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Chapter 1
1
"Since you want to rely on a man, why not come to me?"
Darren stared at the red mark on my collarbone, his clear eyes filled with threat.
I turned my face away, avoiding his gaze. "You have a girlfriend."
I felt extremely sad.
Darren was stunned, speechless for a moment. Then he suddenly grasped my wrist and laughed. He said, "Teresa."
I have to admit that his voice was charming when he called my name with that deep and magnetic voice.
But to me, it was grating.
What was he laughing at?
I watched him warily, quickly pulling up my dress to cover the red mark.
Could it be...
Was he mocking me for pretending to be pure in the entertainment industry, only to be caught running out of a director's room with my clothes in disarray tonight?
Therefore, he meant that I could rely on him.
Before I could react, he grasped my waist, pulling me into his embrace.
"Teresa."
He called my name again softly, almost like a sigh. His fingers slowly touched my face.
I stiffened. I could feel his warmth.
Too close.
We were too close.
I could even smell the familiar perfume on him.
I could also smell a faint, almost imperceptible, hint of jasmine perfume.
It was a woman's perfume.
My pupils contracted sharply. I should keep away from him, but to my dismay, I found I couldn't bear to.
I cursed myself inwardly.
He had already had a girlfriend. I was like a mistress.
His right hand suddenly gripped the back of my neck, forcing me even closer to him.
"Girlfriend?
Are you blind?
Hmm?"
He looked down at me. His breath was hot and his voice was low and hoarse.
My breath caught, my back tensed, and my cheeks grew warm.
My expression shifted slightly.
My sight was as good as a hawk.
In my opinion, it was he who was blind!
Images flashed through my mind.
Several months ago, on Valentine's Day, a day celebrated as a romantic occasion.
Famous singer Kayce released a new album that day, and Darren chose that day to announce his relationship.
He twittered, "My girl".
The picture was of a woman.
The woman in the picture was draped in fur, wearing gold jewelry and luxury clothes. She looked old, with a kind face.
Later, Darren announced relationship became a hot topic.
Darren came from a humble background. His parents passed away early. However, he became famous when he was young. He had a smooth career path.
He had a noble and aloof appearance, and he had both good looks and acting skills, winning a lot of awards. Besides, he had no scandals over the years, with an excellent reputation in the industry.
When the relationship was revealed and others saw his girlfriend looked like a nouveau riche, it caused a hot discussion.
The top comment had over five hundred thousand likes, the profile picture was a well-known brand Horizon Organic, and the name was "Deputy Director of Kourora Eye Disease Research Center". He commented, "Hello."
Anthony's comment had over four hundred thousand likes. Anthony was a rare friend of Darren in the industry. He commented, "Amazing, amazing!"
Kayce, who was ignored, commented some dirty words.
Many male fans cried and blessed, while many crazy fans couldn't accept Darren's taste and announced they were unfollowing him.
I was shocked, rooted to the spot.
I wasn't just a fan. I even wanted to be his wife.
I had professional trainings. I was very beautiful and had excellent acting skills. However, I hadn't had many works these years.
A year ago, I happened to work with Darren on a drama. I fell in love with him, and I even publicly confessed him on Twitter. However, he avoided me, keeping his distance.
After Darren's announcement, the internet buzzed with discussions. Some people said Darren would rather be with a wealthy woman old enough to be his mother than accept me.
I became a joke.
Even my confession on Twitter to Darren from a year ago was found and became a hot topic.
Mockery, insults, and schadenfreude flooded in.
I couldn't stand it. I flew abroad that day, deleted Twitter, threw away my SIM card, and changed my contact information.
After hiding for a month, I finally decided to return.
I didn't expect to meet Darren tonight. He saw me running out of a director's room. He stopped me and said he wanted to support me.
He even laughed at my eyesight.
Thinking of this, I pressed my palms against his chest, struggling to push him away.
He pinned my hands above my head, holding me firmly.
I couldn't resist him. So I glared at him fiercely.
"My eyesight is perfectly fine."
I gritted my teeth, trying to speak calmly, not showing any anger.
Darren stared at me with his dark eyes.
He sighed, seeming a bit uneasy. Then he turned his face slightly away. He said in a hoarse voice,
"Do I look like I have a girlfriend?"
The atmosphere froze for a moment.
I shuddered, incredulous, not expecting the proud and aloof movie star Darren to say something cheeky.
Did he think I was a fool, or that I was someone living under a rock?
Huh?
What was he thinking about?
I trembled with anger, pushing him away forcefully. I retorted, "Do I look stupid?"
Darren glanced at me. His lips slightly opened. However, he said nothing.
I laughed in anger, feeling disappointed.
