Embers of a Childhood Flame

Five years after marrying Liam, my childhood sweetheart Ryan returned to the country.

At a cocktail party, he asked me teasingly what it was like marrying a disabled man.

I laughed self-deprecatingly, It's like carrying a trash bag you can't throw away.

I started staying out often, meeting Ryan in public places.

The topic of an Oscar-winning actress and a piano prince rekindling their romance blew up on social media.

I thought Liam would ask me for a divorce. But unexpectedly, he fitted prosthetics and returned to the company, dazzling everyone.

Later, Liam died in London, and I lost my mind.

It was 11 PM.

I pushed the door open and saw Liam sitting in his wheelchair in the living room.

Waiting for me, honey? I smiled, lifting the hem of my dress as I walked toward him.

Liam frowned and asked why I'd drunk so much.

Ryan's back. I was happy, so I had a few extra.

I went for upstairs, but he grabbed my arm.

I saw the trending topics about you and him today. He came back for you, didn't he?

I laughed and sat right in his lap, still holding my dress up.

Don't worry, you'll always be my husband. After all

I reached down and pinched the empty fabric of his pants where his legs should have been.

I'm responsible for taking care of you.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.

Liam's breathing grew ragged, but not because of the kiss for sure.

Did Ryan do this? He pointed to the red marks on my chest and shoulders.

Thinking of Ryan's restless hands in the car earlier, I lowered my eyes and smiled.

A friend's dog scratched me. Don't make a big deal out of it. Ryan and I are just friends.

I cupped Liam's face with both hands. Get some rest, honey. I'm going upstairs.

After closing the bedroom door, I heard the sound of shattering glass downstairs.

Early the next morning, Ryan's video call woke me up.

He invited me to his piano debut that night.

I know it's Liam's birthday, but you won't miss my debut, right?

Of course not. I will attend.

When I went downstairs, I saw Liam busy in the kitchen.

He heard me and turned his wheelchair around.

All freshened up? Breakfast is ready.

I waved him off. I've been shooting a film recently. Cutting carbs.

But he still brought two bowls of spaghetti to the table.

I made myself a coffee and sat down, sliding a bank card toward him.

Your birthday gift this year. I have dinner plans tonight. Sorry I can't stay.

His hand paused mid air. He sighed softly, Okay.

After Ryan's performance, a group of us went to a karaoke bar to celebrate.

A friend asked me, Do you regret marrying that cripple?

I swirled my wine glass, staring at the door. Yeah, it's like carrying a trash bag you can't throw away.

Liam and I had a secret marriage. Only close friends knew.

And honestly, I didn't want anyone else to know it if possible.

Ryan pulled me into his arms and kissed my forehead. I'm back now. Everything's going to be okay.

Suddenly, a loud crash came from outside the door.

The door was opened. Liam was there, pinned under his own wheelchair.

He looked utterly humiliated, his handsome face splattered with alcohol.

Everyone burst out laughing. Ryan whispered in my ear, Look at that loser.

A server helped Liam back into his wheelchair. Ryan had one of his buddies bring over a drink.

Happy birthday, Liam.

Liam held the glass but didn't drink. Instead, he stared at me, clearly waiting for an explanation.

Happy birthday, Liam.

I ignored his look, simply raising my glass. Liam finally downed the drink in one gulp.

After finishing, he twisted his wedding ring and looked at me.

Come home early. It's going to rain tonight.

That set off another round of laughter.

Who does he think he is? The head of the household?

Chloe, now I get what you meant by that trash bag comment.

As everyone laughed and mocked Liam rolling away in his wheelchair, I snapped:

Enough!

The room fell silent.

I've got a night shoot. Have fun without me.

After wrapping the late shoot, I saw myself trending.

#OscarWinnerReunitesWithChildhoodSweetheart

#ChloeSpottedWithPianoPrinceRyan

Long night, huh, Chloe?

Ryan naturally took my bag and guided me to his car.

I wrapped myself in a blanket and rubbed my temples. Did you buy the trending?

No. Probably someone with an agenda. You know, after what happened to someone last night.

I stayed quiet.

There's a lunch at the family estate today. Come with me. They haven't seen you in ages.

I closed my eyes, thinking about the past. A flicker of resentment stirred inside.

If it weren't for my parents' will, Ryan and I wouldn't have missed so much time together.

...

After a few rounds of drinks, everyone was enjoying themselves.

Ryan took me upstairs to rest.

He gently took off my high heels. You should divorce Liam. Then we get married.

My heart fluttered. I held his face and said softly,

There's something more urgent right now. Let me take a nap, okay, Ryan?

...

When I got back home, I saw Liam watering plants in the yard.

I walked over and confronted him. What good does it do you to put me on trending?

