LUCIUS was doing his favorite exercise, barbell weightlifting when his phone rang. Lucius sighed and checked his phone. It was his manager calling, which made him mad. Before answering the phone, he took a few moments to contemplate. In his mind, his manager must respect him while he rests, but Lucius thinks that his manager doesn't know that the word "respect" exists.

'Lucius, hurry up and turn on your television to catch up on the latest news! ' His boss screamed, panicked, which irritates him even more.

'Great! Fucking fantastic! 'This is what I mean when I say I'm relaxing,' he said quietly to himself in annoyance.

Lucius groaned and hung up his phone.

He grumbled as he walked out of his gym. His gym, which is located within his condo unit, is one of his favorite places. He walked to the gym's nearby small bar and poured Brandy into a glass.

Lucius sat on his plush sofa, holding the glass. He turned on his flat-screen TV and switched to the live news station.

'Yes, Lucius Hudson is a womanizer and the most uneducated guy I've ever encountered. He almost stepped on my dignity when I was one of the people he interviewed. He is heartless!' A woman ranted while looking at the press cameras Include Black Dream Entertainment! Even though I'm talented, no projects have been offered to me by the entertainment industry! I have proof!" She added frantically.

He locked his gaze on the woman on the live news, who was talking about something that was pure lies, not just to him but also to Black Dream Entertainment.

He recalls her face, and he can't be mistaken because she was one of the candidates he interviewed at the last audition. What is the point of it? Why is he, as well as the Entertainment, being destroyed by the lady? He knows that she's currently a trainee, but she chose to backstab him, who gave her the highest grade, and to the entertainment who accepts her and chose her to be one of the upcoming superstars.

'I can deal with the situation,' he texted his boss.

His manager responded a few seconds later. 'Okay, be careful.' Lucius didn't respond any longer. He kept listening to the female who was attempting to ruin him. He grinned and laughed instead of being terrified since he understands it was all staged. "These idiots are trying to destroy me, but their scripts aren't improving," he joked and drank the brandy in his glass.

* * *

"How did you obtain such a large sum of money?" " An innocent question from Estella's sibling. She didn't know what to say, so she watched from afar before gathering the bravery to face her sibling. "You don't have to think about it; what's important right now is our mother's undergoing surgery."

"I appreciate it; if you don't have-"

"Shh, just relax while you wait for the operation to end."

Her sibling smiled at her and rested its head on her shoulder. Her younger sister was with Carla at the time. No one else was willing to help them financially and mentally.

They don't have any relatives who can help them, so she has to rely on her friend. Their

relatives can't be contacted when they need help. They are instantly shunned and ignored.

"Estella?" She asked Carla, who appeared to have just arrived with her younger sibling. "Can we talk? I only have a question for you," Carla asked.

She put his sister to sleep, along with her other sibling, so that they could sleep. She followed Carla as she walked towards the open glass windows.

"Tell me, where did you get the money?" She said, almost unwilling to face her buddy in the eyes. She's ashamed and can't reveal her face ever again. Her skits are probably all over the country right now. She'll be known as the "renowned Black Dream trainee who is a traitor."

She couldn't hold back her tears. She sobbed as she hugged her friend. "Carla, I'm a horrible person. I'm attempting to derail both his career and my ambitions. Estella sobbed, "I'm disappointed in myself."

"I understand you, Estella," it comforts her with a gentle pat on the back.

"I'm a horrible person, an awful person…"

"Don't hold it against yourself since you did it for your mother. It'll be okay."

She just wept till her phone's non-touchscreen rang. There are just numbers that appear. In her mind, 'What if it is another opportunity for me?' After accepting the phone call and saying "hello," no one replied, which caused her to wonder.

The conversation stopped a few seconds later, but she received a text message from an unknown number.

Carla asked as she read the text, "Are you going?"

Estella stepped up and asked, "What do you think?"

"It's dangerous, you're the center of attraction for assassination after doing that crazy scene," Carla replied.

