I used to think keeping us secret was romantic.
Like our own quiet rebellion against the world, something precious no one else could ruin.
But standing there in that cold hotel suite in Seoul, I realized secrecy was just the perfect cover for betrayal.
When Jake walked in, rain dripping from his hair, I didn't even give him a second to settle.
My voice was shaking before i even spoke.
"Tell me it isn't true."
He froze. His eyes darted away.
I felt something crack in my chest.
"Jake," I pressed, voice hoarse, "tell me you didn't sleep with her."
He swallowed.
Hard.
"Margaux..."
I flinched. "Don't say my name like that."
For a second, the room was so quiet i could hear my own heart hammering.
The K-pop idol everyone adored.
The man i let in on every fear i had about fame, about being a Filipino actress loved all over Asia but still so alone at night.
We were supposed to understand this life.
We both agreed our relationship would stay private.
No dating scandals.
No tabloid leaks.
Cancel culture would eat us alive, he used to say.
And i believed him.
But now?
"It's Giselle Lim, isn't it?" I spat out. "All those late-night rehearsals and sudden trips to Beijing."
He shut his eyes, and that was enough answer.
I laughed then, ugly and broken. "God, you couldn't even bother lying?"
"Margaux, please. I didn't mean for—"
"Save it." My voice cracked.
"We hid everything for you. I lied to my friends. My team. My fans. I told them i was happy being single. I made you my secret because you were scared of losing your precious image."
He winced.
"But you weren't scared to lose me."
He stepped forward, but i recoiled.
"I'm done."
I turned, yanking the door open.
I didn't even bother grabbing my coat.
Let the Seoul winter freeze me.
Let the paparazzi see.
Let everyone speculate.
Because i wasn't going to hide anymore.
I wasn't going to be anyone's dirty secret again.