And here I was, on my thirtieth birthday, watching my love story flatline.
——
I glanced at my phone, keeping my expression perfectly neutral.
One hour ago, Ferdinand had sent me a message.
"After careful consideration, I don't think it's the right time to go public with our relationship."
Why exactly one hour ago.
Was he really still hung up on Vera Summers?
But in all these years, he had never once mentioned her name.
If the fans were just spinning fantasies, Ferdinand would set the record straight. Wouldn't he?
After all, the last time a tabloid reporter caught me getting out of his car, his team had issued a statement within minutes.
"She is a friend of a colleague who was simply offered a ride. Please refrain from speculation."
Whenever I brought up how much it hurt, he'd let out that weary sigh of his.
"Jade, my career is different. Any exposure of my personal life could compromise my credibility."
I told him I was a public figure too.
He smiled, and something unreadable flickered behind it.
"It's not the same."
He was the face of Channel 5, untouchable behind his golden reputation. I was an influencer who lived and died by clicks.