"I'm not a politician to be killed. They will not benefit me. You know who to blame if I'm dead," Estella answered.

Despite her assured responses to her friend, she is terrified behind the confident mask she's wearing. She is unable to think clearly. It's up to her to go since she's willing to die if they intend to kill her. It's fine with her because she did her part. On the other hand, she does not want to abandon her siblings to their sick mother.

"Thank you very much, Carla, for everything. The money is in the house, and you want to use them to begin a new life. Make good use of your money and ensure that you live a happy life. All I have to do now is face the consequences. "

"Estella! What are your plans?!"

"Estella!"

While fleeing, she ignored Carla's repeated screams. Her life had been full of guilt, which made her want to die. Everything was wrecked because of her. It's all because of her.

When she arrived at the Plaza, she looked around to see if the person who had asked her to attend was still there.

"Estella Velasquez… We met again."

A handsome man rests behind a tree. He appeared impassive, and she was not mistaken; it was Lucius Hudson, and she was unable to move as she gazed at him.

Lucius' expression was emotionless, and despite her fears, she approached the young guy. They are now on an equal footing for the time being, since he stood up.

The stillness was broken when Lucius said, "Why do you do that?"

"Because of the money," she said flatly, no equivocation. Lucius cynically laughed. Because of her answer. He's pissed and wants to punch the person in front of him.

"You are nothing but a toxic gold-digging human." The young man paused for a moment before staring at her. "Is that how your world revolves? Money? It's a shame, you were accepted to the audition that you don't deserve."

Estella was insulted by Lucius' words, but she can't defend herself. She did it wrong. There's no one to blame, no other than herself.

She replied, "You do not understand". She wanted to say something, but shame and dread were preventing her from doing so.

"Seriously? What is most important to you in terms of money? My career was created because of my hard work. I have peace, but you are destroying it!" Lucius raised a voice, making Estella dwell in tears.

She had to accept the painful words. She has no right to be upset with the young man because he's trying to destroy his image and his career.

"I'm sorry..." she said, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Sorry? Is there anything you can do about your apologies? Can it change anything?" Lucius' face turned red because of anger and annoyance.

"No-"

His brows furrowed in irritation, and he exhaled. In an attempt to relieve the stress, he scrubbed his face with rage. "Nothing at all! Did your parents raise you to be the most pathetic person I've ever met? Do they realize how pitiful you are? Or perhaps you want to stand out." Lucius said to her, making Estella furious.

She glared at Lucius when she heard what he said about her parents. A hard slap from her hand hit Lucius' face. "Say all the hurtful words! But don't you ever bring up my parents in this fucking conversation! They have nothing to do with what I have done!"

"Then explain yourself to me! Why did you do it in the first place?" Lucius' horrifying tone and Estella's shouting make a scene as if they were both acting for a TV show or movie. People around them watched them, not realizing that it was a true fight between the two.

"You know nothing! If you want, I'll just kill myself!" she said as she walked away from Lucius and stepped on the rocks.

"What the heck are you doing? You're a narcissistic and manipulative woman, aren't you? " Lucius said while looking at Estella.

"Forgive me. But if this is the only way I can atone for my sins."

She was ready to plunge into the river when Lucius rushed up to her and grabbed her arm, dragging her behind him. Estella's leg hung on the river's fence wire. She shuts her eyes and loses consciousness because of the pain she is experiencing.

When the woman passed out in the middle of the Plaza. Lucius was concerned. He hates the girl, yet he can't leave her alone for fear of spreading further rumors about him. He lifted the unconscious woman to get into his car. Lucius' eyes furrowed as he felt Estella's leg, which was bleeding profusely from a cut.

The woman dressed casually in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. He fixed his gaze on the wound, which appeared to be infected. I'm sorry for her. Those legs appear to be great.

'Please accept my condolences for your lovely legs.' Lucius jokingly said.

He shook his head in response to this thinking. It's been a month since his last intense pleasure with different women. That's why he's being horny.

He placed the girl's unconscious body on his sofa as he bent over her.

