When Ember arrived at the library, she took a deep breath and thought, Let's get some studying done. Carefully selecting books relevant to her current semester, she settled down at a quiet table, ready to focus.
As she flipped through the pages, a nagging thought crept into her mind. The classes I've been attending with Emir are for final-year students of MBA… but I'm just a first-year student of BBA. The realization unsettled her. It can get confusing, but with Emir's help, learning feels easier. Besides, it'll benefit me in the future.
She tried to push the thought aside and focus, but the words on the pages soon blurred together. Studying felt tedious, and boredom crept in faster than she expected. With a sigh, Ember closed the book, deciding to take a break and read something different.
Just as she was contemplating her options, a sudden commotion erupted nearby. A group of girls rushed past, their excited chatter filling the quiet library. Curious, Ember stopped one of them.
"Hey, what's going on?" she asked.
The girl, practically buzzing with excitement, grinned. "Don't you know? Today's the day! The exclusive article about our university star just got published! Everyone's here to read it."
Intrigued, Ember's interest piqued. A university star? She hadn't heard anything about it before. The way everyone reacted made it seem like a huge deal. Without hesitation, she joined the eager crowd, anticipation building in her chest. I can't wait to see who it is, she thought as she carefully jostled her way through, determined to grab a copy for herself.
Finally, she managed to secure a magazine and stepped away from the bustling crowd. Finding a quiet corner, she sat down, heart pounding with curiosity. She could feel the energy in the air—every girl on campus seemed eager to read about this mysterious figure. Let's see who this university star is, she thought, flipping open the cover.
But the moment her eyes landed on the front page, her heart nearly stopped.
There, in bold letters, was the headline: "University Star Dylan." And right below it—a familiar face.
Emir.
Her breath caught in her throat. The name didn't match. The person she had known as Emir for so long was not who she thought he was. A wave of disbelief crashed over her as she stared at the image, her hands trembling slightly.
"Who… who is he, really?" she whispered, the world around her blurring as the weight of the revelation settled in.
--------------------------------------
The Magazine
Title: "Dylan: From Local Star to City Sensation"
Dylan—a name that now symbolizes fame and success in our city—has a story that continues to inspire countless dreamers. Born in Shine, China, into a well-respected family, he could have easily followed a predetermined path. But Dylan chose differently. Through relentless hard work and unwavering determination, he carved out his own destiny.
During his time at our university, Dylan was more than just a student—he was a star. His remarkable talent and undeniable charm won hearts effortlessly. Every performance he delivered left an unforgettable impact, making it clear that he was destined for something far greater.
And now, that destiny is unfolding before our eyes.
Today, The Dylan is set to take the television world by storm, stepping into a thrilling new chapter of his career. This leap is hardly surprising, given his exceptional skills and tireless dedication. With his magnetic presence, there's no doubt he will capture the hearts of an even wider audience.
But Dylan's influence extends far beyond our city. With hit shows like You on My Life and I Am on the Way, he has already become a household name. His journey is living proof that with passion, perseverance, and belief in oneself, dreams can indeed become reality.
As a university, we take immense pride in Dylan's achievements. We celebrate his success and wholeheartedly congratulate him. He is the embodiment of ambition and perseverance, a reminder that greatness knows no limits.
And now, the world eagerly waits to watch The Dylan shine even brighter on television screens.
Coming up next: An exclusive interview with Dylan.
-------------------------------------
The revelation hit Ember like a storm, leaving her utterly frozen in her chair. She couldn't believe what she had just read—couldn't even fathom that something like this would happen to her. A deep shock settled in her chest, making it hard to breathe.
Just then, a familiar voice broke through her daze.
"So, you're sitting here. Let's go home; I'm done with my work."
She didn't have to turn around to know it was Emir. His voice, so familiar, so warm, sent a shiver down her spine—but this time, it felt different. Before he could see the turmoil in her eyes, she quickly collected herself, shoving the magazine into her bag as discreetly as possible.
"Hmm, let's go," she murmured, standing up from her seat.
