The Cherished Wife

“What? The second female lead?” Winter’s mood plummeted. “Why can’t I be the leading lady?”

Winter was an ambitious woman and had been eagerly waiting for Xavier to bring her good news. However, the second female lead? That was not what she had in mind. “Didn’t you tell me you were related to Charles? Why can’t he help out just this once?”

Upset, Winter spoke without thinking; almost ready to toss her script away in frustration.

Xavier grabbed the script from her, annoyance written all over his face. “Be grateful! I don’t have to prove my connection to Charles to you. Look at where you stand right now. You should be thankful they’re even considering you for a role, and you’re practically guaranteed to be the second female lead. What more could you want?”

Xavier remembered Ronald’s words about the complexities of showbiz and how rumors often had some truth to them. Charles had helped him even though he was not obliged to, which was a big favor to Xavier.

Xavier did not understand the fuss over being the first or second lead. To him, any role that could turn things around was more than enough already. However, Winter’s reaction made him regret asking Charles for a favor. He had worked so hard, and she was so ungrateful. “If you don’t want it, just say no. It’s not set in stone yet, and they’ll find someone else for the role if they have to!”

“I…” Winter only realized how upset Xavier was when she saw his face. She quickly grabbed his hand, trying to make things right. “I’m sorry, Xavier. I was just so mad. I didn’t mean to do that… I

just can’t handle all this at once. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I know you’re going out of your way to help me. I’m really sorry.”

Winter picked up the script, folded it neatly, and tucked it into her bag. “I’m sorry, okay? I promise I won’t do it again. I’ll think things through. Really, I will.” She gave Xavier a big hug, looked up at him, and gave him a playful nudge. She held him tight, whispering, “I’m sorry, Xavier!”

Xavier’s face was still displeased. “Winter, that’s enough,” he said. They were in public, and he did not expect her to be so daring.

Winter did not let go, playfully nibbling on Xavier’s ear. “Don’t you like it?”

Xavier caught his breath and gently set Winter back, trying to keep things under control. Winter giggled but did not let go, still hugging him tightly. “Xavier!”

Her voice was soft and sweet, and Xavier could not help but feel a rush. Winter always knew how to stir up his emotions. “You little minx!” he said, half–exasperated yet half–fond

Ronald bid farewell to Xavier before hurrying to Charles’s office. “Mr. Hoffman, all is in order.”

Charles was gazing out the large window at the tiny figures below when Ronald’s voice caught his attention. He turned and gave Ronald a brief look. “Okay.” This text is © NôvelDrama/.Org.

Ronald bit his lip, unsure if he should speak. Charles lifted an eyebrow. “Got a question for me?”

Nodding, Ronald said, “I’m not sure why you’re doing this, Mr. Hoffman. If we want to take down Winter, we’ve got plenty of dirt on her. We could release it gradually, and she’d be done for. I don’t really