Her wound was still oozing blood. She didn't care for Estella in the first place, but she doesn't want her to die. He believes that if Estella dies, her wicked narcissistic spirit will haunt him.

He wiped the wound with cold water and a cloth to clean the wound. He then disgustedly washed Estella's wound. Lucius grabbed his first-aid kit and then the anti-tetanus medication.

He had already injected the woman with the vaccine. He had previously administered the vaccination to the woman. Lucius stared at her still-sleeping face. Estella's eyes are stunning; her nose is piercing, which makes her hot, and her red lips are natural. Her facial shape is also stunning, which can make her a superstar; if she just has not made stupid moves.

She is a dangerous lady.

* * *

Estella's pupils widened. Her leg hurts, and she's aware of it. Slowly, she stood up and checked her aching leg, which was already clean and free of infection. She was the one who hit her head on the sofa's soft sofa, but she blamed the sofa.

She allowed her gaze to wander across the room, looking for Lucius Hudson. No one else will help her until he left him at the Plaza, so she can't be incorrect.

"Miss narcissist, you're awake now."

She peered at the young man's dead eyes as he stared into hers. Despite his hatred for her, he didn't leave her alone.

"Lucius-"

He got up and walked up to her. He pressed his arms against the wall. She was completely absorbed in his sweet-smelling body and breath at the time, and she was nearly tempted to rub herself against the young man to absorb the scent deeper. He was the one who turned her on.

She shook her head vigorously, attempting to shake Lucius from her memory.

What had happened to her?

Lucius laid her on the dining table, with ready-made meals in the middle. Her thoughts went back to her trance. She appears to be starving. Yet she refuses to touch the food until it has been given her permission.

"Can you explain why?" Lucius calmly asks right away.

Estella casts a glance toward Lucius. "The genuine motive has already been stated. Do you have anything else in mind?"

"However, why?" Is this something you were ordered to do? "

To avoid the question, she closed her mouth and tried to stand up. She is unable to speak about Skyrim Entertainment. Her family will be put in danger.

"No, no one gave me an order. All I wanted to do was ruin you-" Lucius approached her carefully and only stopped a few spans away.

"Are you serious?"

Estella quickly recognized his furious tone, but she knew he was merely suppressing his emotions for her own sake. She is unable to talk and must maintain her stance. Forever.

She glanced aside and said, "I'm sorry, but I have to go home."

She gently moved the man away from her before she stepped away from the kitchen. She attempted to stand up straight but she failed. She winced in discomfort. Her wound is still not healing well. She is aware of the discomfort caused by her wound.

"Do you think I'll simply let you go? You wrecked my life."

Estella sighed and raised her head upwards. “Mr. Hudson, I told you that you can do anything to me, hurt me, if you don't want to send me away. I want you to punish me for the things I've done!”

The young man laughed loudly and moved closer to her. "Are you sure? Are you kidding me? Who is the source of your evilness? You appear to be too afraid to say anything? ”

She took a swallow. She attempted to keep her voice steady, so she wouldn't have to hunch over to talk. "No one ordered it; I'm just terribly upset, which is why I did it to you." She lied, again.

"Liar!" yelled Lucius, enraged.

Irritation, rage, and hatred can all be seen on his face. She desires to reveal everything, but she's terrified and concerned about her family. She doesn't want to put her mother and siblings in jeopardy because of the financial blunders she's made.

"How much do you need just to speak?" Lucius asked bitterly and for a little period, it seemed to emerge from the kitchen as if something has already been planned.

Estella's face furrowed as Lucius reappeared, holding a substantial sum of money. Lucius approached her while carrying the money and placed it on her lap. She had a couple of thousand pesos in her hand. Because she doesn't have a huge hand, part of the money slid on the cold floor.

Her brows furrowed in disgust, and she hurled the money, scattering it on the floor. "I ain't no fucking gold digger! I'm not in need of your filthy money!" Estela yelled, rage visible in her eyes.

"Then what fucking do you want?" "While shouting, Lucius asked.

