***Elora walked confidently to the main stage. The roar of the crowd gathered in the large stadium only fueled her excitement. Tonight was her night - her big chance to perform alongside top international singers. This stage was the stepping stone she had dreamed of for years. Finally, she could compete with Anastasia, who had always been the lead singer. Leon walked beside her, his eyes full of pride as he watched his friend about to shine."Elora, you're going to dazzle everyone tonight," Leon said, holding her hand.Elora beamed. "I know, love. Tonight is mine. All eyes will be on me. They'll finally see that I'm better than Anastasia."But as they approached the entrance to the backstage area, a member of the event staff suddenly stopped them. The man in the black shirt looked tense and uncomfortable."Excuse me, Miss Elora," the staffer said hesitantly, "you can't go in."Elora froze, her face turning to confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked sharply, disbelief in her tone.Th
***Steven sat on the edge of the bed and checked Anastasia's body temperature, which was slowly dropping, but still at a worrying level. Sighing, he scribbled a prescription in his notebook."Her temperature is still not normal. This is a stronger antipyretic," he said and handed the prescription to Maximilian.Maximilian accepted it without a word, his eyes fixed on Anastasia, who lay weakly on the bed. Her face was still pale, though her breathing had begun to stabilize.Steven let out a long sigh and settled into a chair across from Maximilian, loosening the collar of his rumpled shirt. He looked at his friend with a mixture of mild annoyance and curiosity."You made me rush over here in shorts! My reputation will be ruined if any of my colleagues or patients see me like this," Steven complained, gesturing at himself. "I had to run like crazy just to answer your distress call."Maximilian let out a quiet snort. "I don't care about your shorts, Steven. The only thing that matters i
***"Is the food bad?" asked Maximilian.Anastasia shook her head, "It's very good. It's probably the most delicious food I've ever had," she replied with a faint smile."Why is that?" asked Maximilian curiously."Because I've forgotten what it's like to have someone cook for me with sincerity. In the past, it was always frowned upon because I was a star, it was served only to curry favor with me. Now there's you, you even asked me in detail what foods I avoid. No one has ever asked me so many questions, least of all my mother," Anastasia retorted, her voice choking."Eat, I promise I'll make the food you like as long as you eat it," Maximilian said."I should cook for you, a woman should be able to cook, right? If I want to try cooking, would you like to taste it?""Of course, with pleasure. I can't wait to see how a star cooks for a simple man like me," Maximilian said.Anastasia finally smiled, "You are a wonderful man, Max. I'm not a star anymore either, they say I'm a fading star
***Inside the Athena Records meeting room, the tense yet professional atmosphere is palpable. Anastasia sits across from Christian Idzes, one of the most influential music producers in the industry. The room is decorated with awards on the walls, showing how successful Athena Records has been in producing big stars. But Anastasia's situation was far from ideal. The public was still skeptical of her after the various scandals that had rocked her career.Christian looked at Anastasia with a serious look, his hands folded on the table. "I've heard some demos of your new song," he said, his voice calm but sharp. "There's potential there, but I have to be honest, Ana. These songs aren't strong enough to change the public's perception of you yet."Anastasia swallowed, trying to stay calm even though the criticism felt heavy. She knew that this was not an easy time for her. "I understand, Christian," she replied quietly. "But I promise I'll make it up to you. I don't want to disappoint you
***Anastasia opened the door to her new home and invited Lyra inside. The minimalist yet elegant living room, with a stunning view of the city from the large windows, immediately caught Lyra's eye."Wow, Ana! This place isn't as big as the old apartment, but it's so cozy!" Lyra exclaimed as she turned around to admire the apartment's decor. "Who picked this place for you? It's in a great location. It's very close to Athena Records."Anastasia smiled slightly and closed the door behind them. "It wasn't my choice. The apartment was rented by Max," she replied, taking off her coat and hanging it by the door. There was a reluctant tone in her voice, as if she didn't want to say too much.Lyra looked at Anastasia with a questioning look. "Max? You mean your mysterious husband? The man I've never seen before? He seems to be more than just an ordinary husband, doesn't he? I wonder why this man always brings you unexpected happiness."Anastasia took a long breath. She knew that this conversa
***Selene sat in the living room of the Kingsley family mansion with a smile on her face. Her heart warmed as she imagined the mansion once again filled with the sound of children's laughter running down the long hallways, bringing her long-awaited happiness. She imagined her grandchildren playing in the spacious backyard, running around in the garden she lovingly tended. Everything felt so close, like it was only a matter of time.Selene raised her cup of tea and looked at her husband, who sat across the room reading the newspaper. "I can't wait to meet our future son-in-law, Shayne," she said in an excited tone. "Our son is finally a normal