[BL] Dear Hushand, I want divorce-Chapter 24: Blacklisted Actor

Ash’s pov ;

Fuck!

My back is killing me.

I can’t even move my legs without trembling and my entire body is sore. "Oww..."

I tried to lift myself from the bed, but it was a struggle. How could that bastard leave for work completely fine and leave me alone in this miserable state?

It seemed like, he purposely went hard on me last night. I shouldn’t have provoked him, but the look on his face was priceless, so it was worth it.

I looked at the clock, and my eyes widened when I realized how late it was. I had slept through the alarm, and it was already noon.

"Crap!" I hurriedly got dressed and headed out to the company.

Elijah told me to take a leave but I don’t want to give him any excuse to bully me later.

As soon as I arrived I spotted the elevator just in time and dashed towards it. But as the doors slid open, I froze.

Elijah was already inside, leaning casually against the wall, his usual stern expression on his face. Daniel, the ever-professional secretary, stood by his side, with an equally serious expression.

Our eyes for a while and I stepped inside, trying to mask my discomfort. The doors closed, sealing me in the confined space with both of them.

For a moment, the elevator hummed in silence. I focused on the floor numbers while avoiding Elijah’s gaze.

But he would be damned if he could keep his mouth shut. He finally broke the silence and asked. "Didn’t I tell you to rest? Why are you here?"

I ignored him and continued to stare at the floor numbers.

"Did you hear what I just said?" he demanded, more firmly this time, I could hear the slight annoyance in his voice.

"I’m fine and perfectly capable of working," I snapped, finally looking up to meet his gaze.

This piece of shit, how dare he treat me like a weakling?

He narrowed his eyes and took a step closer, the proximity making me tense.

"How’s your back this morning?"

My face turned crimson instantly and I shot a glare at him, who looked back at me with an infuriatingly calm smile.

"Fine," I muttered through gritted teeth, though my mind replayed the events of last night in vivid detail. Damn him!

Daniel remained silent, his eyes fixed on the elevator doors, but I could sense his awareness. The secretary’s presence only added to my humiliation.

God, I wish the floor could swallow me whole.

Elijah stepped closer, his shoulder brushing against mine. "You seem a bit stiff though. Maybe I should’ve gone easier on you."

My heart did a flip, and I tried to control my breathing. His scent enveloped me, and I sucked in a breath, resisting the urge to lean in closer.

"Don’t flatter yourself too much," I said, trying to sound indifferent. "You weren’t that tough."

He chuckled playfully while his hand reached up to cup my chin. "Oh really?"

My body went rigid at the touch. He tilted my head up, and I was forced to meet his gaze, those cold, blue eyes piercing through me.

I shuddered, the intensity of his gaze making my knees weak. I could feel his hand tracing the curve of my neck, sending sparks down my spine.

What the fuck he’s doing? Doesn’t he know Daniel is also here?

I pushed him away, trying to regain my composure.

"Fuck off, Elijah," I snapped furiously.

He laughed at my disruption and leaned back against the elevator wall, crossing his arms.

"Whatever," he replied, his voice laced with amusement.

I stood in silence, fidgeting with my fingers nervously.

As the elevator slowed, I prayed for the doors to open faster. Elijah wasn’t done, though. He leaned in, voice low and intimate. "I hope you weren’t too sore to finish that report I asked for. I’d hate to think I was too demanding."

My mind flashed with murderous thoughts. "It’s done."

"Good," He smirked, checking me up and down. "You always did know how to please."

The elevator dinged and the doors slid open. He stepped out first before I could give him a summer slam, giving me a disgustingly horny look over his shoulder. As he did, he let his hand slip down and grab my ass, giving it a firm squeeze.

"See you in the meeting, dear little actor."

My face burned with rage and embarrassment. Daniel followed him, his posture perfectly straight, though I caught a fleeting glance of something in his eyes—pity, perhaps, or understanding.

As I exited the elevator, Elijah’s voice called back. "Oh, and little actor? Maybe next time we can try something...less strenuous."

My insides burned with anger, imagining a dozen ways to murder him as I straightened my tie and walked towards my desk.

