Chapter 4

The agent's script went like this:

I want a divorce, he doesn't. He joins this show to understand my thoughts and save our marriage. After arguments and honest communication, I finally reveal it's because he's been too busy with work and absent these past few years. He sincerely apologizes and promises to focus more on family from now on. Finally, I tearfully admit I still love him and give up on divorce. We reconcile, and everyone's happy.

It was completely fake.

Seeing me frown, my agent mockingly asked:

"Don't tell me you want to make it real?"

I had once asked James to change my agent. Chloe opposed it, citing the agent's extensive network and professional expertise.

James supported her opposition and told me to prioritize work over being difficult.

Naturally, my agent despised me.

And I didn't like her either.

The first day had no filming, only pre-show interviews.

In the interview room, couples made their first choices.

"I want a divorce."

I spoke calmly to the camera.

James frowned beside me.

"You need to show more emotion when you say it. We need engagement, discussion, views," he critiqued. "Otherwise, who would believe you want to divorce me? They'll just think you're acting again."

"Use your head more. I can't always guide you through everything."

I opened my mouth to speak but was overwhelmed by a deep sense of powerlessness. I couldn't bring myself to say a single word.

These past two years, I'd been constantly wrapped in these emotions, as if trapped in a cage. Though I knew I needed to break free, I always seemed to lack the strength.

When internal energy is insufficient, external force becomes necessary.

The director was a young man who still maintained an uncorrupted purity about him.

He reviewed the footage.

"Actually, it comes across well. As an experienced actress, you conveyed the emotion perfectly."

During James's individual interview, I waited outside, not wanting to listen.

My phone rang - surprisingly, it was Chloe.

I initially wanted to reject the call but thought better of it and answered.

"He's almost done with the interview. Just call him directly later."

"Mrs. Thompson, I'm not calling for him. I'm calling for you."

"For me?"

"Yes. James has never been away from me for several days straight. There are two things I need to remind you about."

Chloe's tone was gentle and polite.

I watched James walk out of the door and put the phone on speaker.

"Go ahead, Assistant Chloe."

Chloe's elegant voice echoed in the hallway.

"First, James's throat inflammation has flared up. I put his medicine in the inner pocket of his black bag. Please don't let him eat anything cold or spicy, it'll irritate his throat. Second, he sometimes gets migraines at night. Remember to massage his temples - it needs to be continuous for ten minutes to be effective. If you're not sure about the technique, you can call me anytime."

"Mrs. Thompson, did you get all that?"

Before I could answer, James snatched the phone from my hand and spoke coldly:

"Chloe, who told you to call Sophia?"

The other end suddenly went silent.

I found it somewhat amusing and actually laughed.

James watched me, his scrutinizing gaze tinged with confusion.

In the past, in situations like this, I would have caused a scene, angrily accusing Chloe and crying to him in hurt.

While Chloe would always remain emotionally stable, explaining things gracefully, making me look like a lunatic.

"She means well. You're scaring her with that tone," I said, taking the phone back from him and hanging up.

I walked straight to the interview room. We still had the couple's joint interview to do.

As I pushed the door open, James was still standing by the corridor window, motionless. Suddenly he called out:

"You're not bothered?"

I looked at him.

"Bothered by what?"

His composed features flickered with irritation.

"Nothing. Let's go in."