I calmed my breath. Then I looked up at him.
He met my gaze, a lust appeared in his eyes.
I looked at him for a long time. A smile suddenly spread at the corner of my eyes. I smiled, "Do you want to support me?"
He frowned, keeping silent.
I looked at him with sarcasm in my eyes.
Before, he didn't want me when I took the initiative to pursue him. Now, after I came out of the director's room, he suddenly found me valuable.
"I want you."
I heard him say in a deep voice.
I laughed coldly in my heart. Then I wrapped my arms around his neck. My warm breath brushed his ear. A romantic atmosphere grew.
"If you really want to be my sugar daddy, besides the resources I deserve, I have one more condition."
His breath quickened suddenly. "What condition..."
I smiled, eyes shimmering. My fingers traced his warm chest gently.
His dark eyes tinged with desire, and in the next moment, he lifted me, moving me from the hallway to his room.
I sank into the soft bed, and he leaned down, his lips pressing against the red mark on my collarbone as if trying to erase it.
I shivered, tilting my chin up, letting him kiss along my collarbone. Then I naturally kissed his lips. I muffled, "I want money."
Without hesitation, he said in a low voice, "Okay."
I pushed him slightly, catching my breath. Looking up at him, I smiled ironically, "I want 2.08 million dollars.
Today."
He agreed. His kiss enveloped me. "Okay."
I wanted to cry, with desire in my eyes. For some reason, I blurted out, "I also want you to break up with your old woman..."
He paused, his eyes momentarily confused. He said, "Old..."
Before he could finish, I kissed him again, gritting my teeth. "Forget it."
I really didn't want to hear his girlfriend's name from his mouth.
That night, I hugged his shoulders hard. My heart seemed to soak in a sourness. I was extremely jealous.
Until we were both exhausted, we fell asleep in each other's arms.
2
The music was loud. The lights dimmed.
I saw the heavy woman in the photo. She lounged on the sofa in the private room.
Darren stood by her side.
The woman expertly lit a cigar, took a puff, and gave Darren a wicked smile.
"Darling, come here, sit on my lap."
Darren hesitated, seemingly unsure, not moving.
The woman's smile faltered slightly. After a moment, she narrowed her eyes and asked, "Shall I leave?"
Darren's pupils contracted sharply. He frowned. Finally, he made up his mind.
As he took a step towards her, I rushed over and grabbed him, shouting, "No!
Don't go!"
Darren was visibly shaken, staring at me in disbelief. "Teresa?
What are you doing here?"
I fixed my gaze on his face, the bitterness in my heart swelling painfully.
I scolded him with anguish, "Do you know she's too old for you?"
Darren's face turned pale. His eyes reddened with suppressed emotion, which made my heart ache.
I clutched his arm tightly. I was unable to hold back my tears and cried out, "What makes her better than me? Why did you choose her?"
The room fell into silence.
Darren instinctively glanced at the woman, who exuded wealth and elegance, her luxurious coat glowing under the soft lighting.
He looked away, pressing his lips together tightly.
After a long pause, he closed his eyes and said, "I'm sorry."
I couldn't believe it. I shook my head repeatedly, watching helplessly as he slowly loosened my fingers away.
He explained, "She offers so much."...
"No!"
I awoke suddenly from the nightmare, eyes wide open.
The morning light was just beginning to filter through the window, marking the start of a new day.
My body felt sore, with an indescribable ache in my private parts.
Warm breath brushed against my neck, and I stiffened. Then I turned to see Darren's strikingly handsome face.
He wore a faint smile, sleeping peacefully, a stark contrast to my night of nightmares.
I stared at him blankly for a moment, then I reached out to trace his forehead. I touched his closed eyes, straight nose, and finally his thin lips.
My heart ached with a dull throb.
Had his girlfriend ever touched him here?
Suddenly, an arm wrapped around my waist. He pulled me into his broad chest.
"Teresa..." Darren murmured.
My body tensed.
He nuzzled into my neck, his warm breath tickling my skin.
I hesitated for a moment, then I tilted my head slightly. He remained asleep. His eyes closed tightly.
My heart skipped a beat.
He called my name in the sleep. Did this mean...
Did this mean he loved me just as much as I loved him?
3
A sudden notification sound startled me, pulling me back from my wandering thoughts.
I turned my head and saw the phone screen lighting up beside the pillow.
I had just gotten this new number yesterday after returning home, and there was only one who knew my contact information.
Could it be...
Holding my breath, I carefully moved the arm resting on my waist and reached for the phone.
Unlocking my phone, I read the message.
"Come for the audition in a week."
I froze, my fingers trembling slightly. An uncontrollable joy spread through me, making every cell in my body quiver with excitement.
