
The Wicked Female Supporting Role Awakens and Becomes a Sensation Online
Chapter 1
Just as I was making formula, Kelvin Dorsey picked up the can of formula and smashed it against my forehead.
Then, he couldn't wait to call his father Harold Dorsey to brag.
"Daddy, I did what you said and broke Mommy's face. She definitely won't look as good as Elia on camera."
"The contract? I signed it! Mommy will definitely join the show for my sake.
"Daddy, I miss you so much. When will you come to take me home? Really? You'll come pick me up as long as I act like I hate Mommy on TV?"
...
Kelvin liked calling his father, but this was the first time his malice was so blatant.
I listened to the innocent and childish voice coming from the next room, and my heart felt so hurt.
Yet, lying on the floor, I could not utter a single sound, as some memories flooded my mind.
It turned out the world we lived in was a novel about a sweet romance in the entertainment industry. But at its core, it was a story about a mistress becoming the legal wife, disguised as innocent love.
Harold and I grew up together, childhood sweethearts. Years later, we married and had a child. Had there been no accidents, we would have lived a simple, happy life together until old age.
However, everything changed when the female lead, Eliana Roy, appeared.
I went from being the protagonist of my life to the evil supporting character, meant only to highlight their love-above-all romance.
She ruined my family under the name of "the one who isn't loved is the real mistress" and "love knows no order".
The author gave her the image of a pure and fragile girl that captured everyone's hearts.
Even my son, Kelvin, liked her and blamed me countless times for fighting for custody of him.
"Gloria Branch, why do you have to take me with you to live a hard life? I don't want to live with you. I want to live in a big villa.
"Mommy's the bad guy, separating me and Daddy. No wonder nobody likes you."
...
He had no idea about the truth.
The truth was that Harold did not want him, this burden, at all. I merely mentioned custody in passing, and it ended up falling into my hands.
Kelvin hung up the phone and came out of his room. When he saw I had woken up, there was no concern or apology, only a flicker of guilt in his eyes.
"Didn't you promise to take me to the show tomorrow? Why haven't you bathed me and packed our luggage yet?
"I don't want the maid to bathe me tonight. I want you to do it."
At his age, he did not know how to hide his little schemes. His eyes had revealed his intentions.
Suddenly, I remembered something.
Every time I had work, he insisted I bathe him, splashing around and playing with water until late at night.
The next day, I would appear on camera looking exhausted and worn out.
That was when Eliana would seize the opportunity to buy off strolls to smear me, with plenty of haters in the comments stirring up trouble.
[No wonder they say Gloria had plastic surgery. Now that she's divorced and can't afford cosmetic treatments, her face looks terrible.]
[She looks so old and ugly. In contrast, Eliana is so gorgeous. If I were Mr. Dorsey, I'd divorce her too.]
[What did Eliana do wrong? she's just too beautiful and lovable. What rich man wouldn't prefer a beauty?]
[Gloria doesn't respect the audience anymore. If she is not in a good state, she should just leave the industry. She's such an eyesore.]
...
Kelvin continued to cry and fuss.
That was what he always did whenever I expressed that I was tired or did not have time. He would only become more relentless.
"I want to take a bath! Tomorrow, I'll finally see Daddy. Do you want me to meet him all dirty like this?
"Get up and bathe me! It's just a head injury. Do you really need to keep lying on the floor and pretending to be hurt seriously?
"If you don't bathe me, I'll tell Daddy you don't treat me well…"
Kelvin thought I was afraid of him tattling on me.
Besides, he desperately hoped that Harold would take him back if Harold knew he wasn't happy living with me.
But no matter what, all Harold would ever do was scold me hypocritically over the phone.
"Gloria, what did you do to our child? You were the one who wanted custody of Kelvin. You were the one who said you were afraid I couldn't raise him properly. If you still can't take good care of him, I wouldn't mind considering the custody arrangement."
Kelvin then believed that I had forcibly kept him by my side, completely unaware of the love of a mother.
He had no idea that Harold, focused on being lovey-dovey with Eliana, would never care for him.
I struggled to get up from the floor, grabbed the bloodstained formula can, and smashed it at his feet.
"Shut up!"
Kelvin immediately stopped crying.
Without a glance in his direction, I returned to my room, locked the door, and started to sort through the chaotic memories while bandaging my wound.
I left the five-year-old in the living room to pack his things.
The next day, Kelvin was quietly waiting by the door with a small suitcase.
He had bathed himself and dressed himself. He looked sloppy and deflated, far from the polished and neat appearance I usually gave him.
On the way to the studio, he pouted the entire time, occasionally shedding some tears in front of the camera.
"If it were Daddy, he would never treat me like this.
"I look bad today. I wonder if Elia will dislike me."
The reality show we were on was broadcast live, and soon the online audience seized on this opportunity to attack me.
[Oh my god, this kid is so obedient and adorable! He looks just like Mr. Dorsey.]
[Damn it, I'm so angry! That old hag dresses herself up so nicely but treats her kid so carelessly.]
