Semua Bab A Life Debt Repaid: Bab 911 - Bab 920

Over at North City, Zoe won the last round, winning first place with an overwhelming majority of votes.It was deserved, as her acting skills were acknowledged by everyone from the judges to the audience.The producers even organized an after-party following the conclusion, since Actors on Set had been topping viewership once it gained traction, and the numbers only shot through the roof after Zoe's secret marriage with Jay was exposed. No variety show had hit such viewership rate and search hits in the last three years, and the producers certainly made a lot of money.As Zoe headed backstage to remove her makeup, a staff member eagerly approached her. "Zoe, is Mr. Parker going to attend the after-party?"Zoe did a double take. "Why?""He was a judge before.""Oh. Well, I don't know—I didn't ask if he received an invite.""Well, the producers did ask him, but he said he won't be coming since he has to take care of your daughter." The staff member went straight to the point right

Cora was only overreacting because Zoe touched a nerve.Jay had basically paved Cora's path to stardom, and without him, she would not enjoy the success she had now.It was why she found it unacceptable that Jay was with Zoe now—what if Jay suddenly changed sides and helped Zoe instead?Cora knew all too well about Zoe's strength in showbiz before. If she even had the slightest backing, her career would develop with leaps and bounds, most likely knocking Cora off her pedestal… Cora certainly could not accept being surpassed by Zoe! She had to admit that she had been constantly comparing herself to Zoe ever so quietly, even in the years Zoe left showbiz. She would always compare her own numbers to Zoe's in almost every aspect: Twitter followers, peak viewership numbers in TV shows, box office, nominations and awards—even commercials.And just as she was about to surpass those numbers, Zoe had to make a comeback!It was absolutely unacceptable if Zoe surpassed her—she took away

Zoe turned toward Jay, completely surprised that he would agree to taking part in Journey of Love.While he had the excuse of picking actors for his films in Actors on Set, it was simply confusing why he would take part in Journey of Love at all.Maybe he was planning to throw her to the wolves, like she planned to do to him?Zoe certainly would not upset a producer like Ruby, however, since she wanted to be friends with everyone. She had therefore wanted to paint Jay as the villain in this respect, especially since she planned to develop her career on her own following their inevitable divorce anyway. But it had to be Jay who made the first move—there was just no beating his cunning!"Since that's alright with you, Ms. Jones, I'll visit tomorrow to discuss your contract," Ruby said eagerly. "Well, it's very late, so I won't disturb you anymore. See you, bye."Ruby hung up before Zoe had a chance to refuse.Zoe put away her phone and turned toward Jay, who sensed her stare and

Jay nodded, seemingly unconcerned. "Sure."Zoe in turn feigned nonchalance, since she was not the one losing out in their 'marriage' anyway."Have you read the program schedule?" Jay suddenly reminded her. "What schedule? This one?" Zoe glanced at the document in front of her—she was too preoccupied with the contract to check the specifics of the schedule."Take a look," Jay said.Zoe picked it up and read it seriously, but the program scheduling was still reasonable. Unlike other reality shows, there were no tasks or missions involved, and no survival skills needed—it was nothing more than a trip for couples, a relatively conscientious variety show in that sense.As such, Zoe was not at all affected when she was done reading."That's it?" Jay asked her. "What's the issue?" Zoe asked, perplexed.Jay said begrudgingly, "Filming starts the day after tomorrow. They'll be bringing cameras when they come to interview us.""So?" Zoe was still mystified—they could come all they wa

Zoe did not refuse—what could she do since she had already agreed to it?!"Then I'm getting in bed," Zoe said, adding before she did, "I've taken a bath, and my clothes are fresh."Jay was taken aback, but soon realized that Zoe was aware of his hygienic tendencies and was worried he would hate it. But he would never hate her, whenever or wherever. He did not have the courage to say it, however.Soon, Zoe lay down on the very edge of the bed and slept there, reluctant to have any body contact with Jay.Jay did not move closer either, and the space between them could fit three Yelenas.Silence ensued, and even though it was soon very late, neither fell asleep.The last time they shared a bed was that one time.Jay gulped—he decided that he must not dwell on it and gently turned around to look at Zoe.They had been keeping their backs to one another, but he stared at her back quietly anyway.The silhouette of her form was especially clear under the soft lights kept on in the