A Heart Sent from Afar to My Love

"Miss Anderson, your bodyfreezing plan is scheduled to launch in one month. What is the ultimate result you’re aiming for?"

Ashlyn pulled her coat tighter around herself and replied with difficulty, "The plan stays unchanged."

"Then..." Finn Prescott, the project leader, hesitated before continuing, "What about the child you’re carrying? The baby wasn’t accounted for in the plan. Please consider this carefully."

"I will get rid of the baby. It’s my womb and I have the right to make my own decisions."

Ashlyn finally made up his mind after she took a brief glance at her phone, which had just lit up with a message. The words on the screen read, [Dear, rest early tonight. I need to review the script first here.] The message stirred her emotions.

Suppressing her wandering thoughts, Ashlyn trudged toward the bus stop in a daze.

A massive advertisement loomed ahead, making her heart clench.

——

On the screen, the celebrated star Davis Miller was down on one knee, holding a large, heartshaped diamond ring with both hands. The bold, illuminated words "Marry Me" dominated the poster, stabbing at Ashlyn’s eyes and heart.

That handsome face had been with her for ten long years and she had poured the best years of her youth into this man.

"Excuse me, Miss, could you move aside? You’re blocking our photos and checkin spot!"

Ashlyn blinked, realizing that the "miss" the two girls in wedding dresses were addressing was her.

"My idol said he’ll collect 10,000 photos of fans while wearing wedding dresses and organize a massive wedding event for us all. Oh my gosh, how can he be so romantic?"

The two young women, dressed in strapless wedding gowns despite the late autumn chill, posed enthusiastically in front of the poster. They were utterly captivated by Davis’s charming smile.

They did not know the truth, that Ashlyn had been the one to discover and nurture Davis. They did not know that she had orchestrated this extravagant "Weddings of a Thousand Dreams" campaign with the D family’s most luxurious jewelry.

To secure the endorsement deal, she had exhausted her connections and drunk herself into a bleeding stomach.

What she had not anticipated was that the man she had supported through ten years of relentless selfdiscipline and helped rise to the pinnacle of the entertainment industry would do something as ridiculous as holding a "harem selection" under the guise of a fan event.

Three days ago, Ashlyn had discovered she was pregnant. She had been overjoyed, so she had planned to set the photo of the positive pregnancy test, the two stripes, as his phone’s screensaver. It was meant to be a sweet surprise for him to see when he emerged from his shower.

However, everything shattered when she accidentally uncovered a hidden dual system on his phone and there was an unfamiliar chat application within it that she had never seen before.

There were photos of girls selected from his fan club, accompanied by explicit messages that made Ashlyn’s entire body tremble.

[Big breast.]

[Waist: 52 cm. Hips: 84 cm.]

[Voice during…]

He had written down every detail of every experience!

The video footage felt like an overwhelming tidal wave, churning Ashlyn's already fragile stomach.

Pinned at the top of the chat software was a message accompanied by a selfie of a woman with heavy makeup and a sultry figure. The photo had been sent at 10 PM the previous night.

At the same time, Ashlyn had received a message from Davis, showing him taking a selfie in the crew room while holding a script. [Nite nite. I'm going to sleep after finishing the script. Babe, get some rest. See you tomorrow. My love for you can’t be summed up in a thousand words omitted.]

Ashlyn wiped away her tears and then hastily used a private account that concealed her identity and randomly added a few accounts before adding a comment, [Highpriced commercial shoot, immediate contract.]

To her surprise, the account named Behind The View quickly approved her request.

The first post she saw in the account’s feeds revealed a painfully familiar scene. The background was unmistakably the bedside of the hotel where Davis’s crew was staying.

In the lower right corner of the photo, the edge of a small umbrella that was halfused was clearly visible.

The sound of the bathroom door opening snapped Ashlyn out of her trance. She hurriedly returned the phone to its original position just in time.

Davis emerged from the bathroom, a bath towel loosely wrapped around his waist, exposing his chiseled mermaid lines. Water droplets clung to his lean muscles and the heat of the steam still lingered around him.

"Honey, your future husband misses you so much. Come on, give me a hug…"

Ashlyn felt a wave of nausea rise and quickly pushed him away. "I don’t feel so well today, so let’s not."

"Baby, I only have time tonight. I have to go back to the set early tomorrow morning. Don’t you understand how much I’ve missed you?" Davis’s face darkened as he reached to untie his bath towel.

"Davis, don’t force me," Ashlyn said, her voice icy and resolute.

Davis was always wary of her anger, so he awkwardly retied his towel and softened his tone to coax her.

"Okay, okay, little princess. If you don’t want to, how could I dare force you? Come on, I’ll just hug you to sleep."

Relieved, he lay down. He was exhausted from the previous night, so it was good that we did not have to do anything tonight.

Within just two minutes, he was sound asleep.

Ashlyn, however, spent the night on the sofa. The thought of sharing the same bed with him was unbearable.

