed the ring box I had planned to give her after the ceremony.

Quietly, I replied, Fine. Lets break up.

She paused, then scoffed.

Here we go again. Suit yourself.

I did not explain.

I threw the ring I had saved three years to buy into the trash.

My phone lit up again.

Vivian texted: Stop being dramatic. The awards are tomorrow night. Send me the final draft of my speech.

No explanation. No apology.

Just the entitlement to ask me to keep writing for her.

I sat in the studio and looked at the acceptance speech on my screen.

The first line on the first page was something she had asked me to write herself.

At the lowest point of my life, someone held my hand and kept pulling me forward.

Back then, she had curled up on the couch with a cushion in her arms and asked, Noah, if I really win, Ill thank you onstage, okay?

I had said okay.

Thinking back now, I was pretty stupid.

For seven years, I rewrote scripts for her, drank for her at dinners, suppressed trending scandals, and carried her from a mocked pretty face to a Best Actress nominee.

Later, everyone said Vivian Cross had been born to act.

Only I knew I had lifted her there, inch by inch.

I selected the entire speech and pressed delete.

Then I deleted the tribute video I had prepared for her.

My assistant, Sam, pushed the door open and froze. Noah, wasnt that Vivians surprise?

No need.

I handed him a project list. Organize all contracts related to Vivians studio. Send them to legal tomorrow.

Sams face changed. Did you two fight again?

Again.

Everyone was used to it.

Vivian said break up, and I coaxed her.

She blocked me, and I sent her schedule through work email.

She stormed out, and I chased her to the parking lot.

So this time, no one believed I was truly done.

An unknown number called.

I answered.

Jamies voice came through, trembling with tears. Mr. Reed, please dont blame Vivian about the photos. It was all my fault. I drank too much that night. She was only helping me.

Helping him so thoroughly their lips touched.

He paused, then added, If Im making you unhappy, I can skip the awards ceremony. Though Vivian said she hoped Id be there in the audience with her.

Every word landed perfectly.

Wronged, obedient, and still showing off.

I leaned back in my chair, my stomach beginning to ache.

Go.

The other end went quiet.

I said flatly, Have fun.

Then I hung up.

I went to the awards ceremony that night too.

At the end of the red carpet, Vivian wore a black couture gown, elegant and untouchable.

Jamie stood beside her in a white suit, clean-cut and handsome.

The media asked them to stand closer.

He turned slightly and rested a hand on her waist.

She smiled.

Camera flashes exploded.

I watched in silence.

Soon, my phone vibrated.

Youre here?

I did not reply.

She sent another.

Tonight matters to me. Dont make that face.

When Best Actress was announced, the lights dimmed.

The big screen played the crying scene that made her famous.

I had coached her through that scene, line by line.

Back then, the director had yelled at her, Its fake. Theres no feeling in it!

She hid in the dressing room and smashed a cup.

I comforted her, encouraged her, and rehearsed with her.

Later, that scene passed in one take.

When the host read her name, applause thundered through the hall.

Vivian stood up and glanced at me first, as if confirming I was still there.

The next second, Jamie wrapped his arms around her.

The camera caught a close-up.

People in the audience cheered.

Vivian stiffened for half a second, then patted his back.

She went onstage with red-rimmed eyes.

Thank you to the director, the crew, and every audience member who supported me.

She paused.

My hands slowly tightened on my knees.

Then she looked down at the audience.

And thank you, Jamie.

The spotlight swept over Jamie.

He looked up at her, eyes wet.

Vivian smiled. During this time, I was under so much pressure. He talked with me, stayed with me, and helped me through the hardest days.

Applause rose again.

The camera, very considerately, cut to my face.

On the big screen, I sat in the audience, my expression pale.

Someone nearby whispered, Isnt that Noah Reed?

Her ex? Awkward.

Did Vivian just announce her new man?

I heard every word.

Vivian saw it too.

For a second, her expression faltered.

But she still did not add my name.

She only lifted the trophy.

Thank you for loving me.

Afterward, she had her assistant call me to the dressing room.

When I entered, Jamie was sitting on the sofa, pale-faced.

Vivian stood beside him, holding a cup of warm water.

When she saw me, the first thing she said was, Why werent you smiling earlier?

I opened the photo and held it in front of her.

Explain.

Her face hardened. Do you have to make trouble today of all days?

When am I allowed to ask?

I told you, Jamie was stressed. I was rehearsing with him. Its just the angle.

Jamie immediately stood. Mr. Reed, its all my fault. The director said I had no talent, and I drank too much that night. Vivian was just afraid something would happen to me.

As he spoke, his eyes reddened again.

Vivians voice softened at once. You dont need to explain.