"Please..." Her tears began to fall from frustration, and she felt nothing but exhaustion, psychologically and emotionally as if she were already suffocating.

She was aware that what she had done was wrong, and she was also aware of the consequences of her actions. She regrets what she has done, but how? Thoughts are battling in her head. Her mother would die if she did not take the offer. However, she now regrets everything since she ruined an actor's reputation.

Her apologies mean nothing to Lucius; he wants to know the truth, but she's terrified no one would trust her since she lied once. Even if she tells the truth, she will be unable to defend herself and her family from the dangers.

"Don't cry in front of me," Lucius said as he walked away. She ultimately lost sight of him and was left alone in the kitchen. Instead of eating, she sought shelter for the meals in order to keep flies at bay. She used to be quite hungry, but after a fight with Lucius, she has lost her appetite.

* * *

Lucius exhaled a frustrated sigh; he had consented before because he didn't want to watch ladies weep. He just cannot stand to look at women crying because of pain. This is also the reason he couldn't tell his mother about his father's dark secret of cheating. Watching his mother cry pains his heart. Nothing upsets him more than witnessing his mother cry as a result of his father's infidelity. Her mother was pure and beautiful, he couldn't stand it when he sees her crying and thinking that she is not enough.

He diminishes women's tears. Every person he met in different bars was merely a one-night stand. There are no strings or attachments permitted. He has no sentiments for any of the women he has slept with. It's only for entertainment purposes.

He took out his smartphone and phoned his manager's number while he sat on the sofa. He hasn't spoken anything yet since he hasn't gotten any information from Estella. He was aware that she was terrified. Lucius can sense the fear in her heart.

'How are you, Lucius?' Did you manage to locate her?’ His boss inquired.

'Yes, no information yet, but I can handle her,' he responded. He was aware that his manager would investigate his problem, which is why he insisted on his assistance.

'Anyway, there's an assembly here at the studio next week that you have to attend.'

The call has ended...

He already suspects SKYRIM Entertainment is the mastermind; he knew it was furious with him and Black Dream Entertainment since they leaked claims from the dirty running of them in artists they retain, other than that they have exchanges of illegal transactions within its building.

He understands who is behind everything. Yuan Devegas, the president of SKYRIM Entertainment, is his friend in the past. When one of their friends died, they parted ways. Lucius had no idea that his friend would kill herself because of him.

He stood up and returned to the kitchen, hoping Estella would settle down and began to eat. Lucius wandered his eyes as soon as he walked in. He looked at the covered food on the table without even taking a nibble.

She didn't eat anything.

He took the tray and piled the leftover food on top of it. ‘What happened to the woman?’ he asked himself. His unit is so large that he believes he didn't spot her leaving.

He caught up with the girl who was staring out the window; he had assumed she had left. She was simply admiring the little garden he had created close to the living room to grab her attention, he coughed. "Hey, lady, eat up. I don't want you to faint from hunger again.”

She didn't turn to face him right away, and he watched her wipe the tears from the glass's reflection. He realizes he caused the woman to cry and feels bad about it.

"Thank you, but I'm not hungry..." she murmured, her voice low and frigid.

"Would you please join me? Let's get some food. I swear I won't make you speak the truth. ”

In this case, if he speaks calmly, the girl may not be terrified of him. Perhaps he will not compel the girl to tell the truth. She may be bombarded with emotions and fear. She needs more time to express herself and the truth.

Damn! Woman, don't cry in front of me.

He murmured this while staring at her.

He was ultimately approached by the girl. "You're not angry? You should be outraged, and you should be relieved that I didn't eat-"

"How come you always act like you're the victim?"

He tries to remain calm, but Estella's attitude irritates and annoys him. She's playing the victim, and he's playing the villain.

"Lucius-"

"Shut up and follow me to the kitchen," he commanded.