"Is he really worth it?" Looking at the girl in the photo and thinking of the chaotic scenes she had uncovered, Ashlyn could not help but murmur bitterly to herself.

"Miss, who even are you? If you’re not going to take a photo, why block the way? If you’re not a fan, you wouldn’t understand what it’s like to have mutual devotion! I suggest you take the bus home early and change the baby’s diaper."

The aggressive words stung and Ashlyn bit her lip, tears welling up in her eyes.

Ten years had passed and while Davis had risen to fame as a highquality idol, she had faded into the background as an unnoticed assistant, her sacrifices unseen and unacknowledged.

Not far away, a RollsRoyce pulled up and stopped in front of her.

"Ashlyn, the doctor is ready. Are you sure you want to go through with this?" Lindsey, an assistant, asked with a pleading look in her eyes.

As a woman, she understood the weight of Ashlyn’s decision. It was not easy to conceive a child, especially for Ashlyn. Three years ago, she had unknowingly fallen pregnant. While tirelessly managing Davis’s business, a drunken fall had led to a devastating miscarriage.

Every endorsement he secured had been paid for with Ashlyn’s sweat and blood.

After the dilation and curettage surgery, the doctor warned her about her thin uterine wall and told her to stay cautious about the chance of carrying another pregnancy.

"Let’s go," Ashlyn closed the car door firmly. There was no hesitation in her voice.

It was only after the "harem selection" event that she discovered her pregnancy. At the time, she had severe abdominal pain and could not go for a proper checkup. In the end, she learned the sad news that she was also suffering from ALS.

Her body was as rotten as her love. How could she even nourish a new life like a child?

Leaving the child was, perhaps, her only release.

As the RollsRoyce sped through the streets, every bus stop displayed the glaring image of Davis proposing with a diamond ring in his hand.

Every time they passed by, the sight cut through Ashlyn’s heart like a knife.

In their ten years together, Davis had proposed to her 31 times.

The last proposal was the scene framed by this huge poster.

Photography allowed him to express his true feelings. It was when he pulled Ashlyn over and said. "Marry me." with genuine tears in his eyes. The sincerity had moved even the staff to tears.

He proposed two or three times a year. During his travels, after winning luxury endorsements and after blockbuster movie successes.Each time, he had professed undying love.

"Marry me, Ashlyn Anderson. I will only love you in this lifetime."

This proposal made the 28yearold Ashlyn’s heart fluttering. She had grown weary of their secret romance and no longer wanted to only see Davis's bright future alone.

She longed for a family and a child.

The wedding sponsors had already been chosen and once the prewedding photos were taken, the longawaited ceremony would follow.

Davis had once assured her that even if he fell from the peak of his career to the very bottom, he would not regret it. He would make everything public the day they received their marriage certificate.

Yet, Ashlyn could not understand how a man who had professed such deep love, who claimed he was willing to sacrifice his future for her, could now orchestrate something as humiliating as a "harem selection" thing?

Was he truly tired of her, or had he simply succumbed to the allure of fleeting temptations from the outside world?

She could not help but think back to the darkest days when she and her mother needed to earn money for her teenage brother, who was diagnosed with ALS in high school.

It was Davis who, during his workstudy program, borrowed money from his family and poured his heart into winning first place in the district's art performance competition, all to save up for her brother's medical treatment. Later, his talent was noticed by an entertainment company and became a star.

In those early years, every penny he earned was handed over to Ashlyn without hesitation.

He once said that her brother was also his and he would do his best to make sure he survived another day.

From the moment they became a couple, Ashlyn had made a solemn vow to herself that she would be his for the rest of their lives, to love, protect and never abandon him.

No matter how murky the waters of the entertainment industry became, Ashlyn trusted him without question. She dedicated herself fully to being his manager.

Yet, the greatest pain she endured was not the nights of drinking until she vomited or the heartbreak of losing their child. It was watching him achieve fame while maintaining the facade of being single, crafting a public image built on secrets and carrying the weight of a hidden "stain" he could never speak of.

Six months ago, Ashlyn’s younger brother became completely paralyzed. In an act of devotion, she assigned several of Davis’s assistants to help care for him.

But despite her efforts, her brother could not hold on. On the day of his cremation, Davis was nowhere to be found.

Ashlyn had also discovered in the past few days that Davis, who claimed to have stayed up late filming and had no free time, had been intimate with the woman he connected with through a friend request just the previous night.

Ever since this woman appeared half a month ago, her posts on social media had frequently overlapped with Davis's activities.

The places they met were unsettling, such as before the makeup mirror late at night on set, in the privacy of a luxury RV, or, most disturbingly, in the very "home" she and Davis shared.

ALS was incurable and the quality of life in its final stages would plummet to almost nothing.

Ashlyn could not bear the thought of remaining trapped in this suffocating house, waiting until she could no longer move any part of her body except her eyes.

