Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
“No, you’re overthinking things.” He strode forward in quick steps, showing no sign of stopping for her.
“Forty million is a bit much… How about I inform my father to pay the money?” She was concerned that this would tarnish her image in Callum’s eyes.
Will the fact that I abruptly give up on objecting earlier at the cafe make Callum think that I, too, am a materialistic woman? No, I must not demolish the image I had created. While I’m aware that my dad would be furious, that’s still forty million! Doesn’t a project only cost a few tens of million?
“It’s fine.” Callum’s voice was gentle and calm with no shift in emotion.
“Don’t be angry, Callum. I know it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have allowed you to spend this much-“
Jasmine wanted to continue speaking when she was interrupted. “Enough. As I’ve said, this has nothing to do with you.” His strong voice was tinged with rage.
Hence, she had no choice but to play her trump card. “Callum, I know you dislike me, but if you genuinely feel unhappy with me, then we can…”
She had yet to finish her sentence when he came to a halt. He turned back, his face no longer tinged with anger but with a more integrated smile that appeared abruptly. “You’re being silly again.”
It brought Jasmine both joy and pain to see Callum in such a state because she was aware that a breakup was not what he wished for. She dared not acknowledge her guess to be the reason for that.
She was afraid that he went out with her just to…
As an afterthought, she mustered the courage to walk up to him and wrap her arms around his neck. “Callum, do you like me?”
“I do.” His eyes were empty.
She did not feel happy one bit upon hearing that answer, hence the tactless request. “Then, kiss me.”
Ever since they started dating three months ago, never once had he made any intimate request, which upset her. Jasmine knew how pretty she was and had experiences in relationships; every man in love with her would hover over her at any second.
However, Callum never looked at her with personal desires, just like a gentleman. It was not until then did he respond by retreating. “I think that’s kinda quick.”
The explanation was a feeble excuse. Jasmine, who was not buying it, showed sadness. “Callum, tell me, why did you decide to go out with me?”
His reaction broke her heart. She was now certain that he did not date her because of love.
“Don’t overthink it. It’s just an additional request. If you don’t like it, I won’t bring it up again.” He walked toward her to hug her.
His embrace was warm yet aloof at the same time, forming a ripple in her wave of emotions. It was the first time he took the initiative to embrace her. “I’m sorry.”
Those words melted her heart immediately.
“Don’t be. I was reckless to doubt your feelings for me. I won’t do that again. Don’t worry. I’ll help you.” How could Jasmine bear the sight of the capable man apologizing to her?
“You’re a wonderful person, Jasmine.” He tightened the embrace.
“I’ll treat you well, Callum.” She was beaming in smiles, indulging in his warmth.
…
Three days later, it was the filming day for the advertisement. However, Jasmine and Aldea were late on their first day.
Yelena, who had been busy helping in the law firm and occupied by family matters, applied for leave. Therefore, Elspeth decided to delay Yelena’s scene.
Later, Elspeth was notified that Jasmine could not join the shoot because she was on her period. Now, the only people involved in the filming were Agnes and Aldea, who arrived late.
It was Elspeth’s first meeting with Aldea in person. The girl appeared different from her pictures and Elspeth’s expectations.
Aldea always looked haughty and indifferent in photos, but she was gentle in person. She seemed to be only nineteen years old, despite her cold features. Every time she smiled, one could see the image of an icy barbie doll in her. Thanks to the mole at the end of her eye, it softened her overall features.
“Hi, Miss Lynwood.”
Although Aldea was a rising influencer that owned about two million followers, she was a humble and affable person. Most importantly, Elspeth heard from Jennifer that Aldea was a finicky girl, hence the surprising discovery.
Elspeth smiled and nodded. “Hello, Miss Swift.”
Aldea was all excited upon recognizing her savior at first glance. Even her features softened by the pleasant encounter. “Thank you, Miss Lynwood.”
The speech of gratitude might appear weird to others, but Elspeth knew what she was referring to. “You’re welcome.”