As they walked toward the parking lot, Ember could feel the weight of the magazine pressing against her bag—like a secret burning into her conscience.
"What were you doing in the library for so long?" Emir asked, glancing at her curiously.
Ember lowered her gaze to the ground, avoiding his eyes. "Actually, my exams are coming up, so I thought it would be a good use of time," she said, her voice quieter than usual.
She didn't want to face him—not now. Not when her heart was caught in a whirlwind of confusion and emotions she couldn't untangle.
Inside the car, silence lingered between them. But Emir wasn't one to ignore things so easily. He studied her for a moment before finally asking, "Did something happen while I wasn't around? Tell me."
Ember swallowed hard, forcing a small smile. "Nothing happened," she replied, still refusing to meet his gaze.
Emir frowned. "Your face looks so dull," he said softly, reaching out to cup her cheek, his thumb tracing gentle circles against her skin.
She hesitated for a second before placing her hand over his. "I'm alright… it's just that I've been feeling stressed about my exams," she said, hoping it was convincing enough.
The drive home was quiet, but tension crackled in the air. Ember's mind raced with thoughts, each one more unsettling than the last. When they reached the house, she reached for her seat belt, only to find it stuck. She struggled, tugging at it with frustration.
Emir noticed and leaned in. "Let me help you with that."
"It's okay, I can do it," Ember protested, but before she could stop him, he had already unfastened the belt.
The sudden proximity made her heart skip a beat. He was so close—too close. The warmth of his presence, the way his breath fanned against her skin—it was overwhelming. Her pulse quickened, but she refused to let it show. Without another word, she quickly opened the car door and stepped out, creating distance between them.
Emir followed, his eyes still fixed on her.
"I'm feeling a little dizzy, so I'm going back to my room," Ember said, hoping to escape before he noticed the storm raging inside her.
But before she could take another step, strong arms wrapped around her.
In one swift motion, Emir lifted her into his arms, carrying her in a bridal style.
A startled gasp left her lips. "What are you doing?" she exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice.
But Emir simply smirked.
And in that moment, Ember knew—there was no escaping him.
"You're not feeling well; let me take you to your room," Emir said with a teasing smile.
Ember's face burned with embarrassment, frustration bubbling inside her. "I can go myself," she snapped, but her voice lacked conviction. She hated how easily she caved around him—how powerless she felt in his arms.
Why can't I resist him? she wondered, her heart waging a war with her mind.
Emir leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "Shh... Be quiet, or you'll fall."
His warm breath tickled her skin, and just like that, all protests died on her lips. She swallowed hard, deciding it was best to remain silent.
As they entered the house, Nana greeted them warmly. "Welcome back."
Emir smiled. "Nana made some light food today because Ember isn't feeling well."
Ember kept her head down, her emotions in turmoil. She didn't want to meet Nana's concerned gaze.
"Okay," Nana replied, her voice laced with quiet understanding.
Without another word, they made their way to Ember's room. Emir gently laid her down on the bed, his touch softer than she expected. He turned toward the window, watching as the sky darkened. Moments later, the first drops of rain began to fall, quickly escalating into a storm. Thunder rumbled, shaking the room.
Ember flinched. But it wasn't the storm outside that unsettled her—it was the storm raging inside her. The weight of his deception, the tangled web of lies… it was suffocating.
"I'm going to the washroom to change," Ember murmured, her voice unsteady.
Emir turned to her, concern flickering in his eyes. "Okay, but if you don't feel well, just call me."
Before she could respond, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. The warmth of it sent a shiver down her spine—not from affection, but from the sharp contrast between his tenderness and the cruel secrets he kept from her.
Then, he turned and left, closing the door behind him.
The moment the latch clicked shut, Ember crumbled. She sank to the floor, her body trembling with the force of her emotions. Hot tears spilled down her cheeks as sobs wracked her frame.
"Why? Why won't he tell me the truth? Why is he lying to me all the time?"
