He Sold My Shame, Now He Pays the Price

I've always played the sweet and innocent image. Most of the shows I've done have been cheesy idol dramas.

So, when the agency suddenly set me up for this softcore porn flick, telling me it was to help me transition my image, I was super suspicious. Didn't Colin know about this?

Wasn't the agency worried about pissing him off?

Now, it all made sense. It was just to boost his new leading lady.

I wiped away my tears and left the set.

When I got home, Colin was already there.

The moment I walked in, he pulled me into a hug.

"Was it a tough day?"

I pushed him away in disgust.

He froze for a second, then seemed to realize something. He softened his voice. "Amelia, are you worried about me being bothered by you filming that movie?"

"It's okay, I don't mind."

"I trust you and you need to trust yourself. It's just work."

If it's just work, why must I do it?

I asked him, "If it's all just work, why is Miley's work different from mine?"

Why did she just get to quietly fall in love in her movies?

Colin didn't seem to expect me to ask that. He frowned and said, "Amelia, don't be silly."

"Miley hasn't been through this kind of stuff. Doing those things would hurt her."

Then he gave a faint smile. "You're different. You're used to it."

I laughed bitterly inside.

My heart ached like someone was squeezing it tight.

I closed my eyes. "I'm tired. I need to rest."

Back in my room, I saw a message from my brother.

[Amelia, come home. Mom and Dad miss you.]

[If anything's wrong, just tell us. Don't worry about money.]

[I've booked a ticket for you, three days from now. We'll be waiting.]

After reading the message, I sank completely onto the bed.

I couldn't hold it in anymore. My voice choked and all my strength crumbled at that moment.

Thank goodness I still had one last safe haven.

The next day, I had just arrived on set when I saw a crowd of people surrounding Miley.

She was crying, her eyes swollen and red. Her tears streamed down like broken pearls and the whole crew comforted her.

She sobbed like she'd been terribly wronged.

When the others saw me, they all gave me looks of disdain.

"Amelia, you're the one who posted Miley's photos online, right?"

I was completely confused. "What? What photos?"

Someone shoved a phone in my face. "See for yourself."

A photo of Miley adjusting her bra strap in the bathroom was on the screen.

The picture did not reveal anything, not even her shoulders. It might have been the black strap if there was anything remotely suggestive.

Miley cried as she spoke to me, "Amelia, do you really have to do this? Just because I'm prettier and more innocent than you?"

"I know you're jealous I got the lead role, but if your photos got leaked, that doesn't mean you have to drag me down too!"

Then she buried her face in Colin's arms. "Colin, why are people's hearts scarier than the devil? It's so terrifying, so terrifying."

Colin comforted Miley, gently patting her back.

Miley continued to sob.

Colin walked up to me and slapped me hard across the face with all his might.

He glared at me. "Amelia Alvarez, I never thought you could be this vicious."

"Do you even know that Miley is going for a pure image? What you're doing will ruin her!"

Everyone around us looked at me with contempt, whispering among themselves.