Seeing the impatience flicker across Annie’s face, Isolde, standing beside her, asked in confusion,"Is something wrong, Annie? You don’t look pleased."Not wanting to dampen Isolde’s mood, Annie forced a smile."It’s nothing, Mom. Just Sofia calling—furious over something trivial again. You know how she is—always losing her temper over the smallest things."At the mention of Sofia, a fleeting sadness crossed Isolde’s eyes."I’m sorry, Annie. Perhaps I spoiled her too much when she was little, and that’s why she grew up so arrogant and selfish."Seeing Isolde blame herself, Annie gently took her hand."It’s not your fault, Mom. That’s just who Sofia is. Let’s not waste our thoughts on her anymore.""Come on, let’s head to the hotel I booked. It’s a great place—I’m sure you’ll love it.""And after that, how about we go try the local specialties? Consider it a little celebration for our fresh start."—That afternoon,Finn and Mike were inspecting a nearby shopping center. Following the
At the same time,At a renowned charity gala, Finn and Sofia were just about to leave when a swarm of reporters suddenly surrounded them. Countless microphones were thrust in their direction as if everything had been meticulously arranged in advance. While Finn was still caught off guard, smiling in confusion, the corners of Sofia's lips curled into a faint smirk."Finn, Sofia, do you have any plans for marriage shortly?""We've heard that Sofia stayed by Finn's side, caring for him without fail when he was blind. When will the two of you tie the knot?""That's right! When will we have the honor of reporting on your wedding?"Suppressing her excitement, Sofia blinked and turned slightly toward Finn. Finn, of course, was utterly taken aback by the sudden turn of events. Just as he was about to respond, Sofia swiftly cut in."Thank you all for your concern for Finn and me," she said sweetly.Feigning shyness, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her delicate face turning a lovely
Sofia did not return home that entire night. At the same time, Finn was working overtime at the company.In the middle of the night, Max stepped into the office, lowered his head slightly, and spoke calmly."Your stepbrother, Hubert, said he had tried to contact you multiple times, but since you didn't respond, he came directly to the company to see you. He said that if we refused to let him in, he would wait outside until you finished work.""But don't worry," Max continued evenly. "I stood firm and didn't allow him inside. He had no choice but to wait out there.""The night is cold and dark, so after standing outside for about an hour, he couldn't endure it any longer."Max recounted the events with an air of indifference."But before he left, he was furious. He shouted that he would make you regret this. That he would ensure the one you love most would abandon you as well."Finn listened, already having an idea of what Hubert intended to do. But he couldn't be bothered to care."
By the afternoon, Sofia could no longer hold back. As the daughter of a wealthy family, she was used to being flattered and indulged-when had she ever needed to swallow her pride like this?Was Finn deliberately trying to make things difficult, hoping she would back off?How ridiculous. He would regret ever having such a foolish thought.Grinding her teeth in frustration, Sofia pushed herself up and stormed out of the waiting room. If Finn dared to provoke her, he had better be prepared to face the consequences.Just as she stepped out, she ran into Max. Seeing that she was finally leaving, Max let out a sigh of relief and was about to inform Finn-only to realize something was off.She wasn't heading toward the elevator to go downstairs. Instead, she was marching straight toward Finn's office.The moment he noticed this, panic surged through him. He quickly stepped forward to block her path."Sofia, where are you going? You're heading the wrong way-the elevator is to the left, not str
In Country A, Amber had just finished filming a scene for the day. Exhausted, she made her way to the break room. It was the peak of summer, and the sweltering heat left her glistening with sweat after even the smallest scene.“Amber, have some water. It’s lemonade—it’ll help cool you down,” Annie said gently as she approached, offering Amber a glass of lemonade she had prepared. It was light on ice and sugar—carefully adjusted to fit Amber’s strict diet.Amber took the glass with a satisfied nod, offering Annie a brief word of thanks before collapsing onto a chair.“There are still two long scenes left to shoot. I honestly don’t know if I can keep going,” she pouted.“It’s scorching outside. I barely stepped out for a moment, and I was already drenched in sweat. I really can’t stand summer,” Amber sighed dramatically, sprawling out on the couch in exhaustion.Annie chuckled, settling beside her and offering a few words of encouragement.“Come on now, push through. Didn’t you say you
Amber walked into the grand party with unwavering confidence, Annie right by her side. Just as Annie had mentioned earlier, the venue was brimming with influential figures-wealthy investors, renowned directors, and famous actors.After all, the new film in which Amber had landed a supporting role boasted an enormous budget, attracting some of the biggest names in the industry. It was no surprise that tonight's guest list was filled with power players.With practiced elegance, Amber moved through the crowd, greeting people with a charming smile. Her striking appearance didn't go unnoticed, and to her satisfaction, she was met with warm receptions.Once she had exchanged pleasantries, Amber gracefully took her seat. As a supporting actress, she had been assigned to a more secluded corner of the venue, away from the limelight. But she didn't mind-tonight wasn't about stealing attention. Her goal was simple: to make connections and leave a lasting impression.Before long, the room filled
