***"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
"So pretty," Leon murmured, sitting on his living room sofa, phone in hand, eyes glued to the screen. He was watching a video that had gone viral, presumably of Anastasia performing a stunning new song. Her powerful, emotional voice and flawless performance left Leon speechless for a moment, mesmerized by the talent he once knew so well.However, the serene atmosphere was suddenly shattered when Elora, his girlfriend, entered the room. Her eyes immediately fell on Leon, who was looking at something on his cell phone. Without warning, Elora snatched the phone out of Leon's hand with a quick movement."Elora, give it back!" Leon was startled and tried to get his phone back, but Elora took a few steps back and stared at the screen with an angry expression on her face.Elora's eyes lit up when she saw who was in the video. "Are you still praising him?" Elora asked sharply, her voice shaking with emotion. "Why?"Leon sighed heavily. He could feel the tension growing. "I just like the song,
***The restaurant looked ordinary from the outside, but inside the atmosphere began to change when a woman with a big hat and sunglasses sat in the corner. She ordered food like any other customer, but something was different. Anastasia Noire, the famous singer, arrived without any announcement.A new waitress who took the order didn't realize who the customer was at first. "Probably just a rich customer" who wanted to have a quiet lunch in this restaurant, she thought. But when she looked more closely, his face immediately turned pale. She knew that face - it couldn't be wrong."Oh my, this is... Anastasia Noire, right?" she whispered to herself, her hands shaking slightly as she took down the order.The waitress walked quickly to the kitchen, her face still showing surprise. Once there, he immediately spoke excitedly to his colleagues."Hey, do you know who's outside? Anastasia Noire! The famous singer!" he shouted in an almost whispered but enthusiastic voice.The kitchen immediat
***Spring in Paris felt different this time. The flowers bloomed with bright colors, the breeze gently touched her skin, as if inviting Anastasia to enjoy every moment of beauty. However, despite the fresh air and charming scenery around her, there was an empty feeling in her heart.Anastasia walked alone along the Rue de Rivoli, her steps slow, almost aimless. She had deliberately given Lyra the day off to rest, to allow herself to enjoy the solitude amidst the hustle and bustle of bustling Paris. But despite being in a city that was always touted as the city of love, Anastasia felt lonely. The loneliness was so deep that it penetrated every inch of her soul."Why do I always feel this way?" she murmured softly, her eyes looking straight ahead, but her mind drifting far into the past.Since childhood, Anastasia had been used to loneliness. After her mother died, the world she knew shattered in an instant. Her mother was the center of her world, the only person who gave her love and
***Anastasia stared at her reflection in the mirror, still wearing the dress that made her look like a goddess. Her hair was in a neat bun, her makeup was perfect, and the jewelry around her neck sparkled in the lamplight. Despite her elegant and charming appearance, her heart was far from calm. She had just finished one of the most important fashion shows of her life, and she was filled with mixed emotions.Suddenly, the door to her dressing room opened without knocking. Anastasia frowned when she saw who it was. Leon, her ex-boyfriend, stood in the doorway with a smile that had once driven her crazy. But this time there was no admiration in her heart. She just stared at the man."Anastasia," Leon greeted her in a soft tone, as if they were still close. "You were really amazing on stage earlier. I couldn't stop watching you. You were like a bright shining star in a dark night."Anastasia remained silent, not wanting to return the hollow compliment. In her heart, a feeling of disgust
***The camera lights shimmered, casting soft shadows in the large room filled with luxurious fabrics and photographic equipment. Anastasia stood in the center, her body draped in a gorgeous white gown with delicate lace details, specially designed by top designer Celine Idzes. Every curve of the gown accentuated her figure, making her look like an angel descended to earth. The diamond necklace that sparkled around her neck - the work of Laura Moen - added an inevitable touch of opulence.Celine stood at the side of the set, her eyes twinkling as she saw her handiwork reflected so perfectly on Anastasia's body. Not only did the dress look beautiful, but it exuded incredible elegance. Celine clapped her hands lightly, her smile wide."Anastasia," Celine said as she approached. "This gown was truly made for you. Your back is so beautiful, the cut of this gown is perfect for you. And that diamond necklace... it really completes everything. I've never seen anything so harmonious."Anastas
*** Inside Maximilian's private jet, silence accompanied their flight to Paris. He sat in his seat and stared at his cell phone, which had just vibrated. A message had arrived from Lyra. He opened the message and on his phone screen appeared a somber photo of Anastasia staring out of the window of an airliner. There was a distinct sadness on her face, a look that seemed to speak without words.Lyra added a message below the photo:"Max, Anastasia may not be in a good