My Boyfriend Shot to Fame by Forging a Painting of Me Wearing Nothing

The sickly sweet conversation in the room continued as Hudson softened his voice, coaxing the person on the other end, “Alright, baby. Even though I painted her face, I was thinking of you the whole time. If it weren’t for the fear of others gossiping about you, I’d want to show everyone just how much we love each other.”

I froze. Earlier, when Gail sent me the link, I was so angry I hadn’t even looked closely.

I opened the image again, zoomed in, and realized the body in the painting wasn’t mine after all. There was a mole on the chest and no birthmark on the front of the thigh, unlike mine.

My stomach churned. I felt nothing but disgust. He had used my face on someone else’s body, disrespecting her and insulting me in the process.

Hudson was worried she might face criticism, but he never considered that I would be harassed online or cared about how I would feel. Furthermore, as a small but notable content creator, I was under even more public scrutiny.

I stood frozen, my heart aching dully. My eyes stung, but no tears would come.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Hudson walked out. He was startled to see me, a flicker of guilt flashing in his eyes, but he quickly composed himself, pretending nothing was wrong.

Like before, he tried to wrap his arms around my waist and kiss me, but I pushed against his chest, stopping him in his tracks.

“Who were you on the phone with?” I looked directly into his eyes, still holding onto a shred of hope.

“No one, just a client,” he said, his eyes darting away. Then, his tone turned sharp as he lashed out at me instead, “Were you eavesdropping? Don’t you trust me?”

I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.

Why was it that a guilty man’s first instinct was always to blame the other person and then accuse them?

I didn’t take the bait or argue with him about that. I wanted to get to the point. “Why did you paint my image without my consent? Then display it publicly? And even give interviews about it?”

Hudson’s attitude softened immediately. He stepped closer, took my hand, and kissed it gently. “Because I love you, baby. I want every one of my achievements to have a piece of you in it.”

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but laugh, furious.

Did he really think I didn’t hear what he said on the phone just now? He respected his ex enough to use her body but slapped my face onto it. I had become part of their little game, taking the brunt of all the criticism and controversy for them.

Hudson looked at me with a seemingly sincere expression, his eyes feigning deep affection. “Besides, we’re about to get married. It doesn’t matter. I don’t mind these things.”

I flung his hand away and pushed him back with force. My face hardened, and I sneered coldly.

“Don’t you realize this will lead to me being harassed online? Do you even respect me?”

Hudson’s face showed his shock. He hadn’t expected me to react this way. Normally, after being moved by his sweet words, I’d be blushing and forgiving.

His temper flared again. He pointed downstairs toward our first-time studio customers, then pointed at me, his voice rising as he grew more agitated, “They don’t understand art, and neither do you? I thought you’d support my work, but instead, you’re making a fuss over something so trivial! You’re so immature, Piper!”

I stood there, stunned. It was as if I had never truly known him. Over these past two years, I hadn’t realized this was who he was.

I couldn’t find the words to respond. Taking a step back, I looked at his unfamiliar face, shook my head, and said quietly, “Let’s break up.”

Hudson’s expression twisted, appearing as a chaotic mix of emotions. He looked utterly shocked. He stepped closer to me. “You’re breaking up with me over this?”

I didn’t want to argue further. I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm forcefully.

“Do you think any other man would want you? With your current reputation? You’re already infamous!”