Chapter 2

Sage's POV

"Really?" came an excited voice from the other end.

From the very start of production planning, the film had wanted me as the female lead.

But because all the main actors had to go abroad for a year of intensive training, I'd politely declined every invitation.

"Really." I let out a long breath. "When does training start?"

"One month from now, at the Rome Film Studios."

"I'll be there on time."

I hung up and immediately contacted my private doctor.

"I heard they can treat pain transfer syndrome in Italy. Keep an eye out for me."

After handling everything, I lay exhausted on the floor.

This time I was going to completely sever ties with them.

The final day of the live reality show was a pool party. I happened to be on my period.

Before going live, my assistant Hope handed me painkillers with concern. "Sage, maybe you shouldn't record today?"

I swallowed the pills in one gulp. "It's fine, I just won't get in the water."

The broadcast started. The first round was a word-guessing game with Kara's team versus the others.

Since it wasn't my turn, I quietly stood in a corner to rest.

Soon enough, the first round ended.

Kara's team lost.

According to the rules, Kara had to sit on the launcher and get thrown into the pool as punishment.

"Ashton, I..." Kara suddenly sneezed, pouting reluctantly at the pool.

The online comments immediately started rolling.

"Does Kara have a cold?"

"I feel so bad for her. Can't they let our poor girl off?"

"Am I the only one who thinks this is sweet? Kara instinctively looked to Mr. Pierce for help!"

Ashton saw this and gave the director a look.

The director understood immediately. "Kara, if you're not feeling well, we can have another female celebrity substitute for you."

At those words, my hand covering my stomach paused slightly.

I was the only other female celebrity on set besides Kara!

Kara immediately looked at me pitifully. "Sage, could you go in the water for me?"

I rolled my eyes internally. "No."

With that refusal, the comments started attacking me again.

"Why does Sage always have such a sour face? Does being a movie star make her better than everyone?"

"Sage is so classless!"

"If you can't do the job, quit the industry!"

Rejected, Kara looked so embarrassed she was almost crying. Ashton's face darkened as he leaned close to me.

"Kara's health isn't good. Don't be difficult right now."

Those words were like a blade stabbing straight into my heart, making my eyes well up with tears.

I looked up, my voice trembling. "Do you remember what day it is?"

Ashton snorted coldly. "If Kara gets sick from going in the water, you know what I'm capable of."

My whole body trembled as I looked at him.

Ashton used to remember my period dates better than anyone.

I used to get terrible cramps, and Ashton would always have drinks ready for me, even taking me to doctors to keep things under control.

When I was a mess emotionally, Ashton, usually so proud and composed, would set aside his pride just to comfort me. He'd try anything to make me smile.

He said he would take care of me for the rest of my life...

I forced down the bitterness in my heart and choked out, "Fine, I agree."

Sitting on the launcher, Kara raised her chin at me provocatively, looking so smug it made me sick.

With the command, I was launched into the water.

"Ah-!"

In an instant, a layer of blood bloomed in the water. The director quickly cut the feed.

Seeing the blood in the water, Ashton seemed to finally realize what was happening.

Without thinking, he immediately jumped in and pulled me out.

"Let go of me!" I struggled constantly.

"Stop moving!" Ashton carried me all the way to the dressing room.

After forcibly helping me change clothes, Ashton felt deeply uncomfortable. "If you're on your period, why didn't you say something?"

I looked at him quietly. "You're the one who forgot."

"I..." Ashton was instantly speechless.

Suddenly, several staff members rushed in carrying Kara.

Ashton panicked. "What happened to Kara?"

"She fainted from a fever."

Hearing Ashton's voice, Kara immediately started crying and acting cute. "Ashton, I want some peace and quiet. Can you make the outsiders leave?"

"Whatever you want." Ashton anxiously grabbed her hand and, without any hesitation, said coldly to me, "Get out."