3I woke the following day on a hotel bed.Jack was in slumber right beside me.The past three years had not left any traces on his face. His chiseled features looked divine even in his sleep.I jumped out of bed and rummaged through the pile of clothes on the floor for my phone, which was brimming with notifications.My manager, Julia, had sent me a series of messages. "Tiana, have you rekindled your romance with Jack?""Did you two head to a hotel?""Do you know that the two of you were caught entering the same hotel? Return to the company as soon as you see this!"I opened my social media accounts and noted that the news was not trending. The photographer did not wish to leak the news yet, which meant he probably wanted money.I thought to myself, "This is good news. I'll have more bargaining chips."I balanced myself on sore legs as I turned and made eye contact with a calm gaze.Slightly stunned, I gathered my thoughts by lounging on the sofa next to me, legs crossed, a
5Begin anewHe articulated those words so effortlessly.I fought to regain my composure and countered,"Mr. Cameron, you'll have to show some sincerity if you insist on rekindling our relationship. I no longer have interest in all that you used to offer me."Jack fixed me with an unwavering stare as he asked, "What do you want?"My eyes crinkled and I smirked, "I haven't been a luxury brand ambassador."During my arduous climb to the top without Jack, I had representative works that brought me critical acclaim. My accolades earned me a steady foothold in the entertainment industry.However, I was still lacking in terms of media sponsorship compared to those with the proper connections.Jack reacted swiftly. By the following week, he had arranged for a meetup between me and a jewelry sponsor.I recognized Jack's car upon exiting the production set.With one decisive motion, I entered his car.Jack briefed me as he drove, "We're meeting with Tiffany and Co. today. It's one o
7His lips tightened into a thin line while his brooding eyes darkened.I leaned forward and inched toward his face.My bathrobe slipped and revealed my bare shoulders.Our breaths mingled in the proximity and he shot me a single glance before hooking my chin to press his lips against mine.He had never been a talkative person.I had once acted alongside a co-actor who took advantage of me by purposefully messing up our kissing scenes.If I tried to dodge him, he would complain to the director, "How am I supposed to act properly if Tiana keeps avoiding me?"Once the cameras stopped rolling, his attitude became scornful and he had leered, "Your lips have been kissed by so many men, it disgusts me."I stared at him defiantly and snapped, "Well, so were you trying to experience kissing a man by incessantly smashing your lips against mine?"He had been about to strike me when Jack, who happened to drop by our set, seized his hand.The male lead was promptly replaced the next day
9I was hospitalized for more than a week.On the day that I was discharged from the hospital, Jack was driving me home when he received a call.His brows furrowed, "Okay, I'll head back."I turned to face him, "Some urgent matters cropped up?"Jack nodded."You should go and settle them. Just drop me off here and I'll get Lily to pick me up.""No need."Jack insisted on sending me home. I stared at the disappearing silhouette of his car before staggering back to my house.Once I reached home, Julia informed me that my Alma mater had contacted her and they were keen on inviting me back to give a speech to the graduating cohort.I replied wryly, "Why would they invite me?"Julia fell silent before continuing, "Well, you're an A-list actor now. Considering your accolades and acclaimed works, it's not a surprise that they're extending an invite to you."Really?I remembered vividly that the majority of the backlash I suffered back then had been from those supposed juniors.A
11Upon reaching home, Julia informed me that a female lead role I had taken on earlier was nominated for an Oscars.Four other actresses have been nominated and they were accomplished seniors apart from Tanya Lewis.Tanya and I were adversaries.She had lost a few major roles to me during some auditions back then and she held a grudge against me ever since.Julia mentioned the representative had conveyed to her that my chances of winning were the highest.I laughed wryly, "Not necessarily true."Troy Davis, a brilliant director's son, provided for Tanya. He had leeched off his father's reputation for the past decade but directed no resulting decent productions.After Jack had left me, he approached me and subsequently threatened to blacklist me after I rejected his advances.For some reason, nothing happened to me and he soon switched his target to Tanya.The next day, the Internet was flooded with pictures of Jack and me.This time, more sneakily captured photos were relea
Harrison Moore pleaded, his eyes turning red, "Do me a favor again. I promise it's the last time."I sneered and said, "If you want to convince me, drop to your knees."Then, this tall, strong man did kneel in front of me.However, his back remained upright.When he looked up at me, his taut jawline was especially attractive.I once took advantage of the drunkenness to kiss him on the jaw but was pushed away by him and fell to the floor.He chuckled and said, "Katherine, what's wrong with you? I'm your elder brother."I bit my lips awkwardly and wanted to flee, but he hooked his finger at me."Take off your clothes. Is this all you can do?".At that time, I thought that as long as he loved me, I would swallow my pride and even die for him.That was why I was willing to be with him humbly and give him everything he wanted.My dream, my talent, my career... They didn't matter to me anymore.I only wanted him to love me.Now, he was kneeling in front of me and looking at me
3When I woke up the next day, it was almost noon. Tony was still fast asleep.I wanted to leave, but last night, Harrison took away my phone in case I would call for help.I nudged Tony to wake him up and asked him softly if he could send me home."I want to move out, so I need to go back to pack my things up."The young man who was rubbing his drowsy eyes suddenly sat up. "No problem!For some reason, there was a hint of excitement in his voice.After washing up quickly, Tony drove me home.The Lamborghini was indeed a luxurious car as amazing as the rumors had it.However, the young man who was driving with a lollipop in his mouth did not look like a playboy at all."Do you want me to go up with you?"The car stopped outside my apartment building. Tony turned his head to ask me with a hand on the steering wheel.I glanced at his handsome face and said, "Don't bother. I don't have many belongings. Go ahead if you have something else to handle."Tony shook his head vigoro
5I told Tony that I wanted to go to Willy's company to work.My original plan was to make the request when I was drunk. If I said something flirtatious, Tony would definitely agree with it.I even figured out a reasonable excuse, but it turned out that I was overthinking.Tony nodded without asking anything. "Okay. I'll take you there after breakfast."He pushed the beautiful fried egg in front of me and patiently smeared peanut sauce on the toast he had just baked.He did all of this seriously with his lips compressed, making him look especially attractive.Unwittingly, I recalled what he had said in my ear last night, "I like you."Even if it was just something he said to comfort me because he couldn't bear to see me sad, it was precious to me.After breakfast, we went downstairs, only to find that the Lamborghini was gone.The car parked in the yard was a common one that everyone could afford.I asked about it.Tony said pitifully, "The rumors are not true. This car is