CHAPTER 1

"So, Ash, tell us about your newly released book?" The host looked at Ash with admiration, her gaze filled with warmth. The set was lit up with bright lights, and the audience was hanging onto every word.

Ash, a famous writer with a unique flair, sat comfortably in the plush chair across from the host. Her dark hair framed her face, and her sparkling eyes told a story of someone who was both confident and thoughtful. A slight smile tugged at her lips as she prepared to talk about her newest work, a novel she poured a great deal of emotion into.

"Well, it's about rebirth—something I've personally always wished for in life," Ash began, her voice calm but filled with passion.

"Just imagine being able to live again, to fix all the mistakes you made, to undo the pain you caused yourself and others. That would be incredible," she said, her words flowing effortlessly.

The host nodded thoughtfully, clearly intrigued. "Yeah, that sounds amazing." Ash smiled and shrugged her shoulders, enjoying the conversation.

"So, this is about Princess Ana, a kind and loving woman who would sacrifice anything for love but ends up betrayed by her family and the first prince. Then one day, she gets a chance to redo her life. She changes her decisions, becomes stronger, and falls in love again with the cold fourth prince," Ash explained, her eyes lighting up as she spoke. She waved to her fans in the audience, a mix of pride and humility in her expression.

"Rebirth, huh. So, do you have any regrets in life that you'd want to undo?"

The host leaned in, her curiosity piqued.

"This novel seems really special to you. It's your first time writing in this genre, after all."

Ash's smile faltered for a second, and she looked down at her hands. The question hit a little closer to home than she was prepared for.

But after a deep breath, she continued, her voice steady. "Yeah, this novel means a lot to me. It gives me hope. It helps me express emotions I've been keeping inside for a long time. Recently, I experienced betrayal, and I really hate that feeling," Ash confessed, her tone a little softer now.

The host leaned back in her chair, her expression one of understanding. "That's something a lot of people can relate to. Betrayal is painful." She nodded.

"The idea of rebirth is just… amazing to me. Honestly, if I could redo my life, I'd probably make different choices in my relationships. I wish I'd been with the person I truly loved, instead of someone I thought I should be with. Maybe things would be different today. Being in love is the best feeling, but it's completely different when you're not with the one you love."

Ash looked at her for a moment, her gaze softening. She couldn't help but feel a connection to the host's words. "Exactly," Ash murmured. "It's like being stuck in a dream, unable to reach the person you're meant to be with."

"Wow, that's deep. Are you a hopeless romantic, Ash?" The host teased, her tone lighthearted, trying to lift the mood.

"So, tell us about this so-called fourth prince. Is he someone you'd fall in love with?"

"Of course," Ash replied with a playful glint in her eyes. "He's the perfect man, someone I could see myself with for the rest of my life. If I met someone like him, I'd probably even court him myself." She bit her lip as a mischievous smile danced across her face.

The host chuckled, clearly entertained.

"You've definitely painted a picture of him that makes us all want to meet him! So, what makes him perfect? Is he the kind of man you dream of in real life?"

Ash paused for a moment, a more serious expression crossing her face. "He's strong, wise, and he doesn't waste his time with frivolous things. But more than that, he's someone who truly values loyalty and love. He's someone who would love you fiercely and protect you no matter the cost. He's... someone who can make you feel safe in a world that feels so uncertain," she said, her voice softening as she spoke about her character.

The host leaned in, clearly captivated by Ash's words. "You've certainly made him sound irresistible. Maybe we'll all be looking for our own 'fourth prince' after reading your book!"

Ash laughed, her mood lightening once again. "I hope so! But honestly, he's someone I imagine as the perfect partner, someone who can stand by my side, not just in the good times, but also in the bad. That's the kind of person I'd want to be with forever."

The host continued to ask questions about the book, leading Ash through discussions of her writing process, the themes of love and betrayal, and the complexity of her characters.

