Joey held out her hand, revealing frostbite on her fingertips. The doctor raised an eyebrow. "Did you spend all day braving the cold outdoors? We've got indoor heating. It really shouldn't look like this.""Yeah, I work outdoors," Joey replied.Zachary, looking serious, asked, "Besides what she suggested, aren't there other solutions? If the job requires being outside, there's gotta be a way to deal with this, right?"Joey glared at him. "My business doesn't concern you!"The doctor jumped in, "He's just looking out for you. Sir, if she's working outside, staying warm is crucial. Treatments won't do much otherwise."Worried, Joey questioned, "What about using a needle? Some crew members use it for frostbite.""Well, it's an option … but not always necessary. Spend a few days indoors, and your cheeks and ears should clear up," the hesitant doctor explained. She was torn between finding them attractive and thinking the guy was intimidating. Joey nodded. Coming out of the phar
Zachary firmly held onto her foot, glancing up at Joey. "You can't treat your feet like that. They're more sensitive than hands. Let me give you a foot rub."Joey squirmed a bit, making a face. "Let go …"Seated on the couch, Zachary held onto her foot, massaging the swollen areas. His tone was cold."A foot rub will help. Didn't you get warm shoes?""Warm ones don't make a difference," Joey replied.Even with snow boots on, spending the day in the snow often left her feet cold and damp. Zachary remained silent, sternly massaging Joey's feet. After the rub, that annoying itchiness in Joey's feet slowly eased up."How's it feeling?" Zachary asked, his hands a bit sore from massaging for half an hour."It's … not too bad," Joey replied, a bit bashful.Zachary smirked, stretching his hands. "Why don't you go take a bath? I'll head back and drop by later to work on those ears of yours."Joey shook her head."I'm good.""I heard if your ears get frostbitten with that red
Joey wrestled herself free from Zachary's grasp."Even so, we need to consider if the hotel has planted someone to film us secretly," Joey said, glaring at Zachary.Zachary sneered."Are you worried about our relationship going public?""Just like how you hesitated to marry me, I fear people finding out about us," Joey retorted defiantly.Zachary released her, his gaze piercing. "Joey, I just want to know. Is love something you can easily toss aside?"He vividly remembered that Joey had married him out of genuine love."What if I told you I regret falling for you and marrying you? Ever since your grandmother slipped me that drug, I've regretted it. You could drop me for Julia and ditch me for your grandmother. I'm the one you keep letting go," Joey said with a self-deprecating smile.Zachary took a moment of silence, then looked at Joey, saying, "Joey, just think about it from my perspective. Would you walk away from someone who raised you?""So, what's the problem if I deci
"Cut! Kenneth, seriously, what's wrong with you today? Are you even into this anymore, or are you just messing around?" Cinna yelled for the third time, irritated by Kenneth zoning out again.Kenneth shot Cinna an apologetic look. "Sorry, give me a ten-minute break."He couldn't figure out why Joey gave the gloves he got for her to Eve. Concerned, Cinna approached Kenneth after his brief explanation. "You alright? Not feeling well?""No, I just need a quick breather. I'll be back in ten minutes," Kenneth said calmly, though his emotions were hard to hide.Back in the rest area, he closed his eyes, pondering over Eve's gloves, his breathing a bit unsettled."Get me my phone," he suddenly requested from the assistant nearby, who was busy preparing hot water.He rarely used his phone, especially during filming. The last time he did was because Yolanda had gotten on his nerves. People were slowly making their way back to the truck for a break.Joey was busy picking out clothes f
Eve affectionately rested her head on Joey's shoulder."The swelling's gone. After we finish filming, I plan to visit your studio to customize a dress.""Sure." Joey grinned. Kenneth didn't look too pleased.When Zachary arrived to pick up Joey, he frowned at Kenneth's demeanor. The guy who always kept an eye on Joey, even sneaking glances while jogging, seemed off today.Zachary decided to keep a watchful eye on Kenneth. Shortly after Joey returned to her room, Zachary came in. He had ordered food to be delivered since he found the crew's meals at the hotel particularly unappetizing. He casually plopped down next to Joey, taking her hand in his."I'm preparing some hot water," Joey said, trying to pull her hand away.The frostbite hand she'd needled was less swollen and wasn't particularly itchy. The hot water was mainly for soaking her feet—something she neglected when busy, but sitting down made her uncomfortably aware."I'll handle it. You sit tight," Zachary said, get
The next morning, Cinna declared a day off for everyone. Eve eagerly dashed into Joey's room for some juicy gossip."I heard Kenneth was out in the snow last night. He was completely drenched, and his skin turned purple. Mr. Monterey had to drag him back to the hotel, and he was fuming," Eve exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.Being at that lively age, she discussed these matters with eyes shining brightly."Perhaps that's just part of being an actor," Joey mused, feeling a bit lost. She wasn't entirely sure. Upon hearing this, Eve couldn't help but furrow her brows. "Is it because he has to play a scene where his character dies, so he's torturing himself to get into that heart-wrenching state?"Joey shook her head, savoring the warmth of her coffee. She found solace in not having to shoot that day, lounging on the cozy couch by the French window, enjoying the serene snowfall."Compared to Kenneth, I'm far behind. I need to go," Eve said, immediately standing up.Joey a
