My boyfriend called me to break up. I froze for a second, then replied: “Wait, haven’t we always just been friends?” The other end went silent for a heartbeat before exploding: “The Queen is savage!” “Boss, you’ve been simping for her for years and you still haven't closed the deal?” Leo Blackwood cleared his throat on the line: “Excuse me, everyone. I need to handle a private family matter.” 01 Leo hit the words “private family matter” with heavy emphasis. He was definitely pissed. I hung up before he could say another word and shut off my phone. I spent the rest of the day in class, heart racing. The old professor called on me to answer a question, and for once, I answered with total seriousness. No jokes, no sarcasm. The professor pushed up his reading glasses. “Riley Brooks? Have you been possessed by a studious ghost?” I gave a sheepish grin. “Not at all, Professor. This is my New Year, New Me era. Quiet and studious.” The classroom erupted in laughter, breaking the stuffy atmosphere. The professor nodded. “Okay, there she is. That’s the Riley we know.” After evening classes, I kept my head down and bolted toward the dorms. Suddenly, my roommates caught up to me, nudging me with their shoulders. “Whoa, look at that Porsche Cayenne at the gate. That looks like serious money.” “I don’t know cars, but the guy standing in front of it is a total ten.” I looked up. The silver-haired boy they were gushing about was walking straight toward us. With a sun-drenched smile, he spoke with total confidence: “Hey! Sister-in—I mean, Riley!” My roommates had one talent: they knew when to disappear. They gave me a sharp shove forward and vanished into the crowd. I lost my balance and nearly face-planted into Tyler Hudson’s chest. Tyler looked like he was about to have a panic attack. He closed his eyes and took a frantic half-step back. “You little…” The insult died in the air. Someone had caught me by the waist. When did Leo Blackwood get out of the car? Before I could think, I stood up straight and acted like a perfect angel. Tyler let out a massive breath of relief, patting his chest. “Thank god the Boss’s girl is okay.” I shot him a look. He offered a pleading smile. “Riley, don't be mad. We were just playing Truth or Dare with the Boss!” I raised an eyebrow. “And?” “The Boss lost. He had to do a dare. The breakup call was my idea. Don't take it out on him, okay?” Leo’s hand reached out and swatted Tyler’s arm away. “Fine. You can go now.” So, he brought Tyler along just to explain that to me? 02 “Achoo!” The AC in the car was blasting. I sneezed. Leo glanced at me and wordlessly turned the temperature up two degrees. But even with the heat rising, the atmosphere in the car was ice-cold. After a long silence, he finally spoke. His voice was deep and low. “What did you mean by ‘haven’t we always just been friends’?” Ah, that. “No, look, I can explain… or make something up…” “Riley Brooks, don’t forget. We are literally married.” I deflated, adjusted the seat to its most comfortable setting, kicked off my shoes, and curled up. “You were the one who said ‘break up’ first…” I muttered in protest. Leo’s hand on the steering wheel tightened for a split second. He tossed a small blanket onto my lap. “Fine. We aren’t saying that word again.” He paused. “And don't sit like that in other people's cars.” Like what? I looked down. Oh, right. I was wearing a short skirt today. I quickly pulled the blanket over me. “Did you see anything?” I hissed. “No.” “What color?” “White…” Hah. I knew it. He saw it and wouldn't admit it. Blushing, I stole a glance at Leo. He had a high bridge to his nose, a sharp jawline, and a perfectly defined Cupid’s bow. The setting sun hit his face through the window, softening his features. His profile was stunning. I noticed the tips of his ears were turning a faint shade of pink. I whipped out my phone. Snap! Leo’s Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. “What are you doing?” “You look good! I’m admiring my composition,” I said. “This photo could sell for a lot. Your fans would go feral for it.” Leo let out a frustrated laugh. “What, the money I give you isn’t enough?” It was enough. More than enough. Being Leo Blackwood’s secret wife in exchange for a $50,000 monthly allowance was the best deal I’d ever made. 03 Leo was the highest-ranked pro gamer in the country. His hands were steady as a rock, especially when he drove. Usually, I fell asleep the second I got into