Chapter 2

Joel, Chris, and Daniel had known each other since the summer seven years ago. At that time, Joel had just had a heated argument with her family. Packing her belongings, she moved to her aunt’s house in West Brooke, where she met Chris and Daniel, the boys who lived next door. Back then, Chris was far from the calm and composed man he was now. He was a withdrawn and solitary boy. Similarly, Daniel, who was now gentle and humble, had been a rebellious troublemaker who often got into fights. Joel’s grandfather had always taught her to be kind to neighbors and classmates, so she made a genuine effort to connect with Chris, trying to open up his heart. She would also scold the troublemakers who picked fights with Daniel and tend to his wounds with a first-aid kit. Both boys were deeply drawn to Joel, who shone like a little sun, and they gravitated toward her. When Joel got into college, she defied her father William’s wishes and entered the entertainment industry. Chris and Daniel stayed by her side throughout. One of them, Chris, inherited his family’s entertainment company, Harris Entertainment, and signed Joel under his agency. The other, Daniel, fought his way through the industry to become the youngest award-winning actor. They even bought apartments next to Joel’s to stay close to her. “Joel, we’ll protect you,” they said. “We hope we’ll never be apart.” Neither of them knew that because of those words, Joel endured immense pressure and refused William’s persistent attempts to arrange her marriage. William was furious, threatening to cut ties with her, but she stood her ground. To Joel, this small apartment felt more like home than anywhere else. That was until Harris Entertainment signed a newcomer, Rosanne. Rosanne was the complete opposite of Joel. Her wide, innocent eyes resembled those of a doe, and the first time she met Joel, she grabbed her sleeve and said, “Joel, I love the dramas you’ve acted in!” It was impossible to refuse such a lively and sincere girl. When Joel learned that Rosanne’s family was struggling financially and that she had younger siblings to support, she felt even more sympathy for her. Joel introduced her to directors, helped her meet investors, and even shielded her from drinking at parties. When Rosanne shyly mentioned wanting to meet Chris and Daniel, Joel, unsuspecting, introduced them to her. Just as she had easily won Joel’s favor, Rosanne captivated Chris and Daniel. In just a few months, Rosanne became the one they cared about most. Chris, who never mixed personal feelings with business, started making exceptions to get Rosanne into projects. Daniel, who had always been serious about his craft, defended Rosanne in front of the media when she was accused of acting like a diva, claiming it was all a misunderstanding. The media began pairing Joel and Rosanne in comparisons, frequently asking who was more promising. Both Chris and Daniel unhesitatingly chose Rosanne. Joel suddenly found herself the target of public ridicule. This time was no different. Even though it was Rosanne being unreasonable, Chris and Daniel blamed Joel without hearing her side of the story. It was hard to believe that not long ago, Chris and Daniel had openly shown their favoritism and affection for her. Not long ago, they had promised to be Joel’s family forever. Joel looked at Daniel’s dissatisfied expression and let out a bitter smile. Her aunt had once suggested she choose between Chris and Daniel to appease William. Joel had even considered it. But now, it seemed going back to her family and accepting their arrangements might be the better choice. Feeling exhausted, Joel said softly, “Fine, it’s all my fault. Go back to Rosanne.” With that, she turned and walked to her seat. After sitting down, Joel thought for a moment and picked up her phone, setting an alarm to go off in ten days. Soon, she wouldn’t have to see any of them again.