Aurora, with measured tones, addressed Chery, ‘You know, Zane might have something he wants to discuss with you. Maybe you should have a heart–to–heart with him?”
Chery shook her head, ‘I’d rather not. If he’s alright, then I’m heading back. With his temper, I’m not about to walk into the line of fire!”
Aurora felt helpless. With Chery unwilling to budge, she couldn’t assist Zane any further.
Left with no choice, Aurora contacted Zane’s assistant, urging him to keep Zane out of trouble. She even went as far as to change Zane’s Twitter password, imposing a temporary ban on his social media activities.
The storm seemed to pass, and not long afterward, Zane’s The Pianist and Chery’s Dual Facades were released consecutively.
Dual Facades broke the year’s box office record on its premiere. Chery’s portrayal of a character with depression was hauntingly vivid, pulling audiences into an empathetic whirlwind.
Her performance was so immersive, one could almost feel her internal struggle–her forced smiles in public and her profound agony in solitude were portrayed with gut–wrenching authenticity on the big screen.
A generous thirty percent of the film’s opening revenue was donated to a depression charity in Chery’s name, catapulting her once again to the forefront of the entertainment industry.
Chery’s charm wasn’t just skin–deep. Beyond her stunning looks and stellar acting, her humility and now her philanthropic reputation endeared her not only to her fans but also to the general public. Chery had become a household name.
After the premiere of Dual Facades, the film was nominated for the domestic Film Festival and, thanks to Mrs. Luce’s influence and prestige, it was also entered into the European Film Festival circuit. However, Chery didn’t hold much hope for winning. Despite being a newcomer to the entertainment industry, she was already receiving top–notch opportunities and didn’t dare to dream of clinching the Best Actress award just yet.
Before Dual Facades hit the screens, Yvonne’s The Earthquake had already made its debut. The film resonated deeply with audiences. Although Yvonne’s acting wasn’t particularly outstanding, it was commendable and received much praise, especially given the socially relevant theme that could sway the jury’s favor.
Hence, at this year’s Film Festival, Chery’s biggest competition was Yvonne.
As for Zane, after weathering numerous scandals and clarifying facts time and again, he had become one of the most publicized celebrities in the industry. Many flocked to the cinemas for him, and coupled with his acting prowess, The Pianist enjoyed soaring ratings.
Following the release of both films, Aurora decided to give Zane and Chery a break. Apart from a few promotional appearances and interviews, their schedules were relatively free.
However, an awkward tension seemed to have enveloped Zane and Chery. Even in the same conference room, they no longer bickered as they used to.
When Aurora inquired, Chery brushed it off, mentioning how things had been off since Zane got drunk under her apartment. He seemed perpetually displeased.
Aurora was in a bind. It was clear Zane had feelings for Chery, but due to a series of unfortunate misunderstandings, he had never made his feelings clear. Meanwhile, Chery was entirely focused on her acting career, giving no thought to romantic entanglements. With the
pair caught in this awkward limbo, Aurora felt it wasn’t her place to meddle in their private affairs.
Ever since Vespera’s last meeting with Aurora, where she learned that her childhood friend was getting married, her spirits had been low. Aurora tried visiting her several times, but Vespera’s gloom was palpable.
It was almost year–end, a time when tasks were winding down and spirits should’ve been high. Yet, everyone around Aurora seemed to be carrying their own burdens, casting a shadow over her mood.
Heath, noticing Aurora’s despondence, took the initiative to lighten her spirits. He arranged his work to free up a weekend and took Aurora out for a day of distraction.
He drove them to the suburbs. Aurora, nearly dozing off during the three–hour journey, was taken aback upon arrival. Confronted with a mansion that was intimidating in its grandeur, she asked incredulously, “You don’t happen to own a villa out here in the suburbs, do you?”
Heath, lifting the luggage with a nod, confirmed, “Yep.”
Aurora, eyebrow raised in amusement at his proud demeanor, teased, “Well, having a villa or two is pretty standard for CEO Fairbank, right?”
Heath, slinging an arm around her shoulders, chuckled, “Exactly. So, have you thought about clinging onto CEO Fairbank’s coattails?”
Playing along, Aurora bantered back, “No need to think about it. I’m already firmly attached to CEO Fairbank’s coattails!”
Pleased by her words, Heath, with luggage in one hand and Aurora’s hand in the other, led her into the villa.
This mansion was a purchase Heath made when he first took over Fairbank Corporation, a solitary retreat he occasionally visited alone. Aurora was the first woman he had brought here.
Located in the suburbs, the villa sprawled over a large area, boasting three floors and about seven or eight bedrooms. Its interior, dominated by shades of gray, exuded a minimalist and cool aesthetic that was unmistakably Heath’s style.
After settling their luggage on the second floor and without exploring further, Aurora casually glanced through the wardrobe. Apart from a few of Heath’s old clothes, it was nearly empty.
“Heath,” she addressed him, “am I the first person you’ve brought here?”
Heath shook his head, “No, Alaric, Lysander, and Eamon have been here, but I often come alone.”
Aurora nodded silently.
“But,‘ Heath added, “you are the first lady to come here.”
Her mood instantly brightened. That was exactly what she wanted to hear, especially since Heath had always maintained that he hadn’t seriously dated anyone or been involved in any scandalous gossip.
As they unpacked, Heath, despite Aurora’s protests, insisted on moving her luggage into his bedroom.
“Heath!” Aurora stamped her foot, “I want to sleep alone!”
“That’s not happening,” Heath flatly refused.
“Why not?” Aurora glared at him.
Heath looked at her as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, “Because you’re my girlfriend, and naturally, you should stay with
me.”
“Heath! Aurora, incensed, retorted, “I’m your girlfriend, not your wife!”
Heath paused in his packing, turned to her with a teasing glint in his eyes, “Are you suggesting it’s time for me to consider marriage?”
Caught off guard, Aurora blushed fiercely, retorting, “Nonsense!”
She hurried downstairs, Heath’s hearty laughter echoing behind her.
Aurora felt resigned. From the initial twists and turns of their relationship, how had they suddenly progressed to discussing marriage?
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

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