Behind the Glamour and Shadows

Chapter 1

In the bustling and vibrant city of Brightvale, a sleek silver SUV cruised smoothly down the bustling streets.
Seraphina Rivers sat in the plush and spacious backseat, wearing stylish sunglasses, her eyes either closed or perhaps just resting.
Today, she seemed in a foul mood, prompting her companions to sit in silence and avoid provoking her further. This duchess was not one to toy with.
The Golden Eagle Awards ceremony had just concluded, and our queen had snagged two prestigious accolades.
In just five months since her debut, she had taken home both the Best Newcomer and the Most Popular Actress awards.
Although she missed out on the Best Actress crown, at this moment, her stardom was unmatched and glowing.
She was a living legend; never before had any actress garnered two major awards in such a short time.
Some scoffed, labeling her a mere pretty face, a mere vase, while countless big-name directors and producers abandoned international superstars for a chance to work with this captivating beauty.
Others applauded her stellar acting skills, even claiming she mastered the art of captivating praise while being notoriously demanding, often keeping directors waiting for over an hour.
Amidst the swirling rumors, she never directly addressed the gossip, effortlessly brushing it off with a smile. “I am exactly who I am,” she would say.
Without a doubt, she did not deny a single criticism thrown her way. “Pretty” did not do her justice—she was exquisite, with every feature strikingly harmonious. Nationally recognized for her beauty, she also held a special place in the hearts of many fans.
Her talent was unquestionable; otherwise, she wouldn't have dominated the awards. Directors had a love-hate relationship with Seraphina Rivers. They adored her as a new actress whose skills were anything but raw; rather, they were astonishingly polished, delivering precisely what each scene demanded. Yet they also resented her for being notoriously late, a chronic snoozer.
“Seraphina, this is the script for *The Noble Lady,* personally delivered by Director James Hawthorne. Do you want to take a look?” The speaker was Sophie Blackwood, Seraphina's manager.
Sophie was her closest confidante, the only one brave enough to joke around with the queen. A top agent at Starling Entertainment, she had navigated the industry for years with never a misstep, proving her exceptional skill.
Seraphina removed her sunglasses, her perfectly made-up face still couldn't mask the exhaustion etched in her features. She glanced at the script and asked languidly, “What’s on the agenda for tomorrow?”
Sophie pulled out her tablet and flipped through, saying, “In the morning, you have a photoshoot for *Women’s Wear,* and at noon, there’s a press interview about your Golden Eagle Awards win. In the afternoon, you’ll be signing a sponsorship deal, and tonight, there’s a charity gala.”
Resting her head against the window, Seraphina observed the people and cars whizzing by outside. With a sigh, she replied, “Cancel the interview; move the morning photoshoot to noon.”
She detested dealing with reporters—not that there was a specific reason, she simply loathed it.
“Alright, oh, and by the way,” Sophie put her tablet away and looked at Seraphina. “We’ve already secured your role for *The Noble Lady* with Director James, but other directors have also sent scripts. I skimmed through them; they’re all romantic films—two TV series and two movies. Do you want to take a look?”
Seraphina slipped her sunglasses back on and dismissively said, “Let’s put that on hold; I’m feeling a bit worn out.”
“Okay, then take it easy today. Are you going to Violet Manor?”
“Yeah.”