Her breath came in short gasps, her hands clenching into fists. "Even now, when we're in a relationship, he refuses to tell me who he really is. I can't believe I fell for a man who doesn't even trust me. If he won't be honest, how can he claim to love me? He's never been sincere, not even once. Am I just a game to him?"
The frustration was unbearable. In a burst of rage, she grabbed the bedsheet and yanked it off, throwing it into the corner of the room.
Something tumbled to the floor.
A magazine.
Her breath hitched as she wiped her tear-streaked face. The glossy pages lay open, and there, staring back at her, was Emir's face—not Dylan's.
Her fingers curled around the magazine, trembling. "You've been playing with my feelings all along," she whispered, her voice shaking with anger and betrayal. "I won't forgive you."
Without another thought, she flung the magazine aside, turned on her heel, and ran.
She didn't care where she was going. She just needed to get away.
The cold night air hit her like a slap as she stepped outside, barefoot and vulnerable. Rain poured down in heavy sheets, soaking her within seconds. But she didn't stop. She ran.
The only sounds around her were the relentless pitter-patter of the rain, the hollow echo of her footsteps against the wet pavement, and the rapid, erratic beating of her heart. Each drop of rain that hit her skin felt like the sky was mourning with her, washing away her tears, as if trying to match her pain.
But no amount of rain could drown the ache inside her.
She was lost in the storm.
And she didn't know if she'd ever find her way back.
The rain poured relentlessly, drenching Ember from head to toe. Her sobs were swallowed by the storm, lost in the howling wind and the heavy downpour. Tears blended with the rain, falling freely as her strength faded with each passing second.
"I love him... Today was our first time together as a couple... Was it all a lie from the beginning?"
Her heart ached, the weight of betrayal pressing down on her chest, making it harder to breathe. Her vision blurred, dizziness overtaking her. The world around her spun until, finally, her body gave out. She collapsed onto the cold, wet pavement.
A sleek black car approached, its headlights slicing through the darkness. Tires screeched as the vehicle came to an abrupt stop.
A man stepped out, an umbrella in hand, his eyes widening in shock at the sight before him. Without hesitation, he rushed to Ember's side, his heart pounding with concern. Kneeling beside her, he gently gathered her into his arms, shielding her from the icy rain.
Ember stirred at the warmth of his embrace, her lashes fluttering as she struggled to open her eyes. Her voice, barely a whisper, trembled in the air.
"Emir... Is that you?"
The driver quickly opened the car door, and the man carefully lifted her fragile frame, cradling her as if she were something delicate—something precious. As he placed her inside, she slumped forward, too weak to hold herself up.
With a tender touch, he guided her head onto his lap, his fingers brushing damp strands of hair away from her face. Shrugging off his coat, he wrapped it around her trembling body, hoping to offer her warmth.
Then, in her unconscious state, a broken whisper escaped her lips.
"Why did you do this to me? I loved you, Emir... Why?"
His breath hitched.
"It's me, Adrien, Ember..." he said, his voice urgent, filled with desperation. He needed her to hear him. To know that he was there. That she wasn't alone.
But there was no response—only silent tears slipping down her pale cheeks.
Adrien clenched his jaw, his expression hardening with resolve.
"Driver, let's go back home. Call the doctor. Tell him to come to the house immediately," he commanded, his voice sharp with worry.
As the car sped off into the stormy night, Adrien held Ember closer, silently vowing that he would never let her fall like this again.
As soon as they arrived at Adrien's home, he stepped out of the car, urgency in his voice. "Where is the doctor?"
"Sir, he is on the way," the driver responded promptly.
Adrien wasted no time. He carried Ember inside, his footsteps echoing through the grand hall as he rushed toward his room. The moment he laid eyes on her, he realized how completely drenched she was. Concern etched across his face, he turned to the maid.
"Could you change her clothes?" he asked.
The maid hesitated before replying, "Sir, we don't have any women's clothes here."
Adrien exhaled sharply, then made a quick decision. "Just take something from my wardrobe."