Liam replied calmly, I was the one who had yesterday's trending taken down.

Then he showed me a transaction record on his phone over 2 million.

I smirked, You should've used that money to buy better prosthetics instead of playing mind games.

That struck a nerve. Liam's knuckles turned white, and the veins bulged on the back of his hand. It made me thrilled.

I'm just telling the truth. My parents repaid what we owed you with my youth and our family's assets.

So don't think you can trap me with this marriage.

He spoke softly behind as I left, I never wanted to trap you. Not then, not ever.

Five years ago, to fulfill my parents' will, I married Liam.

From then on, this man who'd lost his legs became the shadow operator of my family's corporation, as well as my underground husband.

Though we got married, we were little more than strangers.

Just after my shower, Ryan called.

Chloe, guess who I just saw?

A photo popped up on my chat box Liam with a young woman.

Cheating on you already? Want me to teach him a lesson?

In that photo, the two were chatting. The woman was smiling shyly, and Liam was laughing too.

They looked weirdly good together.

No. We do our own thing.

After hanging up, I opened the photo again, zooming in on the two of them.

I didn't know Liam could smile like that.

Later, Ryan picked me up for another night shoot just as Liam was coming home.

Liam? With legs like that, you're still trying to sneak around?

Liam didn't answer, just wheeled himself inside.

If you even think about cheating on Chloe, I'll make you regret it!

Ryan, let's not forget. You're the other man. Liam turned around to say.

Ryan lunged at him.

Ryan, stop!

When I stepped out, he finally released Liam's collar.

Who's the other man? The one who isn't loved is the other man! Ryan pulled me close.

Liam coughed violently because of the grip.

No matter how loved you are, I'm her legal husband!

It was the first time Liam had ever publicly acknowledged his status.

He looked pale, utterly drained.

Let's go. We're going to be late.

In the car, Ryan asked when I'd move out.

I'm not moving out. I promised my parents.

He cursed, aiming at Liam.

I glanced at him, surprised that the elegant piano prince admired by public could be so crude.

He wasn't the same person I remembered.

Rubbing my temples, I said, Let's just drop it.

Ryan and I made a high-profile appearance on set. Everyone assumed we were a couple.

The assistant director rushed over. Chloe, the investor's here. You should come say hello.

Ryan and I went to the back lot.

Surprisingly, the investor was the woman from the photo with Liam.

Hello, Chloe. I'm Jessica.

Nice to meet you.

Ryan chimed in, I'm Chloe's boyfriend, Ryan.

Hearing that, Jessica looked at me thoughtfully.

I directly met her gaze. What brings you here today, Jessica?

She offered a polite smile. After this project, I'd like to invest in a film. I wondered if you'd be interested.

Her assistant handed me a script.

Don't feel pressured to respond right away. Read it carefully.

She glanced at Ryan, then back at me. Make sure you read every word.

During a break in the night shoot, I skimmed the new script.

Just the outline brought back memories I'd tried to forget.

Five years ago, in June.

Liam was working as an operations VP at my family company.

On a rainy day, he pushed my parents out of the path of a truck. As a result, his own legs were crushed.

The damage was severe. To save his life, the doctors had to amputate.

I was endlessly grateful to him, visiting him countless times in the ICU.

But a month later, my parents were in danger again.

They were killed in a car accident on the way to the airport.

Their final wish was for me to marry Liam and let him run the company.

I closed the script, took a deep breath, and steadied myself.

Remembering Jessica's pointed comments, I knew this script wasn't a coincidence.

But Ryan showing up on set with caterers lifted my mood instantly.

Dinner's on me tonight!

You're the best, Ryan!

Chloe's so lucky!

Their love is goals. A piano prince and an Oscar-winning actress!

Ryan sat beside me and told me Jessica was the woman from the restaurant.

Liam's probably trying to take over your company. That's why he brought in Jessica.

She's sharp. She's handled mergers for tons of big companies.

I squeezed his hand. I still own 30% of the shares. He can't take the company.

Ryan pulled me close. If I hadn't gone abroad back then, we wouldn't have to hide like this.

I looked up at him. If you feel like this is too hard...

It's not too hard. I just want to be with you openly.

I rested my head on his shoulder and promised I'd fix things.

When I got home, Liam wasn't there.

The housekeeper said he'd gone to the office for a meeting.

He'd always worked from home, never making his appearance in public.

Why?

The housekeeper had no idea.

I drove straight to the company.

In the CEO's office, Liam was standing in prosthetics, leading a meeting with executives.

It was the first time I'd seen him on his feet.

I hadn't realized he was so tall 6'1" in height. The suit fit him well, revealing his perfect shape.

Besides, he wasn't quiet as usual. At the moment, he was speaking confidently in front of everyone.

