On Our Anniversary, I Watched Him Love My Sister Publicly

Belle, if you choose to resign, then according to the confidentiality agreement, youll never be allowed to see Miguel again. Are you certain about this?

Yes.

The boss at Neville Entertainment hesitated. Youve been together for six years, worked as his assistant for three. The person Miguel relies on most is you...

The person he relies on most was it really me?

A bitter smile tugged at my lips just as my phone lit up with the top headline of the day.

[Movie King Miguels romance exposed, seen entering a hotel with a mystery woman. How sweet.]

In the photo, Miguel Atkinson gently tucked a strand of Saoirse Pearsons hair behind her ear, his movements tender, as if handling a fragile treasure.

Later, the paparazzi revealed he had bought ten extra-large condoms that same day.

And that very day, while trying to intercept the leaked bed photos of him and Saoirse, I was stabbed three times by crazed paparazzi. Each stab was nearly fatal.

My hand instinctively pressed to my chest, trying to soothe the dull ache beneath.

"Hmm. This is what Miguel wants, too."

Six years of secrecy turned into a cruel joke from that moment on.

It wasnt that he couldnt go public. He simply didnt love me enough to want to.

After I was discharged, I didnt seek him out.

I went straight to the company and handed in my resignation.

Seven days later, on the anniversary of our six-year relationship, I prepared my final gift to him: To disappear from his life for good.

The next morning, Miguel returned, the chill of the wind still clinging to his coat.

Baby, Im back. I even brought your favorite chocolate cake.

He wrapped me gently in his arms, but something tightened in my throat.

That unfamiliar perfume lingering on his clothes filled the room, reminding me that hed once held Saoirse the same way.

While I lay cold and unconscious in a hospital bed, he had spent the night wrapped in warmth with my stepsister.

The phone on the table lit up with a headline I knew too well.

His expression faltered, and then he rushed to explain.

That post is fake. Nothing happened between me and Saoirse. She was drugged. I was just helping her out.

The trending post was fake. The bed photos were fake. Then what, exactly, was real?

I smiled bitterly, pressing against the dull ache from my stab wound.

Then, shall we go public?

No! Miguel instinctively snapped.

Realizing how harsh it sounded, he softened his tone.

Im at a crucial point in my career. If we go public now, it could ruin future deals, mess with my schedule

Just wait a little longer, okay?

For six whole years, I had heard that line again and again.

When he debuted, when he filmed his first movie, when he received his very first award, I waited through every moment, day and night.

I sat there on the couch, dazed, like a wooden puppet with no life left.

The pain in my wound slowly faded, replaced by a sting in my nose and a rising urge to cry.

Trying to ease the silence, Miguel picked up a beautifully wrapped bag.

This chocolate cakes from your favorite shop. I even got their VIP membership. From now on, theyll deliver it to you every day.

He scooped up a small piece and brought it to my lips.

Ah

I was just about to turn away when his phone rang.

It was his agent, Lori Watson.

In a rush, Miguel pushed the spoon toward me. The metal edge scraped my lip, and a drop of blood fell onto the pure white tablecloth.

But he didnt even glance at it. He simply stood and walked into the study.

Still, I could faintly hear his low voice behind the door, Going public with Saoirse was my idea. Shes innocent. Those photos were leaked. If I dont protect her, she might do something reckless.

And Belle? Shes always been sensible. She cant live without me. She wont make a fuss.

Tears finally slid down as I forced down the cold cake.

Suddenly, hives bloomed along my exposed arm, and thats when I realized I was having an allergic reaction.

There were nuts in the cake. The one thing I never ate.

Ten minutes later, Miguel finished his call, tossed on his coat, and got ready to leave.

Belle, Lori has a job for me. I need to head out. Eat well tonight, okay? Or Ill feel bad.

Too bad the man who claimed to love me most forgot my nut allergy.

He didnt even notice the tear tracks on my cheeks or the blood at the corner of my mouth.

I stepped in front of him and handed over a folder.

Theres a document I need you to sign.

His phone buzzed a custom tone.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the name on the screen: Baby Saoirse.