Then she turned to me, frost in her eyes. Noah, youre a grown man. Do you really have to pick on a younger actor who just entered the industry?

Younger actor.

Two light words, and seven years of my devotion were pressed into nothing.

Jamie lowered his head. Maybe I should go. As long as Mr. Reed stops being angry, I wont see you again.

He had barely moved when Vivian grabbed his wrist.

Youre not going anywhere.

She looked up at me. Apologize to Jamie.

I stared into her eyes for a long time.

Then I said quietly, No.

She froze.

In the past, as long as she frowned, I would lower my head first.

Even when I had done nothing wrong.

But this time, I did not.

Her expression darkened. Then go cool off. I dont want to see you tonight.

I nodded.

Okay.

Before the door closed, I heard Jamie ask, Vivian, does Mr. Reed really hate me that much?

Vivian comforted him gently.

Dont mind him. I spoiled him too much.

The door shut.

Those words landed squarely on my back.

The after-party was held on the top floor of the hotel.

I was about to leave when her manager stopped me.

Mr. Reed, the press is everywhere. Dont embarrass Vivian.

Dont embarrass her.

All these years, everyone had advised me the same way.

As if her dignity was naturally my responsibility to patch up.

In the banquet hall, Vivian stood in the center of the crowd.

Jamie blocked drinks for her.

Someone teased, Jamie looks more like the male lead tonight than the actual male lead.

Another laughed. Should we start calling him brother-in-law?

Jamies ears turned red. Dont say that. Vivian will get mad.

As he spoke, he looked at her.

Vivian swirled her wine glass and scolded him with a smile.

Stop joking.

She did not admit it.

She did not deny it either.

Beside me, Sams face went white with anger. Noah, lets go.

But Vivian saw me and waved. Noah, come here.

I did not move.

Jamie came over with a glass of wine. Mr. Reed, let me toast you. Vivian winning tonight is partly thanks to you too.

Partly.

What a perfect word.

I ignored him. His hand froze midair, and his eyes began to redden again.

Vivians voice sank.

Noah!

My stomach hurt badly. I did not want to keep humiliating myself here, so I explained, My stomach isnt well. Im not drinking.

Vivian walked over and shoved the glass into my hand.

Its just one sip. Dont ruin the mood.

Seven years ago, an investor had forced her to drink, and I drank in her place until I ended up with acute gastritis.

She cried by my hospital bed and said she would never let me touch alcohol again.

Now she said, dont ruin the mood.

I put the glass back on the table. Im not drinking.

Jamie hurriedly said, Forget it, Vivian. Mr. Reed might really be uncomfortable.

As he stepped back, he tripped.

The red wine in his hand spilled all over me.

My white shirt bloomed red in an instant.

He panicked and reached for tissues. Im sorry. I didnt mean to.

I frowned and pushed his hand away.

Vivian stepped in front of him. He already apologized. What else do you want?

I looked down at the mess across my chest and suddenly remembered a long time ago.

She had also been splashed with wine.

I had taken off my jacket, draped it over her shoulders, and pulled her out of that dinner party.

That night, she hugged my waist and said, Noah, I want you to protect me forever.

And I did.

I protected her for seven years.

Until she finally became the heroine who could shield someone else behind her.

I went to the restroom.

Cold water ran over the back of my hand, but it could not ease the pain in my stomach.

I texted her: Im leaving first. Well talk tomorrow.

She replied quickly.

Dont throw a tantrum tonight.

I stared at those words.

My mouth tugged slightly, but I could not even laugh.

The next day, Vivian came to the studio.

She took off her sunglasses and threw a script onto my desk.

Change the male lead of When the Cold Wind Passes to Jamie.

This script was the film I had spent three years writing.

The female lead was based on her.

I had planned to give it to her as a career-transforming project after she won Best Actress.

She knew better than anyone how much of my heart was in it.

I opened the script.

A few sticky notes were tucked inside.

But the handwriting was not hers.

Make the male lead feel younger.

Add more romance.

Ending would be more tragic if the female lead gives up her career for him.

I looked up. Jamie wrote these?

Vivian frowned. He was just making suggestions.

Does he even understand scripts?

Noah, dont be so harsh.

I closed the script. I wont change it.

Why?

He doesnt deserve it.

Just then, Jamies voice came from the doorway. Am I here at a bad time?

He held two coffees and stood there obediently.

Vivians tone softened immediately. Come in.

Jamie looked at me, eyes already wet. Mr. Reed, if you think I dont deserve the role, I can withdraw. Please dont let me affect you two.

I said flatly, You really dont deserve it.

The office froze.

Vivian shot to her feet. Noah, thats enough!

