The Fall from Grace

Author's Notes: Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.

The morning light streamed through the curtains, but for Zi Yan, there was no warmth in it. She sat on the edge of her bed, her phone in hand, scrolling through the endless flood of news articles and social media posts. Each headline was sharper than the last.

"Zi Yan's Secret Night with a Mysterious Man—A Fallen Star?"

"Guo Bao Ends Engagement with Zi Yan—Calls Her 'Disgusting'"

"Zi Yan's Career Over? Sponsors Cut Ties After Scandal"

Her fingers trembled, but she forced herself to keep reading.

Even her fans—people who once admired her—were turning against her.

"I used to love her, but this is too much."

"She betrayed Guo Bao! He deserves better."

"She's nothing without her good-girl image. Now we see the truth."

Zi Yan let out a slow breath, her heart heavy.

She had expected backlash. She had prepared herself for betrayal.

But this…

This was worse than she imagined.

A sharp knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

She looked up, hesitating before walking over. The moment she opened it, her agent, Li Na, stepped inside, her expression unreadable.

"We need to talk," Li Na said, closing the door behind her.

Zi Yan crossed her arms. "I already know what you're going to say."

Li Na's lips pressed into a thin line. "Then I'll save my breath. The reality is simple—your reputation is in pieces. No company wants to be associated with you. Your endorsements are gone. Even your upcoming drama is reconsidering your role."

Zi Yan's stomach twisted. "I haven't done anything wrong."

Li Na sighed. "That doesn't matter. The industry isn't fair, Zi Yan. Public opinion is everything, and right now, you're losing."

Zi Yan clenched her fists. "So what are you suggesting? That I give up?"

Li Na studied her for a moment. Then, she shook her head. "No. But you need to act fast. If you want to survive this, you have to fight back—hard."

Zi Yan's heart pounded.

She had always been strong, always fought for her place. But this time, it wasn't just about her career. It was about revenge.

And the first step was confronting the people who had done this to her.

Zi Yan arrived at Guo Bao's company building without hesitation.

Security recognized her, but no one stopped her—perhaps out of shock, or perhaps because they were curious to see what would happen.

As she marched through the grand lobby, whispers followed her.

"Is that Zi Yan?"

"She actually dared to come here?"

"Didn't Guo Bao dump her?"

Zi Yan ignored them, heading straight for the elevator.

The doors slid open on the top floor, leading to Guo Bao's office.

She didn't bother knocking.

She pushed the door open, stepping inside.

And there, sitting comfortably on the leather couch, was Wang Yin—perched on Guo Bao's lap, her arms draped around his shoulders like she belonged there.

Zi Yan's breath caught for a brief second.

Then, fury surged through her veins.

Wang Yin smirked, tilting her head. "Oh? What a surprise. Did you come to beg, Zi Yan?"

Guo Bao's lips curled into a sneer. "You should leave. You're embarrassing yourself."

Zi Yan stepped forward, her voice cold. "Was it fun? Setting me up? Watching me fall?"

Wang Yin's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Oh, it was more than fun. It was perfect."

Guo Bao chuckled. "Did you actually think I loved you, Zi Yan? You were just convenient. A clean, innocent image to make me look good. But now?" He scoffed. "You're a stain."

Something inside Zi Yan snapped.

She slapped Wang Yin across the face—hard.

The sharp sound echoed through the office.

Wang Yin gasped, her hand flying to her cheek, eyes wide with shock. "You—!"

But before she could speak, Zi Yan leaned in, her voice deadly calm.

"I won't forgive you."

Wang Yin's shock faded into laughter. "Forgive me? Oh, Zi Yan… you still don't get it, do you? You were never meant to rise."

Zi Yan's nails dug into her palms. No. I won't let them win.

She took a step back, her gaze burning. "Enjoy this moment while you can," she said quietly. "Because soon, I'll be the one laughing."

Then, without another word, she turned and walked out.

She could hear Wang Yin's mocking laughter behind her.

But it didn't matter.

This wasn't over.

The moment Zi Yan stepped out of the building, she pulled out her phone.

She had no proof of their setup yet. No way to clear her name.

But she still had one thing.

Lu Yichen.

His warning from the night before echoed in her mind.

"You want revenge, don't you?"

Zi Yan inhaled sharply, then dialed his number.

It rang only once before a deep, familiar voice answered.

"Miss Zi."

She gripped the phone tightly. "I need your help."

There was a pause, then a quiet chuckle. "I was waiting for your call."

Zi Yan's eyes darkened. "Let's make a deal."

Silence stretched between them for a moment. Then, Lu Yichen's voice came, low and knowing.

"Come to my office. Let's talk."

Zi Yan exhaled slowly.

This was the beginning of her counterattack.

And this time, she wouldn't be the one falling.

She would rise.