His face didnt change as he flipped to the last page and signed.

He leaned in and kissed my forehead.

Good girl. I trust you. If theres anything else, just take care of it. No need to ask me again.

I stood by the window, quietly watching his figure disappear into the distance.

Then, a message lit up on my phone as if trying to soothe the sting in my chest.

[Saoirse and I are just for show. The one I love is you.]

[Be good. For our sixth anniversary, lets go to Love Island, the place youve always dreamed of.]

I still remember that afternoon.

My stepmother, Giselle Lewis, moved into the room that once belonged to my mother, bringing Saoirse along with her.

I cried and threw a tantrum, only to be silenced by a harsh slap from my father.

After that, Saoirse would steal my toys, tear my textbooks, and turn the entire school against me.

But Armani always favored her.

So, I was the one who got punished.

The one left with bruises on my arms and knees, time and time again.

When Miguel found out, he pulled me into his arms, eyes filled with anguish.

Ill always be on your side, Belle. Even if the whole world turns its back on you, youll still have me.

I had cried then, touched to the core.

I never imagined that six years later, hed be in bed with the very girl who once made my life hell.

After a long pause, I scrolled through my contacts and found a number I hadnt touched in years.

Marcus, Im leaving the capital in a week. Can you come pick me up?

I bit my lip in frustration. After all these years, I thought Id only be met with a glaring red exclamation mark.

But unexpectedly, the phone rang almost instantly.

Belle, whats gotten into you? Did you lose a game of truth or dare?

Ive been chasing after you since I was in open-crotch pants, and you never even glanced my way. Whats this supposed to mean now?

Marcus Murphy, my childhood friend.

The first word he ever uttered wasnt Mama, but Belle.

When I scraped my knee learning to walk, the one I ran to in tears wasnt my father. It was Marcus.

Until I was sent overseas to study, and we lost all contact.

Suddenly, I realized how abrupt I had been and awkwardly mumbled, Sorry, I wasnt thinking. Just pretend you never saw the message

Damn, not a chance.

Marcus let out a low, sarcastic chuckle, his voice dropping.

Since youve agreed to come to me, dont even think about running again. Ill pick you up myself in a week.

Oh, and stop sticking around that fake-smile loser. Come to me. Ill give you a life ten thousand times better than what youve got now.

The next morning, I began packing my room, piece by piece.

In the closet were the gifts Miguel had given me, things I had once treasured for years.

Only now did I realize the watch had always been a size too small, the necklace was platinum, which I was allergic to, and even the matching pajamas were red, a color I had never liked?

My fingertips trembled, and my whole body felt like it had been plunged into ice.

So I had been this blind, this foolish, deceived for so many years without ever noticing.

The sudden chime of the doorbell snapped me out of my thoughts.

I opened the door to find Saoirse standing there, smiling like sunshine.

Hi, sis. Miguel invited me over. Youre not going to say Im unwelcome, are you?

Before I could respond, she pushed her way in, eyes drifting toward the little garden outside.

I dont like these roses. Have them replaced with babys breath.

Those dark red roses had once been flown in from Europe at great cost by Miguel during the height of our romance.

He once told me they symbolized his love for me. That as long as they bloomed, his love would never fade.

Instinctively, I tried to stop her, but a bodyguard stepped forward and coldly blocked me.

Sorry, this is Mr. Atkinsons order. Everything is to follow Miss Pearsons preferences.

What

My mind went blank. I stumbled back a few steps, nearly collapsing.

The flowers were gone, and so was Miguels love.

Saoirse, increasingly smug, strolled freely around the villa like it already belonged to her.

I dont like this decor. Make it minimalist.

The next second, the wall filled with a couple of photos of Miguel and me crashed to the floor, the frames scattering like fallen leaves.

I stood off to the side, clutching Harper, quietly watching it all.

More and more things were destroyed, and my heart felt as hollowed out as the house around me.

Eventually, Saoirse was tired of wandering. Her sharp gaze landed on the puppy in my arms.

Harper, Miguels third-anniversary gift to me.

A soft, warm replacement for his absence after fame swept him away.

