Chapter 4

The next day, the entire entertainment industry was rocked.

#UniversalCapitalCEOSebastianColeIsMarried

#SebastianColesWifeIsActressGianna

#Starlight EntertainmentBankruptcyInsideStory

Internet users who'd been cursing me to "get out of entertainment" yesterday did a complete 180.

"Holy shit! What kind of fairy tale romance is this! A CEO goes undercover and falls for a struggling actress?"

"No wonder Gianna dared to stand her ground on the red carpet---she had backup!"

"Hey upstairs, Gianna isn't struggling---she's really talented, just suppressed by her company!"

"That girl Fiona deserves it! Stealing someone's role and then playing victim!"

My phone was about to explode.

Major directors, producers, and brands all sent messages, asking after my wellbeing.

Their attitudes were completely different from when I was blacklisted.

I didn't reply to a single one.

I was in the kitchen, learning how to make sweet and sour pork from Sebastian.

He wore a pink cartoon apron, clumsily cutting meat.

"Honey, don't touch anything---the fumes is bad. I'll handle it."

He pushed me out of the kitchen.

I leaned against the doorframe watching his busy figure.

This man who commanded respect in the business world was now flustered trying to cook me a meal.

Sunlight streamed through the window onto him, warm and bright.

I picked up my phone and captured this moment.

Then I posted on Twitter.

[@GiannaV: My husband, Sebastian Cole. @UniversalCapitalSebastianCole [Image]]

In the photo, no designer brands, no luxury cars---just a man in an apron, his back to the camera as he cooked for me in the kitchen.

As soon as I posted, the comments section exploded.

"Aaaah what kind of fairy tale husband is this! I'm so jealous!"

"This is what real wealth looks like---not throwing money around, but loving with your heart."

"Gianna, you have to be happy!"

Sebastian's phone kept ringing too.

He hurriedly wiped his hands and answered.

"Hello, Assistant Johnson, what is it?"

"What? Twitter?"

He hung up and looked at me nervously.

"Honey, did I cause you trouble?"

"Will my identity being exposed affect your career?"

I shook my head and walked over, hugging him from behind.

"No."

"Sebastian, thank you."

Thank you for giving me a home when I was at my most vulnerable.

Thank you for standing firmly by my side when the whole world abandoned me.

Dinner was ready: roast chicken with mashed potatoes, a Caesar salad, and creamy tomato soup.

All my favorites.

We sat at the small dining table like the most ordinary couple, eating together.

The TV was playing financial news.

"According to reports, Universal Capital recently completed its acquisition of Starlight Entertainment and conducted large-scale business restructuring. Former Starlight artist Fiona and her uncle Mr. Walker have been placed under investigation by police for suspected commercial fraud and unfair competition..."

I watched the news, my heart completely calm.

Those who do evil will eventually face punishment.

"Honey, about that lead role in 'Palace Walls'---I already spoke with the director."

Sebastian put a piece of pork on my plate.

"They'll hold another audition tomorrow and invite you to participate."

'Palace Walls' was the role Fiona had stolen from me.

An S+ tier major production that every actress in the industry was eyeing.

I'd earned the female lead on my own merit, standing out from dozens of candidates.

But because I blocked Fiona's path, Lisa had set me up.

"No need."

I shook my head.

Sebastian froze.

"Why? Don't you really like that script?"

"Yeah, I like it."

I looked at him very seriously.

"But I don't want to get a role through your connections."

"Sebastian, I want to earn my place in front of the camera through my own abilities."

"Not have people say I got it because I'm the wife of Universal Capital's CEO."

Sebastian was silent for a long time.

He stared at me, then suddenly smiled.

Light shone in those eyes that were always narrowed.

"Okay."

"My wife is already the best."

"Then we won't do that one. I'll invest in a new production, custom-made just for you, okay?"

I couldn't help laughing.

"Mr. Cole, that's abuse of power for personal gain."

"Is that not allowed?" He leaned over and kissed my cheek. "For my wife, anything goes."