Why Did You Leave Me?Chapter 1

The TV hit, adapted from my love story with movie star Everett Black, soared in popularity—until a young actress posted a late-night tribute detailing her sweet daily life with him. Her closing line: “For six months on set, he prepared a gift for me every day.”

Everett smiled fondly in an interview: “She’s my leading lady. I’m happy to do it.”

The internet erupted. “The heroine in the show is so pitiful—almost assaulted, even betrayed by her father. It breaks my heart!” “The male lead saves her on screen, and the actor dotes on his co-star off screen too!”

No one knew the heroine’s suffering mirrored my own past. The year Everett saved me from assault, he held me tight and vowed, “From now on, I will protect you.”Now, those words were just scripted lines replayed by fans, and my once-savior had become someone else’s leading man.

Staring at the screen, my heart felt torn open. When my mother called, I swallowed a sob.

“Mom,” I said, “I agree to the arranged marriage.”

Seven years of waiting—I finally let it go.

* * *

The video went viral, and even people from the film crew jumped into the comments:

“I’m a crew member, and Everett knows exactly what Joanna likes. They’re sickeningly sweet!”

“Everett’s rumored girlfriend, who else could it be but her?”

Just then, the time on my phone screen ticked to midnight, and my alarm went off. Yesterday was my birthday. Everett had smiled at me a week ago, saying:

“I’ll definitely finish work early this time and come back to celebrate your birthday with you.”

But he forgot again.

The sound of a key turning in the lock came from outside the door—Everett was back. My gaze involuntarily drifted towards the entryway. He tossed his jacket onto the hanger. When his eyes swept over the cake on the table, his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

“I was very busy today. Birthdays come every year; it’s fine to miss one.”

That tiny spark of expectation in my heart was shattered by his words. I still couldn’t help but ask:

“Then what about my birthday gift? You clearly said you’d prepare it for me in advance.”

Everett clicked his tongue in annoyance, pulled out his phone, and tapped a few times casually.

“I transferred you five thousand. Buy whatever you want. It’s just a birthday, I don’t have that much time.”

A wave of bitterness washed over me, and my eyes welled up. It was that line again. Yet, yesterday’s entertainment headlines still read: Everett Black loses millions in endorsements just to make time for dinner with Joanna Meng.

In the past, I would have already argued with him. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice calm.

“There’s really no need for a birthday. And there’s no need for us to be together anymore.”

Everett froze for half a second, as if he hadn’t registered it, and instinctively asked:

“What do you mean?”

He showed no concern that I might actually break up with him, but rather irritation, as if I were being unreasonable. The last ripple of feeling I had for him completely dissipated at that moment. His brow furrowed, his voice turning cold.

“Just because I forgot to buy you a gift? Didn’t I give you money? Can’t you buy it yourself? Fine, if you insist on making a scene, go ahead. Don’t expect me to come looking for you this time.”

A bitter laugh escaped me. When had he ever humbled himself first? Every time we argued because of Joanna, I was always the one who gave in. But not this time. I stood up, casually tossing the cake into the trash, and turned to go back to my room.

From outside, I heard Everett on the phone.

“Is anyone suspecting Joanna and me? Then let’s announce publicly that she’s my rumored girlfriend. Don’t worry, she won’t make a fuss.”

“She” referred to me. Tears involuntarily slid down, bitter when they reached my lips. He used to say:

“You are my only girlfriend. One day, I will stand before everyone and firmly take your hand.”

But now, he was making an official announcement about another girl. I messaged my mother:

“The arranged marriage you mentioned last time, I agree.”