A bad feeling crept into my chest, and sure enough, the next second, she spoke lightly.

Im allergic to dog hair. Get rid of it.

No!

Seeing me refuse, the bodyguard reached out to snatch the dog. In the struggle, I was dragged to the ground.

The sharp gravel tore open the skin on my arm and lower back. Blood soaked into the yellow earth, bright, jarring, impossible to ignore.

Belle!

Who gave you permission to lay a hand on her?!

Miguel suddenly rushed in, pulling me into his arms. His voice shook as he asked, Baby, are you okay?

His embrace was warm, just like before.

The grievance I had buried for so long finally burst free.

Miguel

Ah!

A shrill scream sliced through the air. Saoirse teetered dangerously at the edge of the steps.

In the next breath, Miguel let go and bolted toward her.

I was thrown to the ground again. The old stab wound in my chest felt like it had torn open. Warm blood spread across my shirt.

Saoirse stood trembling, looking innocent and pitiful. Her voice was soft, aggrieved.

Brother-in-law, Im terrified of dogs. Thank you for saving me.

I really dont want to make things hard for Sister. Ill just leave

I struggled to sit up, fingertips trembling from the pain, but it still paled in comparison to the ache in my heart.

Harper pressed against me, letting out soft whimpers, licking my hand as if trying to take the pain away.

Miguel glanced down at Saoirses frightened face in his arms, a twinge tightening in his chest.

Then he turned to me, his gaze filled with disapproval.

Belle, dont be childish. A dog isnt more important than a person.

Get rid of it tomorrow.

"Okay."

I heard my own voice, soft, distant as if it might disappear with the wind.

A flicker of unease passed through Miguels eyes, but then he noticed the blood on me.

He stepped forward, his voice trembling. "Belle, what happened to you?"

Back when I was hospitalized, he hadnt shown up once.

Instead, Saoirse had kept me updated, sending sweet snapshots of them together through her alternate account.

The knife had missed my heart by only a centimeter. While I was being rushed into the ICU, they were announcing their love to the press.

Miguel lit ninety-nine fireworks to declare his devotion to her while my body was drained of blood and refilled nine times over.

As they designed matching rings and whispered promises of forever, I writhed in pain from wound debridement.

I had hidden my injury and hospitalization from him, just as he had hidden his romance with her from me.

What a joke.

I lowered my gaze, fighting the sting in my nose. "Its Harpers blood. Im fine."

Miguel let out a breath, relieved, and spoke like it was just another arrangement.

"Baby, you have no idea how insane the paparazzi have been lately. Saoirses been followed nonstop ever since that trending post."

"Your room is private and secure. Let her stay in it."

Who could understand the madness of his paparazzi better than me?

When the blade pierced my flesh, cold struck first, then came the pain.

A searing, bone-deep agony that made every nerve scream.

Belle?

Miguel called again, impatience creeping into his voice.

I blinked back to the present and nodded slowly. Alright.

While packing the next morning, I suddenly realized I didnt own much.

Everything I had fit neatly into a single suitcase.

When I rolled it out, Miguels brows furrowed. Belle, whats the meaning of this?

I gave a faint smile. Of course, Im moving out too. With the paparazzi circling, it wouldnt look good if news broke that you were living with two women.

His eyes darkened, the shock in them unmistakable.

He stood still for a long moment before finally whispering, guilt weighing on his face.

Youre always thinking about me. Im sorry for making you go through this. Ill make it up to you later

I clutched Harper closer and said nothing. His apologies no longer moved me. I left the villa alone.

It wasnt until I reached the hotel that I finally had the chance to treat my wounds.

The wounds on my arm and lower back still ached with a dull sting.

The stab to my chest, inflicted a month ago while wrestling a camera from a crazed paparazzi, throbbed with every movement.

And the scar on my knee? That one came from three years back when I tripped onto shattered glass while fighting to land Miguel a role.

On rainy nights and cold mornings, the pain crept back up from the bone.

Six years ago, I had been soft. Fragile. A girl who cried over the slightest scrape.

I still remember the day I fell and skinned my elbow and knee. Blood beaded and trickled slowly.