Not only Amber, but Annie also felt so disgusted that she nearly gagged.She never expected that a seemingly dignified man like Mark could be so shameless-far beyond her worst expectations.Annie looked sidelong at Amber and saw her face flush red with fury. Then, she pointed straight at Mark, her lips curling into a sneer."You want to sleep with my assistant?"Her voice rang out, loud and clear, instantly drawing the crowd's attention. Then, with deliberate ease, she turned her gaze back to Mark."Keep dreaming. Take a good look at yourself first."Amber scoffed."A man old enough to be our uncle, looking as terrible as you do... Even if I were a fool, I'd never agree to let my assistant spend a single moment with someone as old, ugly, and disgraceful as you."Her words were merciless.As expected, Mark trembled with rage, unable to maintain his composure any longer. His hand shot up, finger jabbing toward Amber as he bellowed:"Do you even realize what you just said? Do you have an
While Annie was living a peaceful life in Country A, things were far from tranquil back home.Sofia had endured Finn's cold demeanor for quite some time, but she could no longer bear it. She had to find a way to close the distance between them, to accelerate their relationship-only then could she hasten their marriage. The sooner they were wed, the fewer uncertainties she would face. After all, Calliope had been reminding her incessantly: she had to win Finn over, tread carefully, and ensure he would never grow tired of her and cast her aside.Under mounting pressure, Sofia made a less-than-wise decision.That evening, as she waited for Finn to return from work, she lounged on the sofa, as usual, giving orders to Keelin."Wash some strawberries for me. And make sure to pick only the sweet ones-I can't stand anything sour."She crossed her legs idly, reclining on the plush cushions, waiting for Keelin to bring her the fruit. When she finally saw the maid approach, Sofia smirked."All r
Annie glanced at Finn before they both hurried inside. She hadn't even had the chance to press the doorbell when Sofia swung the door open, her face a mixture of panic and worry."Annie, Finn, you're here. I was really so worried," she exclaimed, voice trembling slightly.Annie stepped in, her eyes sweeping around the house. Noticing the absence of anyone else, she looked at Sofia with a hint of suspicion."Where are the police? Why are you here alone?"Sofia's pale face revealed a flicker of discomfort. Clearing her throat, she replied somewhat awkwardly,"They came and searched the area. When they didn't find anything suspicious or dangerous, they left."A spark of surprise flashed across Annie's eyes."That quickly...?"Before she could dwell on it further, Sofia swiftly changed the subject."Thank goodness you and Finn made it in time. I honestly don't know what I would've done otherwise. You have no idea-just a little while ago, I even heard someone trying to enter the wrong pass
"I'll ask one more time-who is he?"Finn frowned, repeating his question with a sharp edge, clearly irritated by Annie's stunned silence. But Annie, still frowning deeply, only stared at him in confusion.Thankfully, Nathan reacted swiftly. He pulled Finn's hand away from Annie and stepped in front of her protectively, his eyes fixed on Finn with wary intensity."And who the hell are you to ask?" Nathan shot back. "As far as I know, she doesn't have a boyfriend or a husband. So what gives you the right to control her?"The easygoing air Nathan had carried before was now gone, replaced by a cold, guarded demeanor. He didn't forget to gently pat Annie's hand in reassurance either-an action that only fueled Finn's growing anger.By now, Annie had regained some of her composure. She leaned slightly forward, giving Finn a displeased look."That's exactly what I was about to ask you." Her voice was cool, clipped."Who are you? What right do you have to interfere in my business?"She couldn'
Annie stared in shock, her voice rising with concern."Why are you suddenly kneeling? Did something happen?"Indeed, Sofia's unexpected gesture had startled her, and her tone had a hint of urgency.Sofia, however, merely curved her lips into a faint smile, one laced with sorrow."Annie, will you please grant my request? I beg you."Annie stepped forward, trying to help her up, but Sofia remained kneeling, unmoved. Her face was pale, and tears welled in her eyes-she looked pitiful, almost heartbreakingly so."Alright. But stand up first and explain everything. Don't just kneel like that without reason."Only then did Sofia slowly rise to her feet, though her voice still trembled with sobs as she spoke, word by word."Don't mention Finn again. I think... he's figured out there's something different between us. That's why, not long after you left, his attitude towards me suddenly turned cold and distant."What Sofia said left Annie stunned. She hadn't expected it - that Finn would be so