"Who sent the message that makes you so happy?"
A deep, lazy voice sounded in my ear.
A bright smile spread across my lips as I traced the words on the screen repeatedly.
I answered without thinking, "Mr. Reynolds."
After saying it, I froze.
Was Darren awake?
In an instant, Darren's breathing deepened.
I blinked, realized something.
I recalled that I had run out of Mr. Reynolds' room yesterday, which was seen by Darren...
I turned stiffly, not even catching a glimpse of his expression before he pulled me into his embrace.
Darren leaned over me, enveloping my body.
His scent seeped into my pores, making my body shiver slightly.
He looked down at me. When I met his gaze, my breathing quickened.
Darren had such beautiful eyes, usually cool and detached, but now they were filled with a deep, swirling emotion.
I stared at him, lost in thought again.
I remembered the day I first met Darren a year ago.
I was filming a modern romance drama, playing the malicious female supporting role.
Until then, Darren and I had never had an intersection.
That day, the male co-star had to leave unexpectedly, and Darren, who was nearby, was asked by Anthony to help.
It was our first scene together.
A bathroom scene.
I vaguely remembered the dim, intimate lighting, the warm water falling, steam swirling around us.
The distinguished man suddenly raised his hand, slowly unbuttoning his shirt. Then he leaned over, getting close to me.
His gaze then was just like it was now.
"Ouch."
A sudden pain at the corner of my mouth made me gasp.
I glanced at him, grumbling, "Darren, what are you doing?"
Darren pressed his forehead against mine, licking his lips. "What were you thinking about just now?"
Images flashed through my mind, and my heart was knocking wildly. I forced myself to stay calm, teasing him, "I was thinking about you."
Hearing this, he stared at me. His Adam's apple bobbed.
"But do you believe me?"
I smiled flirtatiously.
He frowned, with a lust in his eyes. As he leaned closer, his breath brushed my ear.
"Teresa, if I hadn't called Mr. Reynolds last night to say I was at the door, would you have continued with him?"
I was surprised.
Mr. Reynolds had indeed received a call last night. After hanging up, he gave me a knowing smile, saying, "Someone is jealous.
You should head back."
So, it was Darren who called Mr. Reynolds.
Wait, did he do it on purpose?
Darren moved slightly away, pressing his hand against the fading mark on my collarbone. "Besides here, where else did he touch you?"
His voice was low, with coldness.
My heart trembled.
Frustration churned within me, making me breathless.
Did he think I was the kind of woman who would do anything to climb the ladder?
After a year together, hadn't he seen who I truly was?
But then I understood.
Darren had always been indifferent to me. My actions meant nothing to him. Why would he pay attention to me?
I couldn't help but lower my head, sadness enveloping my heart.
Suddenly, he turned my face towards him. His thumb brushed over my skin, and his eyes darkened.
He said, "Teresa, answer my question."
I restrained myself, lifting my chin defiantly. I smiled coldly, "Why don't you guess?"
His breathing deepened. "Teresa, would you do this for resources?"
He wanted to say more, but finally, he didn't.
"What about you?"
I wouldn't let him off.
"Aren't you just like me?"
I sniffed, tears welling up. I blurted out, "We're both using our bodies to get ahead. Who's better than whom?"
Darren was taken aback by my outburst.
Confusion flickered in his eyes, slowly replaced by complexity and heaviness.
I watched the changes in his expression, feeling as if my heart was held by a hand.
Finally, he said helplessly, "Teresa, it's not what you think. Mr. Elliott...
We are not like that."
I was jolted with surprise.
Mr. Elliott?
Christopher Elliott?
I felt a shiver run down my spine. Immediately, a middle-aged man with a receding hairline and a large belly appeared in my mind.
Darren's debut film was directed by the internationally renowned director Christopher Elliott. Because of his superb acting, he won the Best Actor award that year.
Darren became Christopher's exclusive leading man, skyrocketing to fame.
Darren continued, "Although I've been in Mr. Elliott's films for years, our relationship is pure.
He's a respected director, and there's nothing inappropriate between us."
It dawned on me that he thought I was accusing him of using his body to please Christopher.
I stared into his deep and dark eyes, enunciating each word,
"You know I'm not talking about Mr. Elliott."
Darren paused for a second as if realizing something.
He met my gaze, his tone filled with deep melancholy, "Teresa, it's not what you think between Anthony and me either."
"Enough."
I shouted, my voice trembling. I was so annoyed.
I knew Darren was playing dumb.
He was using Christopher and his long-time friend Anthony as shields, yet he wouldn't mention his wealthy girlfriend.
Wasn't this just being caught in a lie?