What a fucking asshole.

Just wait till I get my hands on you.

Moments later, I was standing by the coffee machine, waiting for it to finish brewing when I overheard two colleagues talking excitedly near the window.

"Did you hear? Elijah’s company is going to produce a new drama," one of them said. "My Heart is Yours".

"What’s the drama about?" another one asked curiously.

"It’s about a couple, one’s an actor and the other is a surgeon. They are having relationship issues. The surgeon thinks the actor is cheating on him with his co-star. And the actor is getting tired of his over-jealous boyfriend."

I rolled my eyes. That sounds like a typical soap opera. I hope it won’t be a trashy drama.

"Oh. Well, if that’s the case, then it’ll probably be a hit."

"We’re lucky to have Mr. Stone as the CEO."

"Yeah, no kidding."

"Anyway, have you heard who’s going to star in the drama?"

"Who is it?"

"The main lead is going to be Benji," the other added with clear enthusiasm.

"Really?! Are you serious?!? That’s so awesome! He’s the hottest actor in the industry right now!"

"Yeah, I know, right? I’m so excited. Can’t wait to see him on screen."

Benji? Did Elijah choose him? He clearly knows for how long Benji is my rival.

I gritted my teeth. That fucker. He really wanted to get on my nerves.

My grip on the coffee mug tightened. Elijah’s company is known for sponsoring up-and-coming actors and existing artists and turning them into stars. For actors, being sponsored by Elijah’s company was akin to having a golden ticket. With his reputation among directors and producers, anyone who joined his company was almost guaranteed to become a household name.

Benji and I had a long history. We started in the industry around the same time and had always been rivals. We competed for the same roles, and although I often came out on top, Benji’s jealousy towards me was no secret. He would go out of his way to undermine me, spreading rumors and trying to sabotage my auditions. Despite his efforts, I managed to land better roles, which only fueled his resentment.

The news of Elijah offering Benji a leading role puzzled me. Why would Elijah choose Benji, of all people? I couldn’t help but feel a surge of jealousy and confusion. Why him? Was this Elijah’s way of tormenting me further? ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

I felt a pang of sadness. I couldn’t act anymore. Not after the scandal. In the aftermath, I publicly announced a long break from acting, but the truth was much darker. Elijah had blacklisted me from his company, ensuring that no one would offer me a role. No director or producer would dare to go against Elijah’s decision.

Elijah’s company was the big fish in the industry. With their resources and connections, they could make or break an actor’s career. Their productions were always high-quality and guaranteed exposure, making them the most sought-after sponsors. Elijah himself had a sterling reputation for being able to identify and cultivate talent, turning unknowns into superstars. His influence was unparalleled, and his approval was a stamp of success in the acting world.

But I was on his blacklist. And that meant I was effectively out of the industry. No offers, no auditions, nothing. My career was in a deadlock, and Elijah held all the power.

As I poured my coffee, I couldn’t shake the bitter taste of envy. Benji was getting the opportunity of a lifetime while I was stuck in this office, getting my dreams shattered by Elijah’s hatred.

I wondered what Benji had done to deserve such a chance. Had he groveled to Elijah? Or was it something else?

Elijah’s reputation among directors and producers is impeccable. He was seen as a kingmaker, and his company was the throne. I had once been in his favour, climbing the ranks, and earning awards. But now, I was just a name on his blacklist, forgotten and ignored.

Taking a sip of my coffee, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of loss. Acting has been my passion, my life. Now, it was just a dream out of reach, controlled by a man who seemed to delight in my downfall.

As I stood there, my mind raced with thoughts of the past and present. Should I swallow my pride and ask Elijah to take me off the blacklist? The very idea made me sick. Elijah would never do it. He’d probably humiliate me just for asking. That bastard enjoyed having this power over me.

Suddenly, a hand clicked its fingers in front of my face, jolting me out of my thoughts.

I blinked, and Ryder’s cheeky face came into view. Ryder, Elijah’s close friend and business partner, always had a way of getting under everyone’s skin.

"Earth to Ash! Anyone home?" Ryder grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief.