Farewell to Love, Hello to Freedom

On the way to the karaoke room, it started to rain heavily.

The car stopped, and I looked down at my new white shoes. Leo understood and skillfully carried me in a princess carry while the assistant held an umbrella.

Leo was a top star in the entertainment industry, while I was just his manager.

I had been with him from his audition days to becoming famous, never leaving his side for five years.

He took great care of me as well.

To give me a sense of security, he refused to create fake relationships since his debut and pinned a post on Twitter saying I was his girlfriend and true love.

Just like now, the staff at the karaoke room exclaimed in envy when they saw him carrying me in.

"Leo treats his manager so well!

"Vivian must have saved the world in her past life!"

Leo smiled as he set me down. He ruffled my hair, and held my hand, leading me to the recording studio.

Inside were five versions of "Proposal Balloon". He had personally written the lyrics and melody, taking six months to complete them.

The vocal coach on the side marveled at Leo's dedication.

As I looked at the lyrics. "You are my only one, the lover I would take away even if I had to fight the whole world..." I couldn't help but feel a bittersweet irony.

Lover?

I looked up at Leo. He was leaning over, finalizing the last version with me.

"Vivian, which one do you like? I think the third version sounds good.

"This weekend, I'll definitely give you an unforgettable proposal concert."

Leo's beautiful peach blossom eyes were full of anticipation. The starlight reflected only my image.

His devotion made me feel dazed.

"Is this how he treated love?"

Preparing for a proposal while sleeping with the second female lead of his drama.

Vivian and Mia were such a stark contrast.

By the time we finalized the lyrics, it was already eight o'clock in the evening.

The assistant had taken leave for something. Leo held an umbrella and walked me home, completely soaked.

Looking at Leo's dripping wet suit jacket, I felt soft-hearted and urged him to take a shower.

Suddenly, a special notification alert came from my phone.

Leo froze, retracting his foot from the bathroom. He glanced at my phone, then grabbed the umbrella and prepared to leave.

"There's an issue with the drama crew, Vivian. You go to sleep first. Wait for me to come back," he said.

What an excuse.

I tried to keep him. "It's so late. Can you not go? Whatever it is, discuss it over the phone."

Without hesitation, Leo pried my hand off his sleeve.

"Be good, don't make a fuss. I'm the lead actor. It's hard to resolve this without me being there."

He leaned down and hugged me gently. He was calm and without a trace of guilt.

I whispered almost inaudibly, "Okay, I'll wait..."

Before I could finish, Leo left without looking back. His hurried steps were nothing like his reluctance to go to work when he first started filming.

I sat on the sofa in a daze, with the expensive takeout Leo had ordered on the table. The aroma was enticing, but it didn't stir my appetite.

At ten, a video came through on WhatsApp.

Leo wore pink swim trunks and had his arm around Mia, who was in a skimpy bikini. He looked at her chest with blatant desire in his eyes.

There were many people at the pool party. Leo didn't refuse anyone, kissing one and pinching another.

But in the end, he kissed Mia and went to a room with her, stripping eagerly at the door.

In the second video, the two were full of passion. They were engaging in provocative activities, with the screen filled with explicit content.

Leo looked excited.

I masochistically watched it to the end and felt completely hopeless.