He assumed the girl would not accompany him. Estella sat in the chair in front of him. He will be with the girl initially until she feels comfortable with him before asking her about the truth. Lucius will not waste his time missing the opportunity to take revenge on his former friend. Even though they have memories of the past, he decided to ruin him too after he ruined him.

They were both dumbfounded while they ate together, and a terrible quiet descended over the room. Both of their gazes were fixed on the food they were eating. Estella feels uneasy with the scenario, and Lucius wants to ask questions.

He must be privy to every detail of their conversation. His throat was itching to ask questions and discover the truth, but he restrained himself. He pledged to be silent throughout that period.

To break the stillness, Lucius cleared his throat. "Hmm... Is it okay if I ask a question? It's fine if you don't want to.”

Estella eventually lifted to allow her to see him. "I understand you have a lot of questions. I don't know anymore what to do," Estella said after finishing the meal on the plate and drinking the water from the glass. "Or to say, but I'm truly sorry; perhaps you don't understand since you're wealthy; you can employ me as your maid and punish me," she added.

He nodded and rolled his eyes because of her reply. "You relax after you eat. That's exactly what I want you to do. ”

Her eyes opened in surprise. “R-Rest? Nevertheless, I'm not a visitor here, and I'm so sorry for what I've done to you that you should punish me. You can call the cops to imprison me..."

He sighed at how terrible her reasons and replies are. "Shut up and rest."

He stood with the plate he had used once, his back to the woman, and was ready to move towards the sink when she said.

"Wait!" exclaimed the girl.

He made a little turn to face the girl. “What? Do you need anything? "

"I'll do the dishes. Then I'll rest as you desire. " Estella volunteered to do the dishes.

"Are you sure?" he said, his attention fixed on the girl's thigh. The wound is still open. "You may be exhausted as a result of what happened; you should rest-"

"I am not handicapped. I'm sure I can do it," she insisted.

Estella sighed and slumped her shoulders as she groaned from exhaustion. She was hoping he wouldn't ask about what happened again since she was terrified of the consequences if she told the truth. No one will defend her or her family.

She had no idea what Lucius was up to, and all of a sudden he became calm, despite the fact that he had recently become enraged with her.

Instead of overthinking, she just focused her concentration on washing dishes. She struggled to rise after cleaning the dishes. Straighten up and walk, although she grimaced in pain with each step.

"Damn it!" she exclaimed, feeling as though the wound was being ripped apart.

“See? It's your source of pride. I assumed you'd be able to manage it? " Lucius questioned her, his arms folded and his back against the wall.

Embarrassed, she stared at the young guy, who then steadied his own walk as he approached it, despite the fact that he thought she was about to faint from the agony. When she approached the wall, she stopped and rested first. She stared at the young man, who was also staring at her as if he was happy to watch her struggle.

When she tries to take another step forwards. Estella let out a loud yell as she felt arms around her waist and was surprised to see Lucius carrying her in bridal style. As it began to walk, she held her breath.

"What the hell! What are you taking me to? I can handle myself! Let me go! " Estella yelled, but the man seemed unconcerned.

He ignores her, instead of seeing that the man's arms are becoming increasingly tenser while carrying her. She was really weary of shouting, but she couldn't take her gaze away from his lovely face. She can't take her eyes away from his deep and lovely eyes, as if she's been entranced; she's not sure why, but her hand wants to touch his face.

Estella buried her hand and pushed herself not to gaze at the young man since she may have flirted with his natural good features. Until they arrive in Lucius' room. He carefully placed her in his bed.

"Is this where I'll sleep?" Estella asked.

"Why, and where do you wish to go?"

"But, it appears that this is your room-"

“Sleep. Don't say anything. " He insisted.

“O-okay. Thank you." At that moment, Estella is speechless. Why is Lucius letting her sleep in his room, especially in his bed?

The young man remained silent. He exited the room and shut the door. Her gaze darted across the entire room as soon as the young man exited. A flat white ceiling combined with a black tint in each corner of the wall. Colors that are pleasing to the eyes and do not bore them. She likes it when it's not too bright or too dark.

I miss my family and hope they are well.