man. He's finally found his sweetheart! When is Maximilian going to introduce her to us? I'd love to take her shopping and sightseeing."Shayne put down the newspaper and looked at his wife with a small smile on his lips. His face, always tense and full of responsibility, looked more relaxed this time. "I'm relieved too, honey. I can tell by the
***News of Anastasia Noire is currently the hottest topic on social media and entertainment news channels. Her mysterious thirty-second snippet of the song continues to trend at number one on various platforms. Shortly after, a photo of Anastasia having a serious discussion with renowned music producer Christian Idzes went viral. This seemingly unexpected collaboration immediately got the public excited and even fueled speculation that they would be releasing a joint music project soon."This will be the most amazing collaboration in music history," wrote one user on Twitter. "Christian Idzes is the best producer in the world and Anastasia Noire is the most talented singer. The world is not ready for this!"All of social media was filled with reaction videos and comments from excited fans. Everyone was talking about these two big names, and no one doubted that their collaboration would be one of the biggest projects in the music industry.At the same time, things were far from peacef
***Are you still going to hide?" asked Anastasia."Why do you ask that?" Maximilan asked back.Anastasia looked at him for a moment before deciding to answer. "Max," she called softly. "What's wrong?"Anastasia took a long breath and looked at the man with a determined look. "I want the world to know who my husband is."Maximilian was stunned. He stood rigidly, staring at Anastasia with a look in his eyes that was hard to interpret. "Husband?" he repeated the words in a surprised tone. "You want to admit that I am your husband?"Anastasia smiled sweetly, trying to hide her nervousness. "You are my husband, aren't you?" she replied, her tone light but clear.Maximilian looked at her more closely. "Aren't we only married by appointment?" he said flatly, though in his heart he was very happy.This remark made the smile fade from Anastasia's face. She was silent for a moment, disappointed by Maximilian's words. Then what is the meaning of the kiss we have been sharing all this time?" sh
***Maximilian sat behind his desk and looked at the files piled in front of him. His thoughts and feelings were in turmoil due to the problem that someone had attacked him that night and that person could be dangerous if he knew that he and Anastasia were married. He let out a long sigh and tried to concentrate on his work. However, a gentle knock on the door of his room stopped him in his tracks. He looked up and was surprised to see Robert standing in the doorway."Uncle Robert?" Maximilian frowned, it was rare for his uncle to enter his room unannounced. "Can I help you?" He invited his uncle to take a seat.Robert smiled as he entered. "No need to be so formal, Max," he said as he sat down on the sofa. "I just want to talk to you casually."Maximilian felt a wave of anxiety that he couldn't ignore. He knew that if Robert had come without business, the conversation would have been more personal."So," Robert began after a moment of silence, "I hear you have a girlfriend?"Maximili
***That evening, Robert invited Shayne and Selene, Maximilian's parents, over for dinner. At the long table, decorated with small candles and delicious food, the conversation flowed. But one question stuck in Robert's mind."Why didn't Maximilian come with you?" asked Robert as he looked at Shayne and then at Selene sitting next to him.Shayne chuckled, "Max is too busy with his own affairs. He often forgets his parents," she replied with a broad smile, although there was a slight note of disappointment in her voice.Robert smiled, then leaned back in his chair and looked at his daughter, Renata, who sat gracefully at the side of the table. "When you have grandchildren, you won't feel lonely. If Max is too busy, at least you can play with your grandchildren," he said, trying to break the ice with a little humor.Shayne and Selene exchanged glances and nodded, "We've been wanting grandchildren for a while," Selene replied quietly, brushing back her long hair. "But you know how Maximil
***Selene confidently opened the door to the CEO's office. Maximilian's office was quiet as his son was having a serious conversation with Bryan at his desk. The room was filled with natural light from the large windows.Bryan said goodbye as soon as their conversation was over, nodding respectfully to Selene before leaving the room. Selene looked at Maximilian with the gaze of a mother who missed her son but understood the burden he carried."I'm sorry, Ma," Maximilian said as he came over and gave Selene a loving hug. "I haven't had a chance to see Mama and Papa lately."Selene smiled warmly and gently rubbed Maximilian's back. "Mama and Papa understand, Max. We know you've been busy. But I heard from Bryan that you're going abroad the day after tomorrow?"Maximilian released their embrace and nodded slowly. "Yes, I have some business in Finland this weekend.""Finland, huh?" Selene looked at Maximilian for a moment, then smiled slightly. "Can you come with me? It's been a while si
***Selene sat on the cozy couch in the living room, straightening up as she looked at Shayne, her husband, who seemed to be deep in thought. They had just finished dinner, but their conversation was more focused on what was going on with Maximilian, their perpetually reclusive son."Shayne, I object," Selene began, her voice calm