his car. But maybe because I’d been staring at his photo for too long, I fell into a strange dream. In the dream, my fingers were tracing his brow, his nose, his lips… And just as things were getting heated, I leaned in to kiss him. “Mmph!” I snapped my eyes open to see Leo’s face hovering inches from mine, his skin flushed. This was not a dream! “Breathe,” he whispered. I finally found some oxygen. Leo let out a soft chuckle. “Fix yourself up. We’re here.” I looked in the mirror. My eyes were watery, and my lips were swollen and red. I took several deep breaths, cursing him in my head. Leo Blackwood, you predator! I looked out the window. It was the private bistro I’d mentioned I liked. Leo was a regular here. The owner greeted him with a knowing smile. But today, the owner seemed a bit too enthusiastic—until he saw me standing behind Leo. The owner’s expression faltered. He rubbed his hands together awkwardly. Then I saw Sienna Montgomery sitting by the window. I understood the owner’s awkwardness. Sienna Montgomery. The youngest Oscar winner in history. And Leo Blackwood’s "White Moonlight" ex-girlfriend. “What a coincidence,” Sienna said, smiling. She really was a movie star. Even without makeup, she was breathtaking. Leo froze for a few seconds, then gave a curt nod. He reached back and pulled me from behind him to his side. Gee, thanks, Leo! Sienna saw me, and a flicker of genuine surprise crossed her face before she masked it with a smile. “I didn't know you liked this place too.” Is it too late to say I hate it now? Sienna bit her lip, her eyes shimmering with a faint redness as she gazed longingly at Leo. A classic case of the exes meeting again. Since the place was a private kitchen and everyone was a regular, Sienna suggested we eat together. She sat across from Leo, and the two of them started making small talk about their lives. “Congratulations on the new club. I heard it’s the top in the country.” “Thanks.” “Leo, I’m planning to move back to the States permanently to focus on my career here…” I was losing my appetite being the third wheel. You guys talk; I’ll just eat. I looked out the window, thinking that I probably wouldn't be able to stay by Leo’s side much longer. The waiter came over. “Ice in your drinks, or room temp?” Leo and Sienna said “Room temp” at the exact same time. I was the lone voice shouting, “Ice!” Sienna gave a coy smile. “I’m surprised you still remember…” Leo wordlessly swapped my iced soda for a warm water. He looked at me intently. “You know you shouldn’t have ice for the next two days.” Faced with his sudden concern, I instinctively glanced at Sienna. Her coy smile hadn’t even faded yet, but her fingers were gripping her glass so hard her knuckles were white. “Hiccup.” The tension was so thick I literally started to hiccup. 04 Love is like a hiccup; you can’t hide it. Apparently, awkwardness works the same way. By my tenth hiccup, Leo finally lost it and laughed out loud. I glared at him, chugging water and stuffing my face with food, but it wouldn't stop. Help. Why am I hiccupping in front of my romantic rival? Watching Sienna sit there so elegantly across from us, I wanted to cry. Leo gave me a fond look and patted my back. He took the water glass out of my hand. “That won’t work. I have a trick. Want to try it?” I nodded like a bobblehead, still hiccupping. “Look over there!” Huh? I followed his finger. In the next second, his large hand cupped the back of my head, and he pressed his lips hard against mine! “You… you… what are you doing?” My face exploded in heat. I scrambled to push him away. He looked unsatisfied, licking his lower lip. “What? The hiccups are gone, but you’ve developed a stutter?” I stammered for a full minute, unable to form a sentence. Clatter. The glass in Sienna’s hand hit the floor. Her eyes were red, and her voice trembled. “Sorry. It slipped.” She stood up and walked toward the restroom, trying to look strong but failing. I stole a look at Leo. He didn't even flinch; he just went back to eating. Something was off. Did he just kiss me to spite Sienna? Is this composure all an act? A facade? I didn't want to eat anymore. Sienna came back, looking like a wilted flower. It was obvious she’d been crying. Truly a sight to behold. I pulled out my phone and opened a ride-share app. “Uh, I’ll just Uber back to campus. Leo, why don't you drive her home?” Leo snatched the phone out of my hand and threw an arm around my shoulder, leading