"Harrison, you’re a complete monster!" Shirley's voice was weak from a day without food. Her head was spinning, and her vision was swimming. She had been so loud before, but she was drained of energy now.However, she refused to face defeat in front of Harrison.Shirley pushed herself up from the floor. Her frame was so frail that it seemed like a strong breeze could whisk her away.After sitting for so long, she stumbled as she tried to stand, nearly collapsing back to the ground.Bracing herself against the wall, Shirley's defiant gaze met Harrison's. "Do you really think you can keep me locked up forever?"Harrison chuckled calmly. "Shirley, you've been at this game for years, but you haven’t improved at all!" He reached out, gripping her chin firmly and forcing her to meet his eyes.Shirley stood tall, her pride and defiance shining through. She would not show any sign of weakness in front of Harrison. "It just has to work," she declared."Work?" Harrison gave her a look lik
Harrison winced from the bite, but his gaze hardened, and he bore the pain.Shirley's strength drained away as her world spun, and she crumpled to the ground, her eyes unfocused and hollow. "What do you really want? If you have a problem, take it out on me. What kind of coward goes after a kid like Kelly?"“A kid?" Harrison scoffed, crouching to tilt Shirley's chin upward. His rough fingertips grazed her flawless skin as his eyes turned frosty in a heartbeat. "Haven't you heard? Your darling daughter's all grown up now, and she’s even a mom herself. Just like you, she's got a kid with no dad in the picture!"Shirley's face blanched, and she knocked Harrison's hand away with a sharp flick. "No! You're talking crazy. That can't be true. Kelly couldn't possibly...""Why couldn't she?" Harrison's gaze cut through her like a knife, and Shirley's face twisted with distress. She shook uncontrollably, staring at Harrison in disbelief. "You're lying!""Lying to you? Do you know that Charle
"You want me to burn in hell?" Harrison's icy stare bore into Shirley as she fought for her life. "If it's hell we're headed to, then you're coming with me!""Ellis!"The door swung open swiftly, and Ellis stepped in, his face devoid of emotions. He stood by the door, all business. "Sir, what do you need?""A syringe. If she won't eat, we'll hook her up to a glucose IV. Let's watch her try to die now."With those words, Harrison spun on his heel and strode out, leaving Shirley's room. Behind him, Shirley's voice tore through the air, wild and desperate, "Harrison, you're killing me! If you don't finish me off today, I swear I'll end you if I ever get the chance!"The door clicked shut, and only Harrison’s icy eyes remained in view. Shirley's threat seemed to hit him hard. A sharp pain grabbed his chest and made him double over, his face draining of color.Ellis stepped out just in time to see Harrison had not walked away yet. He was crouched down, frozen in place."Sir!"Someth
Harrison noticed Shirley's arms, and his brow furrowed. "Her arm!" He gestured to the makeup artist to cover them with makeup too.The makeup artist worked quickly, and once done, asked, "Mr. Smith, does this meet your approval?"Harrison narrowed his eyes, nodded, and commanded, "Let's head out."Once the room cleared out, Harrison gripped Shirley's chin. "Look at you. Even if you refuse to eat, I can still make sure you shine. Today's the big preview of White Night. Get moving, and don't you dare be late."Shirley shuddered from head to toe. She jerked away from Harrison's grip, staggered to her feet, and whispered fiercely, "Don't touch me!"Harrison just smirked. "Alright, my hands are off!" He clapped his hands, and Shirley's agent hurried in. "Sir!" He then turned to Shirley with a nod. "Ms. Shrill, if you would."Like a puppet on strings, Shirley was escorted out of Springwood Garden by her agent.The preview was set at Century Film Plaza, a massive theater in a mall owne
"Ms. Shrill, are you feeling guilty? There's talk that you abandoned your daughter to focus on your career. Is that true?”"Ms. Shrill, of course we care about your movie, but I’ve been a fan of yours for over two decades. You even inspired me to join the media. It hurts to see that the image you’ve cultivated was all a facade. You had a child out of wedlock and abandoned her. Doesn't that betray the fans who've stood by you?"The weight of the accusation pinned Shirley down. Her face was a ghostly white. "I...""Ms. Shrill, being your fan means liking you despite your flaws, right? How could you hide something so big from us from the start? This isn’t how you build trust with your audience!" A female fan stood up, her voice booming despite not having a microphone. Her words carried the conviction of a true believer.Before today, none of her fans really wanted to believe the rumors, but Shirley's dodgy behavior made everyone feel let down. "How can you do this to your fans who've
The murmurs in the room swelled into a cacophony that could not be tamed. Shirley's face lost even more color with each whisper and jab. She had barely eaten anything in days, and her stress was through the roof.Her agent rushed to her side, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked. Shirley, propped up by her agent, shot back with an icy stare, "Happy now?"The agent fell silent, his eyes searching Shirley's for something unsaid, but he left it at that.He signaled the host, ready to whisk Shirley away. The host caught on fast. "Okay, folks. That's it for the Q&A. The preview's about to start, and rumor has it the director's gunning for the big leagues with this one. The film's a masterpiece in the making, so everyone—""Do you think you can just slip away?"A girl in the crowd stood up. Her hat was removed, revealing a familiar same bold makeup style.Her expression was almost a sneer directed at Shirley from her elevated seat.The cinema lights were still on, spot