She contacted her old friend, Finn Prescott, who was a medical student she met at university. She found out that he was now involved in the research of "frozen human". This experimental program had become a final refuge for many suffering from terminal illnesses who were caught between waiting for a miracle and accepting the inevitability of death.

Without hesitation, Ashlyn signed her name onto the program.

That night, she would end the pregnancy and there was still one month left before the procedure.

Regardless of whether freezing offered any chance of revival, Ashlyn had made up her mind as she simply wanted to leave the jerk.

Maria Hospital was known for its exclusive services to premium clients. Even in the dead of night, the procedure was carried out as scheduled.

Three hours later, Ashlyn awoke, her body emptied of the child she could no longer bear to carry. As part of their agreement, the hospital preserved samples of the child for her.

She signed a strict confidentiality agreement, ensuring the medical records would only show information of a routine physical examination and the removal of intestinal polyps.

By noon the following day, Davis arrived in a rush with his bloodshot eyes.

"Baby, you're not feeling well, hmm? Why didn’t you tell me to come with you? No matter how critical the filming schedule, nothing is more important than you."

Ashlyn remained silent. Seeing her unresponsive, Davis grabbed her hand and pressed it against his chest. "It’s my fault, all my fault. You said you weren’t feeling well that night and I didn’t insist on taking you to the hospital. I was wrong, baby!"

Ashlyn nodded faintly, her face still drained of color.

"Thankfully, it was just intestinal polyps. You’ll be discharged in two days. Once you’re better, I’ll take you somewhere nice."

His redrimmed eyes and solemn demeanor gave the illusion of a man deeply heartbroken.

"Go back to the set. Don’t delay everyone else because of me." Ashlyn did not want to see him for a minute now.

"I’m not leaving. I’ll stay with you tonight. I bought you some soup. Be good and let me feed you."

He carefully scooped the soup, blowing on it to cool it down before offering it to her lips.

"Baby, take care of yourself. Once you're healthy, we’ll get our marriage certificate. After that, let’s try to get a child. I’ve already quit smoking for you," he whispered softly in her ear.

Outside the room, a group of young nurses passed by, stealing glances and whispering among themselves.

"Is that really Davis? I thought he was single. He actually has a girlfriend?"

"This is her former manager. He came to visit out of friendship."

"I really want to be his manager. I want to be treated by Davis! He looks a hundred times better in person than on TV!"

"Yes, my God! A man like him is so pure, without a single scandal. Let me marry him in my dreams!"

Buzz.

Suddenly, Davis's phone rang. He glanced at it and his gaze unknowingly drifted toward the window.

"Um... honey, the director said the last scene has to be reshot. I can’t stay with you tonight. I’m sorry. You’ll have to manage on your own tonight."

"Okay, go ahead," Ashlyn replied with a light tone.

Get out, get out, get out of here.

After Davis left, Ashlyn opened her social media.

[Geez! He just told me to continue tonight and try out the bathroom. He is so romantic, I can’t live without him anymore. What should I do?]

The overwhelming tears finally erupted. Ashlyn retched as she cried, losing track of time and before she knew it, she had drifted off to sleep.

When she awoke, it was already past midnight.

The girl posted on her Moments once again. [He said I’m really good at cooking. Well, next time, I’ll cook at his home!]

The first picture was of a girl in a misty bathroom, her fair skin glowing with a soft, reddish hue. Only a third of her profile was captured in the shot, her eyes and eyebrows exuding an undeniable charm.

The second picture featured a digitally altered background. Two fingertips, delicately holding a cigarette, appeared in the scene, the lingering smoke curling up in the air, evoking endless thoughts and dreams.

After ten years of companionship, Ashlyn knew every inch of Davis's body. Who else could it be if not him?

With no sleep at all, Ashlyn made a call.

"Lindsey, please help me move tomorrow."

Lindsey, who had been with the team for over six years, had never seen Ashlyn so utterly lost. Even when her brother passed away, she never cried in front of others.

But this time, she refused the doctor’s suggestion to rest for a few days and insisted on standing tall, her posture unyielding like a tree. As tears fell, she stared blankly at the movers, unloading her belongings one by one. Lindsey wanted to urge her to sit down and take a break, but Ashlyn only muttered one word.

"Dirty."

Not a single strand of hair was out of place, yet Lindsey had no idea what she meant by dirty.

This immaculate 200squaremeter apartment was bought by Ashlyn after she helped Davis land the leading role in a historical drama. She personally supervised every detail of the decoration, from the color of the latex paint to the arrangement of the plants in each corner. It was Ashlyn's hard work, every inch of it.

But every time Davis came home over the past few years, he complained that the house was too small, that the space felt cramped and unappealing.

The luxury bags and jewelry from Davis had all been sold by Ashlyn to secondhand buyers. The 11 million dollars she received from the sales was donated by Ashlyn to the Cryogenic Research Center where Finn worked.