Sofia tilted her chin toward the bar, speaking with a calm air."Same as last time. I'll treat you to a few drinks."She fell silent for a moment as if recalling something unpleasant, before continuing,"But don't worry-nothing like that will happen again."Her voice had dropped to a barely audible murmur, and Hubert couldn't help but chuckle. He raised an eyebrow at her and let out a low "Oh?", finding her rather adorable at that moment.True to her word, their conversation was more serious this time. Hubert had overheard a few harsh words from the man earlier, enough to piece together some context, so Sofia no longer tried to hide anything."Right now, I'm fighting against my stepmother. It's been a long time since I last went home," she admitted. "But my stepmother and father aren't ready to let me go."Sofia took a sip of her drink, bitterness flickering across her face."The company's finances are in trouble, and they're too impatient to wait for a real solution. They wanted me
A few days passed.Sofia had been caught up dealing with the financial loopholes in her father's company, leaving her with no time to meet Annie. Meanwhile, Annie was equally consumed by her own work and assisting Amber with her new film shoot, barely sparing a thought for Sofia.As for seeking Finn's help with the financial issues-Sofia knew full well it wasn't an option. If she brought it up now, there was a real chance their relationship would reach an impasse. Annie had already returned home; Sofia no longer had many means to keep close contact with Finn.What's more, if Finn truly wished to bestow Annie with the title of fiancée, then surely, he would be all the more eager to see Sofia make a mistake. That way, he could pursue Annie openly and justifiably, making them a rightful couple in everyone's eyes.And that was the outcome Sofia feared the most.So, when it came to this matter, she was as good as lost-on the verge of losing her mind. At times like these, she often ended up
After giving Finn a quick reminder, Mike smirked and told him to wait outside. Then, straightening his collar with a calm, confident air, he cleared his throat and stepped into the room."Everyone, may I have your attention for a moment? I have something to announce," Mike called out, his voice carrying easily across the space.Once he was certain all eyes-including Annie's-were on him, he continued in a bold, theatrical tone."Today, my friend, the CEO of a very well-known company-you've definitely heard of it-Company X happens to be in the area."He paused deliberately for effect."He decided to drop by and visit me. And not just that-he's generously sponsoring lunch and afternoon tea for all of us during the shoot. Let's give a warm welcome to my friend, Finn!"Mike's playful tone lifted the mood instantly, drawing laughter and applause from the crew. He sneaked a glance at Annie, and sure enough, caught a flicker of unease on her face-her complexion paled slightly, her expression
After standing dazed on the balcony, Annie finally gathered herself. She let out a soft sigh and stepped back inside, only to find that Isolde had already been awake for quite some time. The girl blinked at her, voice gentle."You're up early. Is it because you have a shoot today and need to prepare?"Annie nodded, yawning lazily. She reminded Isolde to call her if anything happened at home, and only after the girl nodded in agreement did she start getting ready to leave.Isolde followed her downstairs and made a simple breakfast of sandwiches and warm milk. The two of them sat down to eat together. During their quiet meal, Isolde asked softly,"Who were you on the phone with this morning? You didn't look too well afterward."Isolde was an observant soul. With just one glance, she could sense Annie's unease. Annie didn't try to hide it and confessed honestly-Sofia had called, asking to meet and talk about Finn."Sofia knows what you've been through and still wants to meet? Is she tryi
Hubert's teasing remark brought a flush to Sofia's cheeks. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, she heard a soft chuckle escape his lips."What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?"His voice dropped to a lower, more serious register."Or... are you regretting having a one-night stand with me? After all, you're still Finn's fiancée. Now that you've slept with me, are you feeling guilty... repenting for your betrayal?"Sofia seemed lost in thought, her expression dazed, and Hubert gave a faint, mocking smile. But she shook her head and replied with quiet sincerity."No. I'm just trying to remember exactly how... we ended up sleeping together last night."Her tone was honest. Though she often drank, she had never once gone so far as to do something reckless. And now, thinking back on what had happened the night before still left her stunned.Hubert scoffed."Isn't it obvious? You just couldn't resist my charm. It's perfectly understandable."He said it carelessly
"Are you really okay? That man was quite rude earlier," Hubert said, his eyes falling on Sofia's arm-still red and tender from the encounter. Concern laced his voice.Sofia forced a small smile, trying to appear unfazed."I'm really fine. And... thank you for today."Though their relationship had never been particularly close-and in truth, Sofia hadn't always treated Hubert with the respect he deserved-this time, she was genuinely grateful.Without him, she didn't even dare to imagine how things might have turned out."I'm glad you're okay," Hubert said gently. "But it's dangerous for a woman to go to a bar alone. Why didn't you ask a friend to come with you?"His question was casual, almost offhanded. Sofia shrugged and replied that she didn't like going out with others. Hubert didn't press further-just offered a soft, easy smile."Well then, do you mind if I join you for a few more drinks? After all, I did help you out with something pretty serious. Asking for a few drinks in return