Her Partner's Darkest Fear is She'd Outshine Him

When Marianne showed up at Kennedy's set, it hit her just how bad things really were.

The place was packed—people everywhere, gawking at the chaos like it was the hottest show in town.

The second Alissa saw her, she rushed over and practically dragged her inside.

The moment Marianne met Kennedy's eyes, he looked away first.

"Kennedy, I brought her here! You always listen to her, right? She'll talk some sense into you!" Alissa shoved Marianne forward.

But Kennedy didn't even glance at Marianne. "You shouldn't have come. Don't bother with me."

And then an annoying, child-like voice rang out again.

"Uncle Ken, please come down! Don't risk your life for me!"

Marianne whipped around and stared at Suzanne. 'Risk his life? For her?'

"Oh, so that's Suzanne?" someone whispered nearby. "I heard Kennedy's risking his life just to keep her role."

"Well, the new sponsor's calling the shots now. What can you do? You can't fight the money."

Listening to the discussions around her, Marianne finally pieced everything together.

Apparently, the original investor for Kennedy and Suzanne's film had pulled out. The new sponsor stepped in with one condition: Suzanne could stay in the cast, but only if Kennedy performed a rooftop jump—no harness, no safety net.

So, he was willing to gamble his life… for her career.

And Marianne? Why the hell was she even here?

Alissa's tone softened. "Marianne, I know this is unfair, but come on, it's a life we're talking about here. And he's still your—"

"He's not my anything. We're strangers."

Marianne shook Alissa off, wrapped her coat tighter around herself, and turned to leave.

Just then, Kennedy suddenly leaped off the rooftop.

"Is he okay? Hurry up! Check him!"

"Mr. Bryden!"

"Call an ambulance!"

The crowd lost it. The set was a mess.

Marianne tried to push through, but the panic made it impossible to move. Her breathing got harder and harder.

"Excuse me! Please, let me through—"

But the noisy crowd quickly drowned out her voice. She was shoved and jostled, and the pain in her body was unbearable.

And then she felt it—a warm gush running down her legs.

Could it be…

"Move! Let me through!"

She stumbled through the sea of people, heading toward a car, but the second she got close, a wall of reporters swarmed her.

Flashes blinded her as microphones were shoved in her face.

"Miss Marlowe, is it true your boyfriend jumped off a building for another woman?"

"Miss Marlowe, how do you put up with this? Can you share your experience?"

Seeing that she was alone, the reporter asked more and more harsh questions.

Marianne felt dizzy. "Please make way. It hurts..."

Bur reporter still asked relentlessly.

"Miss Marlowe, are you a doormat in this relationship? Did you just stand by while they were together?"

"Miss Marlowe, who's the real girlfriend here? Are you the side chick? Honestly, you seem like the side chick."

"Miss Marlowe—"

"Enough! Back off!" Out of nowhere, a team of massive security guards pushed through and surrounded her, forming a human shield.

Then, a strong arm pulled her into a protective hold, a black trench coat blocking out the cameras.

"Don't be scared, Marianne. Come with me."

Even though they got her to the hospital in time, it didn't matter. The baby was gone.

Dr. Obrien slammed her fist against the wall in grief.

She'd saved so many patients over the years, but this… this felt personal.

For 10 years, Marianne had fought so hard for her baby.

The therapy and the awful medicine—she went through it all every day with unwavering hope…