As Estrella read through the script, she found herself becoming more and more drawn to the drama. It had enough twists to keep it from being just another emotionally draining story.
Stella was initially stunned when she returned home and found the door unlocked. She thought someone had broken in.
But the moment she saw Estrella lying on the couch, her face lit up.
"El!"
Estrella hadn't even noticed someone had entered, let alone heard her name being called.
It wasn't until Stella touched her shoulder that she jolted in fright.
When she saw Stella, she let out a sigh of relief.
"You scared me."
Stella paid no attention to her complaint.
"Why are you back?"
Estrella raised an eyebrow.
"You don't want me back?"
Stella grabbed her shoulders and nodded seriously.
Estrella immediately clutched her chest and put on a pained expression.
"That hurts."
"Good," Stella replied.
The two burst into laughter at the same time.
When their laughter finally subsided, Stella's eyes landed on the script.
"What were you reading that got you so carried away?"
"A script," Estrella replied.
"A script?"
Stella looked completely confused.
"Isn't that something only actors read?"
"I'm going to audition for a movie tomorrow."
"What?!"
Stella's eyes widened in disbelief.
"How did that happen?"
Estrella explained how she had met Willow through Luciano and how Willow had introduced her to Director Maverick.
"Wow. Luciano is your lucky charm," Stella said.
Then she suddenly remembered something.
"I saw on the news that he bought you a district. Is it true?"
"Mm."
Stella immediately noticed the change in Estrella's expression.
"Are you fighting with him?"
Estrella shook her head and forced a smile.
"No."
If she told Stella that Luciano had called her a gold digger, Stella would only worry.
And she didn't want that.
Stella knew she was lying but chose not to press further.
Instead, she stood up and headed toward the kitchen.
"I'll make something for you."
Estrella nodded and returned to reading the script.
A few minutes later, Stella returned carrying a bunny-shaped cake.
Estrella eyed her suspiciously.
"You giving me one of your specialties? What do you want from me?"
As a professional chef, Stella rarely made her signature cakes without a reason.
"I'm just trying to get on the good side of a future famous actress."
Estrella laughed.
"I haven't even gotten the role yet. I'm only going for the audition. How did I suddenly become a future famous actress?"
"I trust you. You'll definitely get it."
"Don't be so sure. Plenty of established actresses will be attending the audition too. It's a popular movie."
"Really? What's the title?"
"Counsellor Mitchell."
"That movie?"
Stella's eyes widened.
"I've been seeing advertisements for it everywhere. It's already incredibly popular even though filming hasn't started yet."
Then she suddenly wrapped her arms around Estrella.
"I'm so happy for you."
Acting had always been Estrella's childhood dream.
Only later had life forced her to abandon it.
Now, seeing her finally get a chance to pursue that dream, Stella couldn't have been happier.
Estrella smiled and hugged her back.
"Thank you."
After finishing the cake, Estrella glanced at the time.
It was already getting late.
"I should go."
She stood up and gathered her things.
Just as she reached the door, Stella stopped her.
"If you're not happy with him, divorce him. I'll always be here for you."
Estrella turned around.
A complicated emotion flashed across her face.
Then she nodded.
"Okay."
After leaving the apartment, Estrella returned to Luciano's mansion.
On her way upstairs, she ran into Aunty Smith.
"Estrella."
Estrella stopped.
Suddenly remembering that Aunty Smith had gone to prepare food for her that morning before she stormed out, guilt crept into her heart.
"I'm sorry about this morning."
If there was one thing she knew, it was that Aunty Smith genuinely cared about her.
Aunty Smith smiled warmly.
"It's okay."
In truth, she hadn't been angry at all.
"What would you like for dinner?"
Trying to make up for her earlier behavior, Estrella replied,
"Anything is fine."
She had originally planned to skip dinner altogether.
"Okay. Go wash up first."
Estrella nodded and headed upstairs.
After changing into comfortable clothes, she returned downstairs.
Dinner had already been served.
She sat down and began eating.
Just then, Luciano returned from work.
Aunty Smith immediately went to greet him.
"Welcome back."
Luciano nodded.
His gaze briefly landed on Estrella, but he said nothing before heading upstairs.
Estrella didn't acknowledge him either.
She was still furious about what had happened that morning.
Once she finished eating, she immediately headed back to her room.
Surprisingly, Butler Neil didn't stop her.
What Estrella didn't know was that Aunty Smith had already warned him not to interfere.
A while later, Luciano came downstairs again.
Seeing Estrella gone, he instantly understood that she was intentionally avoiding him.
His eyes darkened.
Still, he said nothing.
She hadn't reacted when he called her a gold digger.
She had even accepted the district.
So what exactly was she angry about now?
Was she expecting an apology?
If that was what she wanted, she was going to be disappointed.
He had no intention of apologizing.
And if she wanted to avoid him?
That was perfectly fine with him.
Because he had no intention of chasing after her either.