Zachary pulled Joey into a hug, resting his chin on her shoulder. "You opening up to me shows you value my opinion. Let's work this out. I messed up and got jealous. I'm sorry. Let's not be upset, okay?"Joey frowned and pushed Zachary away. Without a word, she walked to the bed. Lifting the covers, she lay down, covering her head. "I need to get some sleep. Please, no talking."She had no desire to have a conversation with Zachary. The more she thought about his sweet gestures, the more she forgot where she stood in his heart.Back then, he was stern and straightforward, and she just followed along. Now, because he treated her well, she found herself playing these silly games.Zachary furrowed his brows, took a seat on the couch by the coffee table, and went quiet for a moment. Then, he picked up the pair of gloves, walked to the door, and messaged his assistant to come over.After the assistant arrived, Zachary opened the door and stepped out. The door clicked softly as it c
Joey had just turned around when Kenneth was heard clearing his throat. He said hoarsely, "Wait."She turned and looked at him. The assistant quickly put his cup down at the wave of his hand. He rushed past Joey. He even closed the door upon exiting the room."I'll pour you some water." Joey walked to the water dispenser. Kenneth watched her. Once she passed him the cup of water, he said, "What's in the container?""Chicken soup. I had the hotel make some for you." She pulled a chair to his bedside before she went to retrieve the container."I'd like to drink it." He coughed after he finished his words. She hummed and sat by his bed. She then opened the container. As he drank his soup, he occasionally muffled his coughs until he felt a little better. He suddenly asked her, "You used the gloves I gave you to butter Eve up. Were you hoping to receive an order?"She had guessed it."No. Why do you ask? Do you believe that I'm that kind of friend?" She looked him in the
Joey shot him a cold glance. "You and he are both the same, so neither of you should be laughing at the other."Zachary nodded. "You're right, but I've turned over a new leaf now.""Let's go. Enough about him," Joey said. She was annoyed whenever Henry was brought up.He had a great girl willing to be with him, yet he was still unhappy. Any other man would have been grinning from ear to ear.They arrived at the restaurant, and while Joey ordered the food, Zachary sent a message to Henry."You should think about this. Joey and Grandma just want you to have someone by your side in the future, which is why they're saying these things."Don't give up on her just because of what her parents said. Having someone who genuinely likes you is rare."From Zachary's perspective, Henry had a pretty good start. Tessa didn't mind his circumstances, so what was he dissatisfied with?Henry quickly replied, "I know. I'll think about it carefully."In truth, Henry found it all a bit troublesome.
Henry was immediately startled and started stammering, "O-Okay."As soon as Joey hung up the phone, she turned to see Tessa, who was crying pitifully, and handed her a tissue.Tessa took the tissue and sobbed without saying a word.Monica had prepared some desserts for her and looked at her with compassion. "Henry has never been in love before. Plus, he's straightforward and doesn't know how to talk properly. There's no need to cry."Joey thought that Henry just didn't love Tessa enough. Otherwise, how could he say such things?Tessa's eyes were swollen and red. Her tears continuously streamed down. "I know he doesn't like me. Maybe he just agreed to the relationship because I pursued him."Joey patted her shoulder. "In love, if one person is too proactive, the other will seem passive. The fact that you dared to love already makes you braver than many.""What's the point? He doesn't care about me at all." Tessa sniffled."Here, eat something," Monica said. "Feelings like love d
No one tried to persuade Henry further, but Zachary continued to say to him, "Come with me to choose a location for the security company. It's worth doing."Henry was a bit speechless. "I'm not even pursuing the relationship anymore. Why should I still think about the security company?"Zachary responded, "Do you plan to cling to Joey's coattails your whole life? Once the business is set up, you can have apprentices teach others, and you can become a hands-off boss in a year or two."With that, Zachary headed out.After they left, Monica sighed in disappointment. "And I here I thought Henry had found someone good for him.""I think it's quite normal. Finding a good woman isn't easy," Joey said.Henry was indeed a good person, but with one eye missing and his job as a bodyguard, it was inevitable that Tessa's parents would worry."How disappointing," Monica murmured repeatedly.Joey didn't know what else to say and could only comfort her. "There's still a chance. What if Tessa d