In the next moment, I pushed him away, quickly getting out of bed and running towards the door.
Before I could reach the handle, Darren grabbed me from behind.
He clasped my wrist, pressing me against the wall.
I gasped lightly, "Darren!"
Darren's warm breath brushed my ear. He asked, "Are you going out like this?"
My eyelids twitched. Under the bright light, I realized I was only wearing a silk camisole nightgown.
The strap had slipped off my shoulder, revealing the marks on my chest.
If I went out like this and ran into persistent paparazzi, it would make the headlines.
The audition next week would be ruined.
My gaze darkened with frustration. I glared at him and roughly reached to pull up the strap. Then my fingers were held by a large hand.
My pupils contracted in surprise.
What was he doing?
In my daze, Darren's slender fingers gently lifted my hand, restoring the strap to its place.
He was so gentle as if afraid of hurting me.
"If you pull like that, this dress will end up like the one last night..."
I gritted my teeth in anger. Who had ruined that red dress last night, and how? He was so cheeky.
Darren's thumb brushed over my shoulder. He said in a low voice, "If you don't want to stay with me, I'll have my assistant bring you a clean set of clothes.
It won't take long."
He tightened his hold on my waist, resting his face in the crook of my neck. "Teresa, just stay with me for another half hour."
His pleasant scent enveloped me, and suddenly, my eyes filled with tears.
I knew he had a girlfriend. What madness had possessed me to seduce him?
Why had I put myself in this situation?
Half an hour later, Darren's assistant arrived.
He was a young man in his twenties, with slightly curly hair and a bright smile.
He wasn't surprised to see me, cheerfully saying, "Teresa, I've brought you the clothes."
My face warmed as I stiffly took the clothes, suddenly sensing something was off. I turned to Darren and asked, "Where's Waylon?
Did he resign?"
Darren's expression remained unchanged. He answered calmly, "Yes."
However, his assistant's expression turned odd at the mention of Waylon. He said, "Teresa, Waylon..."
He stopped abruptly, scratching his head awkwardly as if unable to continue.
I frowned slightly.
I wasn't close to Waylon, but I remembered him as handsome, with fair skin, thick eyebrows, and big eyes. As an ordinary person, he was more attractive than many stars.
Darren had always thought highly of Waylon. Why did he suddenly change the assistant?
I was about to ask when Darren's phone rang.
Darren glanced at the name on the screen and immediately hung up.
A few seconds later, his phone rang again.
Darren frowned.
I discreetly glanced at his phone screen, catching a glimpse of the name "Cynthia."
My gaze froze.
Cynthia.
Clearly, it was a woman's name.
Could it be his girlfriend?
My body tensed again.
"Answer it. It might be important."
After the ringtone sounded a few more times, I spoke nonchalantly, though my face was pale.
Darren hesitated. He glanced at me and said, "Alright."
I lowered my gaze.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Darren press the answer button.
The room was quiet, and the sweet, slightly tearful female voice came through clearly. "Darren, you finally answered my call."
Her tone was so intimate.
They seemed to be so close.
I took a deep breath to quell the discomfort, closing my eyes. When I opened my eyes again, I met Darren's unfathomable gaze.
He had already ended the call.
Darren looked at me apologetically and explained, "Teresa, I'm sorry, I might have something to deal with later."
The implication was that he was asking me to leave.
My heart clenched painfully.
Even though I had planned to leave, hearing Darren personally ask me to go made my heart feel unbearably cold.
"I'll leave now."
I quickly wiped my eyes and turned to go, but Darren stopped me. "Wait!"
I sniffed, forcing a smile.
I knew he couldn't bear to let me go.
Then, Darren said calmly, "Teresa, take care."
My smile froze.
Darren seemed to realize he was too cold. He added, "Be careful on the road, stay safe, don't be found by the paparazzi, and..."
He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully. Then he continued, "When you get home, remember to prepare for Mr. Reynolds' new film audition next week."
I stood there, stunned.
I turned to look at him in disbelief, unable to guess what was going through his mind.
Just moments ago, he was jealously questioning what I had done with Mr. Reynolds. Now he was pretending to be magnanimous, telling me to prepare for the audition of his rival.
Suddenly, a thought occurred to me, and my face turned pale as I pressed my lips tightly.
Could it be that after that phone call, Darren had a change of heart, deciding to leave me and focus on his girlfriend?
Was he planning to use this audition as an opportunity to push me towards Mr. Reynolds?
Darren escorted me out, arranging for his assistant to drive me home.
Sitting in the back seat, I stiffened.
The car was filled with a faint jasmine perfume scent.
It was the same scent I had smelled on Darren last night.