Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 494: Love Is Not Marriage As soon as Susan spoke, the room erupted. It was clear there was more to the story, and for the media, nothing was more enticing than hidden truths.

"Miss Simmons, what do you mean by saying there's more to this story?" Susan took a deep breath and began, "Actually, Hayden and I are divorced. That night didn't happen the way many media outlets have described it. Those are fabricated lies.

As for Mr. Giron's identity, letexplain. He was my childhood neighbor. We grew up together.

That night, I had too much to drink. He helpedget home, where I slept in the guest room. The housekeeper can testify to this.

As for the video showingkissing him the next morning, it's not what it seems. It was a simple goodbye kiss, like I used to give him when we were kids. The camera angle made it look much more intimate than it actually was.

When this story broke, rumors spread like wildfire. As a public figure, I know these things cwith the territory. But now these rumors are hurting my family, my friends, and even others' reputations. I have to set the record straight." The reporters were relentless.

"Miss Simmons, you say you're divorced, but you and Mr. Alvarez were only married for a few months. After all those years of being together, always appearing so in love at public events, how could you get divorced so suddenly?" "Yeah, Miss Simmons, are you sure you're not just using this as an excuse? The video clearly shows you initiating the kiss, and it lasted more than a few seconds. It didn't look as innocent as you're claiming." "Miss Simmons, if you want to clear the air, shouldn't you offer ssubstantial proof?" "You have so many fans who adore you. Don't you think you owe them an explanation? They deserve to know the truth." At that moment, Hayden, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "Everyone, please, letsay a few words." The room went quiet. Hayden's image in the public eye was that of a man betrayed. Many sympathized with him. "Mr. Alvarez, go ahead," one of the reporters said.

Hayden began, his tone calm and measured. "The reason Susan and I are in this situation today is largely because of me. As many of you know, we were together for years before we got married.

Logically, two people who know each other so well should have a smoother relationship than most couples. That's what I thought too.

But after our marriage, Susan and I realized something important: marriage is not the sas love. What is love?" Hayden posed the question, and the reporters looked at each other, unsure of what he meant.

"Love is when two people fall for each other and decide to be together," one brave reporter ventured.

"Exactly," Hayden said. "Love is about two people being drawn to each other. But for us, love was about romance-flowers and moonlight. It wassurprising her with roses after not seeing each other for a while, planning candlelit dinners, or showing up unannounced on her birthday to make her happy.

But marriage? Marriage is about the mundane-rice, oil, salt. It's filled with trivial, everyday challenges. It's much harder than being in love.

Before we got married, I was always busy with work, and Susan was constantly flying across the country for hers. On a good month, we'd see each other once. Sometimes she was in remote locations filming for months on end. Susan is a dedicated actress. You all know that. Sometimes, she'd go months without a break. We relied on phone and video calls to stay connected. While those tools are convenient, they also hide a lot.

It was only when we started living together that we began to notice the cracks.

Susan had already scaled back her work commitments to spend more tat hwith me. But I was still busy every day, unable to give her the care and attention she deserved.

I wasn't ready to be a husband, and she wasn't ready to be a wife.

So, I proposed the divorce. I wanted her to find someone who could truly love and care for her, someone who could give her the life she deserved.

We divorced in secret because it wasn't a small matter. We didn't want to announce it publicly, partly to protect Susan's image.

I know many people online are fans of both of us as a couple. We didn't want to shatter their belief in love.

We also didn't want to upset our families. We feared they'd be angry, hurt, or disappointed.

Now that we're divorced, even if Susan finds someone else, I'll smile and wish her well.

I hope someone else can take better care of her than I did.

This situation was supposed to be a private matter. I'm sorry it's caused so much negativity. I ask for your understanding and hope you'll give us the space to handle this ourselves.

Thank you for your concern. I believe we can sort this out. I also hope you'll continue to support Susan and her work. She's a talented actress who has endured a lot for her craft." If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

It was rare for Hayden to speak so much, and his words moved many in the room. Swomen present were visibly touched, seeing him as n the epitof a good man- someone who bore his grievances in silence and defended his ex-wife despite the circumstances. Clap. Clap. Clap.

Asher, watching the live feed, broke the silence. "Well, well. Your ex-husband is quite the actor, isn't he?" It was clear to anyone with a discerning eye that Susan had been set up. Hayden had orchestrated the perfect narrative, portraying himself as the kind and forgiving man while subtly pushing all the blonto Susan.

"I didn't think so before, but now I believe he's the one who truly belongs in the entertainment. industry," Aurora remarked. She knew приг cold Hayden had been to Susan in private, yet here he was, presenting himself as the perfect ex-husband in front of the cameras. "It's amazing how you can never truly see someone's real self when they're in front of a lens."

"No wonder he chose Susan back then. Makes sense, doesn't it? At the time, you were stuck in the om stuck! Montgomery family with no money and under Genevieve's control. Of course, you couldn't compete with Susan, an only child with a promising career and family wealth. Now that he's gotten the shares he wanted, he's kicked her to the curb. And with this performance, everyone online will start vilifying Susan.

It's a good thing you got away from him quickly. Otherwise, you wouldn't even know how you ended up destroyed. Men like him are best avoided," Asher concluded.

Denis Vukic, who had been quiet, chimed in, "You say Hayden isn't easy to deal with, but it's not like Julian is either." "Asher, don't even start," Aurora shot back defensively. "Julian is sincere with me. He's nothing like Hayden, who always has ulterior motives." mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1