CHAPTER 1

PROLOGUE 

"Lu-Lucius!" Estella called the young man's name while trying to hold his hand.

Now has she seen the young man again, because the young man did nothing but avoid and hide from her. She was going crazy, wondering why the young man acted this way. She wants to know why; she feels he loves her, but she can't figure out why the young man treats her like this. Estella became desperate and started to shout his name more and more. She wanted to know what had happened. Why was he pushing her away? She was willing to do anything to find out why he behaved this way, even if it meant she had to do something extreme. She couldn't bear the thought of losing him, but she was starting to realize she wouldn't get the answers she sought.

He's been avoiding her for almost a week, and it hurts. She wants to talk to him and find out what's wrong, but every time she calls, he doesn't answer. She can't help but feel like he's pushing her away, and she doesn't understand why. She's been trying to be understanding and patient, but it's hard when she doesn't know what she's done wrong. She longs to hear his voice and tell him how much she loves him, but it's as if he doesn't want to talk to her anymore. She's beginning to worry that he doesn't feel the same way about her anymore and that it's breaking her heart. She feels like she's going crazy because he doesn't talk to her suddenly and avoids her, and what's worse is that he doesn't respond to her texts or calls. Even if he scares her that he is sick, something terrible has happened, or even if she says that she is in pain.

Last night she texted him asking. "Why do you keep avoiding me?" But no, she got no answer.

They're okay, aren't they? She believes they are okay because. He even managed to save her life. She knew she knew to herself, that something was wrong with why the young man was like this. And she can't take it anymore! She was tired of guessing what the young man was doing. 

"What?! What do you need, Estella?!" He shouted at her in public while he tried to avoid her approach.

The way he ignores her, it's so painful that she almost wants to kneel to talk to the young man and pay attention to her. Are all the things they shared gone? Estella knew in her heart that they didn't have a relationship, but she also knew in her heart that the young man loved her. Estella shook her head, trying to hide the tears that were flowing down her face. She wanted to explain to him that all she needed was his time and attention, but her words couldn't escape her mouth. 

She finally gathered all her courage and said, "I don't need anything except for you Just please, Lu-Lucius, talk to me.. I'm going crazy thinking about why you're like that."

He looked at her with those big brown eyes, and she could see the uncertainty and frustration in his expression. "I need to calm down," he said. "Please give me space, Estella. Please. Just go, I don't want to talk to you." 

Estella stood there, feeling helpless and confused. "Space? I gave you space for almost a week! What more space do you want?! You're going to leave, then.. Then you won't even talk to me?! That's it? Until now, you haven't still telling me what you and my Mother talked about. You know what hurts? I hold on your promises to me." 

"Estella, I'm sorry.." 

"I don't understand you, we don't have a problem, right? But why did you change, and what's worse is that you leave like nothing happened, you always avoid me without knowing the reason. Do you love someone else? Is that the woman I'm trying to get out of your life? Is it Vanessa? Is she the one you really love and everything is just for show? She's the reason we lost our baby... Don't tell me that's also part of the show?" She tried to hold back the tears forming in her eyes. "Is that why you didn't come right away?" 

"Yes, Estella. I've fallen in love with someone. I didn't really love you, I just used you to clear my own name, I just used you to hurt you and make you feel bad. Do you understand now?"

Her world seemed to stop when she heard what the young man said, but she held on even more, even though she was already hurting. "No, I don't believe you, I know there's a reason, please! Tell me first! I'm going crazy!"  

"Estella, stop it! We're over. People grow and change, and everything can do that. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that... "

"But-but, you had sex with me! You asked me out on a date with you and even saved me from danger! Protect my family too. What are those?"

"It's just a sex. Sex is sex. I just did the favor. That's it. Saving you, that's nothing because we both know that I want to face Yuan, that's all. So please, leave me alone, Estella. I just used you to find out who is person ordered you to slander me." 

"Liar!" She shouted in great anger. "What you said is not true. I know, I know because I can feel and see in your eyes that you are lying."

"Estella, please. Don't make the situation more complicated." Lucius said without looking at her. 

Lucius felt guilty for lying to Estella but couldn't help it. He had to keep his promise, and he had to protect her. He wanted to tell her the truth but knew she wouldn't understand. He stood up and walked towards the door, not looking back. 

After saying that word, the young man immediately left without saying goodbye. She closed her eyes slowly before the tears she held back slowly fell. She felt that she was being torn apart little by little like a piece of paper being torn apart because it was worthless.

***

"MAM'S, I can't wear this outfit. I said I'd only dance here, but I won't be able to dress like that. I'm not wanting to be sexualized." Estella whispers nervously to their club's manager.

The one she called Mam's stood up and raised an eyebrow. "You know, Estella, your complaints are pointless. Do you consider yourself to be a decent woman? The club you entered isn't a respectable workplace like an office! Do I make myself clear?"

"But…"

"Will you wear it on or will you go home broke?"

Estella sighed and leaned on the chair's jamb for a moment. She managed to de-stress before speaking to her boss, who appeared irritated.

"All right, I'll put it on and then follow you."

She fixed her gaze on the garment on the table, then she started wearing the revealing dress.

They wouldn't be suffering if her father was still alive. Because her mother is ill, she helps to pay for her mother's maintenance medicine, and treatment. As a result, she had to put in long hours of work to support her mother and two younger siblings.

"Estella! Faster! Her manager exclaimed, "You're so slow," jolting her back to reality.

She rolled her eyes behind her boss's back, but she didn't show it. "Mam's almost done. I'm just about to zip up this dress."

Carla, her bestie, greeted her when she exited their dressing room. It also helped her become associated with the club's employees. Carla works as a server, offering people beverages and snacks.