me out. “Ms. Montgomery doesn’t need my help getting home. I’m driving you.” 05 Back in the car, I started fuming. “Little brother, what is wrong with you? I gave you an opening and you didn't take it!” Leo glanced at me, a wicked smirk playing on his lips. His voice was lazy. “Whether I take an opening or not… you’ll have to wait and see.” !!! I froze. Since when did the straight-laced Leo Blackwood start talking dirty? I scoffed instinctively. “All talk and no game. Who knows?” Leo heard the sarcasm and laughed. He suddenly pulled a sharp U-turn. The GPS voice rang out: “Recalculating. You have left the planned route.” I watched the red dot on the map get further and further from my school. I whispered, “Where are we going?” “Home.” “Is… isn’t that a bit much?” My big mouth. Why can’t I stop the "all-talk" habit? The night wind was cool. I looked at Leo’s long, elegant fingers on the wheel and remembered how we ended up married. All because of my big mouth. Our families were old friends, but he was six years older than me. Because he was gorgeous, I’d been following him around since I was a toddler. I loved photography, and Leo’s first viral photo was one I took. Back then, Leo was a rising star in the gaming world, and Sienna was just an unknown tournament host. Handsome guy, beautiful girl—it wasn't a surprise when they got together. Even when I took photos of them together and thought they looked perfect… it still hurt a little. Sienna, being career-driven, refused to go public. After they started dating, Leo’s performance tanked. He choked in several major tournaments. Meanwhile, Sienna’s career skyrocketed after a director saw her hosting. One was falling; the other was climbing. Arguments were inevitable. After Sienna went abroad, Leo was a wreck. I created dozens of burner accounts to leave him supportive comments. I promoted him on every platform I could find. 06 The truth was, I’d chased Leo for years with zero results. But my pride was a monster. I told everyone who would listen that Leo had been "simping" for me for years and I just hadn't said yes. No one believed me—except my mom and his mom. “You brat! Leo’s been doing so poorly lately, and it was because of you?” Me: … When our parents confronted Leo, his secret relationship with Sienna had just been leaked, and he was drowning in scandal. Leo pulled me into his arms in front of the reporters and said: “I’ve been chasing this girl for years. Today, I finally got my wish.” “Marry me,” I heard him say. Is there any PR move more powerful than getting married to silence a scandal? I couldn't think of one. Engaged in the morning, married by the afternoon. When I held the marriage certificate, it felt like it was burning my hands. On our wedding night, I peeked at him guiltily. “So… I can explain…” “I’m sorry.” Before I could find the words, Leo apologized first. “I’m sorry for using you.” Looking at his depressed face, my heart felt like it had been stabbed. Years of built-up courage vanished like a popped balloon. I swallowed my confession and slapped him on the shoulder like a "bro." “No big deal! Just win the championship and pay me a $50k monthly allowance!” Leo actually smiled. “50k? You trying to rob me?” “Hey, I’m giving up my first marriage for this! Don't be a cheapskate.” “You’re that sure I’ll win the championship?” “Obviously!” Because you’re Leo Blackwood. He ruffled my hair. “Fine. I’ll bring home the trophy for you.” After the wedding, Leo became a different person. He worked like a man possessed. He lived at the club and almost never came home. Late at night, I’d wonder: is he avoiding the house because of me? So, I moved into the dorms with my roommates. 07 The following year, Leo actually won the World Championship. He ran toward me with the trophy, and we both sobbed. I didn't want to know why he was crying; I was just "crying" because of the $50k that was about to start hitting my bank account. After the tournament, Leo founded his own elite club. I went from being his personal photographer to the team photographer. Through the lens, I could watch him openly. I captured his frustration, his competitive fire, and the empty exhaustion that followed a win. I recorded every major moment of his life. Sadly, I was never in the frame. Aside from that one public proposal, Leo never introduced me to anyone. When people asked, he’d say: “A friend.” “The girl next door.” “Just a kid who likes cameras.” At least