mood, especially after meeting her biological father. Maybe you know the story too, I'm sending this because you're her husband and I hope you can encourage her."Maximilian looked at the photo for a long time, his gaze sad. He could feel the sadness radiating from Anastasia, as if the weight of the world was crushing down on her. If only he could be there now, he would want to hug her, comfort her, and tell her that she was not alone. That there were many people in the world who loved Anastasia, including himself, even
***Anastasia and Lyra walked quickly to the departure gate at the New York airport. The airport was busy that morning, but Anastasia's mind was filled with thoughts of her trip to Paris. Paris Fashion Week, an exclusive invitation from Coeur de Luxe, and a great opportunity that should make her happy - but not today.Anastasia's footsteps suddenly stopped. Her eyes were fixed on a figure she knew very well. In the crowd of passing passengers, she saw the man she had missed for so long, but who also made her heart hurt even more - her father, Rhett Noire.Rhett stood there, smiling warmly, but not at her. His hug was tight, loving, but not for his daughter. Elora, his stepdaughter, received all the attention, a satisfied smile painted on her face. Like a dagger slowly piercing, Anastasia's heart felt broken.Tears almost fell, but Anastasia held them back. She couldn't cry. Not here. Not in front of Lyra. And especially not in front of Rhett, Aria and Elora. With trembling lips she tr
***Maximilian slowly opened the door to his apartment. The clock on the wall read two in the morning. The cold night air pierced his skin, but his mind was on only one thing - Anastasia. She should still be at the office, finishing up some outstanding reports, but the urge to see Anastasia's face was strong. He needed that energy, something he could only get from her smile, even if only for a moment.After closing the door, his footsteps stopped when he saw that the light in the living room was still on. "Ana?" she called softly, hoping that Anastasia was already asleep. But to her surprise, she found Anastasia sitting on the sofa, still awake."Max," Anastasia turned her head gently. She smiled, although there was a hint of tiredness on her face. "You're home."Maximilian looked at Anastasia questioningly. "Ana, why aren't you sleeping? Did you have another nightmare?" he asked, his tone full of concern.Anastasia shook her head gently. "No, I waited for you on purpose," she replied
***"Mom, are you going to Paris?" asked Maximilian.Selene nodded. "I miss your aunt. Celine couldn't go back to New York yet. Your uncle is also going there to be with Anastasia.""Why don't I take you there?" offered Maximilian.Selene looked at Maximilian with big eyes. She had never expected Maximilian to suddenly offer to take her to Paris. For a moment, she thought it was a joke, but the serious tone in Maximilian's voice made her pause."Are you serious about taking Mom to Paris?" asked Selene with a frown, a little confused by the offer.Maximilian nodded while sipping his coffee. "Yes, I'm surveying for a new project there. I also received an invitation from Uncle Christian."Selene was even more puzzled. She knew that Maximilian was always busy with his business affairs, but what was it about Paris that interested him this time? Besides, her son hated the hustle and bustle of the bustling world."You want to expand our business into fashion?" Selene asked curiously.Maximil
***"Who are you missing?"Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps broke his daydream. He turned his head, his eyes shining as he saw Maximilian standing in the doorway."You're home!" Anastasia exclaimed with a smile on her face. "I've been waiting for you."Maximilian stood for a few seconds, his heart momentarily touched by the innocent smile Anastasia gave him. However, jealousy suddenly appeared as he remembered what he had heard earlier. She overhears something when she enters the apartment - Anastasia says she misses someone. Who does Anastasia miss? That's what kept nagging at him.Maximilian slowly walked over to Anastasia, who was sitting in front of the piano, her eyes narrowed in question. "Do you miss this man?"Anastasia frowned, confused by the suspicious tone coming from Maximilian's mouth. "Why are you saying I miss someone?""I heard you say you missed someone," Maximilian replied, holding back the jealousy that was beginning to creep into his heart.Anastasia w
***"Really? I was also invited to the Paris Fashion Week event?" asked Elora with sparkling eyes.Rafael nodded. "That's right, Elora. Later you will be part of a well-known brand and you will probably be offered to be their brand ambassador."Elora smiled proudly and immediately stared at herself in the mirror, contorting herself in the designer dress she was wearing. "Paris Fashion Week, Rafael. This is my big chance. Everyone will see how radiant I am.""Don't be too confident yet, Elora. There are more important things to focus on."Elora frowned and turned to the man. "What do you mean? Haven't I prepared everything?"Rafael sighed deeply, put his phone down on the table and leaned back. "Yes, you have prepared well. But you have to remember one thing, Anastasia will be there. I don't want Paris Fashion Week to become her stage, Elora. You have to make sure he doesn't steal the show."Elora bit her lower lip, her haughty gaze softening slightly. The name Anastasia still haunted