Before the sunset, the house was nearly emptied, leaving only the furniture and Davis's belongings behind.

"Ashlyn, there’s a pair of cups here. Do you want to take them?" Lindsey called out from the kitchen after surveying the house.

The cups were made of rough pottery, their bases twisted into unique shapes. When placed together, they fit perfectly, forming a complete pair.

It was a love gift they had made and fired together when they were both 22 years old.

After the cups were fired, Ashlyn had given him her first time.

The young man in his twenties, brimming with vitality but still immature, had been so nervous that his body trembled. She had cried out in pain, but Davis had been gentle and tender, carefully offering her the best experience he could.

Once upon a time, they had not only been in love but had shared a deep physical connection.

"Babe, I don’t feel anything except you. I am yours in this life."

His lingering words of affection still echoed in her ears, yet when she turned around, she found that he had spent the night with countless other women.

Perhaps men's minds and bodies were governed by two separate systems, which explained why they could hold sharp swords in one hand and speak sweet words with the other.

"Keep it. It’s just a worthless thing."

Ashlyn turned away, never looking back.

But quietly, in the car, Davis changed his profile picture on the chat app to a photo of the two cups he had just taken.

She had to remind herself constantly. If she only sought love within her career, she would inevitably end up heartbroken.

In the remaining month, she promised herself she would focus on loving herself.

On the same day, the filming for The Biggest Dream Returns wrapped up and Davis could not wait to bring the girl he had arranged to meet the day before to his home.

He had contacted Ashlyn that morning and she was still hospitalized. Thus, tonight was the perfect opportunity.

The last time Ashlyn went on a business trip to another province, she had also brought this girl home. The girl was incredibly attractive, with flawless white skin and a stunning figure. Most importantly, she kept her mouth shut and did not flaunt her connection to a celebrity. He found this kind of arrangement particularly enjoyable and was confident in the girl's discretion and character.

However, as soon as Davis opened the door, he was stunned.

The house had changed so much that, for a moment, he thought he had entered the wrong place!

He quickly pushed the girl toward the kitchen and, panicked, made a video call to Ashlyn.

He tried calling three times in a row, but each time his call was rejected.

As Davis’s heart sank to the pit of his stomach, Ashlyn finally called him back.

"Honey, where did everything at home go?"

Suddenly, a warm breath swept up from behind him, making him so nervous that his voice trembled. He quickly turned around and instinctively covered the girl’s mouth.

In the next moment, her coat slipped off, exposing a large area of snowwhite skin that brushed against his face. The rope that held the coat was so delicate it nearly snapped and the fabric was so thin it was almost transparent, sending a wave of shock through Davis's senses.

"Davis, I recently went to my mother's house to stay for a while. After my brother left, she’s been in poor spirits and struggling with her health."

Davis fought to control his rapidly rising breath, trying to stay composed.

"The house has been cleaned and I'll explain everything to you later. Davis, are you listening?"

"Yeah, yeah, I’m listening!" The girl’s soft body pressed against him, her warm breath misting on his face. Her red eyes were clouded with desire.

His mind was clouded, unable to think clearly and his entire body seemed to lose its ability to move.

"I’ll stay with Mom for now. You should get some rest." Ashlyn quickly hung up after noticing the sound of his heavy breathing.

Davis’s thoughts spun in a whirlwind.

Why was it more convenient for Ashlyn to go to her mother’s house?

But if it was just a short visit, why had she taken her most cherished collectibles?

"Eve, stop it! I need to find her!" The more Davis thought about it, the more unsettled he felt and he abruptly shoved the girl off him.

Eve, however, was not about to back down. "You have become a famous celebrity. Can she really be taken from you? Without you, she’s nothing."

"But…"

"No buts. Davis Miller, focus on me. We agreed to go to the kitchen, didn’t we? Why aren’t we keeping our promises?"

The sound of the girl’s high heels clicking against the floor was both mysterious and seductive, completely overwhelming Davis and pushing away the last vestiges of his remaining sanity.

"You just said I am now a famous celebrity and she’s nothing without me. Then who are you?"

"Well, a cute little devil," Eve replied with a playful smile in a way that was irresistibly cute.

"Well, little devil, let this famous celebrity take you in..."

The next day, at noon, while Ashlyn was having lunch with her mother, Davis and his friend, Jonathan Lewis, arrived at the house carrying a mix of large and small bags.

"Mrs. Anderson, I’m so sorry. I’ve been too busy filming lately and haven’t had the chance to visit. I know you’ve been having trouble with your heart, so you must take good care of your health!"

He gestured to the pile of gift boxes stacked on the floor, which were filled with luxurious supplements.

Ashlyn’s mother waved her hands, visibly touched by the gesture. "Davis, I haven’t even finished the supplements you brought last year. Don’t waste your money. You’ve lost so much weight from staying up late filming. Just keep them for yourself!"

