The Actor's Failed Act

I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Clement was rubbing his fingertips together. It was his tell when he was ticked off.

I was halfway through my meal when Vivian's assistant suddenly appeared beside me. Before I could react, he tossed a rag into my soup, sending oily bits all over me.

"Wash Vivian's car later," he said.

It rained hard today, and her car was covered in mud.

I ignored Vivian's assistant and quietly wiped my hands.

When he saw I wasn't moving, he leaned it and yelled in my ear, "Are you deaf? Why aren't you answering me? That's so rude!"

Then, he reached out for my collar.

I let Clement have his way because I loved him, but that didn't mean I would let some nobody walk all over me.

I grabbed my half-eaten meal from the table and dumped it over his head. "Get lost! Asshole!"

Vivian came rushing out at the sound of the noise and shielded her assistant behind her as if I was the one making a scene.

"Lucille, if you've got a problem with me, come at me, but leave my assistant out of it. He's not some punching bag you can just take out your frustration on!"

Her words were enough to make all the staff side with her assistant, and they glared at me with contempt.

Clement strolled over and pulled Vivian aside, and I was left staring at the back of him. He said sharply, "All of you, inside now."

I gave a rueful smile, wondering if he was playing the hero for his first love.

I stood across from Clement and questioned Vivian, "Wasn't it you who told me to wash your car? Wasn't it you who called me rude? So you're calling me rude just because I won't do your dirty work?"

I couldn't help but notice how her hand remained in Clement's.

"Oh, right," I added. "You're a rising movie star with Clement—the Best Actor—backing you. So, you're into playing this two-faced game, huh?"

I'd always been careful not to damage Clement's career, but what did I get in return? Nothing but him rekindling things with Vivian.

She was the one who ruined our marriage, but she kept messing with me until I couldn't take it anymore.

The moment Vivian felt Clement let go of her hand, her mind raced, and she quickly put on a smile. "Oh, Lucille, what are you saying? I had to play it fair with everyone watching, right?"

Vivian saw I wasn't reacting and immediately slapped her assistant. "What's your problem? I asked you to get someone to wash the car, and you're messing with Lucille? You really have no common sense!"

Then, she stepped closer and said, "Lucille, my assistant was out of line. Please, be the bigger person and let it go as a favor to me, alright?"

She laid a hand on my shoulder. I was about to shove her off, but she grabbed my wrist first. "Clem gave me this ring, but it looks way better on you. It's just a size too big for me."

Clement gave me that ring last month for Valentine's Day. He didn't get me a ring when we got married and told me, "Since it's a secret marriage, a ring would be a waste."

I remembered the joy I felt the night I wore the ring. I was so happy I couldn't sleep and admired it until the sun came up. It turned out to be something Vivian tossed aside.

"Get your filthy hand off me!" I snapped.

Vivian froze.

Clement couldn't take it any longer. "Lucille, don't forget your place! Why are you acting so superior before everyone?"

I was stunned. Had I really sunk so low that I forgot my place?

Vivian gave me a smug look while Clement wasn't looking.

Could first love truly be that unforgettable? Oh, Lucille, you had brought yourself down to the dirt.

I was done with Clement. I was about to open the door to leave, but a sharp, sickening twist hit my stomach when my fingers touched the doorframe. I crouched down, doubling over from the pain.

Clement rushed over and grabbed my wrist. "What's wrong? Is it your stomach acting up again?"

It was the first time I felt like shaking his hand off, but the pain made it impossible.

"You too… Get your filthy hand off me…" I barely whispered, but the silence in the room made sure everyone heard.

Vivian came to her senses and smirked, hoping this would finally make Clement despise me.

"Quit making a scene, alright? I'll have someone take you to the hospital."

Before Clement could call anyone, I fought through the pain and managed to grab his wrist. He looked down as I pulled the ring off and flung it toward Vivian. "I don't want your ring."

I passed out before I could even see his reaction.

When I came around, I found myself in a hospital bed.

Clement saw I was awake and snapped, "You're in such bad condition, and you didn't say a thing? What, you think I can't manage without you?"

He made it seem like I was to blame. He was actually with Vivian by the lake that day while I was sick.

"Today's incident with Vivi is going to make things look bad," he continued. "Don't bother coming in starting tomorrow. You're sick, so it's better if you stay home and manage things at the house."

Clement went ahead and canceled all my work. I could tell he was worried that today's incident might damage Vivian's image.

Suddenly, I felt a chill on my finger. I looked down and saw that Clement had pulled the ring I threw away out of his bag and slid it back onto my finger. I shook my hand, and the ring fell to the floor.

"Lucille, there's only so much I can take—"

"We're getting a divorce!" I interrupted.

He snorted. "Lucille, can you stop being so difficult? Is this about Vivi again? I told you, we're just friends. The scandals are for publicity, and it helps both of our careers! Can't you make a little sacrifice?"

Clement rambled on, his eyes clouded with an irritation he wasn't aware of. He looked so groomed. We'd been together for seven years, but now he seemed like someone else.

I gave him a cold look and said, "I want a divorce. We're done!"