"What are you talking about? This is impossible!" Roger was shocked and just couldn't wrap his mind around the news he just heard from the director in such a short span of time.
Director Zhang then addressed him directly as he was starting to get reluctant to continue the conversation, "I had told you what I was supposed to say. And I won't let you go if I have any way to mend the situation, because I also realize that it is equally hard to find a suitable actor on such short notice. But I just couldn't find a way to help you in this entire mess. Why did you have to offend Mrs. Lu? How did you dare to act so irresponsibly? Anyway, you better conduct yourself well."
Director Zhang then left as he finished his warning, leaving Roger alone there, astonished and yet angry.
Roger was stunned for a long time until his assistant came to find him, asking him in a shocked yet flurried voice, "What happened here? I was just gone for a few minutes. The crew told me that you have decided against acting in this movie. Is that true? Why? You have to reconsider your decision."
His assistant tried his best to convince Roger to change his mind. "Do you know how famous Director Zhang is and what many actors would give to be a part of his film? Don't be capricious at such a critical time, this could be a game-changer in your career. Roger, please listen to me. Let us go, apologize to him and if things work in our favor he will be generous enough to give you another chance."
He tried to pull Roger out of shock and into momentum as he finished putting his proposition forward. However, Roger was sure that it was too late for him to make any amends. In fact he knew what he could do right now was to ask Rachel for her help. She was the last straw he could draw out of his deck.
Roger glanced at his assistant and said, "Call Rachel right this moment. I have some other plans and for that I have to meet her tonight. Hurry up and go now!"
"Roger, be practical. This is not the right time or even the place for you to think in that direction. Please focus on your work. This decision will shape your future career in this industry." The man tried to convince him as his brow furrowed.
"Stop blabbering here, I did not ask for your advice. Go ahead and do as I asked. I know what I am doing with my career, " Roger impatiently yelled out. Anxious with a hint of anger, he was like an ant on a hot pan.
After coming back from the hotel, Autumn insisted on going back to office while Charles was reluctant to let her go in that moment. "Autumn, I think we are in desperate need of a chat. Please don't even think of going to the company now. Let's head home first, " Charles said in a firm tone.
Before Autumn could respond, Charles just led her into the car and drove home. Once they got back to their bedroom, Charles held her and helped her sit on the bed carefully. "Sit down here as I finally can take a good look at you." He said in a tender tone, as his eyes were brimming with concern.
Reaching out, he touched her forehead to check her temperature to ensure her fever had run its course, and luckily it was gone which made him feel relieved. "Why are you so stubborn? You are sick and you are running a high fever. After knowing that you were insisting on returning to work. Why don't you take care of yourself?"
"What I do and how I conduct myself are none of your business. There is no need for you to worry about me, " Autumn snapped at him in a cold tone. Autumn was still angry with Charles and with that residue feeling she was determined to let him know with some harsh remarks. "I am an adult and I know exactly what I am doing. I will take care of myself. You don't have to bother worrying about me."
"Autumn, you..." Charles was hurt and taken aback by her cold attitude. This was the first time she was mad at him since they got married, so Charles had no idea on how to handle the situation. He initially thought of hitting her to ensure she would not be domineering. However, it was just an unrealistic thought since he could not bear to hurt even an inch of her.
"Autumn, don't be so mad at me. Can we not talk like adults? Why are you being so indignant?" Charles was unable to figure out why she was so mad at him, so he just asked her point blank. "If it is because I didn't come home the day you fell sick, then I would like to sincerely apologize to you. I am so sorry, love. I was so busy with work that I didn't receive your call. But I did return the second I got the news. Can you please forgive me? I promise that I would not make such a mistake next time and I will take good care of you, okay?"
Charles held her hands as he pleaded for her forgiveness. However, Autumn shook his hands off almost immediately.
"Just do what you have to do. I will take care of myself. You don't have to waste anymore of your valuable time on me." Agitated, Autumn felt upset as she recalled the dream which she had several days ago. The dream was so surreal that just the thought of it made her upset.
"You..." Finally her words got to Charles and he got irritated, so he laid a hand on her and bit her shoulder, gently.
"What are you trying to do? Let me go." Autumn soon blushed out of embarrassment, as she tried to push him away. How could they talk in such a manner?
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