Sara smiled and then lowered her feet, which were supporting each other earlier. Zoe's defenses were quite thick."I'll explain something to you. It's about how unique the human mind is. It might be boring, but I hope you understand why I need to make you talk about the most unpleasant part of your life," Sara said.Zoe tilted her body slightly to face Sara, wanting to hear better."Do you know how humans deal with pain or injuries?"Zoe remained silent for a moment and then shook her head. She didn't understand how to answer."They usually avoid it. When accidentally touching fire, you pull your hand away, right? The same goes for emotional wounds, though the form is different. People tend to run away, occupying themselves with work, alcohol, or maybe food. Ever heard of stress eating? That's the lightest example of what I mean."Zoe nodded, understanding the example better."But that's not a solution for emotional wounds. Unlike fire, emotional wounds tighten their grip when avoided
"Sshh! Don't be too loud."Sara gasped, emitting a warning hiss. She stood up slowly from her chair, then waved her hand, signaling Wolf to go outside.Wolf frowned, not understanding why, and then Sara pointed to the long chair. Sara pointed out that Zoe was sleeping there.Wolf stepped back, and Sara followed. They talked in the hallway of the building."She's been sleeping for a long time. Almost 12 hours now," Sara said."Isn't that too long? Is she sick?" Wolf was naturally puzzled."She had a slight fever earlier, but that's not what's making her sleep for so long. She's just mentally exhausted. She's starting to talk to me!" Sara smiled widely, celebrating her success."Really? Do you know what happened to her?" Wolf was also relieved. It was progress."I won't tell you!" Sara immediately set boundaries to avoid accidentally revealing details."I'm not asking you to tell me." Wolf hissed because he already knew enough about what happened."Just make sure Zoe has met enough jerk
Tapi Wolf eventually opened his eyes because it would look very strange if he kept them closed when Zoe knew he had awakened. Wolf calmed himself and tried to look at Zoe with a normal face. He didn't want to give any clues that something extraordinary had happened."So, why are you looking at me if you don't want to kiss me?" Wolf asked, his voice trembling a bit—a part of his effort to calm himself and suppress enthusiasm."I just wanted to check if you were still asleep or not. Not to kiss!" Zoe hastily came up with an excuse and blurted out the first thing that came to her mind."Then what do you want to do after that?" Wolf struggled to find material to keep their conversation going."I don't have a plan; I'm just curious why you're sleeping here." Zoe panicked again, searching for an explanation. Still unaware of anything."Oh, I'm just continuing my work, so I'm here until late at night and get sleepy," said Wolf as he slowly sat up."Are you hungry?" Wolf asked. Actually, it w
Zoe's calm face immediately transformed into an unfriendly frown."Calm down first." Wolf hastily corrected himself."I don't mean to go back on my promise, but I'm just suggesting something different regarding your desire for revenge. I won't prevent anything, but I want you to hear my proposal."Zoe's face relaxed again, and she sat more calmly, preparing to listen."I know your grudge against Iris, and that man runs deep. You want to end their careers by creating a scandal to destroy their reputation, right?"Zoe nodded and lowered her head. The intention was clear, but when Wolf said it, Zoe felt guilty, remembering that she had lied to Wolf thoroughly. She was somewhat relieved that she could use the excuse of not being able to speak to postpone her apology."I have a more suitable way for you to get revenge—probably more challenging as it may take time depending on your progress, but more satisfying. You don't have to engage in illegal activities like stalking."Zoe looked up ag
"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