She considers the impact of her actions. If her family realized what she had done, they would forsake her. A tear trickled from her sorrowful eyes, and he quickly brushed it away before turning black.

“Hey bro! What’s up?”

Lucius was caught off guard by his friend's unexpected appearance. Kian with Sandra-his cousin. These two were married only a week ago. He believes they returned home after their honeymoon.

"Has anything happened yet?" he humorously asked of the two.

Sandra giggled, smirking. "Tsk, I'm still not ready! I also stated that you will not have a nephew as long as you do not have a girlfriend!"

He laughed, even more, when he heard what he said. "Why? I'd rather have a nephew than a girlfriend." They both chuckled at the same moment.

"You have to do it now since we don't have a plan yet. But don't worry! As long as you don't have a girlfriend, there will be no baby! Period!" Sandra jokingly said. Lucius has several cousins, but Sandra is his favorite.

While cooking in the kitchen, he heard a shout from his room, and Estella appeared in his thoughts. As he entered the room, he noticed Sandra and Kian staring at Estella, who is now covered with a blanket since she is maybe shy.

"Oh my goodness! You fooled me!"

"She's not my girlfriend," he says flatly.

Sandra arched her brow. "Are you kidding me? Why is she in your room? You've never brought a lady into your room," Sandra pointed out.

"Hello, Lucius' girlfriend!" Sandra greeted Estella.

"Sweetie, the transaction is done. We can make out later," Kian remarked to his wife, winking.

"Sandra, Kian, please come out and rest," Lucius said to the two.

"Rest? Oh my! Did you two-"

"Is that what you're learning from your husband, Sandra?" Lucius asked with an angry tone. He's getting pissed at that time.

“Hey! Why am I impacted? " Kian's request. As the two of them exited the room, Lucius carefully closed the door, locking it. He had forgotten that the two enjoyed roaming around his condo.

"Who is that lady? Is she a girlfriend of yours? "Sandra asked again, but Lucius didn't respond. “Hey! Answer me, your mother needs to know, so she'll be happy.”

He shivered, and he was losing tolerance for his cousin. “How many times should I tell you that she's not my girlfriend?"

Kian approached him and patted his shoulder. "That's simple. Tell us

How did she end up in your room? ”

Lucius said, "It's a long story."

"Then make it brief," Kian said in a flash.

"If you don't share the story, yes. You should expect to hear from your mother that you took a woman home to your condo. " Sandra challenged him.

"You're blackmailing me, huh?" she said to her cousin.

"Well, as I tell her, there is nothing to blame. I'm sure it'll be entertaining once it gets going at your unit. " It even mocked him by smiling at him.

"Whatever," he said, knowing that no matter what he did or asked, his immature relatives would not always listen to him. "Anyway, I have some work to do. You may go home and start flirting.”

As the two idiots continued to tease him, he pushed them away. They both give off the same vibes: immature and annoying. Actually, he dislikes it when people play tricks on him. Lucius's time for jokes is limited.

He headed to his room to look at the girl, but as he was about to open the door when the ringing of his cellphone stopped him. When he opened his inbox and saw a text message from an unknown number.

Take care buddy

His eyes brightened as he immediately remembered his friend Yuan, whom they used to call buddy when they were still friends. Until now, he has refused to quit, oblivious to the fact that he suffers every night because what happened would have been a dream.

Lucius believed it was a huge mistake to bring Estella inside his condo unit and trust her. What if Yuan exploited her to permanently ruin him? Why did he allow it to remain in his home? He should have evicted her. But the more he frees the girl, the less he has a defense against Yuan; he must hold her until the truth is out.

When he opened the door to the room Estella was in. He noticed the woman was sleeping again, but she was in pain every time she tried to move. Something inside Lucius feels pity for the woman; he can't let her die in agony. She was simply weeping and frightened again. He was aware that she was in threat. If something awful occurred to Estella, he may become insane. It is because of him; he has only guilt in his thoughts his whole life, and suffering every night is enough for him.