Harrison froze mid-stand at Ellis's words, then shot him a look that could freeze lava. "Where's Kelly?""Grant's guys are tailing her. We can't just barge in!""Excuses, excuses. Can't you outsmart them somehow?""Sir, Grant's crew are the cream of the crop!”Ellis felt a shiver of dread. "Just give me a moment, sir. I'll come up with something."After Ellis left, Harrison crushed his cigarette, his gaze sharp with a dangerous edge.Well, this was getting interesting.He was eager to see how long Grant could keep his guard up around Kelly.Shirley's eyes fluttered open the next afternoon, her mind foggy. For a moment, she felt like she had brushed shoulders with death itself.Her eyes fluttered open to the sterile white of a hospital room, the sharp scent of disinfectant hanging in the air.She sat up in a heartbeat, yanking the IV from her hand. She was ready to bolt from the bed when the door swung open.A man strolled in, clad in a white lab coat. He was conspicuously em
"What did you just say?"Shirley froze. "You mean the Smiths don't know Harrison's in Brookville?"Sean's eyes narrowed, turning sharp in an instant. "So you do know my Uncle Harrison!"Shirley's expression froze. "You said you could help me out. Does that mean you’ll take care of Harrison?"Sean's gaze lingered on Shirley as a sly grin spread across his face.Shirley did not really get Sean or what he was all about. However, that grin of his sent a shiver down her spine.Biting back frustration, Shirley thought, 'How could I forget? You're still one of the Smiths.' How could he ever want to help her?Sean smirked. "Not necessarily, Ms. Shrill. What kind of help are you looking for?""Help me escape from Harrison!""Oh?" Interest flickered in Sean's eyes. He crossed his arms and leaned back against a low cabinet, nonchalantly drumming his fingers on the sleek surface."Ms. Shrill, weren't we supposed to talk business? Is that all the earnestness you've got?" Sean scoffed. "Yo
In the past, Liliana would have scampered after Sean the moment he spoke, but the Liliana of today was different. She gave Sean a small smile. "My legs aren't long, so I don't walk fast. Also, I'm expecting now, so my husband wants me to slow down.""Husband?" Sean's teeth were practically grinding, his brows were so furrowed they could have been tied in a knot, and his face was clouded over. "When did you get married? Why didn't I know?"Liliana kept her smile. "It's Keith. He popped the question, and we're going to get our marriage license soon.""Oh, so you're not actually married yet?" Sean's laugh was distant. "You're already calling him 'husband' so eagerly. Liliana, you really haven't changed at all."Liliana's face fell, a shadow passing over it.She could easily pick up on the jab in Sean's words—it was just a way to put her down.Liliana took a deep breath, reminding herself not to lose her temper and stay calm for her baby's sake."It won't be long now, and I'll be su
The apartment was not big, and both the interior and exterior were pretty old. How could it even compare to the Hoffman family's grand home?She was a Hoffman too, but the difference between her and her sisters, Chloe and Layla, was like night and day.Liliana glanced at Sean, her brow furrowing. "Mr. Smith?"Sean's gaze softened. "Liliana, we're friends, right? Won't you invite me in to sit for a while?" He put extra emphasis on the word ‘friends’.Liliana's frown deepened. "I don't see why that's necessary, Mr. Smith. You're used to fancy high-rises and grand mansions. Our old apartment probably isn't to your taste." Holding Keith's hand, she led him to the living room. "I'll be back soon. I'm just stepping out for a moment.""But Liliana..." Keith hesitated, wanting to suggest they could talk at home instead of going out. He also wanted to offer to handle the matter himself if she preferred to avoid Sean.Seeing Liliana's resolute look, he nodded. "Alright, go ahead."Liliana
"You think you can go to work feeling like this?" Keith did not think it was a good idea, but Liliana did not see the problem. "You really don't have to worry. I had some trouble before because I didn't know what I was doing and wasn't ready to be a mom, but I've learned a lot since then. Anyway, you can't even tell I'm pregnant yet. You don't expect me to stop working now, do you?"Liliana joked, "If I don't work, how will I make money? How will I take care of our baby?""I'm here for you, Liliana," Keith sighed. "Haven't I told you? I'll look after you from now on.""But I can't just do nothing," Liliana reassured him. "Don't worry, Keith. If it ever gets to the point where I can't do anything, I promise I'll stop and just stay at home, waiting for you to take care of us."Liliana was in a very good mood and started teasing Keith. Keith gave her a look and said, "Okay, but if you're not feeling well or anything, just take it easy. We're not rich, but I've got enough to take care