This must have been the man he was before, a CEO full of life.

Liam saw me through the glass wall. The meeting wrapped up minutes later.

He brought me a bottle of water. What are you doing here?

Heard you were at the office. Thought I'd stop by.

He leaned on his prosthetics and sat on the couch. Did seeing Jessica yesterday bother

I cut him off. Not at all. I was just curious why you suddenly started coming in.

Just then, Jessica appeared in the doorway.

What a coincidence, Chloe.

She placed a file on Liam's desk. Whenever you have time to review this, Liam. I'll leave you two alone.

Liam coughed violently, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket.

I spotted a trace of blood after he wiped his mouth.

You're coughing up blood?

The air's dry. My throat's irritated.

Jessica was my classmate in grad school. I brought her in to help with a new project.

I smiled coolly as she walked away.

If she's your girlfriend, just say so.

We're only married on paper. I won't get in the way of your romance.

Liam laughed.

She's really not.

And don't worry. I promised your dad I'd protect this company with my life.

He took off his glasses, his gaze open and unguarded.

I leaned in close. You'd better not be playing games. Or I won't go easy on you.

He ignored that and smiled. Chloe, would you be interested in a bridal wear campaign?

I frowned. What are you talking about?

It's for the company's new brand. I think you'd be perfect.

A week later, I was in a studio, modeling wedding dresses for our brand.

Before long, Ryan showed up wearing a black suit.

Tall, handsome, and well-dressed. The crew whispered excitedly as he walked in.

Oh my god! They're perfect together.

Now that's a couple that makes sense.

Amid the chatter, Ryan walked over with a bouquet of champagne roses. A little prop for you.

I looked up. My first flowers from you. Thanks.

The shoot went smoothly.

As we were finishing, I spotted someone in a suit lingering near the door.

The figure looked familiar.

That day, Ryan and I shot to the top of trending again.

Short videos of us together were everywhere.

The comments were flooded with people asking when we'd get married.

But within an hour, all mentions of Ryan and Chloe vanished from search results.

The trending had been taken down again.

After the shoot, I went home.

Liam was in the living room, adjusting his prosthetics.

The coffee table was covered in bloodstained tissues.

What happened?

He looked startled, quickly tossing the tissues and pulling his pant legs down.

It's nothing. Still getting used to them. They kind of hurt for now.

I asked why he'd started wearing the prosthetics to the office.

Standing lets me look people in the eye. Sitting means I have to look up.

And I don't want anyone knowing the CEO of this company is a cripple.

My heart clenched. A dull, heavy ache filled my chest.

So that word really did bother him.

Did you take down the trending today?

Liam nodded from the couch. You're still rising in your career. All these rumors with him won't help.

I smirked. I think you're just jealous.

He raised an eyebrow. If that's what you want to believe, fine.

The housekeeper made that soup you like

I thought about the cruel things I'd said at karaoke and felt a twinge of guilt.

I put my things down, uneasy. I have plans tonight. I'm heading out.

As I reached the door, Liam spoke again.

Ryan's busy with someone else tonight. He won't have time for you.

Andwe haven't had dinner together in a long time.

That stopped me in my tracks.

It was true. I hadn't eaten at home since Ryan returned.

Liam, have you been overstepping lately?

I turned and glared at him.

I

His phone rang, cutting him off.

Hello, Jessica. What is it?

Now I was pissed. How could I have felt sorry for him earlier?

I slammed the door on my way out.

Ryan was drunk when he met up with me.

He smelled like alcohol and another woman's perfume.

Where were you? He stumbled toward me. Chloe, babe, I love you so much.

He tried to kiss me. I put a hand on his chest to stop him.

Where were you?

A friend's birthday. I went to celebrate.

I noticed lipstick on his collar and pushed him away.

Next time, change your clothes after you've been with someone.

He sobered up instantly. Chloe, it's not what you think.

I studied his panicked expression. I hope I'm wrong.

He pulled a velvet box from his bag. For you.

Inside was a diamond necklace. I knew it was expensive.

Jewelry for the woman I love. Ryan leaned in, his voice low. Come to my place tonight.

The mood in his car was charged.

After being married to that guy for so long, there must bethings he can't satisfy.

I knew what he meant, but all I could see were those bloodied tissues.

I turned toward the window. It's been my period these days.

Ryan sat back, sighing. He asked if I was saving myself for Liam.

Don't forget your parents died because of him! Are you feeling sorry for him now?

His words hit like a hammer, shattering the fragile sympathy I'd felt for Liam.

No.

I was sent abroad back then. I was powerless. But I'm here now, and I won't let you suffer.

Ryan took my hand and pressed it to his chest.

I'll always be here for you. Trust me, okay?