he didn't hide me. Because I took photos of the players, I got along well with the younger guys at the club. Leo hadn't been seen with another woman for years. On holidays, I’d wait at the club to drive home with him. The players assumed we were dating and started calling me “Sister-in-law.” I secretly loved it. Even better, Leo never corrected them. Driving home for the holidays, I was humming a tune, feeling great. “What are you so happy about?” I reached over to straighten his collar and smiled. “Nothing. Just a tiny, tiny thing not worth mentioning.” My happiness didn't even last through one red light. Leo’s phone rang. Contact: Sienna Montgomery. Leo saw the name and slammed on the brakes. I never wore my seatbelt, and I smacked my head on the dash. “Does it hurt?” Leo’s eyes were full of guilt. “It doesn’t! Not at all!” Leo laughed. “Then why are you crying?” I realized I was actually sobbing. To prove it didn't hurt, I started laughing. Crying and laughing at the same time—Leo thought I had a concussion and rushed me to the hospital. But I couldn't explain. I couldn't say, Leo, my head is fine. It’s my heart. That would be too embarrassing. I’d rather he think I was an idiot than know I was heartbroken. 08 That was the first New Year we spent at home as a "married couple." There weren't enough rooms, so we were forced to share a bed. While Leo was showering, his phone lit up. My heart dropped as I looked at the screen. “Leo, I miss you…” That night, Leo spent a long time on the balcony on the phone. When he came back, he smelled of the cold night air and a faint hint of cigarettes. It wasn't a bad smell. The bed dipped, and Leo pulled me into his arms. Brrr, so cold. Damn you, Leo. Using me as a human heater. But the warmth grew. There’s nothing better than a bed in winter. I snuggled into his chest, finding a comfortable spot. In a daze, I asked him: “Leo, do you know who I am?” He was stunned by the question. “I know.” “Then who am I?” “Riley Brooks.” Hearing my name, I felt a sense of peace. “Leo?” “Yeah.” “If you ever want a divorce… just tell me. I’ll handle the parents.” A long time passed. I was drifting off when Leo said something. I didn't hear it. I didn't want to. A warm touch on my forehead woke me. Leo was looking at me with concern. “Nightmare? Your brow is furrowed.” I didn't want to answer. I stretched and looked out the window. “Did I fall asleep again?” Leo ruffled my hair. “Yeah. Slept like a little pig.” Our marital home was still "new." The wedding decorations were still up, but the house felt empty. A maid came to clean regularly, so it wasn't dirty, but it didn't feel lived in. There were no traces of me there. When we first got married, I had fantasies about "our home." I went a bit crazy buying things. Matching toothbrushes, matching mugs, matching slippers… I used to wait for him to come home, full of hope. But he didn't seem to like it. I remember him holding a cartoon toothbrush cup, smiling awkwardly. “You didn't have to go this far.” I laughed and said: “It’s just in case the parents do a surprise inspection!” 09 After that, Leo stopped coming home. I felt like I was holding a long, grand funeral for my feelings. Every day he didn't come home, I threw away one of the "couples" items I’d carefully picked out. The day the last item was gone, I moved back to the dorms. The "More than friends, less than lovers" zone was my uncomfortable comfort zone. Now, the room only held Leo’s things and a few of my clothes. He paced around the room like he was looking for something. “Riley.” “Yeah?” Whenever he used my full name, it was never good news. Sure enough, his smile didn't reach his eyes. “What happened here?” “What do you mean?” I played dumb. Leo let out a frustrated laugh and loosened his tie. “Fine, Riley. You’ve grown some teeth.” I pouted. What did he think I was? A bunny that didn't know how to fight back? Just a girl who blindly loved him? Normally, I wouldn’t dare pull these stunts with him. But today? His "White Moonlight" Sienna was back. The divorce was probably coming anyway. I decided to stop pretending! Leo suddenly pinned me against the wall in the entryway, his eyes darkening. “Wife—” He whispered into my neck: “I just realized… we never actually had our wedding night.” So close! Every hair on my body stood up. I was surrounded by his scent. I felt more lightheaded than if I were drunk. Using my last bit of logic, I pointed out the