"Venti!"The coffee shop cashier receiving Zoe's order seemed to smile as Zoe just shouted at him. Unnecessary enthusiasm. He could hear Zoe's voice just fine, but it required patience in another form because after that, Zoe fell silent, preparing to continue her order."Caramel... ribbon crunch frappuccino!"Finally, the continuation of the order was uttered, but it wasn't over yet. The order was for Sara. It couldn't be that simple, and Zoe had to get it right.Zoe felt like crying, of course, because Sara had truly forbidden her to use any notes now. After more than two months of little progress—except for a few words spoken whenever Zoe didn't intentionally try to speak—Sara was now pushing her a bit to talk, like ordering coffee for her."Is this not cruel?" Wolf, watching from a seat not far from the cashier, could clearly see that Zoe was in distress."No. She has to speak when she wants to. I specifically asked Barry to give her a chance," Sara, sitting beside him, observed.I
"Not important, because it's impossible," Sara said, shaking her head."God damn it! You spoke earlier! Finish it!" Wolf grumbled irritably."Unless you also fall in love with her! That's what I was going to say earlier! But I know it's impossible because, of course, your heart is made of stone. That's why I didn't want to discuss it!" Sara snapped, causing the person at the next table to look over. Sara apologised with a smile, and, of course, she was forgiven—because the occupant of the next table was a man."I... That's impossible..." Wolf mumbled, staring at his empty cup."I just want her voice. I want to make it big, that's all," Wolf reiterated his intention."I know! That's why I told you not to be too sweet. I don't want Zoe to be tempted and think too far. It's a pity if she falls in love with you!" Sara sighed, then looked at Zoe, who was walking towards them with two glasses in hand.Wolf didn't pay attention to that; his eyes were fixed on the table surface. His head sudd
"Don't say you're scared; you don't think I'll sell you like before."Wolf sneered, observing Zoe's apparent panic as she continued to stare outside the car since earlier."Not that!" Zoe's retort came smoothly, delivered with reflexive quickness."This... is this where a lot of celebrities live? Hollywood Hills?"Zoe pointed backward, towards the place where she had seen the white Hollywood sign on the hill. A landmark that might be famous worldwide. Zoe could still see it now, but it was already behind them."Yes, that's right. We're going to visit a very famous former actor," Wolf said, signalling for the taxi to turn. They were about to arrive soon.Wolf had only visited the house they were heading to once, but he still remembered it vividly despite several years having passed."An actor? Why?"Zoe was naturally puzzled. Wolf had mentioned earlier that their trip to LA was for another part of the plan—to make Zoe successful. But there was no reason for her to meet an actor. She di
"Wait a minute, Lili. I haven't explained anything to Zoe yet." Wolf held back to prevent Lili from getting too enthusiastic."Oh? I thought you'd already explained everything. She's the one who has to choose, right?" Lili released Zoe's hand disappointedly."I'll talk to her first." Wolf looked around, searching for a quieter place to talk."Sit down first. I'll go to the kitchen to order some food." Clay asked them to sit on the sofa."I'll go upstairs to get the tablet." Lili also left the living room so they could talk alone."Zoe, I invited you to meet Lili today because she's a fashion designer. She has her own brand and boutique here, and it's quite famous, even though it's only been a few years. I asked her to prepare various clothes and costumes for you to choose from," explained Wolf.In addition to musical skills, Wolf was also concerned about appearance. Clothes and costumes were crucial in the world of entertainment—whether for singers, actors, or actresses."Today, we'll
Wolf shook Zoe's shoulders, finally seeing her eyes focus again, but only for a moment."What's wrong? Are you hurt?" Wolf asked.Zoe shook her head and sighed, trying to calm herself. But the crying sound persisted. Zoe covered her ears and shook her head."Zoe? What do you hear?" Wolf tried to pull her hand down. It was because the crying sound stopped as soon as Clay got up. A few seconds after he ascended, the crying stopped. Zoe shouldn't hear anything other than Wolf's questions. But Zoe still heard it. The sound was still in her head.Stumbling, Zoe took steps to find the way out. She wanted to distance herself from that sound."Where are you going?" Wolf reached out, but his hand was too slow. Zoe ran, not choosing the front door. The first thing Zoe saw was the side door, so she rushed towards the light."ZOE!" Wolf chased after her, relieved to see that Zoe didn't run far. But the situation wasn't good. Zoe now stood by the pool, crouching and covering her ears.She still he
"Wow!"Wolf muttered as he observed how Zoe cursed without a pause. He was accustomed to swearing, but mostly in his mind. What he was witnessing now was truly remarkable. Zoe continued to curse loudly for about a minute. Being a singer, her vocal strength and breath endurance were impressive.Wolf was relieved they weren't in a densely populated area. Otherwise, neighbors might have called the police complaining about the noise. Zoe's curses echoed around the open pool area."HEY! ARE YOU NUTS?! Why are you screaming here?!"Wolf heard a shout and looked up. A head with an angry face peeked out from a window. Clearly, Zoe's yelling disturbed someone. Wolf initially thought it was Clay, but then realized Clay couldn't have turned young again. It was Dustin, Clay's eldest son."Sorry."Wolf waved at him, and Dustin sneered before slamming the window shut. Zoe had screamed right under his bedroom window, so he must have heard every curse.Wolf looked back at Zoe, who was now standing st
"Mmm... I'm sorry about earlier... He's studying for an exam," Clay awkwardly sought understanding. Meanwhile, Dustin scoffed from above.Although Zoe was at fault here for shouting and crying aimlessly in someone else's house, Clay still wanted to apologize because his son's reprimand could be considered quite rude."No. I'm sorry. I should apologize, Clay. I didn't mean to disturb you. I'll apologize to him later." Zoe quickly shook her head, her face turning red in embarrassment."No need. Dustin is always like that; he doesn't...""It's not his fault. Really. I'm a guest... Oh? I'm talking..." Zoe turned to look at Wolf, who was still smiling. He watched and felt satisfied to see Zoe speak smoothly to Clay."Yes, you're talking. A lot and fluently," Wolf nodded."Oh, my God! Wait..." Zoe wanted to cheer but held back her emotions, not wanting to be too disappointed if she couldn't speak anymore."Sing for me," Wolf requested.Zoe swallowed hard, her hands sweating. Afraid that the
"What are you doing to her?!" Sara snapped as soon as she heard the report from Wolf about Zoe fainting. Accusing without hesitation."Focus on the positive, Sara! I got her to talk! Zoe can talk and sing now. That should be your focus. Now explain to me what made her faint." Wolf demanded back."Do you think I have some superpower that allows me to see Zoe's condition from thousands of miles away? You took her to the hospital, didn't you? Ask the doctor there, not me!" Sara retorted, sounding irritated because Wolf was entirely unreasonable.Wolf sighed. He was well aware that the question was absurd. But his mind could only produce such absurd thoughts at the moment. It was too chaotic."Now tell me what happened, and don't leave anything out. Everything!" Sara hissed threateningly."Mmm... Upon hearing a baby crying, Zoe became disturbed and covered her ears, even though we were outside. I asked her to calm down, and suddenly she screamed about what Max did, using harsh and long cu