Chapter 3

As soon as I got home, Melody rushed over, touching my reddened eyes and asking anxiously, "Aria, what happened to your eyes? Did you fall when you went out? Finny, why didn't you protect Mom better?"

Finny seemed to understand, nudging her leg with his head in protest.

He protects Mom, protects her very well.

I smiled and told her everything that happened today. She was so angry she crushed her cup.

"How could Fintan treat you like that! If it weren't for you giving him your eyes, would he be where he is today?"

I didn't respond, just gave a bitter smile.

She sighed, her tone resigned: "Aria, haven't you ever thought about telling him about this? If he knew, he'd surely give you money."

I shook my head, saying to forget it.

Although I couldn't see their faces today, from their tone, Fintan must hate me intensely.

Besides, he's getting married soon. From their affectionate conversation, they must be very much in love.

I shouldn't disturb him anymore.

"Melody, let's not talk about him. Can you help me find a job?"

Since going blind, I've been living solely on the disability allowance from the community.

Three hundred dollars a month, just enough to buy some rice, oil, and flour to scrape by.

The biggest expense is Finny, but It's also the most worthwhile.I've considered going out to find a job, but during interviews, as soon as they saw the cane in my hand, I was promptly shown the door.

I had no options left.

My best friend sighed and recommended a job doing photoshoots for print media.

The requirements weren't high; I just needed to stand and strike a few poses.

The next day, I held the gossamer-thin clothing in my hands, hesitating.

"What are you spacing out for? Hurry up and change, don't hold up the schedule."

I responded, quickly sent a message to my best friend, and obediently changed.

During the shoot, the photographer kept making crude jokes at my expense. I gritted my teeth and endured it.

But when an arm wrapped around my waist, I completely fell apart, shoving him to the ground.

I didn't even grab my cane, running towards the door from memory, but tripped over the coffee table and fell to the floor.

Just as I was about to give up hope, the door was kicked open, and a shout came from outside: "Which idiot is using our shooting location?"

The photographer cursed under his breath, then quickly packed up his equipment and fled the scene.

They all ran away, leaving me alone, sprawled awkwardly on the floor.

I heard someone in high heels approaching me step by step. She crouched down and smoothed out the skirt that had ridden up around my waist.

"Miss Shaw, there are so many people here. It's not very appropriate to have your butt exposed like that."

It was Fallon.If she's here, does that mean Fintan is also... My face instantly starts to burn.

Sure enough, his mocking laughter rings out the next second.

"Aria, I was wondering why I hadn't seen you in our social circles lately... So you've been off making porn."

He scans my nearly naked body and says sarcastically, "I guess that pays better."

Fintan's words instantly reveal my identity to everyone on set.

All eyes fall on my exposed skin.

Then, the whole place erupts in mockery.

"Is she really Fintan's first love? How did she end up like this?"

"Isn't it obvious? She abandoned him when he was at his lowest point. This is karma."

"Dressed like that, aren't you ashamed? I thought this was a raid on a brothel."

...

Someone even throws a banana peel at me.

Fallon helps me up and drapes a coat over me, gently scolding them, "That's enough. She was someone Fintan loved, and she's blind. Don't go too far."

The mocking voices instantly stop.

Fintan pulls her back to his side, embracing her and saying affectionately, "Fallon, don't let her fool you."I've played opposite her for so many years, I know better than anyone whether her blindness is real or fake."

"From college until now, her acting has always been terrible."

I kept my head down without speaking, just reaching out blindly to feel around for the dog's leash.

Fintan let out a cold laugh, and a chorus of mocking voices rose up around us.

"You'd have to be pretty thick-skinned to still be faking it now. Miss, just call the dog's name and it'll come - no need to make such a production out of searching for the leash. So overdramatic."

"Everyone here is an actor. Who do you think you're fooling with these little tricks?"

"Come on, what kind of acting skills could a porn star have anyway? All you have to do is spread your legs."

...

I pretended not to hear, adjusting my coat and keeping my head down as I continued searching.

Fintan suddenly lost his temper, rushing over to grab my wrist as he snapped impatiently:

"Aria, why aren't you saying anything? Do we need to pay you to open your mouth too?"

"Why are you acting all high and mighty? The only reason you're here to shoot this kind of film is for the money, isn't it?"