Ashlyn smiled softly, but it did not reach her eyes.

He should really take care of himself, so he did not end up with kidney deficiency.

Jonathan chimed in from the side, "Mrs. Anderson, it's not because of Ashlyn that Davis works so hard. He’s always saying he wants to make more money so that Ashlyn can raise their children without worry. Then, you’ll get to be a grandmother sooner than you think!"

"No, Davis’s actually planning to buy a new villa and have you move in with him!"

Ashlyn’s expression darkened slightly. Buy a villa? Could this be the surprise Davis had mentioned before in the hospital?

Davis looked a bit embarrassed. He scratched his head and pulled out a bunch of keys.

"Baby, I came today just to take you to see our new home. It’s a singlefamily house with a river view and an art gallery. You’ll be the queen in that palace from now on."

Ashlyn was coaxed into visiting Azure Horizon Villa, a luxurious courtyard villa worth more than 28 million dollars. Such a place could only be afforded by the exceptionally wealthy or powerful.

Jonathan Lewis, a thirdgeneration heir to a wealthy family, was the developer behind the project. He and Davis met after Davis’s rise to fame and they quickly became close with Jonathan, who offered Davis significant resources. They got along well.

"Baby, there’s a golf course over there. You can take the kids to play golf in the future."

"And there’s an exhibition hall in the back. Your collection of calligraphy, paintings and porcelain can go there."

"The dressing room in the master bedroom is over 100 square meters. You can fill it with all your favorite Chanel pieces."

He had made this villa a dream come true, a place filled with the hopes and wishes they had shared when they were younger. It seemed he had never forgotten those vows.

So, when had this love changed?

Ashlyn's eyes welled up with tears.

"Baby, look over there."

Ashlyn turned her head and the sky lit up with fireworks. Davis stood in the midst of the fireworks, backlit, his smile forming crescentshaped eyes.

It reminded her of when he graduated from high school, the brilliant young man holding a bunch of firework sticks, shouting at the top of his lungs.

"Ashlyn Anderson! Be my woman! Even if the seas and rocks break, we’ll never break up!"

A wave of regret fluttered in Ashlyn's heart.

Just because a cat stole fish did not mean it stopped catching mice.

Life was fleeting. If she closed her eyes, ignoring everything she did not want to see or hear, could she make do with it?

Jonathan came over with many friends and hosted a party at his villa. Among the guests was a senior with a strong reputation in the industry, someone whose connections could offer opportunities.

Ashlyn could not refuse and reluctantly went along with it.

Davis held her close, smiling as he shielded her from anyone who tried to pressure her into drinking.

The skins of nuts, pomegranates and shrimp were all cleaned off and fed to her by hand.

Jonathan and his friends laughed boisterously. "It turns out that when you’re loved, any food no longer has skin!"

"Davis, are you showing to your friends how to treat women?"

"Ashlyn, you’re so lucky. Davis still does these little things, even at his level. Frankly, I’m impressed!"

Ashlyn forced a smile as their compliments piled up, but her chest grew tighter with each passing moment.

She stood up and made her way to the public restroom. The confined space felt like a relief, as it allowed her to breathe easier.

The sound of highheeled shoes clicking outside the door echoed randomly and it seemed there was more than one person approaching.

"Sarah, have you had any work recently?"

"Yes, ever since Lilia introduced me to a few male celebrities in the entertainment industry, my value has skyrocketed. Recently, someone even offered me a high bid for a photo shoot. Oops, I almost forgot. I’ll add him to ask."

The next moment, a friend request notification popped up on Ashlyn's phone.

She quickly muted her phone and began sending over explicit photos one after another.

With her innocent face and ample bust, which could not be overlooked, Ashlyn was struck by a sudden memory. Three years ago, she had helped Davis meet with this girl at a support club for a few days. This girl had also been one of Davis's fans.

"How could you join a stranger like that, Sarah? What if you get cheated?" asked the girl sitting across from her.

"Can you tell me who's really cheating in this circle? Men are out here seeking sex and I'm just looking to get money for free. You’ve only been in the industry for a short while, but trust me, you’ll understand it all once you've seen the world."

"Geez, you're amazing. Is Davis Miller outside? Can you take me to see him now?"

"Heh! I was with him just last month. He's got a great figure and his face is just as handsome. But tonight, it's Mr. Lewis who invited me here. Who do you want me to accompany? You can tell me later. Behave yourself and try to catch Mr. Liam’s attention."

The sound of high heels gradually faded as Ashlyn received another text message on her phone.

[Commercial shooting starts at 70,000 and the shooting location and details can be customized as needed. We’re all in the same circle, so we can discuss the details in person.]

Ashlyn stared at the sultry portrait in the message, her expression blank. Her vision began to blur.

After a long time moment, she stood up and went to find Davis. She told him that her mother was not feeling well and wanted to go home, asking him to take her back.

