A Season Without Her

Chapter 3 The Truth Behind the Video

"Why did you still put my name in the credits? Do you think I would thank you for that?"

Chloe threw herself into Ryan's arms, sobbing as her fists weakly pounded against his chest.

"You i***t, Ryan. I don't need your sympathy. I don't want your charity. Aren't you marrying her? Don't you care about her that much? Then go to her."

"Now that the video is already out, stop being upset," Ryan said gently.

Seeing Chloe cry made his chest tighten. Unsure how else to comfort her, he reached up and wiped the tears from her face.

"If I really cared about her, would I have let you release her video just to vent your anger? For our future and for our dream, we have to accept reality. Even if I marry her, you're the one I love. You're different from her."

Each word pierced Cynthia's heart like a thorn. With every breath, the pain burrowed deeper, as though something inside her was being torn apart.

Of course, Chloe was different. No matter how hard someone tried, love could never be forced from a heart that did not feel it.

All the questions Cynthia had prepared dissolved into silence. They lodged in her throat like fishbones—sharp and impossible to swallow.

The old Cynthia would have turned and walked away in humiliation.

But she was no longer that girl.

She pushed the door open and strode in.

Without hesitation, she raised her hand and struck Chloe across the face.

"You posted my private video?"

Ryan had not expected her to appear. He reacted on instinct, stepping forward just in time to shield Chloe from another slap.

His brows drew together. "What are you doing?"

"I approved it," he said coolly. "If you're angry, take it out on me."

Before Cynthia could respond, Chloe suddenly began slapping herself.

She dropped to her knees in front of Cynthia, her body trembling as if in fear.

"I'm sorry, Cynthia. I didn't mean it."

She cried as she clutched her hair. "It's my fault. I took your name, your opportunity, and Ryan. I posted the video. I'm sorry. I'll disappear. I'll die."

"Chloe!"

Ryan rushed forward and caught Chloe as she sagged in his arms.

"Cyn, are you alright?"

Then he looked up at Cynthia. Disgust filled his eyes.

"What exactly do you want? She already struggles with her mental health. Will you only be satisfied if you push her over the edge?"

Cynthia stood there, stunned.

"I am the victim," she said, her voice barely steady.

"I will give you an explanation," Ryan replied coldly. "Until then, stay away from her."

He lifted Chloe into his arms and walked out without another glance, leaving Cynthia alone in the studio.

That night, she received a video.

Several men lay sprawled on the ground, beaten so badly they could barely move. Their faces were swollen and bruised beyond recognition.

A message from Ryan followed.

[Ryan: They were the ones who spread the video the most. I dealt with them. Are you satisfied now?]

Anger surged through Cynthia. She called him immediately.

"What is this supposed to mean?"

"What do you think it means?" Ryan replied impatiently.

"Isn't this enough? I don't have time to argue about this. I have work."

"Then let's cancel the engagement," Cynthia said, her voice calm. "I am not getting married."

Ryan's tone turned icy.

"Cynthia, I thought you were sensible. If you truly wanted to call it off, why didn't you say so the day we met? What are you pretending for now? Are you trying to prove that you are clear-headed?"