Chapter 8 5 vouchers The next day , Yolanda got up early . She had run a fever all night , and it felt like the heat had drained every drop of water from her body . Forcing herself , she went straight to the studio . But someone was earlier than her . Ian was facing the wall , practicing the lines for the second male lead in this audition . His voice was unique - not the common deep male voice , but with a cold undertone , like a cool breeze brushing through the woods . He had a great build , broad shoulders and a narrow waist . Even the casual curve of his arm holding the script revealed neat , defined muscles , but not overly bulky . That bit of freshness was exactly what girls these days liked best . Yolanda had majored in film in college . When she heard lan recite another line , she couldn't help correcting him , " The stress on the last line isn't quite right ." Jan froze , his lashes lowering . She walked closer and glanced at the script in his hand . His fingers were long and well - boned , carrying a faint tension . " You've already started practicing ? " Yolanda smiled . " Ian , with how hard you work , you'll definitely become a big star someday . " Ian repeated the line . " Like this ? " She nodded , then looked at her phone . " Time to go . Let's head out . " lan pulled his cap on and obediently followed behind her . Halfway down the road , he turned to look out the window . " Wait for me a few minutes . " Yolanda thought he was just going to grab a pack of cigarettes or something , so she pulled over . " Make it quick . " Ian got out of the car . He was tall , and even with a cap on , his back alone looked like it belonged on a runway model . Yolanda didn't watch him . Instead , she shut her eyes , trying to ease the pounding in her head and the ache behind her eyes . Her phone rang just then . The screen lit up with the contact name " Honey ." She answered , and Charles's casual voice came through the line . " When I got home this morning , the maid said you had a fever last night . " Charles hadn't come back last night , saying he was working late . Over the past two years , he'd used that excuse plenty of times . Yolanda had believed him every time - until that text shattered her illusion . " Yeah , the fever's gone now , " she said . " Why didn't you call me ? " Charles asked . In the past , whenever she felt unwell , she would call him . Even if his assistant answered instead , at least Charles would respond eventually . The problem was , he always acted concerned only after she was almost recovered . Yolanda used to be moved by his concern countless times , but now she saw it clearly . His care was just lip service , all part of the act . With her head still aching , she lost her patience . " Charles , is there anything else ? " In the past two years , she had almost never spoken to him in that impatient tone . Charles frowned , his fingers tapping lightly on the heavy desk . He heard the sound of a car door opening on the other end and sensed that someone was with Yolanda . Yolanda had been a housewife for two years now , almost completely cut off from her old circle . " Is someone with you ? " Charles asked . " It's a studio talent , " Yolanda said . 1/3 PP . Chapter 8 B5 vouchers Yolanda used to be gentle , even when she called to act sweet . But in the past two days , her tone had turned strangely cold . Last night , Charles didn't come home . What surprised him was that she hadn't called once . He figured she was still sulking . He couldn't be bothered to play along and simply hung up . Looking at the disconnected call , Yolanda gave a faint , bitter smile . She had once thought Charles was a kind man , but now she realized it was just an image he carefully packaged . After all , a stable marriage was good for the company's stock . She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples . Beside her , Ian took off his cap and handed her a cup of cold medicine he had just prepared . The bittersweet smell drifted up , and she slowly opened her eyes . He only looked at her for a few seconds before turning his head away , his handsome face shadowed with something unreadable . " Drink it ." She didn't refuse . Just as she finished the medicine , he handed her a cup of hot chocolate . Yolanda gave a small smile , her voice slightly hoarse . " Thanks ." Ian didn't say anything , just quietly tossed the empty cup into a trash bag . Gripping the wheel , Yolanda stepped on the gas . The warm , sweet taste of hot chocolate made her feel a little better . " Ian , aren't you a trained actor ? " " No. " Ian said . " I'll help you with your lines from now on , " Yolanda said . " You've got the look , and your acting isn't bad . I watched the shows you were in last night - you've got real talent . " She hadn't been able to sleep , so she got up and watched every clip of the characters Ian had played . Ian held the trash bag and stared out the window , lost in thought . An hour later , Yolanda's car pulled up in front of Starlight Entertainment . For Sinclair Group , it was just a small division , but in the industry , Starlight was a solid company . The night before , Yolanda had even made her own business card . She designed the layout herself , with no real name on it - just the stage name , Tessa Gilbert . The staff who came to greet her smiled as they led the way . " Ms. Gilbert , this way please ." Yolanda noticed the air felt a bit tense , so she couldn't help but ask , " Did some big shot come by ? " The staff looked full of admiration . " Mr. Sinclair just came to inspect . He should be upstairs now ." Yolanda froze . She couldn't figure out why Charles would suddenly come to such a small company for an inspection . She glanced toward the end of the hallway and saw Sophie . In an instant , she understood everything . A sharp sting shot through her chest . Just then , Sophie reached the stairwell at the corner . Yolanda saw a slender hand reach out , passing Sophie a bottle of water . Yolanda recognized that hand right away - it was Charles's . She was already surprised enough that Charles would bother to come check out this little company . She hadn't expected him to actually make time to come and keep Sophie company for her interview . Sophie lifted her chin , like some spoiled little bird . She took the water , her eyes sparkling as she chattered to Charles . Charles ruffled her hair , overflowing with affection . Yolanda still couldn't believe he was willing to put work aside and lower himself to come here . For the past two years , Charles had always told her that work came first . So she had always been considerate , swallowing her grievances for the sake of his career . 2/3 Chapter 8 5 vouchers Yolanda took a deep breath , tore her eyes away from Charles and Sophie , calmed herself , and pushed the door open . An unfaithful man was as disgusting as a piece of gum that had been chewed for too long . And hers had even been chewed by someone else . 3/3