This felt like a transaction, dirty and repulsive. However, if Davis was willing to go back with her, it would mean his conscience still lingered somewhere and maybe she could find some comfort in that.

Too bad, Davis hesitated.

Ashlyn smiled, as soft and gentle as ever. "Then I'll go back first. Remember, don’t drink too much. The D family's offline event is coming up soon, so you can't afford to have a swollen face."

"I got it, baby. You are helping me a lot by stopping me from drinking. I promise I won’t drink anymore. Let’s pick out a wedding dress tomorrow. Just wait for me at home! Kiss me goodbye before you go…"

Ashlyn pulled back before his kiss could reach her lips. She walked swiftly, not wanting to stay for even a second longer.

Fireworks exploded again in the garden while several men laughed, their arms around the women beside them.

Under the brilliant bloom of the fireworks, everyone smiled brightly, but Ashlyn could not bring herself to enjoy the fleeting beauty.

She forced herself to stay alert.

The driver was waiting outside and once she got into the car, Ashlyn let herself sink into the seat, her head resting against the window. Exhaustion and nausea overcame her and she felt as though she might vomit, but nothing came. In desperation, she thought of calling Lindsey to ask for some stomach medicine.

It was then that Ashlyn realized her phone was missing. It must have been left behind in her haste and anger when she stormed out of the bathroom earlier.

Frustrated, she instructed the driver to turn back.

But if life could be rewound, Ashlyn would have given anything to tear her eyes out the moment before she entered that bathroom.

She had seen Davis, his shirt unbuttoned, with several red lip prints scattered across his chest. He was staggering, clearly intoxicated and barely able to stand, relying on Jonathan’s support.

"Davis, you're so good to her that even I would be jealous. We’re so close, but you’ve never peeled a shrimp for me."

Jonathan teased, glancing at Davis’s chest while tugging at his shirt with a halfsmile. "You’ve been working out a lot lately. Your figure’s looking better than ever."

"If you want me to peel the shrimp, just say the word! You’re my boss. I’ll peel whatever you want, without question!"

"You really know how to speak nicely. Aren't you worried about making Ashlyn angry?"

"What do I have to fear? With you, I don’t need any other resources!"

"You’re so sweet, man. Go upstairs now. Let me show you something new today."

Davis was drunk and staggered upstairs as Jonathan helped him. He did not notice Ashlyn standing silently behind them, her face ashen.

Ashlyn was barely aware of how she managed to retrieve her phone or how she even made it out of the villa.

At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to disappear quietly from this world.

But now, her thoughts were consumed with the idea of ruining Davis!

The dim lights of the old community flickered in the late night as Ashlyn stumbled, tripping twice at the entrance and down the stairs in her distraught state.

By the time morning came, her ankles were swollen and bruises covered her arms.

When Davis saw her injuries in a video the next day, he rushed to her side.

A pang of guilt flickered across Davis’s face when he saw Ashlyn was injured and lying on the bed, yet she still focused on finetuning the details for D's upcoming event.

"Baby, I heard from Mr. Liam and the others that you came back after leaving last night? Did you forget something?"

He had checked the surveillance footage earlier, but the area she had passed through was in a blind spot. He was not entirely sure whether Ashlyn had seen him drunk, but he was certain she had not gone upstairs. There was no way she could know about the absurdity of the previous night.

However, Ashlyn had always been careful and steady. How could she have ended up like this?

"I forgot my phone. I picked it up and went home. Where did you go after that? I didn’t see you."

"Oh, the guys were singing upstairs. You know Jonathan. He’s always dragging people into the karaoke room. Those guys like to act childish, so I had to keep them company." Davis exhaled in relief, feeling his anxiety dissolve. It seemed he had overthought the situation.

Ashlyn did not glance at him, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the keyboard.

"I bought asparagus earlier. I’ll cook them for you later. You’ve always loved them," Davis said as he got up and moved toward the kitchen.

Before he became famous, life for the two of them had been tough. Asparagus was a luxury, priced at twice the cost of meat. Ashlyn would never splurge on them, so he would secretly buy some and stew them for her. Back then, she would eat the tender tips while he saved the rough bottoms for himself.

He could not recall the last time he had made that for her, not in the past few years, at least. Yet today, he found himself wanting to make it again.

He had no idea why, but she had grown so thin, her face pale and worn.

As the savory aroma of the asparagus soup began to fill the air, a knock came at the front door. Ashlyn shifted slightly to glance at the commotion. One after another, women dressed in sharp suits, uniforms and elegant skirts entered the house.

They were managers from a highend bridal boutique.

Davis had gone all out, instructing them to bring more than a hundred brandnew wedding dresses for her to choose from. Beyond the physical dresses, they carried iPads loaded with thousands of styles for her to browse.

The sheer volume of items required several vans, which were parked just downstairs.

Davis knew her swollen feet would not allow her to visit a bridal boutique comfortably, so he brought the entire shop to her instead.