Seems like a kind and agreeable girl to me.
Aldea cast her gaze onto the quiet Agnes. “Miss Lynwood, is she my partner?”
Agnes nodded in return, and the girls soon hit it off. It was a lightbulb moment for Elspeth. She knows how to read the room. I wonder if I can scout her for my company.
Elspeth turned into a sly fox, albeit it was her first encounter with Aldea. At the same time, Arthur, who was miles away, sneezed. “Has the weather turned cold? Weird.”
Yelena, who had been busy helping in the law firm and occupied by family matters, applied for leave. Therefore, Elspeth decided to delay Yelena’s scene.
The more Elspeth looked at Aldea, the more she grew fond of the smiling girl. Indeed, the eleven million was worth it! Although Arthur was the one who spent that amount, it turned to good use for Elspeth instead.
In the meantime, Agnes could tell that her boss had already taken interest in Aldea, so she lamented her unfortunate destiny, thinking she would lose favor with Elspeth.
“Okay. I guess we can start the shoot now.” Elspeth briefed them on the latest product-a pair of sisterhood rings.
The gorgeous rings came in ivory and jet. A pair of white, hollowed-out wings sat on the ivory one, whereas the jet ring had a black swan that added elements of mystery to it. Needless to say, the models had to match their temperament to the rings accordingly.
Initially, Elspeth thought the black ring suited Agnes due to her mature demeanor. However, she changed her mind upon meeting Aldea, whose nature rendered her the better option.
The two of them did not have any objections against Elspeth’s opinion, so they put on the rings to proceed with the filming.
Since the rings were the main products, their hands took the spotlight. Their fingers were slender and flawless, and Aldea’s pale skin made the black ring shine.
Throughout the shoot, Aldea guided Agnes, the rookie, by giving her tips to appear natural in photos. Their harmonious interaction elicited a smile on Elspeth’s face as she nodded. Suddenly, her phone rang.
“Hey, Elspeth. I’m here to see you right at the door. Tell the security guards to let me in.” Jethro’s tone left no room for rejection.
She gazed at the door to see him waving while smiling at her. Right when she was going to say ‘no’, a brisk sound resounded from the set as though a ring had dropped onto the floor.
She looked back reflexively and saw the prideful-looking Aldea being taken over by fright and surprise.
Elspeth’s calm reaction reassured Aldea. Regaining her composure, she broke into a bright smile to hide the awkwardness in her eyes. “It’s an accident. No worries.”
Jethro did not catch anything while standing outside of the glass door. He strode to Elspeth’s side, sliding his arm along her shoulders so naturally. “Elspeth, I’ve been calling you these days, but why didn’t you pick up?”
His gaze did not fall onto Aldea for one second.
Elspeth took a step back to free herself from his arm. “I’m busy.”
“It’s fine as long as I have time. If you don’t mind, I can come here every day.” The ladies in the area fell for his innocuous smile.
Now that he had set his untrammeled side free again, she massaged her forehead. “Enough. Stop bothering us.”
“How am I a bother? I’m just here to see you.” He seated himself on the couch.
“Are you not leaving?” She had never seen anyone as shameless as him.
Jethro languidly crossed his leg. “What’s with the rush? I’m here for a visit. I won’t get in your way.”
Elspeth ignored him, treating him as a transparent person because it did not seem like he was going to leave any time soon.
“Proceed with the shoot.”
Since then, Aldea was not in her best condition as she kept making mistakes with her postures, expressions, and script.
Elspeth noticed her uncoordinated self. “What’s wrong, Aldea? Are you feeling under the weather?”
That question received no reply, but she could guess that it had something to do with Jethro for sure. Still, it would be tactless of her to pry one’s private affairs in front of so many eyes, so she decided to set it aside first.
“I’m fine, Miss Lynwood.” The beads of sweat on Aldea’s forehead could prove how nervous she was.
Frantic ran through her veins the moment she caught sight of Jethro, yet she could not avoid the man because she was in the middle of working. Her heart was squeezing in pain.