The show came to an end, and Ash turned her attention to her friend Jean, who had been sitting quietly in the back of the studio. Jean's worried expression didn't escape Ash's notice, and she smiled at her reassuringly, letting her know everything was fine.

But as the crowd surged with excitement, fans eager to take pictures with Ash and get a closer look at the famous author, Ash's smile faded. She tried her best to accommodate as many fans as she could, posing for pictures and signing books, but the chaos grew.

The crowd was excited but overwhelming. Ash's arms were scratched in the frenzy, and she felt the weight of the crowd pressing in on her.

Security finally stepped in and escorted her backstage, where she could breathe a little easier. Once in the privacy of her dressing room, Ash changed into more casual clothes—a simple cap and shades to help cover her identity—and signaled to Jean that it was time to leave. They both exited the building, and soon found themselves at a quiet bar away from the hustle and bustle. They entered a private room and started to drink, trying to unwind.

Jean looked at Ash with a mix of guilt and concern. "Ash, I'm so sorry. I wasn't there for you when you went through the darkest moment of your life. If I had known your cousin and that bastard Drake would hurt you like this, I wouldn't have left the country. We promised to always be there for each other, but I..." Jean's voice trailed off, the regret in her words heavy.

Ash smiled gently and reached out to hold Jean's hand. "Jean, I'm grateful you're still here, despite everything. If I had listened to you about Drake, maybe things would have turned out differently. Maybe I wouldn't be in this mess."

"It's not your fault, Ash," Jean protested, but Ash shook her head, cutting her off.

"Jean, I'm fine. Honestly, I don't care about those two anymore. Sure, their betrayal hurt, but in a way, they taught me a valuable lesson. I keep thinking about Jason, the person I loved but had to give up because of my parents. I was such a fool for letting go of someone I truly loved." Ash paused, her voice faltering as a single tear slipped down her cheek.

"Jason?" Jean asked, confused. "I thought you didn't like him."

"I thought I didn't, but as time passed, I realized that I did. When I saw my cousin and Drake kissing, I didn't feel betrayed because I loved Drake—I felt betrayed because they were both important to me. But honestly, I'm grateful, because that's when I realized I loved Jason. But..." Ash's voice cracked as tears began to flow freely.

"Jason is a good man, Ash. Don't worry. He loves you. Just tell him you love him too, and everything will be okay," Jean reasoned, trying her best to comfort her friend.

Ash suddenly pulled Jean into a tight hug, sobbing uncontrollably. "I... looked for him, but he... he's gone. He died."

Jean was stunned but quickly composed herself. She pulled Ash closer, offering her warmth and support as her friend cried, knowing there was little she could say to make it better.

"Didn't you notice my character in the novel?" Ash said, her voice shaky but earnest. "He's based on Jason—the same cold-hearted man who could only love one person until the end. Even though he's gone, I still want to feel his presence through my book."

Jean didn't know what to say. She simply nodded and stayed silent, allowing Ash to process her emotions in her own way.

"Love really can make a person crazy," Ash said, laughing bitterly to herself, her voice hoarse as she tried to stifle her tears.

"Sometimes, I think I'm losing my mind."

Jean could only watch as Ash continued drinking, trying to numb the pain. The alcohol seemed to take its toll, and soon, Ash's body became limp, her movements slow and uncoordinated.

Jean, thinking Ash was just drunk, reached out to steady her. But as she held Ash in her arms, she realized something was wrong. Ash's body felt unnaturally still, and her breathing was shallow, almost nonexistent. Panic surged through Jean's chest as she realized her friend was in serious trouble.

"Ash! Ash, wake up! Please don't do this, Ash! Wake up!" Jean cried, shaking Ash's shoulders, trying to rouse her.

But Ash didn't stir.

"Ash! Please!" Jean screamed, feeling the cold, heartbreaking reality set in. She clutched Ash tighter, praying it was all just a terrible mistake, but in her heart, she knew the truth.

"Ash"!