Too Late to Ask Too Late to Love (Julian and Eleanor) novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5

She got a call from Aunty May as she was going downstairs.

“Eleanor, everything’s ready over here in Provence. You can come over now. I can handle those contract termination fees. No one gets to bully you.”

Eleanor smiled and refused, “Don’t listen to the online gossip. I’m not being bullied. My agent, Sarah, is my best friend. She wouldn’t let that happen.”

“That’s good. Have you told Julian you’re leaving?”

Eleanor paused, then said with perfect calm, “He is busy. There’s no need to tell him.”

Before her words were out, the sandalwood scent filled the air.

A cool male voice came from ahead, “What is there no need to tell me?”

Eleanor looked up and met Julian’s calm, questioning gaze.

She casually ended the call and lied without batting an eye, “Aunty May said I should ask for your opinion when I take on a new script, but I figured you wouldn’t have the time.”

Julian’s expression grew colder, and his tone became a harsh question.

“When did you get in touch with Aunty May?”

“Five years ago.”

Julian was about to say more, but Sophia came out of the kitchen with a dish, greeting them gently.

“Eleanor, dinner’s almost ready. Why don’t you eat before you leave? Julian cooked Paella himself today, and it’s absolutely delicious.”

Eleanor shook her head, “No, thanks. The film crew is busy.”

She couldn’t handle Spanish food.

Julian clearly didn’t want her to stay.

And she had no interest in watching him give the tenderness that was once hers alone to someone

else.

Eleanor went to the film set that very night.

She’d never filmed an intimate scene or even been in a relationship, so the director ordered her to spend 18 hours a day with her male co–star, acting like a couple.

Her co–star was the popular young actor Ian Preston, tall, handsome, and very considerate.

Combined with the intense filming schedule, Eleanor found she had no time to think about anyone or anything else.

Half a month later, it was time for the first kissing scene.

It was also Eleanor’s first kiss.

The mood was set, the lights were ready, and the cameras were in position.

At sunset, by a large tree.

Eleanor was in Ian’s arms, her eyes shut tight with nervousness.

The last second before the kiss landed, screech–bang!

A black stretch Lincoln crashed into a lighting rig, stopping just a step away from Eleanor.

The license plate: five 8s.

It was Julian’s car.

“Eleanor, get in the car.

”

The window was halfway down, revealing Julian’s handsome and aristocratic face.

But Eleanor didn’t move. She just pushed away Ian, who was protectively shielding her, and coolly refused Julian.

“Sorry, I still have to film.”

Julian hadn’t expected to be rejected, and his stern face darkened.

“Didn’t you refuse to do kissing scenes? What kind of tantrum are you throwing now?”

Eleanor quietly watched the man, his displeasure clear in his eyes. She had never felt so clear- headed. The man who once doted on her endlessly was long gone.

288 Vouchers

Her obsession and clinging all these years had only earned her his disgust.

But this time, she really wasn’t throwing a tantrum. If Julian hadn’t taken her Best Actress award and given it to Sophia, she wouldn’t have lost the bet, and she wouldn’t have taken this intimate

scene.

But she knew better, Julian wouldn’t believe her explanation.