but firm. "I see you giving Robert and Renata hope. They are both desperate for a relationship, but Maximilian already has a woman of his choice."Shayne shook her head, frustration written all over her face. "Darling, I can only see how suitable Renata is to be our daughter-in-law. She's beautiful, intelligent, and very kind. She can make Maximilian happy, and Maximilian and Renata have known each other since childhood.""Don't overdo it, Shayne," Selene replied, her voice beginning to rise. "Don't let Maximilian leave again. It's enough for me to lose Isabelle. Max... he's still hurting from the loss of his sister. He is still healing, and I hope you will
***Maximilian is on edge when Bryan tells him that Anastasia will be attending his family's charity event. The news immediately makes his blood boil and the fears that have been haunting him return. Selene, his mother, is so close to Anastasia and it's very likely that Selene will show Anastasia her old photos. What Maximilian fears most is that Anastasia will find out his true identity from someone else. That would ruin all his plans to tell her about his past."I have to go to the apartment," Maximilian muttered and rubbed his face roughly. He didn't want to take any more risks by showing up at the charity event where too many people knew him. He didn't want Anastasia to find out who he really was under inappropriate circumstances.***Time seemed to pass slowly for Maximilian as he waited in Anastasia's apartment. His thoughts were mixed between worry and a deepening sense of longing. Every second felt so slow, as if the world had stopped spinning as he thought about the worst tha
***The Kingsley family's Charity Night has always been an event that high society looks forward to, an opportunity to socialize and contribute to philanthropy at the same time. Anastasia, who was still busy preparing for her new album, could not refuse Selene Kingsley's invitation. Selene had come personally to ask her to attend, and Anastasia appreciated the direct invitation from the woman who has been so supportive of her. Despite her busy schedule, Anastasia made time to attend.When Anastasia arrived, she immediately became the center of attention. Dressed in an elegant black gown that hugged her body perfectly, Anastasia looked like a star that had descended to earth. Every eye stared at her in awe, and rumors began to fly among the guests."Is that Anastasia?" one woman whispered in awe."Yes, it is. She's stunning every time she shows up," another replied.Selene immediately greeted Anastasia with a broad smile as she entered the room. "Anastasia! I'm so glad you could come!"
***"My husband," Anastasia whispered in a tone that was so soft yet seductive. "You came at the right time."Without warning, Anastasia's weak hands suddenly moved to grasp Maximilian's shirt collar. Pulling the man closer, her fingers deftly unbuttoned Maximilian's shirt one button at a time. Maximilian's gaze changed instantly, a mixture of surprise and interest. But he said nothing, just looked at Anastasia, who was now dancing with her own emotions."Darling..." Maximilian tried to stop Anastasia's movements, but she ignored him. Her half-closed eyes stared at Maximilian with a desire she could not hide. Then, slowly but surely, Anastasia stood on tiptoe and brought her face closer to Maximilian's lips.She kissed Maximilian's lips gently, and a warm glow immediately spread through her body. The kiss began slowly, as if she wanted to confirm that the man before her was indeed her husband, the one she had chosen to love.Maximilian was momentarily surprised, but his body responded
***Anastasia sat on the balcony of her apartment, gazing up at the late night sky. The cold night breeze hit her skin, but the chill was nothing compared to the turmoil in her heart. The glass of wine in her hand was nearly empty, and the bottle on the table next to her was nearly gone. Anastasia didn't usually drink, let alone wine. She knew she was a bad drinker, but tonight she didn't care. Her mind was too full and she just wanted to drown out the pain that wouldn't go away.He looked up at the empty black sky, only a few stars were faintly visible. In the silence of the night, her mind continued to wrestle with the images of the past that continued to haunt her. The pain, the betrayal, the humiliation never seemed to disappear from her life. Especially when her mother's name was mentioned, the wound would reopen as if it were yesterday."Mama..." she murmured softly, her voice almost drowned out by the night wind. Her eyes began to tear, but she held them back. She didn't want t
***Maximilian sat in a luxurious leather seat in his private jet. The gentle breeze from the plane's vents created a serene atmosphere in the cabin. Meanwhile, on the screen of the tablet in his hand, he watched a video of Anastasia, who had just won the Best Female Vocalist award. He couldn't take his eyes off her radiant face on the stage.His eyes were fixed as he listened to Anastasia's grateful words. And then, at the end of her speech, when Anastasia mentioned "husband" in front of thousands of spectators, Maximilian smiled faintly. That one word, that one word that made the crowd go wild, made him feel an unbearable sense of pride. He played the video over and over again, making sure that every word that came out of Anastasia's mouth sounded perfect in his ears."Husband... Yes, that's how it should be," Maximilian murmured in a low voice. He adjusted the collar of his shirt and loosened his tie a little, feeling more comfortable in his solitude on this plane.Anastasia's vide