The hotel room was small, nothing compared to the marble-floored luxury of the Lu residence. The wallpaper was faded, the bed slightly lumpy, and the window overlooked a noisy street.
But for Yuexi, it was perfect.
She could breathe. She could sit on the floor in her pajamas, eat instant noodles from a cup, and not feel the weight of expectations crushing her. For the first time in months, she felt like Lin Yuexi—the girl who once dreamed of acting—not just "Mrs. Lu."
The next morning, she put on a cap and mask before slipping out. Her destination wasn't glamorous.
A small café tucked away near Galaxy Studios.
When she pushed open the door, the aroma of fresh coffee and pastries wrapped around her. The barista glanced up, recognition flickering briefly, but she smiled warmly.
"You're Lin Yuexi, aren't you? I watched your drama Falling Petals back in college."
Yuexi's heart skipped. It had been years since anyone mentioned her work with that kind of fondness. "You… remember that?"
"Of course! You were amazing." The barista grinned. "Are you really coming back?"
Yuexi didn't answer directly, only smiled and ordered a latte. But the warmth in her chest stayed long after she left the café.
By noon, she found herself standing outside Galaxy Studios again. This time, she didn't sneak. She walked through the front gates, head high.
And there, waiting near the lobby, was Gu Yichen.
He looked surprised but pleased. "You came back."
"I never said I wouldn't." She straightened her shoulders. "If the audition still stands, I want another chance."
His smile deepened, a mix of admiration and something softer. "Good. I was hoping you'd say that."
Meanwhile, across town, Chenxuan sat in his office with the blinds drawn.
The statement he had issued the day before was already plastered across every news outlet. His PR team congratulated him on "containing the scandal," but the hollow satisfaction gnawed at him.
Because his house was empty.
He hadn't slept. He hadn't eaten. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her leaving—her suitcase dragging across the floor, her words like daggers. You don't get to control my soul.
He slammed his pen down, unable to focus on the contract in front of him.
"President Lu?" his secretary asked cautiously. "Is something wrong?"
He gave no answer, only waved her away.
His mind was already spinning with possibilities. Where was she staying? Was she safe?
And worst of all—was she with someone else?
That evening, Yuexi returned to the hotel, exhausted but exhilarated. The audition had gone well—better than she dared hope.
She flopped onto the bed, hugging her pillow. For the first time in years, she felt alive, purposeful.
Her phone buzzed.
A message. From an unknown number.
"Enjoying your freedom, Mrs. Lu?"
Her blood ran cold.
The second message came before she could respond:
"Freedom comes with a price. See you soon."
Far away, Chenxuan sat in his car, parked outside the hotel he had finally tracked down. His expression was unreadable, his hand gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white.
He had found her. He could walk inside right now, drag her home, end this ridiculous separation.
But for once, the man who commanded empires… hesitated.
Because he didn't know if Yuexi would look at him with love.Or hate.