Chapter 5

I ignored her, grabbed my laptop bag, and headed to a record label office.

When I finished my meetings, I received a Snapchat from Serena.

She asked if I wanted to attend a gala with her.

I had been busy preparing my new album and writing songs, so I texted her back saying I wasn't going.

[Ryan, there will be tons of singers and producers at this gala.]

[You've always wanted to meet that legendary indie producer, right? I saw his name on the guest list.]

[I can introduce you to him. It'll make things much easier for your career.]

In the past, Carter was always the one who accompanied her to these events.

Under the spotlights, she was the dazzling princess, Carter was her prince, and I was just the clown hiding in the shadows.

When Serena first became famous, she attended an award ceremony. I asked if I could go as her assistant just to be there, but she refused.

She said I was too low-profile and didn't know how to dress, claiming I would embarrass her.

Later, I accidentally saw her text messages with her best friend.

[That broke loser Ryan actually wanted to come to the gala. Is he blind? He doesn't even look at the mirror to see if he fits in.]

[IKR? How can he even compare to Carter?]

Reading those texts felt like a bucket of ice water poured over my head. My hands shook as I held my phone.

But back then, I didn't dare bring it up. I was too afraid she would leave me.

Since then, I stopped listening to that producer's music entirely.

And now, she was inviting me to the gala, offering to introduce me.

How ironic.

[I'm not going.] I refused bluntly.

Then, I added: [Please understand, we are broken up.]

After that, Serena didn't text back. Just when I thought she had given up, a black luxury van pulled up right in front of me.

The door slid open, revealing Serena in a gorgeous gown, crying her eyes out.

"Just come with me this once, and I promise I'll leave you alone forever."

That offer was highly tempting.

While I was hesitating, her assistant shoved me into the car before I could say no.

At the gala red carpet, Serena took my arm naturally, smiling brightly for the cameras as if nothing had happened.

I figured she just wanted to silence the breakup rumors. After all, we were in the same industry, and a messy split wouldn't look good for either of us.

Despite feeling deeply uncomfortable, I tolerated it.

But once we walked inside, I finally understood why she had been trying so hard to please me.