Julian understood from NE’s tone that he was aware of the scandals surrounding Susan. However, what puzzled Julian was why NE was so determined to support a woman mired in controversy.
To Julian, the NE on the other end of the call seemed unlike his usual self-his emotions were unstable, and it was clear this had something to do with Susan.
“This is none of your concern. Since we’re not cooperating, there’s no need for further discussion. This time, I’m set on choosing Susan, and I’ll make sure you all see whether my decision is wrong or not!” NE’s determination was no longer about the spokesperson; it was about proving he wasn’t mistaken.
After hanging up the phone, Susan noticed his expression hadn’t improved-in fact, it was worse than before.
“Marcos, is he the one upsetting you? I’m sorry… it’s all my fault,” Susan said softly, tugging at NE’s sleeve with a look of grievance.
NE turned to her and asked bluntly, “Are the things in the tabloids true?”
“What things?” Susan asked cautiously, suspecting that Julian must have said something to him.
“That you were a homewrecker, that you pushed that woman into the sea-are those things true?” Marcos asked. He knew Susan had someone she liked, and she had once happily told him that she was with that person. But how it happened, he had no idea.
“Did Julian tell you that? He’s Aurora’s boyfriend, of course, he’d take her side,” Susan quickly responded.
“I asked if it’s true or not,” Marcos pressed, his focus solely on finding the truth.
“Some of it is true,” Susan admitted. “For example, when I pushed her into the sea-it was an accident. I barely touched her, and she lost her balance and fell. There were so many witnesses at the time. Do you think I’d dare push her on purpose in front of everyone? That would be intentional harm! If she had died, I’d be facing legal consequences. That would only make things worse for me, wouldn’t it?”
Of course, Susan didn’t dare admit she had done it intentionally. At that moment, all she had wanted was for Aurora to die. It didn’t matter where they were-she had been determined to act.
“You make a good point,” Marcos conceded. “Who would deliberately do something like that and risk getting into trouble? But what about drugging that man and stealing her boyfriend?”
By now, Marcos wasn’t particularly concerned about Susan’s personal life. What he wanted was an answer-proof that he hadn’t misjudged her.
Susan, knowing his proud nature, quickly adapted. She could tell Julian must have criticized him from Aurora’s perspective, and as someone so arrogant, how could Marcos accept being told he was wrong?
So, she played into his psychology, knowing he needed a sense of balance.
“Marcos, that was a misunderstanding too. I was only eighteen back then. Where would I even get drugs like that? At the time, I considered Aurora my best friend. No matter how much I liked Hayden, I kept my feelings to myself.
“She was my best friend. I could never have done something to betray her. If I’d wanted to use drugs, why would I have waited three years? Wouldn’t I have done it earlier?
“I remember it clearly-it was Aurora’s eighteenth birthday. I’d gone to her house a few days early to help prepare. That night, Hayden got drunk, stumbled into the wrong room, and mistook me for Aurora.
“In that moment, I struggled-I really did. But I liked him so much. Do you know what it feels like to love someone secretly? To be held by the person you love? For me, it was the happiest moment of my life.
“I was so stunned, so overwhelmed, that by the time it all happened, I realized I’d made a mistake. But back then, I didn’t think about it. He wanted me, so I gave myself to him-simple as that.
“Later, I felt guilty toward Aurora and wanted to leave. But Hayden said he felt responsible for me and wanted to stay with me. By then, Aurora had gone to America without a word.
“She had already abandoned their relationship, so I stayed with him. Marcos, I was wrong, but it was because I loved him too much.”
Her voice quivered as she spoke, her face filled with sorrow. Seeing this, Marcos couldn’t help but feel heartache. So, this was the truth.
“Forget it,” he said, sighing. “Matters of the heart are never clear-cut. Who’s to say who’s right or wrong? I’m just an outsider-I can’t judge. Let’s leave it at that.”
NE never liked getting involved in other people’s relationships.
“My reputation isn’t great-they’re not wrong about that. Let’s cancel the spokesperson deal. You’ve worked so hard on this new perfume; I don’t want to ruin it because of me.
“Just being able to reconnect with you through this opportunity already makes me very happy. Marcos, thank you for believing in me. Thank you for standing by me when everyone else turned their backs.”
Susan put on a forced smile, her eyes tinged with a haunting sadness.
Hearing this, NE felt something wasn’t right. “Everyone turned their backs on you? What about your husband? Didn’t you marry the man you loved? Why don’t I see any happiness on your face?”
“He never loved me,” Susan said, her voice trembling. “Three years ago, he married me out of responsibility, not love. Even our marriage was just a sense of obligation.
“I used to foolishly think I could win him over. But I was wrong-so wrong. No matter what I do, he doesn’t care. When I was in trouble, he stood on the sidelines, indifferent to how I felt.”
The more she spoke, the more aggrieved she felt.
“How could he do that?” Marcos exclaimed angrily. “If he didn’t love you, he shouldn’t have married you. What kind of sham marriage is that? I’m going to confront him!”
NE’s heart ached for the woman he had quietly loved for so many years. Back then, he had gone abroad to study, planning to confess when he returned. But when he finally came back, Susan already had someone else in her heart.
He had buried his feelings and avoided her ever since, convincing himself that as long as she was happy, it was enough. He had even avoided news about her, fearing his jealousy.
He had thought she was living a blissful life, but now he realized how wrong he had been.
“Susan, don’t worry. I promised you’d be the spokesperson for my perfume, and I’ll make it happen. I’ll clear your name and rebuild your reputation. I’ll help you return to the entertainment industry. If he won’t care for you, I will.”
“Thank you, Marcos. You’re the only one in this world who truly cares about me,” Susan said, leaning into his embrace.
Deep down, she thought to herself: *As long as I can make a comeback, I’ll repay you, Marcos.*
Susan knew her methods were despicable, but she had no choice. No one was willing to give her a chance, so she had to carve out her own path.
“Let’s go somewhere else,” Marcos said, gently pulling away. “I remember your favorite restaurant is still open. I’ll take you there.”
“Okay.”
The two prepared to leave and called for the server to settle the bill.
“Sir,” the server said, “the lady who left earlier already paid the bill.”
NE’s expression darkened. Did they think he couldn’t afford a meal? It felt like the kind of argument where you think of the perfect retort only after it’s too late-leaving him stewing in frustration.
“Susan, let’s go,” NE said, storming out.
His mood had hit rock bottom. He vowed to make Aurora regret ever standing up to him. When her company was crushed and she faced rejection at every turn, she would understand the pain of defiance.
He would make her regret it all.