No, it isnt.

I tore off the sticky notes.

If you two want to sell a couple fantasy, go ahead. If you want to flirt, fine. But dont touch my script.

Vivian stared at me, then suddenly laughed.

Your script?

Her voice was not loud, but every word stabbed straight into my chest.

My studio paid for the early-stage development. This project was built around me. Can you afford to pull out?

As soon as she said it, even Jamie froze.

Vivian stiffened too.

But she did not apologize.

She only looked away. I didnt mean it like that. Youre the professional one. You understand what I want best. Just help me this once.

Yes.

I understood her best.

So when she hurt me, she also knew exactly where to stab.

That afternoon, the trending page exploded.

#JamieColeVivianCrossLivingTogether#

It started from a livestream.

Jamie was wearing a charcoal-gray jacket while chatting with fans on a hotel sofa.

Fans dug up an old photo from Vivians house and found the same jacket in the corner.

It was my jacket.

Two winters ago, I stayed up at her house rewriting a script and left it in her closet by mistake.

During the livestream, someone asked whose jacket it was.

Jamie looked down, smiled, and said, Oh, this? I just grabbed it.

He did not say more.

But it was enough.

Half an hour later, Vivian called me.

Her first words were, Dont post anything yet.

I leaned back in my chair. My stomach hurt so badly that cold sweat broke out on my forehead.

Post what?

A clarification, she said. Jamie just got an endorsement. He cant be labeled a homewrecker. Post that our relationship is stable and the jacket was taken by mistake on set.

For a second, I thought I had misheard.

Weve already broken up.

She was silent for a second, then impatiently said, Dont focus on that right now. When the trending topic passes, we can talk privately.

You want me to pretend were still together to protect him?

Its not protecting him. Its protecting everyone.

Her voice turned cold. Noah, its one sentence. Do you really have to ruin a newcomer?

I looked out the window.

The sky was dark. Rain was coming.

I wont post it.

The other end went quiet.

Then she laughed coldly. Fine. Dont regret it.

That night, her studio released a statement.

The jacket, they said, was spare wardrobe from the crew. Online rumors were fabricated.

They did not mention me.

Jamie reposted it: Sorry for worrying everyone. Thank you, Vivian, for always protecting me.

Fans cried all over the comments.

Poor baby.

Vivian is so responsible.

Certain ex-boyfriends should stop buying smear campaigns. If you cant have her, dont go crazy.

My name was dragged across every platform.

They called me a kept man, a control freak, a parasite who used Vivian to enter the industry and then bit her hand.

Sam was furious. Noah, lets release the evidence.

I braced myself against the desk and stood. The pain in my stomach felt like a knife twisting inside me.

Take me to the hospital.

The test results came back. The doctor frowned.

Gastric bleeding. You need to be admitted immediately.

As the IV needle entered the back of my hand, I made one last call to Vivian.

It rang for a long time before she answered.

The background was noisy. Someone shouted, Vivian, Mr. Cole is needed for the shoot.

She lowered her voice. What is it?

I looked at the IV bag and said quietly, Im in the hospital. Gastric bleeding.

She paused.

Jamies voice came closer. Vivian, is this collar too low?

Vivian covered the receiver, her voice muffled.

Wait a second.

Then she said to me, Noah, dont use your body to pressure me. Im shooting a magazine spread. Jamies not in a good state. I cant leave.

I said nothing.

She sounded even more annoyed. Arent the doctors there? Youre a grown man. Can you stop coming to me for everything?

A nurse pushed a cart past the corridor.

Listening to the wheels, I remembered Vivians first stomach spasm.

I drove from the east side of the city to the west, running three red lights.

She clutched my hand and said, Noah, dont go.

Now it was my turn.

She said she could not leave.

I said softly, Okay.

Then I hung up.

The nurse asked, Will your family come?

I looked at the back of my hand and gave a bitter smile.

No.

Half an hour later, I had Sam bring my laptop.

He was anxious. Noah, the doctor said you need to stay.

Book the earliest flight to Harbor City.

Now?

Now.

I sent Vivians studio a termination letter.

I returned every cent of the early development funds for When the Cold Wind Passes, revoked her priority cooperation rights for the script, and shut down all shared document access.

I blocked every way she could contact me.

Finally, I put the key to our shared apartment into a courier envelope.

At one in the morning, it was raining in the capital.

I got into the car to the airport.

Sam asked, Do you want to send her one last message?

No.

I watched the streetlights blur past the window and suddenly thought of that ring.

By now, it had probably already been dumped into a garbage truck.

Good.

Some things belonged exactly where they rotted.

After seven years of walking through storms together, loving Vivian had finally reached its last stop.