When the Sun Sets on Yesterday’s Love Novel – Under the spotlight, Ethan Wyatt gave away what should have been my endorsement deal to his first love, treating it as a reunion gift. “Hailey, Serena needs this title more than you do.” Eight years of secret love, four years of a hidden relationship. I spent my youth helping him build his empire, yet he casually handed away the project I’d poured three months of blood, sweat, and tears into. On that rainy night when stomach cramps left me writhing in pain, I called him, only to hear him tenderly coaxing someone else. To me, he had just one cold sentence. “Get lost. Don’t bother me.” That moment, I finally understood. In his heart, I wasn’t even qualified to compete for his affection. I didn’t cry or make a scene. I burned every memory of him and canceled my phone number.
Ethan Wyatt, I’m done playing the fool for love. Hailey POV The Starlight Awards venue was ablaze with intersecting spotlights and bustling energy. I sat in the VIP section of the front row, my flawless makeup glowing under the lights. As a top beauty influencer with over thirty million followers, I deserved this attention. But at that moment, my racing heart was because of another man. Ethan Wyatt, CEO of Wyatt Corporation. Today marked the fourth anniversary of our secret relationship and the eighth year I’d loved him in silence. Before coming here, Ethan’s assistant had hinted that tonight, Wyatt Corporation’s luxury cosmetics brand “Mystique” would announce me as their first global ambassador. This wasn’t just the ultimate validation of my career. It was Ethan’s special promise to me.
On stage, Ethan stood in his custom-tailored suit, noble and aloof, his features radiating decisive coldness. He gripped the microphone, his deep voice resonating throughout the venue. “Tonight, I will announce Mystique’s global ambassador.” I took a deep breath, unable to suppress the slight curve of my lips. “She is… Serena Mitchell.” A crash echoed in my mind as the taut string inside me snapped instantly, the smile freezing on my face. The venue erupted in applause, but I couldn’t hear anything anymore. Serena Mitchell? That ex-girlfriend who’d occupied a corner of Ethan’s heart for years but had decisively left for abroad four years ago? The spotlight instantly swung to the other side of the audience. Serena, in a white dress like a pure swan, rose amid gasps from the crowd, lifted her skirt hem, and walked onto the stage.
Her eyes reddened as she threw herself into Ethan’s arms. And that man who always had a severe case of mysophobia and maintained cold distance. He didn’t push her away. Instead, he naturally wrapped his arm around her waist, his eyes showing a tenderness I’d never seen in four years. “Serena just came back. This endorsement is my gift to her.” Ethan spoke into the microphone, his tone dripping with affection. The crowd below erupted. Media flashbulbs went crazy. Everyone marveled at Mr. Wyatt’s devotion, but no one noticed that I, sitting in the front row, had lost all color in my face. My pride in staying composed shattered in that instant. For this endorsement, I’d worked nonstop for three months, turned down all other brand collaborations, and even created countless free promotional reviews for “Mystique.” Ethan knew exactly how important this endorsement was to me.
But the moment Serena returned, all my efforts became a joke. After the event ended, I don’t know how I made it to the VIP lounge backstage. I pushed open the door to find Ethan bent over, adjusting the hem of Serena’s dress. Hearing the sound, Ethan straightened up, his expression instantly reverting to its usual coldness. “Hailey? Perfect timing. Serena just got back and isn’t familiar with the beauty industry here yet. Half of those top-tier resources you have. Transfer them to her team first.” His tone was flat, as if discussing the weather. My fingernails dug into my palms as I fought to keep my voice from trembling.
“Mr. Wyatt, we already signed a letter of intent for the Mystique endorsement.” Ethan frowned slightly, seemingly displeased by my lack of understanding. “Serena needs this title more than you to break into the market. You’re already top-tier. One less endorsement won’t affect you much. Be good. Don’t make a fuss.” Be good. Don’t make a fuss. Those words were like a dull knife, sawing back and forth across my heart. Looking at Ethan’s matter-of-fact expression, I suddenly found these eight years of feelings absurdly laughable.