window. “Look! Oxygen!” While he was distracted, I bolted into the bathroom. Safe. For now. After my shower, I realized I’d celebrated too soon. I hadn't planned on staying here; I had zero clothes to change into. I knocked on the bathroom door. “Leo?” “Yeah.” “Could you… could you get me one of your long shirts?” “Say ‘please, Big Brother.’” This opportunistic jerk! I clenched and unclenched my fists. But I was at his mercy. “Bi… Big… Big Brother Leo…” God! I hadn't called him that since I was a kid. I wanted to die of embarrassment. “What? Speak up! Can’t hear you!” “I said, Big Brother Leo~ Riley wants some clothes~” 10 “See? Was that so hard?” Leo handed me a shirt. It was a short one. Even though he was much taller than me, it barely covered my thighs. Since when was Leo Blackwood this inappropriate? Or are all "Jungle" players secretly perverts? Leo was in the living room watching TV. When I walked out, his gaze swept over me. My face went beet red. I ran back to the bedroom, not daring to look at him. I’d been feeling heavy and exhausted lately. When Leo walked into the room, I thought I was dreaming. Wait… that damp touch of hair on my skin… that wasn't a dream! I sat up, clutching the duvet. “You… why are you in here?” Leo looked at me like I was the crazy one. “This is my house. Why wouldn't I be in here?” “But you always sleep on the couch, or in the study, or the guest room…” Fine. If you won't leave, I will. I tried to shuffle toward the door, wrapped in the blanket. Suddenly, Leo scooped me up and tossed me back onto the bed. He pinned me down. Looking at the bridge of his nose, I heard myself say: “Leo, this is going to cost extra.” “Heh. Since when did you become such a gold-digger?” There’s a saying: “I want a lot of love. If I can't have that, I want a lot of money.” Leo, I really, really love you… I pressed my hand against his lips, looking into his eyes. “Leo, let’s get a divorce.” The smirk on his face faltered. He looked at me suspiciously. “What did you say?” “I said, let’s get a divorce! “Then you can be with Sienna openly. You don’t need to use me to make her jealous. “Don’t be an idiot. Girls need to be winned over. You’re only pushing her away with these games…” 11 Leo brushed the hair back from his forehead, looking agitated. He gave a smile that was actually terrifying. I’d seen that look during his tournaments when his opponents taunted him. I shivered. Anger aside, he reached over and pulled the duvet up higher around me. He asked through gritted teeth: “So you think I’m doing all this just to spite Sienna and get back with her?” I whispered, “Isn’t it obvious? “As soon as she gets back, you take me to that restaurant. “And you’re suddenly… acting like this…” The more I spoke, the more upset I got. Tears started rolling down my face. “Leo, I don’t want to be a pawn in your game with Sienna anymore. Waaaaah!” I don’t know what was wrong with me. I wasn't usually a crybaby. Leo gritted his teeth. “Riley Brooks, what the hell do you think I am?” Eh? Seeing me sob, he rubbed his temples and let out a long sigh. He handed me a tissue and said gruffly: “Stop crying!” I pouted and nodded, but the tears kept coming. “Don’t pout!” I was gasping for air between sobs. When I opened my mouth to breathe, Leo kissed me. I froze, letting him take whatever he wanted. Suddenly, a sharp cramp hit my stomach. It felt like a drill was going off inside me. I looked down. My period had started. I knew it! No wonder I was exhausted and emotional. It was the period’s fault! I always had terrible cramps. I started sweating and rolling around the bed in pain. Leo forgot his anger. He boiled water, filled a bottle, and wrapped it in a towel to act as a heating pad. After settling me, he threw on his jacket and went out to buy supplies. I was in too much pain to move. Sleep was the only escape. In my sleep, I felt a larger, warmer "heating pad." I hugged it and fell into a deep slumber. When I woke up, I saw Leo’s beautiful eyes staring straight at me. “Finally awake, little pig?” 12 Crap! I was in too much pain yesterday and didn't clean up before falling asleep. I threw back the duvet. Thank god. The duvet was fine. There was only a tiny spot on the sheet. But Leo’s shirt was a disaster… Wait! When did I change into these period panties? I hid under the covers in total shame. The more I hid, the more Leo teased me. “Oh, now you’re shy? I used to help you go to the bathroom when you were a