At this point, Cordy had to blame it on a grudge from a past lifeHowever, Nana's seemingly innocent gaze was still fixed on Cordy. "But it feels to me that he cares a lot about you—he was so worried when he saw your blood being drained into the IV bottle. He only snapped at you because he thinks you're refusing to take care of yourself, and it's out of concern… What should I do? I think I'm getting jealous.""You're kidding," Cordy said naturally. "Lucas is just overreacting like anyone would during a crisis. I would call for the medical staff if I were in the same situation as well, and as for his temper… don't you think that he really doesn't like me at all, and he's always finding an excuse to vent at me?""But Lucas isn't like that. He wouldn't do that to the others.""That's what I've been saying. We rub each other the wrong way," Cordy said in disdain—she was still feeling frustrated and stressed even as she recalled how Lucas flipped out at her."Don't tell me… you've fall
Nana continued, "I'm sorry, Cordy, I really don't want to ask this of you, but I'm so afraid of losing Lucas. Could you at least promise me to keep your distance as long as it's not about business?""I already have. I've never tried to get near him, and I'm not interested in him…"Cordy trailed off as she stared at Nana's hopeful yet miserable look, and she said, "Alright, I promise."Nana's tearful expression turned to a smile right then, and she exclaimed excitedly, "Thank you, Cordy! I knew you were a good person!"Cordy thought she was far from it—she certainly did not think Nana's overly humble stance in her relationship deserved pity.She just did not want to waste her time staying involved with them and then cause trouble for herself because of them.In fact, she would have done it whether she agreed to it—Lucas was just that incompatible with her. Nana just could not bring herself to buy that reality and simply wanted a definitive answer from Cordy.Cordy in turn decided
Lucas wiped away Nana's tears, saying, "I'm staying with you. Don't worry over nothing.""I don't want to, but you've changed so much. You used to look at me only, but now, you're always finding Cordy…" She sobbed even as she grabbed his wrist. "I'm so scared!""We're getting married soon," Lucas assured her. "We'll decide on a date once my parents return, so stop being paranoid.""Actually, I spoke a lot with Cordy just now…" Nana said, staring at him dolefully.Lucas did not ask any questions, so she continued, "I told her to stay away from you and not to talk to you."Lucas blinked."Are you upset?" Nana could always sense when his emotions stirred—even a little."Nope."Nana's hands clenched on his just then. "Cordy agreed that she won't reach out to you. I know what I did was despicable, but I can't help it. I'm really scared that you'll be drawn to her because she's so beautiful and attractive…""She agreed to it. That's enough," Lucas said indifferently."Can you promi
Once everyone was given their respective scripts, they each sat in a corner to study their assigned roles, after which they would present their own interpretations to Jay.Zoe sat at the furthest corner, studying her script seriously, but she was also starting to nod off as she did.She swore not to binge on alcohol ever again even if it killed her.To think that she actually brought Cordy and Quinn to the graveyard last night… Was there anything she was not capable of while drunk?!Even as she did her best to stay awake, Candice approached her. "Zoe."She would be in the same group for the next stage, and they had grown closer since they worked together on the last round.It was also common knowledge that every contestant should stay in cliques, even if it was just for appearances, despite the competitive nature of his variety show.Zoe never did, however, because she had not met the rest for that long, and none of the others were willing to hang out with her. Some were even ke
Everyone rehearsed their roles as Jay instructed, practicing their routes and dialogues before freestyling their respective performances.Zoe was exhausted and therefore constantly distracted, even missing her cues constantly—she did not have that many lines but made a mess of everything.She clearly saw Jay's brow creasing deeply and wondered then if he regretted saving her during the last stage. Hailey arrived for an inspection just then. She had been rehearsing with her group at the next studio, but they could hear her scoldings despite the immaculate soundproofing between studios.The diva was so strict that she would start snapping at anyone mercilessly if they failed to meet her demands.Many who were not chosen for her group were rejoicing in the fact—would they even survive otherwise?In fact, word had it that Hailey left one of her actors breaking down in tears even before they got started.And now, Hailey herself was sitting beside Jay—they were arguing a little ove
Hailey also realized that she had been overreaching—this was Jay's group, and she had no cause to throw her weight around.Hailey could not help snapping at Zoe given how she was behaving and was surprised that Jay took exception.As such, Hailey came up with an excuse to leave.On the other hand, it was still awkward for Zoe, since Jay did hang her out to dry.He never snapped at people, but his impassive expression could leave one feeling nonexistent.Soon, the first rehearsal was over.Jay did not say much and dismissed everyone for a break before turning toward Zoe. "Come with me."Everyone was throwing Zoe looks of pity right then, and she certainly pitied herself as well.But there was no one out there to save her!She steeled herself as she followed Jay into his VIP lounge, hanging her head as she stood there respectfully like a kid caught doing something naughty.She did not mind appearing pitiful if that could buy her a little sympathy from Jay—when one lived long en
"There's a bed there in the inner room. Go take a nap," Jay said. Zoe was left staring at him and sincerely wondering if she misheard."You heard me right," Jay said, reading her mind just then. "Go take a nap."Zoe bit her lip—there had to be a catch.So what was Jay planning?However, just as all sorts of thoughts crossed her mind, Jay got up and left without any explanation, giving her the room.Zoe hesitated, poking her head in to see the interior of the inner room—it was not at all spacious, but it looked comfortable nonetheless.She felt like her soul was drifting over to lie down, and she thought she would fall asleep if she put her head on that pillow… which she did.In fact, she had actually thrown herself on that moderate-sized but exceedingly soft, clean bed. There was a faint scent of high-grade softener and nothing else.She had reason to suspect Jay never slept here before, and it was fortunate—she might not be able to sleep if she picked up his scent on the she
As Zoe abruptly opened the door to the inner room panickedly, she found Jay sitting calmly and elegantly on the luxurious couch in his lounge, taking a sip of coffee.His bearing was certainly a far cry from hers.Zoe worked hard to calm herself, before asking meekly, "How long have I been sleeping?""A day. It's now 10 PM."A day—not just a couple hours and certainly not just the entire afternoon.In other words, she slept for twelve hours… from 10 AM to 10 PM!What?!"Why didn't you wake me up?!" Zoe asked in shock.She forgot to turn on her alarm, and she was the type who always overslept if no one disturbed her.That was how soundly she slept."You used to be so foul-tempered if someone woke you," Jay blurted."That's before! Would I even misbehave now? I'd be marching out of bed if you called," Zoe quickly retorted. Jay smiled then.His smile had always been refined, and she had never seen him smile in a way that lacked control.That was why one could not tell if he