Hello there, my dear wife.

Berielle’s POV:

My eyes widened when I saw who the new person in the scene was. It was none other than male lead of the drama, Duan Yan. I am yet not that familiar with the people in the Chinese entertainment industry, still he is someone who is globally famous. I have even watched all of his dramas. In fact, I was looking forward to seeing him today but I was told that he does not have a scene. That's why he wouldn’t be coming. I would be lying to say that I was not disappointed upon hearing the news.

He was cladded in a black pants with white t-shirt and black padded jacket on top. His hair was rebelliously falling on his forehead. Dark eyes, fair complexion and all the perfect Asian features were put together, making him one of his kind.

Meanwhile, Anna went pale. She clenched her fists so hard that I could see her perfectly manicured nails digging in her palm.

“This isn’t your dumb play. Stop it, okay?” He warned her coldly.

At his arrival, there was a pin drop silence. Even the director who has been quite lenient with Anna did not dare to say a word. Earlier, I heard the makeup artists talking. They were saying that the director had a really hard time casting Yan. He was not willing to work on this project initially or with Anna, to be specific.

“Duan Yan, what are you doing here?” She asked in an artificial nasally voice. I barely managed to stop myself from snickering. I don’t get how girls like Anna can put on an act in front of others.

“Why? Am I not allowed to be here?” He glared at her and suddenly his eyes drifted in my direction. I paused momentarily when they lingered on my assaulted cheek.

“It would be better to find a replacement. I don’t think she can work looking like this.” He said to the director, who has now rushed to my side.

“Yan, there is no time to delay the shoot today. You are well aware of how tight we are on our schedule.” He tried to sooth his anger but Duan Yan did not even bother to spare him another glance, “You better replace the female lead as well. I don’t think I can work with a cunning person like her.”

“Wait, what?” The director was flabbergasted.

Meanwhile, Anna was on the verge of beating me to pulp again. She gritted her teeth as she glared at me. I haven’t been able to utter a word yet, but suddenly, Duan Yan grabbed my hand and dragged me out of there. I practically had to run to match my steps with him, “Hmm, you can let go of my hand.” I said to him politely when we arrived at the parking lot.

He suddenly turned around and looked at me with the clenched jaws, “You can speak just fine. Then, why were you so quiet earlier?”

I exhaled loudly, “I am just an extra. Do you think I am in any position to complain?” I get that he is mad, I am too. Unfortunately, this is how society works. It doesn’t matter whether this is England or China, it's the same everywhere.

He rubbed his face and muttered something inaudible under his breath, “Get in the car and tell me your address. I will drop you.” I opened my mouth to say no to him but before I could do that, he stopped me, “Don’t you dare say no and if you have some pride left, there is no way you would want to walk in there and work with such a sly staff. I understand, Anna is famous and popular but it does not give her any right to step over someone else. Before everything, you are human.”

Whatever he said, it made sense and for some reason, my eyes watered. I didn’t feel any emotion when Anna kept on slapping me. It didn’t hurt me. Perhaps I have gotten used to people looking down on me and it made me realize my inferiority complex. However, the way he defended me, it filled me with warmth, an emotion that I have never felt before. Even my husband was never there for me when I needed him. My parents abandoned me, my husband did and even the world made me feel my pathetic existence. But the slightest care from him, made me rethink my whole existence. I have a heart and soul. I am a human.

“You alright?” He whispered and leaned down to match my height.

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat and gave him a nod, “I need to return these clothes first.” I told him. Maybe he is right. I should really drop out of this role. They aren’t going to show my face on screen anyway. This isn’t worth it.

“Sure.” He folded his arm over his chest and leaned back on the parked sports car which I assume belonged to him, “I will wait for you here.”

I gathered my courage and went to the dressing room. The staff members gave me side eyes but they didn’t say a word to me. Furthermore, Anna was nowhere in sight. That’s for the better. I rushed to change into my clothes and just when I was about to leave Fu stopped me. She sighed upon looking at my cheek, “I will not ask you to reconsider working for this project. I am sorry, I will find something else for you.”

“Thank you.” I smiled. I am no name in this industry but Fu has always been kind to me. She did not stop me further and when I returned to the parking spot, I found Duan Yan exactly where I left him.

Something bloomed in my heart when he opened the door for me. I put in the address on the GPS and without an exchange of another word, he stepped on the accelerator and drove me all the way to my apartment.

His sports car did not go well with the tiny streets. For the first time, I felt embarrassed of myself. He didn’t say anything to me but the way he kept on looking outside, I knew he was judging me.

“I am sorry, my place isn’t worthy of inviting you in. Next time, when I see you, I will treat you to a meal.” I promised him.

“I am trying to see whether this place is safe for you to live in or not. If it came across as offending, then I apologize.” He hastily defended himself causing me the heat to creep from my neck to earlobes and then to my cheeks.

“By the way, I will take your words for the meal.” He winked, looking extremely charming. I pursed my lips and nodded before I thanked him for the ride and for standing up for me at the shoot, then I stepped out of the car and went inside without looking back.

My heart was racing and trust me, this has nothing to do with love or such useless emotions. I was just grateful to him for emphasizing with me.

Soon, it was already time for my shift at the café. My cheek was swollen and in order to hide it, I wore a mask. When Lily saw me, she narrowed her eyes, “Are you okay?”

“I am. I am just feeling a little under the weather.” I assured her but she wasn’t convinced. She even offered to do a shift in my place. Perhaps life has finally started to get back on track. All the people that I am getting to know these days, they really treat me well.

“Just go. I know you have early classes tomorrow.” I practically had to push her out of the café. I worked there until midnight and grabbed a quick bite before returning to the apartment. I was exhausted. I took a shower and slipped inside the bed. My heart was calm and there was no noise in my head tonight, which is a rare thing.

I shut my eyes to sleep and just when I was about to fall into a deep slumber, I felt someone hover over me. There was an overwhelming scent of sandalwood, mint and something masculine which only belonged to only one person. I jolted up. Even in the darkness, I could make out the figure sitting on the edge of my bed, staring at me.

“This can’t be-“ I assured myself and turned on the lights from the side lamp. However, everything came to a halt when I really saw him sitting there.

“Hello there, my dear wife.” He waved. His words were calm and composed but his face was stoic. I don’t remember the last time I saw him but he looked even better than before.

“What are you doing here?” I was scared out of my wits. In fact, I am about to piss myself out of fear.

“I told you not to take this off, didn’t I?” He whispered as he held the blue sapphire necklace which he gifted me on the wedding night. My hand immediately went to touch my neck and I found it empty.

‘I am fucked.’ My thoughts screamed. Why was I being delusional when I assumed that my life is finally on track? There is no way things are going to work out for me this easily. No way in hell.