toddler!” I threw a pillow at him. “Shut up!” Leo brought over a cup of warm brown sugar water. “Stop being shy. Drink this.” It was sweet and hot. My heart felt warm. “Why are you suddenly being so nice to me?” Leo paused. “Didn’t you say it? Girls need to be winned over.” Then he remembered something and gave me an order. “Don’t ever mention divorce again. You hear me?” What… what did that mean? Terrified of overthinking it, I didn't ask. Sometimes, not knowing the answer is better than the truth. As a junior in college, I didn't have many classes left—mostly just internships. My professor had a star student who worked in the entertainment industry. They were starting a celebrity interview show. The professor recommended me to do the photography and filming. Before I left, the professor warned me: “Riley, I’m only giving this chance to you. Don't embarrass me!” I gave him a deep bow. “Salute!” The professor rolled his eyes. “Respect!” I stared at him. “Professor, you’re so trendy?” “Enough talk! Get going!” 13 The original interviewee was supposed to be a rising young actor. My roommates even asked for his autograph. But in the middle of the night, he was caught in a massive scandal, and his career imploded. The show had to find a last-minute replacement. When Sienna Montgomery walked in with a smile, the whole crew gasped. “My god! She’s even more beautiful in person!” “And so kind! She agreed to do this on such short notice… what an angel!” the director nudged me. “What are you staring at? Hurry up, we’re starting!” “Oh! Right!” I found my focus. I set up the cameras and gear. The interview began. Since it was last-minute, the questions were standard. When asked why she moved back to the States, Sienna paused. She looked out the window and gave a bittersweet smile. That tiny movement made everyone feel for her. She looked at the camera with eyes full of regret and hope. “For someone.” For a moment, I couldn't tell if she was talking to Leo through the lens… or to me. During the break, my senior came over to check the footage. He patted my shoulder, impressed. “Good job, Riley! You captured her expressions perfectly!” “Obviously! Look who my teacher was!” That shut him up. Sienna walked over to look at the material. “These are beautiful!” She spoke with such sincerity I felt awkward. “You’re beautiful, Ms. Montgomery. It’s hard to take a bad photo of you.” The awkwardness was broken by an assistant yelling that boba had arrived. “Someone sent treats for everyone!” Everyone teased Sienna, who just stood there smiling silently. As they say, only an idiot passes up free food! I grabbed a cup and heard some people gossiping. “Hey, do you know who sent this?” “Leo Blackwood, the gaming god!” “The guy she was rumored to be with?” “Yep! He’s chasing her already. I smell a reunion!” The boba suddenly tasted like ash. 14 I ran into Sienna in the restroom. She smiled at my reflection in the mirror. “Is the boba good?” Maybe it’s female intuition. Sienna was someone I disliked the moment I saw her. After she moved back, that feeling only intensified. Despite her being perfect in every way, everything she did felt calculated and fake. “It’s okay.” Sienna raised an eyebrow, drying her hands as she looked me over. “You’ve changed a lot, Riley. But—I still prefer the way we were in the past. Leo does too.” “Oh. Well, enjoy your memories. Excuse me.” The interview continued. I cleared my head. After the wrap, my senior invited everyone to dinner. “Ms. Montgomery, would you like to join us?” he asked politely. “Don’t be silly, she’s way too busy for us,” someone joked. “I’d love to,” Sienna replied with a smile. The crew was stunned. Someone patted the senior on the shoulder. “We’re taking an Oscar winner to dinner! You better pick a good spot!” I started packing my gear. “Uh, I have a project due. I’ll head back to the dorms!” Before I could reach the door, my senior grabbed me by the collar. “What project? I’ll call the professor myself. You’re coming!” Thanks a lot, man. The bar was dark and loud. At first, everyone was a bit stiff. Sienna stood up with a glass. “A toast to all of you. Thank you for the hard work today!” She was always so poised. After a few drinks, the staff realized she wasn't stuck-up and started relaxing. Halfway through, Sienna checked her phone and asked shyly: “Can I bring a friend?” The "friend" who walked in was Leo Blackwood.
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