Chapter 2

The car came to a stop in front of a grand European villa. Seraphina Rivers stepped out, her breath visible in the crisp morning air. Inside, the house was shrouded in darkness. It took her a moment to adjust before she flipped the switch, and the lights flickered on, casting a warm glow that illuminated the empty space around her.
Silence enveloped the villa, amplifying its desolation. She had grown accustomed to this solitude, relishing the stillness that accompanied it.
He hadn’t come back.
Seraphina changed into her slippers, placing a pair of men’s slippers outside the door before heading upstairs. As she passed the master bedroom, she hesitated, reaching for the door to the guest room instead. The decor was understated, devoid of any unnecessary embellishments, yet the essentials were all in place.
She took a long, hot shower, washing away the fatigue that clung to her. Then she slipped under the covers, wrapping herself tightly in warmth, and drifted into a restful sleep.
When she finally awoke, the sun was already high in the sky.
Sophie Blackwood, her dedicated manager and housekeeper, was already at the villa, bustling about with breakfast in hand. Balancing a freshly ironed evening gown in one arm and a pair of crystal heels in the other, she looked positively frazzled, her little finger hooked around a bag containing Seraphina’s breakfast.
“Help me out here! I can barely hold all of this!” Sophie cried, her face contorted in theatrical distress as she lunged the breakfast toward Seraphina.
“Why on earth are you carrying so much?” Seraphina replied coolly as she accepted the food, barely hiding her bemusement.
With no makeup on, the morning light brought out a fresh-faced innocence in her features. She reclined on the vintage European sofa, resembling a pampered feline, her long black hair cascading down her shoulders. With an air of aloofness, she sipped her Starbucks coffee, watching Sophie with an amused smile.
“This is the gown for tonight’s event. I’ve already ironed it, so you just have to slip it on later,” Sophie explained as she deftly hung the dress on a nearby rack.
No one demonstrated the same level of care for Seraphina as Sophie did. She was diligent and responsible—always fretting over the details that no one else noticed. With an impeccable memory, Sophie never forgot a slight or offense against Seraphina.
“You could’ve let Ella handle it. No need to do it all yourself,” Seraphina suggested, referring to her capable assistant, who was quick on the uptake and eager to help.
“Ella has been a bit off lately—messing things up, I’m afraid. I couldn’t risk her damaging the dress, so I took matters into my own hands,” Sophie said, placing her hands on her hips, grievances spilling forth. Then she glanced at Seraphina with a pointed look. “Hey, we need to pick up the pace. The Chronicle is waiting for you, and this is one deadline we can’t afford to miss, okay?”
“What’s the rush? This isn’t our first rodeo,” Seraphina replied dismissively, a hint of annoyance in her tone.
“...”
---
At five in the afternoon, Seraphina accompanied Sophie to pick up the evening gown from Pronovias, her favorite boutique known for its blend of luxury and elegance.
The light pink silk mermaid dress was adorned with delicate crystals, featuring an off-the-shoulder design that accentuated her enviable figure, making her look even more regal and enchanting. Her flawless complexion and striking silhouette, punctuated by a waist that seemed almost impossibly slim, turned heads as darkness began to fall and lights twinkled on.
At that moment, Seraphina was celebrating with Isaac Bright, an investor for *The Noble Lady*, as they clinked glasses.
“Congratulations, Seraphina! You certainly stole the show at the awards ceremony,” Isaac beamed at her.
Seraphina offered a modest smile, her lips a soft rose hue. “Oh, I don’t know about that. Just doing my job,” she replied, her tone light yet hinting at the responsibility she felt.
Sophie arrived with a tray of champagne, flashing a polite smile at Isaac, who, understanding the need for privacy, nodded and stepped aside.
“What’s up?” Seraphina asked, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
“Lord Edmund is here,” Sophie said, her voice lowering just enough to convey the weight of what that meant.

