Get Out of the Cage

"Jamie, I've decided. I'm ready to join you at Hillridge as your exclusive screenwriter. I'll be there by the end of this month!"

Melanie huddled in a quiet corner on the set as she made the call, a pregnancy test report clutched in her hand.

She tried to shake off the chill from the freezing weather, but her hands and feet still felt painfully cold.

Jamie's voice at the end of the line was a deep and pleasant baritone. "Your talent has long deserved a bigger stage. For eight years, you've turned me down nearly a hundred times for Ken's sake. Are you ready to leave him this time?"

"Yes. I'm leaving him for good!"

She clenched the pregnancy test report, her lips a bitter smile.

After finishing her call, Melanie Roland returned to the set and joined the crew to observe the filming. At the moment, the camera focused on her boyfriend Ken Lambert in a kissing scene with actress Jennifer Knowles.

Ken's burning passion was evident as he locked lips with Jennifer. His tender, intimate expression was something Melanie had never seen before.

Before Jennifer appeared, Ken had always avoided intimate scenes for fear of upsetting Melanie. He would never film such scenes in front of her.

As Melanie recalled the past, a heavy weight settled on her heart. She suddenly found it difficult to breathe.

"Cut! That's it for today. Great work, everyone!"

The director called it a wrap, and cheers filled the set.

Ken's assistants immediately rushed over to drape a coat over him and hand him a thermos.

Melanie watched as he walked over, laughing and chatting with Jennifer. She numbly stepped aside to let them pass.

In the past, Ken claimed he was worried about damaging his career if he got into a relationship. With that in mind, Melanie agreed to be his secret girlfriend. This relationship lasted eight years. To this day, only his manager and a few of their friends knew.

Yet, while Ken went to great lengths to keep Melanie hidden and avoid any association with her, he was openly affectionate and sweet with Jennifer.

Too often, Melanie would argue with him over Jennifer. He would always brush it off, saying it was just part of the job and that she was being unreasonable.

The producer, Jeremy, came over to gossip with Melanie. "Ken and Jennifer's kissing scene looks so natural. It's like they're a real couple! So many people in the industry are saying they're actually dating. What do you think, Melanie? Could it be true?"

"I don't know…" Melanie mumbled.

"You're so indifferent! Anyway, you should focus on being a top-tier screenwriter and steer clear of Ken. There are so many shippers online accusing you of trying to steal someone's boyfriend. Doesn't that bother you?"

How could it not?

The online hate had nearly driven Melanie to depression. She had spent countless nights crying under her blanket. She had even asked Ken to make their relationship public, but he