Miguel had looked heartbroken, gently wiping away the blood. We need to disinfect it with alcohol, or itll leave a scar.

But it stings, I pouted, swatting at his hand. Just cover it. No alcohol.

He chuckled, cupped the back of my neck, and pressed a kiss to my lips, hard and sudden.

I forgot to breathe, lost in the heat of it.

And when I came back to myself, the wound was already dressed.

The girl who once cried over a scratch was now layered in scars.

A wave of dizziness crashed over me, and I drifted into sleep.

In the haze, I could feel the fever setting in.

My chest wound burned with a raw ache, and in a daze, my fingers found his number.

The line rang, and then his voice came softly through the speaker.

Belle?

I tried to speak, but it felt like my throat was lined with blades. No sound would come out.

His voice, cold and clipped, came through the phone. Youd better remember you have work this afternoon. I want to see you in ten minutes.

Ever since he stepped into the entertainment world, I have made his career my own.

I handled endorsements, contracts, and interviews.

For six years, there has not been a single mistake.

I swallowed a fever pill and forced my aching body out the door.

Miguel, I dont remember any meetings today

Before I could finish, I saw her.

Saoirse was already seated in the leather chair, smiling sweetly.

I just found out, so Sisters been working as Miguels assistant all this time?

Miguel walked in right then, dressed sharply in a tailored suit.

Belle, youre Saoirses sister. Take care of her for me. Ill be right back.

I stood frozen as though I had fallen into a pit of ice. The pain in my chest flared again.

So this was the important task he mentioned, babysitting his darling lover.

Sister, I want coffee

Saoirse beamed at me. From that shop downtown, hot latte with sugar.

The shop she mentioned was over ten kilometers away.

My feverish body trembled with every step, cold sweat soaking my forehead.

When I finally returned, Saoirses smile vanished. Didnt I say iced Americano, no sugar? Go back and get the right one!

Cold sweat slid down my temples. My vision blurred.

And then, darkness.

Just before I collapsed completely, I vaguely heard Miguels panicked voice.

Belle!

When I woke up, I was lying on the lounge sofa.

A sharp ache twisted in my lower abdomen, and my throat was so raw I couldnt utter a word.

Miguel sat by my side, gently wiping the cold sweat from my forehead. His eyes were filled with guilt and worry.

Baby, does anything else hurt? Why did you suddenly collapse? You scared me and Saoirse too

Before he could finish, the door swung open.

Saoirse walked in with a cup of warm water in hand.

Im sorry, Sis. It was my fault. Please drink this and rest.

She knelt beside me, pitifully lifting the cup to my lips.

Dont be angry with me, okay?

I turned my head away, refusing to acknowledge her.

The cup slipped from her hands, and scalding hot water splashed across my shoulder.

Miguel rushed forward to catch her as she stumbled. A flicker of anger shot through his eyes.

Belle, shes your sister! How could you treat her like that?

Then he scooped Saoirse into his arms and strode out.

Ill rinse it with cold water right away, or itll leave a scar.

Watching their backs as they disappeared, I suddenly laughed.

If he had only looked closer, he wouldve seen the truth: most of the water had splashed onto my shoulder.

It was red and raw, already blistering.

I laughed until tears blurred my vision.

But at least now, I had made up my mind to stop loving him.

So, it didnt hurt quite as much anymore.

After a while, I dragged my weakened body up and prepared to hail a taxi to the hospital.

Belle, wait.

Director Evan stopped me. When are you going to tell Miguel youre leaving?

I paused. In five days. After our sixth anniversary.

At the hospital, I gritted through the pain to register and queued outside radiology.

Suddenly, my phone rang, it was Miguels driver, his voice urgent.

Belle, please come quickly. Brother Miguels drunk again!

If the paparazzi caught him like that, tomorrows endorsement banquet would be finished.

I clenched my jaw and tossed the registration slip aside.

Outside the KTV entrance, Saoirse leaned against the wall, a cigarette between her fingers, eyes clouded in smoke.

I froze at the sight. This was a side of her Id never seen. You does Miguel know youre like this?