The house where Ashlyn's mother lived was modest and with the sudden influx of people and dresses, it felt cramped.

Ashlyn browsed through more than a dozen wedding dresses, yet the more she looked, the more unsettled she became.

From the innocence of school uniforms to the elegance of wedding dresses, it had always been a dream she cherished deeply. However, she no longer desired it.

The white wedding dress was a symbol of pure love, but it no longer held meaning when the man meant to stand beside her was dirty and not worthy of her.

"Are none of these to your satisfaction, Miss Anderson? I can show you more options."

The manager tapped on her iPad, scrolling through the gallery of designs. She paused after the tenth image.

"Let’s go with this one."

Her eyes immediately recognized the Swarovski crystals adorning the dress. It was the latest design from the D family, part of a rare collaboration where the chief designer released only one exclusive dress with this bridal brand each year.

Ashlyn decided she would take a series of solo wedding photos before freezing this chapter of her life and she only wanted the most gorgeous wedding dress.

She could be her own princess.

The store manager hesitated and exchanged a quick glance with Davis. Their expressions tightened awkwardly.

"Baby, that dress is too heavy and uncomfortable to wear for long. Let’s pick another one, okay?"

"Miss Anderson, I must be honest. This particular wedding dress has already been reserved. I really apologize, but I can show you other equally stunning styles."

Irritated and disheartened, Ashlyn grabbed a random card, made a quick decision and ended the ordeal abruptly.

There was a time when Ashlyn wanted something, Davis would have moved mountains to get her anything she wanted, but this time, he was persuading her to give up.

Perhaps he had grown tired of constantly accommodating her.

After recognizing Davis’s aggrieved demeanor, Ashlyn could not help but despise herself for still clinging to unrealistic hopes about him.

Such a man was no longer worth her time or anticipation. She glanced at the cup in her hand and pinched herself lightly.

Once the wedding dress decision was settled, Davis seemed noticeably lighter in mood. With a smile, he fed her a piece of steamed asparagus.

"Eat while it’s still warm! See if my cooking skills get worse."

Ashlyn hesitated for a moment.

In the end, she ate two pieces with misty eyes.

Davis mistook her reaction for being deeply moved, so he raised his hand in a playful oath to cook for her more often whenever he had spare time.

Ashlyn responded with a faint smile, saying nothing more.

Right now, her priority was organizing the upcoming "Weddings of a Thousand Dreams" event for the D family. She intended to deliver an unforgettable surprise to Davis during the event.

Two days later, the fan meeting, which had been heavily promoted for over half a year, finally kicked off.

The venue featured a breathtaking display of ten thousand and one wedding photos, all assembled into a massive checkin screen for fans. At the heart of it was an image of Davis dressed in an immaculate black suit, captured in a dramatic kneeling pose.

Upright and noble, no wonder he earned the title of 'The Knight in Black Suit' by his fans.

Ticket prices for the infield event skyrocketed due to scalpers, with frontrow seats fetching between thirty and forty thousand.

Yet, the venue was still packed to capacity. The crowd consisted mostly of girls dressed in wedding gowns, creating a surreal and spectacular atmosphere.

Over the years, Ashlyn had poured significant resources into cultivating Davis’s fan base. His fame and reputation had soared to new heights, making him a soughtafter ambassador for luxury brands like D's.

Once the ribboncutting ceremony concluded, the schedule moved to the highly anticipated segment, the exchange of gifts between fans and their beloved idol.

The first fan to step onto the stage was Belinda Harris, the wellknown daughter of the affluent Harris Family. Her plump figure and radiant expression exuded an air of privilege.

When the host called her name to go to the stage, her face lit up with joy. Even the constraints of her wedding dress could not suppress her eagerness as she hurriedly made her way to Davis. In her enthusiasm, she stumbled and nearly fell directly into his arms.

Davis held her steady in a gentlemanly manner as he avoided any contact with her exposed skin during the entire process.

Grasping the microphone with unbridled enthusiasm, Belinda declared, "Davis Miller, I love you! One day, I will make you marry me!"

The audience erupted into laughter.

The girl was unfazed by the reaction and reached into a box and revealed a meticulously crafted jade pendant in the shape of a butterfly.

"This is a newly acquired masterpiece by my father. It’s part of a pair. One is here and the other is housed in the British Museum."

The host audibly gasped and a murmur of intrigue rippled through the audience.

The smile on Davis’s face faltered as his expression suddenly froze.

His previously calm demeanor gave way to unease as his gaze darted around the crowd, searching frantically for Ashlyn.

It was Ashlyn’s collection!

Years ago, after Davis had sustained a back injury during a film shoot, Ashlyn consulted a master artisan and paid an exorbitant sum to secure it, as it symbolized the importance of stability and foundation.

Only recently, she had cleared out many of her belongings from their home. Davis had assumed it was part of a plan to relocate to a new mansion, so he did not ask any questions.