Chapter 3

Seraphina Rivers lifted her gaze toward the exit, her heart pounding in her chest.
There he was, surrounded by a throng of stunning women, including a few international film stars. He stood with his back to her, his tall frame elegantly showcased in a perfectly tailored Armani suit that accentuated his every feature.
He was her boss, the president of Starling Entertainment, and the most eligible bachelor in all of Saintsborough—a diamond deity, if you will.
The accolades she had received in just five months were all thanks to him. What were people saying? That she was his mistress?
Well, of course, how else could she carve out a path in the entertainment industry in such a short amount of time without any connections?
But the truth was, he wasn’t her connection at all.
To be more accurate, he—Lord Edmund Graves—was her husband, a revelation that remained her closely guarded secret, as well as a well-kept mystery within the entertainment world.
Not even Sophie Blackwood nor Ella were privy to the depth of their relationship.
When Seraphina first entered the industry, she was just another hopeful actor, driven to become the next nationwide sensation. Eager and hardworking, her striking beauty helped her secure a spot at Starling Entertainment.
But back then, all she landed were minor roles as vague background characters or mute maidens—positions that left her feeling utterly unsatisfied.
With no experience and no solid ground, she was desperate to prove herself.
This industry, as glamorous as it seemed from the outside, had a dark, repugnant side lurking beneath.
To rise above, many chose the easiest and quickest pathway: securing a powerful connection. After all, breaking into acting was intensely competitive and unforgiving; good looks alone couldn’t guarantee a foothold. Having an influential ally was essential.
Seraphina understood that perfectly, but she had no intention of being sullied by some greasy, middle-aged man with yellowing teeth and a beer belly. So, she buried herself in her work, believing her talent would shine through.
Then one day, the president of Starling approached her directly.
"If you agree to marry me," he offered, "I can give you everything you've ever wanted."
Before that moment, Seraphina had only heard whispers about Lord Edmund; she had never met him. And he was in a serious relationship with the internationally renowned model Lady Veronica Fairchild, a couple admired by all without a hint of scandal, their image painstakingly pristine.
Yet here he was, asking her to marry him. She had questioned him, bewildered, only to be met with silence, save for his earnest request: would she accept?
How could she possibly agree? To wed a man she hardly knew, without a spark of affection? To her, marriage was sacred, something not to be taken lightly. Besides, she was already involved with someone.
She turned him down, not only to his proposal but also to his lavish offer.
To her shock, the very next day, her boyfriend broke things off with her.
“Tell me why?” she demanded, staring at the man she deeply loved, the one she envisioned a future with.
He merely shook his head, a cold smirk curling his lips. “You know my family’s expectations. My mom would never let me marry an actress. Plus, you’re just so dull. We’ve made no progress in these past few years. I think I’m just… tired.”
Tired. The breath of fresh air in excuses was a rarity.
Seraphina’s gaze turned frigid, feeling as if winter had suddenly settled in her heart. They had been together for two years, and he didn’t even put up a fight against his mother’s demands.
Yes, she was an actress—emotionless—and that was just enough of a reason for him.

Chapter 4

He looked down on the performers, convinced that one day she would be too far out of his reach.
“Fine, let’s break it off. I want to see just how noble Lord Edmund Graves can manage to marry,” Seraphina shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Go ahead and fool yourself,” he replied coldly.
Seraphina Rivers turned on her heel and walked away, not glancing back, as if she had never known him at all.
Once she reached a deserted intersection, she paused, crouching down with her arms wrapped around herself. Used to wearing a mask of indifference, the sting of being cast aside hit her harder than she expected. Two years of dedication, of love, had led to this bitter end.
Yet, the prideful woman she was, she’d rather be a prickly porcupine than a helpless little rabbit. No matter how hurt she felt inside, she wouldn’t let a single tear fall.
Rising from the ground, she hailed a cab, determined to seek out Lord Edmund Graves once more.
“I’ll accept your proposal—let’s get married. But you’re going to make me famous,” she stated firmly.
---
In the five months since their marriage, he hadn’t touched her, and they rarely saw each other.
She had assumed he spent all his time with Lady Veronica Fairchild. However, while she was busy filming, news broke that they had split.
“Aren’t you going to confront him?” Sophie Blackwood ventured cautiously.
“Confront him? To prove how hollow our marriage is?” Seraphina replied, swirling her champagne glass as she avoided eye contact.
Sophie had no response. Seraphina’s words always carried a sharp edge.
Look at Lord Edmund; the mere presence of women around him had apparently multiplied since he arrived. Even as a married man, he reveled in the attention from a swarm of admirers, making Seraphina cringe.
When she absentmindedly looked up, she caught his gaze; Lord Edmund was watching her.
With his flawless features and stylishly cropped hair that framed his face perfectly, he had an otherworldly charm. But the icy detachment in his eyes was intense.
What a striking man he was.
“Hey, Rivers, is he looking at you?” Sophie whispered, staring at Lord Edmund, eyes wide with disbelief.
After a few seconds of locked gazes, Lord Edmund suddenly smirked, a wicked grin spreading across his face before he turned back to the women beside him.
Was he teasing her?
A flash of anger surged within Seraphina. She turned to Sophie, still processing what had just happened. “Find a way to get me out of here. I need to leave.”
“Leave? Aren’t you going to stay with Lord Edmund?” Sophie’s tone was incredulous.
“Have you ever seen me follow him around?” Seraphina shot back coldly.
“Can’t argue with that. Just wait for me.”
Moments later, Seraphina slipped out of the gala behind Sophie.
Once in the car, she was glad to see her assistant Ella already waiting inside. “Sister Rivers, you must be tired. Here, drink some hot water.”
“Thanks,” Seraphina replied, taking the thermos and sipping slowly.
She then changed out of her extravagant outfit in the spacious vehicle, a necessity since artists often had tightly packed schedules and little time to change.
“What’s the rush?” Sophie asked curiously, glancing over at her.
“Didn’t you see everything unfold? What’s there to discuss?” She leaned her head against the cool glass of the window, eyelids heavy.
Sophie sighed, typing away on her tablet, absorbed in her work.