Saoirse blew a lazy smoke ring in my direction, her tone full of mockery. Mind your own business.

Want to tell Miguel about this? Go ahead. He wont believe you anyway.

She seemed to revel in the sound of my dry coughing.

Believe it or not, the moment I open my mouth, hell never choose you.

Just then, the door creaked open, and a drunken Miguel staggered out.

I instinctively reached out to steady him, but he walked right past me and fell into Saoirses arms instead.

Saoirse, you came to get me.

She shot me a triumphant smile as she helped him away, slow and sweet. Miguel didnt spare me a single glance.

I stood there like air, completely invisible.

A sharp pain twisted in my chest, so tight it stole the breath from my lungs.

Before I could move, a few rough-looking men stepped in my path. Whered this little chick come from? Come keep us company.

I turned to leave, but they blocked me again. Wanna go? Then finish this crate first.

My body had long been weak, and tonight, I had no strength left to resist. I could only drag the crate over, open bottle after bottle, and force it all down.

Each swallow burned like glass shards down my throat.

The metallic taste of blood rose in my throat. I stumbled to the wall, leaned against it, and retched violently.

Barely holding myself upright, I staggered into the restroom. My stomach burned like fire, my head spinning uncontrollably.

With a trembling hand, I clung to a final sliver of hope and dialed Miguels number.

As expected, a busy tone answered me.

Tears streamed down my cheeks without warning.

Belle, you shouldve known long ago that man no longer loved you.

When I opened my eyes again, I was lying in a hospital bed.

The sharp scent of disinfectant stung my nose and blurred my vision.

Miss Belle, youre awake.

The doctors voice was firm, almost emotionless.

I regret to inform you we couldnt save your baby.

What

My voice was barely audible. I stared at him blankly, then lowered my gaze to my abdomen.

There was a baby?

I hadnt even known it existed.

I never heard its heartbeat. Never felt it move. Before I could even learn to love it, it was already gone.

My phone chimed. I grabbed it instantly. I wanted to tell Miguel. I needed to tell him.

But the screen lit up with a video from Saoirse.

In it, she stood close beside Miguel, holding up tiny baby clothes.

She tilted her head thoughtfully. One pink, one blue its so hard to choose.

Miguel stood slightly turned from the camera, his expression unreadable. His voice, however, was soft and coaxing.

Then take both.

That one sentence snapped the final thread holding me together.

I broke down.

Tears fell like shattered pearls, streaming endlessly down my face.

That same afternoon, Miguel finally heard the news from Lori and rushed to the hospital.

The doctors disapproving gaze landed squarely on him, this man who claimed to be the father.

Your wife lost the baby, and you didnt even know?

I coughed, and the glass of water tipped over with a sharp clink.

Miguels attention snapped to me. He rushed forward, steadying me with both hands.

Careful, dont burn yourself.

He gently wiped the water off the table, then leaned in, his voice brushing against my lips.

Sweetheart, do you want some water?

Hmm..

I gave a faint nod, and he immediately picked up the cup and left the room.

As soon as his figure disappeared down the hallway, I turned to the doctor and pleaded in a whisper, Hes in love with someone else. Please dont tell him.

The doctor stood still, eyes flicking toward the door, then back to me.

After a long sigh, he finally said, Alright, such a pity for the child, though.

He placed a sonogram gently on the edge of the bed. This was taken just before surgery. The nurse saved it for you. The baby already had tiny hands and feet.

I glanced at it once, just once, before I clamped a hand over my mouth to muffle the cry building in my throat.

The little one curled up in the image, so small, so soft, its tiny limbs folded close, its face scrunched in the faintest frown.

Im sorry, baby

My heart whispered the apology as I carefully folded the ultrasound and pressed it against my chest.

My final gift to Miguel had quietly grown by one more.

He soon returned with the water, warm to just the right degree.

He held the cup patiently, letting me sip bit by bit. The doctor said nothing more and silently stepped out.

Watching his back fade through the door, Miguel seemed to pause as if a whisper of something vital had slipped right past him. What did the doctor say just now

Im hungry, I said calmly.

