The Tycoon's Secret Wife's Escape

Gabriel's frown deepened.

"Stop being ridiculous. Are you breaking up with me just because I agreed to the intimate scenes with Sabrina?" he asked, his voice tinged with exasperation.

I haven't been comfortable with his relationship with Sabrina for a long time, and to be honest, she constantly nitpicks me when Gabriel isn't around, her snide comments barely disguised as friendly banter. Since Sabrina is the main cast of this series, the crew is always on her side.

"Baby, come on. Don't be too petty," Gabriel pleaded, running a hand through his tousled dark hair. "You know I'm doing this for the fans. They've been supporting me for years, and they wanted to see me step out of my usual conservative roles. Besides, Leo told me that this project could help me get internationally recognized. This is just a scene. I won't do anything that will harm our relationship."

The thing is, his actions have already damaged our relationship beyond repair.

Gabriel reached out, his warm fingers intertwining with mine as he lifted my hand to his lips. I searched my feelings, and honestly, I couldn't feel anything anymore.

I often gave in during situations like this, plastering on a smile and forcing myself to understand his perspective. But now, I feel like I'm tired, the weight of constant compromise bearing down on me.

Looking into his stormy green eyes, I insisted, "Gabriel, I'm serious. I want to break up."

"Isa, don't be unreasonable. I know you're still angry..." he tried to console me. "We have a planned trip to Aspen, Colorado next weekend, right? The crisp mountain air, just the two of us..."

"Gabriel, next weekend is our supposed wedding," I reminded him, my tone flat. His face remained calm, not a flicker of recognition passing across his features.

Sophia told me that Gabriel's intimate scenes with Sabrina are

He paused for a moment but then smiled. "I know, baby. Leo has already booked the officiant for the wedding at the resort. It'll just be the two of us for our ceremony. I'm excited to marry you."

"We've postponed the wedding twice already. I hope it finally happens this time,” I said bitterly.

I could see the guilt flash across his face.noveldrama

He was often called by the management of Golden Stage Entertainment-the agency that handles both of us. The first time Gabriel canceled the wedding, Leo, his talent manager, informed him that the management suddenly called him to explain the new project. The second time, Sabrina had a scandal, and the management wanted Gabriel to speak on her behalf, using his reputation to calm the media frenzy.

I wonder now what excuse he might have this time. It's as if I'm already anticipating our trip to the secluded resort won't push through again, the disappointment, a familiar ache in my chest.

I'm tired of waiting, loving him, and being second best in his career.

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Gabriel forced a smile and kissed my hand again. "I'm sure we'll finally get married this time, babe. I promise."

No longer wanting to argue with Gabriel, all that's left is to wait for the day, preparing my heart for the inevitable disappointment.

***

Sophia and I met for a photo shoot because I had taken on a small brand to promote their skincare products. This was also the day to capture some intimate scenes between Gabriel and Sabrina for the romance series, a fact that felt heavy in my stomach.

Sophia approached me after the photoshoot. She handed me a chilled bottle of water and wrapped me in a plush white robe because I was only wearing a thin tube top to showcase the smoothness of my skin in the photos.

"You know, I'm more scared of what you're doing right now than any of these promo shots," Sophia said, her brow furrowed with concern as we headed to the dressing room to change. "Are you sure you're okay with Gabriel and Sabrina's setup on set?"

I took a sip of water, savoring the cool liquid.

"I tried to break up with Gabriel last week when I found out about the scenes," I said casually as if discussing the weather.

Her eyes widened. "You did? And he agreed?"

"Sophia, do I look stupid?" I asked instead. There was a hint of sadness in my voice. "Gabriel seemed to see a pattern with me. He'd make a mistake in our relationship. He'd coax me, and I would eventually forgive whatever we argued about because I couldn't stand not giving in to him. But I feel like it's becoming a routine, a dance I'm tired of performing"

Sophia scratched the side of her head. She doesn't like Gabriel for me because I can't stand up for myself with my boyfriend. In truth, she was shocked when she found out that I was in a relationship with a famous actor.

"Does this mean you two reconciled, and he persuaded you to do his intimate scenes with Sabrina?"

We entered the dressing room, the door clicking shut behind us and giving us a private space where no one could hear us.

"He already decided and signed a contract. There's nothing more I can do about it," I replied.

After changing into my casual clothes, Sophia informed me while reading a message on her phone.

"There's just one scene set to be filmed today," she informed me.

I checked my watch. Gabriel needed to finish his scene because we had a flight to

Colorado tomorrow. Our long-awaited wedding weekend was just around the corner, a bittersweet promise.

"Let's go to the film set," I suggested to Sophia.

Even though Sophia was hesitant to take me to the scene because of her concerns, her eyes clouded with worry, she still accompanied me to a luxurious hotel.

In the director's large monitor, I was in the background, a silent spectator watching the two people passionately kissing. Gabriel's lips grazed over Sabrina's neck, his fingers tangled in her hair. Sabrina also gave her all, her body arching into his touch. The director was delighted to see the chemistry between the two main cast members in bed for their scene.

Here I was, torturing myself even more. My chest tightened at the scene, a vice grip around my heart, but I had to accept this because I had a boyfriend who was an actor. I wanted to wake myself up, to shake off this surreal nightmare.

Sophia suggested we leave after seeing the pain in my eyes.

I love Gabriel so much; I'm always happy with his career growth. I have always accepted that he's not just my fiancé but a public figure. He's a dedicated actor, and his passion for his craft is evident in every scene. But sometimes, in quiet moments like these, I want to know and think about what my position is in Gabriel's heart.

Am I just another supporting character in his blockbuster life?

When Sophia and I stepped outside, the cool air was refreshing from the stuffy set. I was surprised to see Charlotte Prescott and Lucas Murphy in the hotel lobby.

The two people who pulled me into my situation....