Stephen’s expression was cold, his tone indifferent. “It’s not a movie. I need you to act in a real-life drama with me.”

Nancy’s mouth twitched. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re going to play the role of my rumored girlfriend.”

“So you’re involved with a woman who’s hard to shake off, and you want me to be your shield?”

Nancy’s eyes lit up with curiosity, her expression turning mischievous. “That doesn’t make sense. Given your status as Rivertown’s golden boy, who would dare to cling to you? Besides, don’t you already have a fiancée?”

Stephen’s expression darkened instantly. “Tessa is not a clingy woman. She’s the only woman I’ve ever loved.”

Nancy was stunned, taking a moment to process his words.

Stephen, rarely patient, took the time to explain the situation to her.

After hearing him out, Nancy let out a long sigh. “Ah, your fiancée is so pitiful. Can

I refuse? I haven’t even met her yet, and now you want me to play the other woman in her love story? How am I supposed to face her after this?”

“This is your payment,” Stephen said, handing her a card.

Nancy snorted and turned away. “Don’t think you can buy me off with money. I won’t do anything to hurt another woman!”

“Five million dollars.”

“But then again…” Nancy’s smile returned as she snatched the card. “We’re protecting Tessa. Once the misunderstanding is cleared up, everything will be fine. I’m sure she’s generous and will understand our good intentions!”

Nancy thought to herself, “Tessa, please don’t blame me. He’s offering way too much.”

She usually had to work herself to the bone for months on a TV drama to earn five million dollars, and that was before taxes. But now, all she had to do was play along with Stephen, take a few photos, and she’d get the same amount. Where else could she find such a sweet deal?

Stephen’s gaze was icy, his face expressionless. “Make it convincing. Don’t let her see through it.”

Nancy patted her chest confidently. “Don’t worry. I’m an award-winning actress!”

After hanging up the phone, Tessa sat by the window. Tears streamed down her face.

A few minutes later, Stephen called back.

Tessa thought he was going to explain himself, and a glimmer of hope surged in her heart. She eagerly answered the call.

Stephen forced himself to stay calm as he said, “Nance mentioned you called earlier. Is there something you need?”

Nance. Such an intimate nickname. Just like how he used to call her Tess.

The flicker of hope in Tessa’s heart

was

tally crushed. She couet

the tears as she

and her…”

She wanted to ask, “Are the rumors about you and Nancy true? Are you really together now?”

Those few words lingered on the tip

tip

of her tongue, but she couldn’t bring

how to say them. The pain in her

t was suffocating.

“Yes.” Stephen’s voice was cold and detached. “We’ve already broken up. You’ve

no say in who I’m with.”

Tessa’s breath hitched. She asked

hoarsely, “You’re lying to me, aren’t you? Stephen, I don’t believe you’d move on so quickly after our breakup. Tell me the truth. Is this because of James? You haven’t

really changed, right? You’re just doing this to protect me.”

Stephen listened to Tessa’s sobs, his heart breaking into pieces.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and forced his tone to remain icy. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Stephen could no longer keep up the act. He hastily hung up the phone. One more second, and he would have caved.