With those thoughts, Liliana felt more determined than ever.She held onto Keith's hand tightly, her lips trembling a little. "Does it really not matter to you that I don't like you right now?""It does matter," Keith replied earnestly. "Liliana, I want you to give me your whole heart in the future." He confessed, "I'm actually quite selfish. I like you a lot, and I want you to like me back.""Alright!" Liliana nodded firmly. "I'll work hard to like you more."Keith smiled at her promise, gently squeezing her cheek. "You've been eating too little these days. You need to eat more and get a bit healthier for our baby's sake. It's better for the little one." He opened the lunch box, but the smell made Liliana's throat uneasy, and her stomach turned.Keith noticed her discomfort right away and came closer, full of concern. "Liliana, what's wrong? Are you feeling sick?"After a moment of queasiness, Liliana grabbed Keith's hand to steady herself. "I'm okay. I just felt a little sick
"Sean has always seen me as a sister. My last name is Hoffman, but I'm not really part of the family. I'm just a Hoffman by name, and the Hoffmans... Well, they're not really my family."When I was little, kids made fun of me because of where I came from. They bullied me at school. But Sean was my hero and stood up for me. It's kind of funny, isn't it? He was just trying to help, and I went and fell head over heels for him. I knew he thought of me as a sister, but I couldn't help wishing for more."Sean's mom never liked me. I figured that out pretty quick. I kept telling myself to stop liking Sean, but you can't always choose how you feel."When I was sixteen, a big mix-up led to Sean and me... Well, we got really close. After that, things got awkward between us. We only started to patch things up recently, but then..." Liliana's mind flashed back to that day in Cascade City, and she balled her hands into fists. "Keith, am I a bad person?""Don't talk like that, Liliana!"Keith
Savannah's face was twisted with displeasure. She stared at the young man who had appeared out of nowhere and saw how gently he cared for Liliana. His words had just metaphorically slapped her in the face.Savannah came from a respected family of scholars and was always admired. She could not believe someone would talk to her like that, especially not with the Smith family's reputation in Brookville.However, this young man was standing up to her for Liliana's sake. Savannah's chest rose and fell with her breath, a clear sign of her anger.Watching Savannah's reaction, Liliana knew Keith had made her mad. However, Savannah was too proud to lose her cool in public.Being stuck in bed was not helping anyone, so Liliana decided to get up. However, as soon as she threw off her blankets, Keith gently pushed her back down. "You're still not well. Stay put," he said with concern.Liliana gave Keith a grateful look. She knew he was just worried about her. Turning to Savannah, she said, "I
"How dare you!"Savannah was caught off guard. She never expected Liliana, who always seemed so sweet and frail, to speak up so boldly. It left her not knowing what to do next.She was not sure if the baby Liliana was carrying was Sean's. However, after hearing rumors about Liliana and Sean, Savannah had rushed to the hospital to dig up Liliana's medical records, and there it was—Liliana's report.Sean was so worried when Liliana had her accident. That was why Savannah was convinced there was something between them.She was determined to stop whatever was going on between Liliana and Sean. If Liliana would just listen, Savannah was willing to let bygones be bygones and have her end the pregnancy. However, if Liliana would not play along, Savannah knew she would have to find another way to keep her away from Sean.Savannah had run through every possible scenario in her mind on her way over, but she had not expected Liliana to stand her ground so fiercely, especially not when it cam
"Ma'am, what brings you here?"Liliana had a hunch that Savannah's visit was not coincidental. Central City Hospital was not the kind of place Savannah frequented.If she was ill, she could have visited Sean's hospital or asked Sean to come and see her. There was no reason for her to come to this hospital that was out of her way.Savannah had come straight to her ward, which made Liliana suspect something. Still, she kept her cool.After a few days in the hospital, Liliana was feeling much better. She could not take medicine, so she had been healing by eating healthy foods, and it showed.Keith was working all day and looking after her at night, which was wearing him out. Liliana had just told him to take a break when, by chance, Savannah showed up.Savannah kept a watchful eye on Liliana. It had been ages since she last saw her, and back then, Liliana was just a kid. She had grown up, but her face still held onto that kid-like innocence. Today, though, something about her seemed
"Ms. Savannah, do you know Liliana?" Joanna could tell from Savannah's reaction that she must know Liliana. Her eyes grew more intense. "It looks like Sean really is Liliana's boyfriend."Savannah always frowned when she talked about Liliana. "She's not right for Sean," she would say with a huff. It was not that Liliana was mean or anything. Actually, it was the opposite—she was too nice. However, Savannah had never liked her, right from the start.When Sean was just a little kid, Savannah met Liliana. She was quiet and kept to herself, not really liking to be around people much. However, she always listened to Sean and stuck close to him.Savannah did not have a big problem with Liliana. She just did not like her and thought she was not the right girl for Sean.Liliana was part of the Hoffman family, but even after all these years, they never really accepted her. Even though Charles from the family was kind to her, she was still seen as someone who should not be talked about, like