Joey snorted. "You looked down on me and thought I had no opinions back then."Zachary pulled her into his arms. "Joey, do you like the person you are now or the person you were before?""What about you?" Joey asked him."I liked you from the beginning. Do you think I would have pursued you for so long if I didn't? I never thought you were serious about the divorce. At first, I was angry, but now I just think I was too slow to react."Joey was genuinely angry back then, but he had thought she was playing hard to get.The two of them sat close and watched the movie together.Selena hadn't returned yet, so Joey guessed that she wouldn't be coming back."Selena probably won't return. Hanson is cunning by taking her away with just a movie," Joey said.Zachary turned off the projector and was still savoring the moment as Joey left his arms."They're in love. Otherwise, Selena wouldn't go with him so easily," Zachary remarked.Selena must really like Hanson. Otherwise, she wouldn't
Zachary squeezed her hand tightly. "You're just like an exquisite and beautiful flower."Joey couldn't help but laugh. She pulled her hand back with a little force. "Even though we just had a heartfelt conversation, I haven't thought about being your girlfriend.""I get it. You're Chloe, and countless people are lining up to pursue you," Zachary said in a voice tinged with jealousy.If she wasn't so focused on her work, she probably would have found a new boyfriend by now. For example, Kenneth was an excellent person. If Joey had accepted him back then, Zachary thought he wouldn't stand a chance now.When they got back to Emmen, Joey freshened up and got back to work.Zachary couldn't help but say, "Can't you take a break?""I've gotten used to this over the past year. When I can't sleep at night, I'll work. I find it hard to relax now," Joey said while reading a document intently.Without her dedication and hard work, Emmen wouldn't have grown so quickly.Zachary beckoned her
Zachary felt a heavy weight on his chest as he looked at Joey.She continued, "Even if I accept you again, and we try to rebuild a family, I know things can never go back to the way they were. I gave you my best years, and I don't feel like I owe you anything."During those three years, you ignored my true feelings and neglected me. Do you think it's possible to go back to the past now?"Zachary said, "I'm truly sorry.""I want to fully accept you, but I can't. You all think that the many hurts inflicted on me are something I can just get over, let go of, and move forward from. But I can't."I realize now that people are complicated and hold grudges. I constantly revisit every wrong done to me. If I didn't care, it would mean I don't care about any of you at all."Joey rarely opened up to Zachary like this, but she felt it necessary to make this clear.Zachary watched her silently and felt as though it was his first time knowing what she actually thought."It's like how I don't
Selena readily agreed, "Alright. It's not fair for you to handle everything alone."Her relationship with Hanson was intense and passionate at the beginning, but now that the initial fire had burned out, Selena felt less attached to Hanson. But after dinner, she was still dragged by Hanson to watch a new movie.Joey was exhausted from work and didn't want to move, so she sat at the dining table with Zachary to enjoy the peace."Shall we head back soon?" Zachary asked after a long while.Joey hummed, exhausted. "Let's sit a bit longer.""If you don't want to walk, I can carry you," Zachary said with a smile.Joey snorted. "Do you want Grandma to scold me? Have you even recovered?""Probably not. These wounds don't heal so easily," Zachary admitted honestly. He wanted to please Joey but had forgotten that his health was no longer as robust as before."Let's sit for another half an hour," Joey said as she leaned back in her chair and replied to messages on her phone."You're work
Selena felt that what Joey said made sense and immediately nodded in agreement. "Then I won't consider marriage."Zachary glanced at them and thought that Selena was a bad influence on Joey. Even if they were married, couldn't they still have fun? What was the difference?Around noon, Hanson and Tessa arrived at Emmen together.As soon as Tessa saw Henry, she ran to him and grabbed his arm. "I got out of class early to see you. You're not mad, are you?"Henry was taken aback, but seeing Tessa clinging to him so sweetly filled his heart with joy."Not at all. Why didn't you tell me? I could have picked you up," Henry said.Tessa held his hand. "Why do you have to pick me up? I know where you work, so I can come to find you."Henry nodded dumbly."Tessa, have you eaten?" Monica stepped forward with a gentle smile."No, but my parents want to invite him to dinner tonight. I've already arranged it with them," Tessa said with a smile.Joey thought this wasn't just a regular dinner
Henry had a smile on his face, looking quite pleased with himself. "Of course, she fell in love with me at first sight."Selena laughed. "Impressive! But your cosplay style probably appeals to most young girls, right?"Henry may have only one eye, but he was still very handsome. He was like a cosplayer you'd see on the street.He simply smiled and picked up his phone to check in with Tessa.After chatting, Henry grinned like a fool. "She asked me out to lunch. She said she doesn't have classes this afternoon and wants to take me to her place."Joey felt a bit envious. "You're incredibly lucky. You need to cherish this."Henry nodded as Monica looked at Henry with a smile."What is your girlfriend studying in grad school?" Selena asked curiously."Something related to Eldelish language studies I think," Henry replied, unsure.Joey nodded. "That sounds good."After finishing his meal, Henry sat nearby, playing on his phone.Selena couldn't help but tell Joey, "Is he just going