[Look at how pitiful Kelvin looks. I wouldn't be surprised if that bitch Gloria abused him in private.]
[I heard Kelvin likes Fairy Elia. Everyone knows that kids prefer to be close to things that are beautiful and kind. This totally explains why Mr. Dorsey had to get a divorce.]
[She's probably taking out her frustrations on the kid because she's unhappy with her life.]
...
In the plot, this variety show was the turning point in everyone's lives.
Kelvin deliberately smeared me, claiming I treated him poorly, all in the hope of going back to his father.
Under the dual betrayal of my husband and son, I would fall into madness and despair, ultimately suffering from cyberbullying and dying in distress.
In contrast, the pure and kind female lead, Eliana, would shine even brighter.
Not only would her reputation and popularity soar, but her relationship with Harold would also be closer.
After the show, they would get married soon amidst the blessings of everyone.
What was even more ridiculous was that Kelvin would be their flower boy.
To ensure their love was flawless, the author even wrote Kelvin's accidental death into the story after the wedding.
Just like my memories described, Harold and Eliana sat hand in hand on the couch, intimately close.
They were staring at the door as if afraid we wouldn't show up.
As soon as I pushed the door open, Harold impatiently scolded me.
"Gloria, do you have any sense of time? Everyone's waiting for you."
I ignored him. Beside me, the small figure threw himself toward him with joy.
"Daddy, I missed you so much."
But Harold did not open his arms to welcome him as Kelvin had expected. Instead, he held him at arm's length, preventing him from falling into his embrace.
A barely perceptible flicker of disdain crossed his eyes.
"Gloria, what kind of clothes did you dress the child in? Kelvin, tell Daddy, did she bully you? Daddy will stand up for you."
Next to him, Eliana pulled out a tissue and gently wiped Kelvin's cheek before tidying his clothes. After that, she said in a soft voice.
"Ms. Branch, as artists, we certainly need to pay more attention to our image, but as Kelvin's mother, shouldn't you put your child first? Don't you think so?
"If you can't balance family and career, I suggest you quit the industry."
"Exactly. Look at how you've let this child down."
Before I could respond, a tearful little voice rang out.
Kelvin sobbed while occasionally shooting glances at me, his eyes gleaming with the same vengeful and malicious look as his father's.
"Elia, please stop. I'm scared. Without someone as beautiful and kind as you to protect me at home, I'll be beaten when I go back.
"Elia, you're so pretty. I wish you could be my mom.
"My mom couldn't keep Dad, and I don't want to go back to that cold home anymore. Elia, please take me home with you."
Hearing those words made my heart sink.
I closed my eyes for a moment and asked in disappointment.
"Kelvin, to be frank, has Mommy ever hit you at home?"
His gaze dodged for a moment. Then he glanced at Harold and lied without guilt.
"You beat me all the time. You even locked me in a dark room…"
In the past, I used to think that although my marriage had failed, at least I had a child, which was the best gift for me.
I thought I could get rid of pain quickly.
As a single mother, I set my work aside frequently to spend time with him, playing and studying with him to make up for the lack of a father's presence in his life.
Even when he was mischievous to the point of being infuriating, I never lost my temper.
But now, I was indeed angry.
I looked at Kelvin and his father and then let out a cold and meaningful laugh.
"Fine! As long as your dad agrees, you can go home with him after this show."
As soon as Kelvin heard it, he was delighted. He clung to Harold's arm excitedly, unwilling to let go.
With the story unfolding to this point, the netizens' impression of me had worsened, and the insults towards me were everywhere.
Yet, only the netizens agreed with my suggestion.
[Children don't lie. That bitch does abuse her child.]
[I used to think she was pitiful, but it turns out there's always some reason why everyone dislikes her.]
[If you can't take good care of the child, why fight for custody? You're unfit to be a mother.]
[Just let Kelvin stay with his dad. Fairy Elia is so kind, and she'll definitely take good care of the child.]
[I agree. Kelvin likes Eliana, and Eliana treats Kelvin well. They should live together, and that trash Gloria should go die alone.]
The Counterattack
Harold, however, hesitated. He discreetly pulled his arm away and instinctively put some distance between himself and Kelvin.
"Sweetheart, it's not that I don't want to take you home. It's just that I have Elia to keep me company, but your mommy has nothing but you.
"Besides, no one can take good care of you as well as your Mommy did. You're still a kid, and you should stay with your Mommy. When your Mommy fought for your custody, she must have considered all of this.
"So, you should stay with her."
...
Harold was always good at deceiving with sweet words, making everything sound so grand, but offering nothing substantial.
Kelvin listened, somewhat understanding, and reached out his hand, trying to grab hold again.
But Eliana was quicker, linking her arm with Harold's, looking down from above at the child who barely reached her waist, smiling gracefully.
Yet, only those present could feel the aura of distance.
"Kelvin, your daddy missed you. He often mentions you at home. If you ever miss him, just give him a call, and we'll drive over to pick you up. How about that?"