Nodding, the maid obeyed as Adrien gently laid Ember on his bed. Without another word, he exited the room, giving her privacy to change Ember into something dry.
He didn't sit down. Instead, he paced outside, restless, waiting for the maid to finish. Minutes later, she stepped out and informed him, "Sir, I'm done."
"Okay, you may leave," Adrien replied.
Before departing, the maid glanced at him and added, "Sir, you should change as well. You're soaking wet."
"I will," he muttered, but his eyes remained fixed on Ember.
She looked so peaceful—so innocent. His gaze softened as he took in her delicate features, her damp hair framing her face. Reaching out, he gently brushed a few strands away from her skin. The coolness of her damp locks made him frown.
"If I don't dry her hair, she'll catch a cold," Adrien thought.
Determined, he retrieved a hairdryer from his dressing area and plugged it in near the bed. As warm air flowed through her hair, he took his time, ensuring it was completely dry.
Once he finished, he let out a quiet sigh of relief—only to realize just how close he had leaned in.
His breath hitched.
Her fair skin, her long lashes, the softness of her lips—everything about her was mesmerizing. For a split second, he forgot himself.
Then—knock, knock.
The sudden sound startled him so much that he lost balance and tumbled off the bed.
"Ouch! What am I even thinking?" he scolded himself, shaking his head.
"Sir, the doctor is here," the driver announced from the other side of the door.
Adrien quickly straightened up, composing himself.
"Let him in," he instructed, pushing aside the unexpected thoughts lingering in his mind. Right now, Ember's well-being was all that mattered.
"Hello, doctor. Sorry for calling you so late," Adrien apologized as soon as the doctor arrived.
The doctor gave a reassuring nod before asking, "So, she is the patient? What happened to her?"
Adrien's gaze flickered to Ember, still lying unconscious on the bed. "She fainted in the rain. She was completely soaked," he explained, his voice tinged with concern.
The doctor sighed. "I'll examine her. You can wait outside."
"No," Adrien said firmly. "You can examine her while I'm here." His eyes never left Ember, worry evident in every fiber of his being.
The doctor studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright, you can stay."
With quiet efficiency, he checked Ember's pulse, temperature, and breathing. After a while, he leaned back slightly and said, "She's fine, but she has a slight fever. I have a feeling something is troubling her—perhaps emotional distress. That may be why she fainted. When she wakes up, she'll likely have a headache. I'll prescribe some medication for her."
"Thank you," Adrien said, relief flooding through him. Then, with a trace of impatience, he asked, "When will she wake up?"
"In a few hours," the doctor replied. "She'll probably be hungry when she does, so make sure she eats something light."
Adrien turned toward the door and called for the maid. As she entered, he instructed, "Prepare a light meal for her."
"Understood," the maid replied before hurrying off to the kitchen.
Once they were alone again, Adrien sat beside Ember, his expression softening as he watched her sleep. She looked peaceful, yet something about her furrowed brows told him otherwise. Reaching out, he gently brushed a few strands of hair away from her face.
"She's sleeping, but I can tell it's not a restful sleep. I don't know what happened to her, but I do know one thing—the person responsible for this is that bastard," Adrien muttered under his breath.
As if in response to his words, Ember suddenly trembled. Her breathing grew uneven, and her lips parted in soft, desperate murmurs.
"Emir… Emir, why did you do this? Why did you hide it from me? Am I just a plaything to you that you won't even tell me the truth?"
Adrien's heart clenched at the pain in her voice. Her hand tightened around his, as if clinging to something—someone—who was slipping away.
Gently, he patted her head, trying to soothe her. "Shh, it's okay… You're safe now," he whispered.
Slowly, her trembling subsided, and her grip loosened. Adrien exhaled a quiet sigh of relief.
A sudden knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Sir, it's me," the driver called from outside.
Adrien carefully withdrew his hand from Ember's and stood up. "Yes?" he replied, stepping out so she wouldn't wake.
The driver handed him a phone. "Sir, this is madam's phone. She left it on the street."