Chapter 5

The car remained parked outside Violet Manor, and as Seraphina Rivers opened the door and stepped inside, she immediately noticed a pair of polished black dress shoes waiting by the entrance.
It struck her then that all the lights in the house were on, including the ones outside the villa, although she hadn’t paid attention to them when she entered.
Lord Edmund Graves was lounging on the sofa, engrossed in the evening news, seemingly indifferent to Seraphina’s arrival.
He had returned earlier than she did.
After changing her shoes, Seraphina felt the awkwardness in the air and was momentarily unsure of what to do next.
“Why didn’t you say hello when we met at The Feast?” Lord Edmund's voice cut through the silence, his gaze still fixed on the newspaper.
Taken aback, Seraphina hesitated. She had intended to head upstairs but paused, turning slightly to respond coolly, “Do you think we’re the kind of people who need to greet each other?”
At this, Lord Edmund set the newspaper aside, his striking features still holding a chill. It felt like the temperature in the room plummeted the moment they were together.
“Isn’t that how it should be between a boss and an employee?” he remarked, the tension palpable.
Seraphina responded with a charming smile that lit up her face, her full red lips parting as she replied with a hint of mischief, “Of course, I wouldn’t forget, but with so many glamorous starlets around you, even if I were inclined to greet you, where would I fit in?”
“Ah, no wonder your words were sharp today. I get it now—you’re jealous, aren’t you?” Lord Edmund smirked, a teasing light in his eyes.
Seraphina met his playful gaze, her eyebrows raised slightly as she chose to remain silent, neither confirming nor denying his assertion.
Her quietness, however, was taken by Lord Edmund as an admission.
“We’re married, so there’s naturally a place for you by my side,” he declared, the words rolling off his tongue with surprising ease.
Confusion washed over Seraphina; the sudden display of affection was startling. Based on her understanding of Lord Edmund, he wasn’t one to utter such sentiments lightly.
Their union had always been a matter of convenience, devoid of any emotional attachments. Neither of them was expected to invest feelings into this marriage.
Besides, he had mentioned before that once the time came, they could simply part ways. In essence, their marriage was seen as an arrangement with a built-in expiry date.
Yet, now he seemed to suggest there was emotional depth to their relationship.
Seraphina pivoted and took a couple of steps closer to Lord Edmund, then sat beside him, her expression serious as she demanded, “What’s your true reason for marrying me? What do I offer you in this arrangement?”
Five months into their marriage, he had never revealed why he had chosen her in the first place, and today she was determined to get clarity.
He studied her for a moment before murmuring, “My father is pressuring me to marry the daughter of a real estate magnate as part of a political alliance.”
Seraphina had heard whispered rumors of the longstanding rift between Lord Edmund and his father, Sir Henry Graves, but this confirmed her suspicions.
Lord Edmund was the eldest son of Sir Henry, whose first wife had passed many years ago, prompting him to remarry—a woman named Nina Hart—with whom he had a son, Cecil Graves.
Graves Enterprises held considerable influence in the business world, and many expected Lord Edmund to inherit his father’s wealth. However, at just twenty-one, Lord Edmund had forged his own path, using the inheritance from his mother to establish Starling Entertainment from the ground up.
This young president was undeniably ruthless yet refined, emanating an aura that commanded respect. He was strikingly handsome, with a straight nose and perfect lips—an embodiment of charisma. It was as if the very heavens favored him with flawless features.
In five years, he had propelled Starling Entertainment into an industry leader, solidifying it at the pinnacle of the global entertainment scene. Then, he began branching into finance, growing into a financial powerhouse while simultaneously cementing his reputation in the entertainment industry.
His fortune now far surpassed that of his father.

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