"Hello, Estella, my dear.” Her dearest friend was always there for her.

She always manages to catch up, but this time she wants to take the lead on her own feet. "Can you tell me why you're wearing that? Who told you to put that on? "

She grinned as she approached her best friend. "I have to be a seductress right now."

"What?! But we've already discussed that- "

"It's fine with me; I need to make money for my mother right now," she explained, attempting to prevent her best friend from causing a problem because she knew what would happen next. Carla will be taking up Estella's work.

The rage on its face vanished almost instantly, and it was a pity to look at her, so she simply smiled. "I believe it's against your will, but what else can I do? You appear to be a hard worker. "

"I'm alright, promise," she responded, lifting her palm to swear so that her friend would remain calm and complacent.

"All good, as long as you let me know when there's someone who's trying to fool you," says her best friend.

"Aye, aye, captain!" She said.

Estella exited after their brief conversation and walked to the island table to pick the beverages she would provide to guests. She'll do that alone with flirting to increase her sales statistics. She went to work with a grin on her face, even though she didn't want to. She has to do it for her family who rely on her, not for herself.

"Estella!" She was shocked when Carla yelled and as she got close she was dragged by her friend to one side.

She gave it a frown. "What's the matter? I'm about to die from a heart attack!"

Her friend locked her gaze on her. "I've got some exciting news for you!"

The term good news made her feel elated suddenly. She has been around for as long as the term good news

"What is that?" Estella asked after Carla interrupted her. 

Carla gave her a kind smile. "So, you want to be an actress, right? Well, now is the moment!"

"Yes, why? Please tell me everything, no cliffhangers." She was no longer troubled by the good news that had been conveyed by her friend.

"So, I got an audition form from my cousin who wants to be an actor, and I thought of you, so I requested an additional form; all you have to do now is fill it out and start packing; you have to make an impression when auditioning!" Carla exclaimed, freezing Estella at her feet with surprise and delight.

"Oh, God! Are you sure I'm not dreaming?"

"Well bitch, no," Carla replied while raising her eyebrows and crossing her arms. "You can get in even if it's a little role; if you're strong at acting, and maybe someday, you'll be the next prime-time queen!"

She grinned at her friend because it was too advanced to think about her future. 'Do I call it ambition if I want to be a famous actress with a million supporters?' She asked inside her mind.

"Hey, don't forget about me when you're famous," it grumbled. She shook her head since her friend was showering her with encouragement and enthusiasm, even though she had yet to begin to audition.

"I hope I can get in and start my career." She said to herself, then left without the tray with the beverages, making Carla quickly follow her.

"What are your plans?”

"Are you going home and going to start practicing in your own bathroom?"

She sighed and nodded. "I have to do something in our bathroom," she says. "To quarrel with myself in our small mirror and scream till my tears dripped into my eyes. Will you give me some advice?" She asked. 

She delicately touched her cheek. "This is the form; please read it carefully before filling it up. I believe in you because you're good.”

Estella inhaled deeply. "Wish me luck, Carla," she says.

She tapped her cheek once more. "I know you can do it."

She smiled at her friend before continuing on her way to the exit. She didn't spend any time tonight in preparation for the audition the next day. She has to be prepared to make a good first impression.

When his manager entered the room, Lucius was preparing for an exclusive interview. He quickly looked at it, then continued to fix his collar, which he could fasten with the help of his numerous personal assistants. But he, on the other hand, preferred to do it alone.

"Lucius, after your interview, you must work as a judge at the audition. And no one will be able to take your position, so if you're thinking of passing it on, don't." Said his manager.

His response was straightforward: "Okay." After finishing his task, he exited the changing area and proceeded to a room where his private interview would begin.

***

"What!? You should bring emergency medicine!" Carla whispered-screamed at her, terrified.

Estella's skin was dripping with sweat. She turned to face Carla, who was standing next to her in the waiting area, squirming from the pain in her abdomen. "I'm sorry, Carla, but I don't think I'm up to it anymore! It will be revealed... "

Estella's gaze wandered around the large, open structure. They're currently auditioning at the Black Dream Entertainment building, but she's having diarrhea and her stomach hurts. Her pain, she believes, will cause a shambles.

"Come on! Let's see where the bathroom is," her friend said as Carla pulled her from the line of auditionees. They asked where the bathroom was when they saw a security guard roaming around. The security guard immediately guided them and gave them directions.

They both dashed into the restroom, where they were fortunate to find only a few other people. There are no long lines, and all of the cubicles are empty.

Estella used her ass to take out everything she could. When she was done, it was a huge relief. She's content.

They left the bathroom and went back to their seats, where many applicants were waiting to be chosen as a star.

"Calling the attention of everyone! We will call the names for a one-on-one interview with your judge."

The audition is about to begin. Estella's heart has doubled in beats, and her mind has been reciting prayers. Her hands are trembling from nerves, but she must remain calm. Nervousness is not empowered in this audition.

Estella gets nervous and starts drinking water. She drank the water in her water bottle constantly while waiting. Carla, who was standing next to her, gave her a puzzled look.

"Are you okay?"

"This makes me nervous Carla, I'm nervous-"

“Next! Estella Velazquez!” 

Her name was called before she had finished speaking. She took action right away. She stood up once to wave to her friend before entering a room where the judge was waiting.

Her eyes popped open, and her saliva almost dripped from her mouth when she saw who the judge was.

"Go-Good afternoon," she said nervously, her speech stuttering.

'Lucius Hudson is extremely attractive!' She thought to herself, star-struck by Lucius' attractive physical features.

He's a well-known actor who's been titled "King of Dramas" for his work in both contemporary and modern dramas. And now, she's standing in front of him.