Adrien took it, his brows knitting together. "Thank you. It's late—you should get some rest."
As the driver left, Adrien glanced down at the device. It was locked.
He hesitated before trying a few passwords—"Ember," then "Dylan." Neither worked.
A thought struck him. With a deep breath, he typed "Emir."
The phone unlocked instantly.
Adrien froze.
Why would her password be his friend's name?
His confusion deepened when he noticed the phone's wallpaper—a picture of Dylan. His mind raced with questions. "Why is she tracking someone under Emir's name? What's going on here?"
Determined to find answers, he opened the call log, searching for any contact that might lead him to the truth.
At Dylan's House-
Nana's eyes widened as she saw Ember sprinting towards the door. She called out to stop her, but it was too late. Ember was already gone—barefoot, drenched in tears, and running as if the weight of the world was chasing her.
Panicked, Nana rushed to Dylan's room, her breath coming in sharp gasps. She banged on the door. "Dylan! That girl… huff… Ember! She ran away from the house!"
The door flew open, revealing a startled Dylan. "What happened, Nana? Calm down and tell me."
Nana clutched her chest, trying to steady her breathing. "That girl, Ember—she ran out of the house! I saw her eyes filled with tears. I called out to her, but she didn't even notice me. I tried to follow her, but I couldn't keep up. She ran toward the street."
Dylan's heart sank. Without another word, he bolted outside into the storm, the cold rain pelting his skin. Every step he took, his mind raced faster than his feet.
"Why did she run like that? She doesn't know anyone here except me. What if something happens to her? It's late… and the rain is so heavy..."
Fumbling with his phone, he called his butler, "Mr. Feng, search for her. Check everywhere you can!"
Desperation clawed at his chest as he combed through the empty streets, calling her name. The rain blurred his vision, but nothing mattered more than finding Ember. Hours passed, and with a sinking heart, he returned home, hoping—praying—that she had come back.
But as soon as he stepped inside, he knew the answer. She wasn't there.
Nana rushed toward him, worry etched on her face. "Dylan, you're soaked. Go change before you catch a cold."
"I'll do it later. Right now, finding Ember is more important," he muttered, his voice hollow. His wet footsteps echoed down the hallway as he made his way to Ember's room.
When he entered, the emptiness nearly knocked the breath out of him.
The bedsheet was missing. Her belongings were scattered across the floor. The room felt abandoned, like a place someone had left in a hurry—like a place she had no intention of returning to.
"Why did she leave like this? And why was she crying?"
The questions gnawed at his mind. He sat on the edge of the bed, running a trembling hand through his soaked hair, his thoughts drowning in regret. Then, through the blur of his exhaustion, something caught his eye—a magazine lying by the bedside.
He picked it up, and as soon as his gaze landed on the page, his entire world shattered.
His own face stared back at him.
Not Emir. Dylan.
She knew.
A sharp pang of realization struck him like lightning. "So, she found out I was lying to her… She knows I'm not Emir. My real name is Dylan."
The magazine slipped from his hands, landing with a soft thud on the floor. His last shred of hope crumbled, and he sank down beside it, his body folding in on itself.
Reaching for his phone, his fingers shook as he called Butler Feng. "Go to the police station. Get the CCTV footage from that street. I need to know where she went."
His mind was in turmoil, thoughts spinning like a hurricane. "She doesn't even know the native language… Where could she go? What if she's lost? Or worse—" He shut his eyes tightly, forcing the thought away.
Dragging himself toward the window, he leaned against the cold glass, his breath fogging up the surface.
"What a fool I've been… I should've told her the truth. She told me she liked me, and instead of being honest, I lied. I'm so sorry, Ember… so, so sorry."
The weight of his guilt pressed down on him, suffocating. His vision blurred—not from the rain outside, but from the tears he couldn't hold back any longer. A broken sob escaped his lips as he buried his face in his hands, the storm inside him far worse than the one outside.
Then—
A message notification chimed.
Dylan's breath hitched. His hands trembled as he reached for his phone.
Could it be her?