How had this valuable piece ended up in the hands of this fan?

Davis was flustered, but he could only pretend to be calm on the stage as he graciously declined the extravagant jade pendant. Then, he removed the branded ring his father had gifted him and exchanged it for the bracelet on the girl’s wrist.

The girl was so satisfied that she did not miss the opportunity to call out when she left, "Davis, remember my name, Belinda Harris! My father runs the largest medical supply chain in Silverbrook! Just wait. I will bring you home as my husband!"

Davis chuckled shyly and bent slightly to adjust the hem of her wedding dress as she stepped down.

The crowd cheered as the next fan walked onto the stage.

Ashlyn, who had been working diligently in the background, instinctively looked up and her entire body stiffened in an instant.

The wedding dress was covered with the dazzling luster of Swarovski crystals and the gown’s sleek fishtail design clung elegantly to her figure, swaying with every step like a graceful mermaid.

It was Eve Sterling.

Ashlyn knew she would come, but she had not imagined that she would arrive wearing that wedding dress.

No wonder Davis had shown no interest in helping her acquire the dress.

No wonder the boutique shop manager was panicked for a moment.

This wedding dress was personally reserved by Davis for Eve Sterling!

Ashlyn’s heart felt as though it were being pierced repeatedly, the sharp pain constricting her chest and stealing her breath. Her eyes blurred with unshed tears.

"Dear husband, I’ve been your loyal fan for six years and today, my dream of marrying you has finally come true. Can we take a photo together?"

Eve spoke in a voice so delicate and coy that it seemed even softer than her slender waist. Her gaze brimmed with affection, radiating a charm that left the female fans in the audience blushing with envy and admiration.

Davis secretly swallowed.

The proportions of her waist and hips, measuring 84 centimeters, truly embodied the golden ratio. This woman possessed a flawless waist and sex appeal.

The last time she wore the rabbit girl costume, it left him craving more. And now, the wedding dress she donned on stage stirred an undeniable heat within him.

It was not in vain that he had personally chosen this wedding dress for her. If given the chance, he thought, he would love to see her wear it again and call him "husband" through the night at home.

Anyway, Ashlyn would not be back anytime soon.

During the group photo, Davis discreetly raised an eyebrow at Eve. He thought he did everything extremely carefully, but Ashlyn saw that subtle move in his eyes.

Ridiculous.

He could flirt so brazenly, right in front of her? How impatient could he be?

She wanted to storm the stage and slap Davis across the face twice for good measure. But thinking of the plans she had carefully laid out, Ashlyn forced herself to take a deep breath to calm down.

At that moment, her phone suddenly lit up.

[I’m really sorry to put on a wedding dress and marry him before you could and for you to see us together with your own eyes.]

[He said he loves my waist. Do you know how hard it is for me to work out every day? Unlike you, what man would love a woman with an ugly butt!]

The wedding photos taken on stage a minute ago now appeared on Ashlyn's phone screen.

Their expressions were filled with affection, just like a real couple.

[Are you curious how I recognized you?]

[I saw the pair of cups in your kitchen. If you can’t bear it, just take them away. Why change them to an avatar? I didn’t want to recognize you, but I’m too smart for my own good, so what should I do?]

[Guess what the pair of cups were used for later?]

Ashlyn’s breath caught and an ache spread through her chest.

[Of course, cups are used to hold drinks.]

Soon, Eve sent another photo. She held up the cup and pretended to take a sip. Her provocative eyes glinted with smug satisfaction, though the cup was clearly empty.

[Miss, is he like this when he’s with you? Has he ever called you baby so gently, too?]

Ashlyn’s hands trembled so violently that her phone slipped from her grip and hot tears streamed down her face.

Davis Miller, you truly deserve the worst fate imaginable.

"I now invite the last bride to the stage!"

As the event neared its conclusion, an unusual girl stepped forward.

Her wedding dress was plain and inexpensive. Her makeup was minimal, almost amateur and much of her face was obscured by a black mask. A blue peaked cap sat low on her forehead.

"The gift I’ve prepared for my husband is... a doll."

She pulled away the red cloth draped over the object in her hands, unveiling a meticulously crafted doll.

"There’s a child inside the doll’s belly. And this child is yours."

The words were spoken so quietly that only Davis could hear them.

Davis was instantly stunned. The next second, the girl opened the doll’s belly, revealing a glass vial nestled within. The liquid inside was clear and floating in it was an embryo, no larger than a lentil.

The reveal took mere seconds, but it was just long enough for fans seated in the front row to catch a clear glimpse.

Davis’s face turned ashen, the smile he had so carefully maintained stiffening.

"This has to be a prank! What did she bring up there?"

"WWhat? Is this some antifan stunt?"

Without a word, the girl thrust the doll into Davis’s arms and turned to leave the stage.

Before the crowd could fully process what had happened, she dashed toward the nearest exit and disappeared without a trace in an instant.

The child is yours…