Juliette was flaunting Armando’s favoritism.
Jovana’s heart twisted with a sharp, bitter ache.“I see.”
Armando’s face darkened. He shot Juliette a cold look before gently guiding Jovana.“She’s just an actress, Vana. I only helped because of the company’s interests. Otherwise, I wouldn’t give her a second glance.”
‘An actress?”
Juliette’s face flushed with anger, tears spilling over.
Biting her lip, she played up her wounded act.“You’re right. I’m just a nobody, not worth Ms. Atherton’s concern. Please don’t be upset. I’ll go….” She limped away, wincing with each step.
Armando’s brow furrowed, his heart tugging uncomfortably.
But with Jovana there, he swallowed his feelings. He helped her back to her room, anxiously questioning the doctor and sending someone to fetch food.
The nurses at the station watched with envy.
However, Jovana felt nothing.
She didn’t want something secondhand.
Her phone buzzed by her pillow. Frowning, she opened it.
It was a live stream notification.
On the screen, Juliette stood by the Bund, addressing the camera. “A friend upset me today, but he’s making it up with a huge fireworks show and a drone display! Come watch, everyone!”
The comments below were scathing.
Someone typed, “Thick–skinned, huh? Do you know how much a fireworks and drone show costs? Quit bragging.”
Others followed, “Yeah, right!”
Juliette pouted, aggrieved.“It’s true. You’ll see!”
Moments later, the stream showed a flood of extravagant gifts.
All from someone called “Only You.”
Then, fireworks exploded across the sky in a dazzling burst.
Juliette’s lips curled into a triumphant smirk.“Told you I wasn’t lying!”
The comments erupted, “Wow, that’s a real deal! I’m jealous. This guy might just be the next Mr. Dunbar!”
“Right? Remember when Mr. Dunbar spent a fortune on Ms. Atherton’s birthday? That was pure love!”
Jovana’s eyes flickered, tears welling up. She looked at the man standing on the balcony outside.
He was staring at his phone, a fond smile on his face.
She knew he was the one named “Only You.”
Sensing her gaze, Armando quickly pocketed his phone and came over, carrying a bowl of cooled food to feed her.
“Come on, take a bite. It’s not too hot now. Don’t eat too much, though–you need to take it easy.”
Jovana gripped her phone tightly, her knuckles turning white as she stared at the man in front of her.
She thought, “Armando, how do you fake it so well?”
Jovana closed her eyes, pushing him away.“I’m not hungry. I feel sick.”
With that, she turned over to sleep, her eyes burning with unshed tears.
On her birthday years ago, Armando had thrown a fireworks show that made every woman in Los Angeles green with envy. He had spent hundreds of thousands, a truly lavish gesture.
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Afterward, he’d shrugged it off.“As long as my wife’s happy, it’s worth every penny.”
That line had trended online, leaving everyone swooning.
Jovana had been moved for so long.
Now, Armando had given that one–of–a–kind devotion to another woman, just to make her smile.
Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes.
Suddenly, a warm breath brushed her neck as Armando wrapped his arms around her.
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“Baby, I’m sorry. Don’t be mad. When we get home, you can punish me however you want, okay? What do you feel like eating? I’ll cook for you
tomorrow.
“I saw you looking at the fireworks. Once you’re out of the hospital, I’ll throw you an even bigger show. Better than this one, I promise.” His words were a cruel mockery, slicing through her.
Jovana shoved him away. She clung to her last shred of hope and asked, “What about the endorsement deal? What’s your plan?”