He dismissed the unease rising in his chest as nothing more than a passing illusion.

For the next two days, he took care of me with gentleness and patience, just as he had done so many times before.

The more tender he was, the more my heart ached. It felt like someone was tearing it apart with bare hands.

One night, he said in a voice heavy with guilt, Belle, come with me to the banquet tomorrow

Even though I had already handed in my resignation to Director Evan, the transition hadnt been finalized.

I gave a faint nod. Alright. Ill be there.

When I arrived at the venue, I immediately noticed Saoirse seated right beside Miguel.

The host chuckled into the mic, teasing playfully, Miss Belle seems a bit nervous. Shouldnt our movie king comfort his little girlfriend?

I forced a smile, even though I could feel how pale and terrible I must have looked.

Sitting beside Miguel under the spotlight had been a dream I clung to for years.

When our eyes met, a flicker of guilt flashed across his face. After a slight hesitation, he reached over and held Saoirses hand.

The crowd below erupted in cheers.

Kiss! Kiss!

As the two leaned in closer and closer, my heart, one I thought had long since gone numb, suddenly clenched in pain.

I couldnt bear another second. I stood up and rushed out of the venue.

Soon after, the product launch began.

Inside the velvet box lay a new piece from the collaboration, a blue diamond necklace worth millions, shining under the lights.

Saoirse opened the box with feigned shyness, gesturing sweetly for Miguel to put it on himself.

The flashes flared wildly.

Then, a reporter shouted, Is that necklace fake? Theres no sparkle at all under the lights!

The designer rushed over, took a close look, and his face darkened.

This is a fake. Its not the necklace we gave your team.

When I glanced up, I caught Saoirse flashing me a venomous smile.

She turned pitiful, her voice soft. I saw Assistant Belle backstage with the box maybe she

Without thinking, I blurted out, No! Thats not true

The venues security guards surged forward and slammed me to the ground with force.

Miguels face turned ashen. She wouldnt do something like that

Ow! My foot!

Saoirse dropped to the floor with a dramatic cry. Miguel froze, then immediately knelt to help her.

Within minutes, the police stormed in.

I faced them head-on, my voice unwavering. I didnt do it. Its my job to inspect the box

Saoirse added lightly, Maybe she hid it in her clothes?

The designers face darkened, fury burning in his eyes. Search her!

The guards lunged at me, yanking at my clothes and tearing into my bag with brutal force.

My lower back burned, and the reopened wound soaked my clothes in blood.

Bruises quickly bloomed across my arms.

I didnt steal it! Im innocent! I shouted through clenched teeth, struggling helplessly.

My clothing was ripped to shreds. Only scraps and my undergarments clung to me.

A guard suddenly held up a torn piece of fabric, the stolen blue diamond glittering within.

We found the necklace! It was in this ladys inner pocket!

The entire venue erupted in chaos, and Miguel stared at me in disbelief.

He took a step forward instinctively, but Saoirse clung to his sleeve.

Miss Belle, how could you be so careless? Youre treating Miguels career like a joke!

Miguels face darkened, his gaze heavy with doubt. Belle, if you admit your mistake now, I might still be able to save

No need.

I bit down hard, holding back my tears.

I didnt know the necklace was in my pocket. Miguel, do you believe me?

The staff snickered openly, mockery dancing in their eyes.

Some lewd stares crawled over my half-exposed body, making my skin burn.

But I didnt care. I looked straight at Miguel, my voice trembling.

Miguel, I didnt do it. Do you believe me?

His dark eyes flickered, hesitation softening his features. Belle Assistant Belle has been with me for years. Shes never done anything like this

Just then, the assistant in charge of the brands handover rushed over.

His face drained of color after hearing what happened.

After a long pause, he finally spoke in a low voice, I saw Assistant Belle switch the necklace

My pupils widened instantly, my voice trembling.

Youre lying!

Miguel stepped toward me, each stride heavier than the last.

When his hand reached out, I thought he was finally going to pull me out of this nightmare.

Instead, he gripped my shoulder tightly.

Kneel. Apologize.

Those four words fell from his lips like stones, every syllable laced with cold fury.