Chapter 140: No Longer a Simulation

[Chapter 140: No Longer a Simulation]

Ronald gave Rachel a half-smile and glanced her over before looking at Charlie. "Hello, Miss Weisz, congratulations. Universal has just officially confirmed you'll be starring as the lead actress in The Mummy. Tell your agent to come to discuss the contract with the studio by the end of this month."

"Oh really? That's such exciting news, thank you so much!" Rachel responded happily.

Ronald shook his head slightly without lingering, exchanged a few casual words with them, then took his leave.

...

Rachel stood there, her eyes flickering as she stared at Charlie for a moment. Then, boldly, she sat down leaning her head on his shoulder like a woman deeply in love, and said emotionally, "Honey, is it you?"

Charlie chuckled softly and glanced at the reporters across the street outside the window. "Aren't you worried our rumors will hit the tabloids?"

Rachel punched Charlie playfully. "I don't care, the media and public have long since gossiped about our past relationship. Now we're good friends, so what's wrong with a hug? I'm not a huge superstar, no one really cares."

Charlie pulled back Evelyn, who was trying to pry into Rachel curiously, and remained silent for a moment before speaking in a low tone. "What are your plans going forward? You helped me get rid of Vera and mocked Halle crazily on the set of Wrong Turn. They were driven crazy by you. I gave you two supporting roles plus a lead in an Oscar-aimed musical. I even handed over the North American distribution rights of the Will Smith project to Universal in exchange for your chance to star in The Mummy. That cost me over ten million dollars and caused distrust among other studio executives. Honey, with all I've sacrificed, can it heal your inner wounds? I think it's time to end this strange relationship between us."

Rachel looked conflicted, pushed Charlie away and sat upright, staring at him for a moment before slowly shaking her head. "I don't know..."

Charlie smiled gently, pushing hair behind Rachel's ear, his voice tender. "I guess you're still tangled up, holding a grudge over my harsh breakup words and forcing you to flatter Vera insincerely. You felt deeply ashamed. Yet, my excellence and all I've done for you moved you too. Your feelings for me are complicated -- full of love and hate."

Rachel rolled her eyes but didn't strongly object.

Charlie grinned lazily, his tone casual. "But it's over, like I said before, you have to let go of the grudges in your heart. This isn't about forgiving me, but freeing yourself. I admit my mental state was off back then, and I did terrible things to you. Now, my efforts to make it right are also for my happiness. I like having you -- a youthful, intelligent woman -- in my life. But I don't want something beautiful to be destroyed because of me. I think we each should pursue our own lives. What do you say?"

Rachel felt a bit relieved; Charlie's words touched her. But next moment, she felt anger.

Charlie casually drank some coffee and smiled while squeezing Evelyn, his expression annoying. "In the future, I want to have more beautiful women's minds and bodies. After you, I think I'll handle breakups with them better. But you sticking around makes me uncomfortable. After breaking up with Vera, I've only casually slept with a few women -- I can't fully enjoy the emotional game with my prey. Your presence bothers me. Understand?"

"Shameless bastard, you're a scandalous scumbag!" Rachel was furious, hitting Charlie hard. Tears welled up in her eyes. "I get it, everything you do is for yourself. You're extremely selfish! God, I was a bit moved a moment ago, even thought maybe you actually loved me in your heart."

Rachel's voice cracked as she looked shattered and broken.

Charlie scratched his head helplessly, uncomfortable dealing with this woman's emotional display. His arrogant personality and feeling detached from the world made him see everything as trivial. He lacked real feelings or respect for people and things.

Rachel had spent the longest time with him, and being treated like a possession or a pet rather than a person was devastating, especially since she had truly loved him.

The more Rachel thought, the sadder she got. Tears streamed down, drawing odd looks from other patrons and excited reporters snapping photos.

These didn't affect them.

After seconds, Rachel saw indifference, impatience, and even a hint of disgust on Charlie's face.

Suddenly, her sadness vanished. She stared blankly at Charlie, took a deep breath, then shyly and sweetly said, "Honey, what did I do wrong? I won't bother you. You've done so much for me. I just want to quietly serve you, be your lover. Is that not allowed?"

Damn, this woman's nuts!

Charlie rolled his eyes hard, helpless against this clingy attitude.

It was exasperating!

What exactly do women want?

In the Hollywood film world, mature female stars chase comfort, fame, power, or wealth.

But every person has a soft spot, maybe family loyalty or love.

Only one person was reborn from another life. Lucky or unlucky, Charlie met Rachel before his career took off.

In a normal romance, Rachel wouldn't have harbored such grudge.

But Charlie treated it like a live-action role-playing game, like The Sims.

The more he acted that way, the harder it was for Rachel to let go.

Her steadfast, theatrical antics annoyed and unsettled Charlie. It felt like a video game suddenly became reality.

He'd sensed this before and tried to make efforts hoping to push her away and sever ties.

But it seemed to backfire.

Charlie sighed, shook his head and pulled his arm from Rachel's hold. "Fine, suit yourself, woman.

But listen, two rules -- First, if you try anything to harm me or my career or wealth, be ready for consequences worse than death! Second, I won't admit any relationship with you. You have to stay low-profile. These aren't discussions, but rules! Got it?"

Rachel twitched her eyebrow; her fists clenched pale. When Charlie smirked intriguingly, her anger faded.

Weisz, you got this. Don't let this bastard mock you! Stay cold and believe me, one day he'll cry and beg for your forgiveness. Learn from this psycho, and make yourself stone-hearted. You'll win this war!

"Okay, I'll behave, honey, thank you!" Rachel cheered herself on, forcing a grateful smile.

But Charlie's smile froze, his face darkened.

Damn this woman, so pointless!

"Uh, you're welcome, goodbye," Charlie's face contorted like he'd eaten something foul as he stood, holding Evelyn and left.

Behind him, Rachel pumped her fist excitedly.

He walked away dejected, Weisz, you won this round! Come on, you can defeat this bastard.

*****

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