Chapter 24 Mick didn't think it'd be a pain to take a few minutes to put on makeup . He didn't think his demands were too excessi On the contrary , Nydia refused to make adjustments to meet his standards despite holding the prestigious title of being his wife . But today … Mona's exhaustion was apparent though she wore makeup . It somehow made things worse and Mick figured that he preferred her bare - faced . Though the area around her eyes was concealed with makeup , they seemed puffy and aged her face . Her lipstick was too red and accentuated her pale complexion . She now looked so bloodless that it was an inexplicably uncomfortable sight . He was reminded of Nydia . She rarely wore makeup , so even when she was tired , she carried a refreshing touch of natural beauty that was far more pleasing to the eye . " How did you end up like this ? " Mick asked . Mona immediately covered her face . She'd rushed off to put on emergency makeup for his visit , and she'd been assured that it'd work perfectly . What did Mick mean ? Was he disgusted ? " I … I'm just a little tired , " she replied softly and lowered her head , totally forgetting about the lines she'd rehearsed earlier . It struck Mick that her haggard look was a result of taking care of Ted last night , and his tone softened . " I was just concerned . I don't mean anything by it . Thank you for last night . " Mona smiled . " It's nothing . I'm more than happy to take care of Ted . I really like him . " Plus , he's so attached to me . He keeps wanting me to stay by his side . " Mick nodded . " He sure likes you . Spend more time with him if you're free . " Mona sighed and said helplessly , " But I'm an actress now . There are so many schedules to follow , and I don't have that much time to stay with him . " Mick pondered for a moment and asked , " Are you unhappy in the entertainment industry ? " " It's okay . It's just work " " You have a medical license . If you don't want to act anymore , you can return to being a doctor . " Mona's eyes lit up . " Is that true ? Can I ? " " Of course you can . You're more than capable of that . " Mona's eyes reddened at his words . " Thank you , Mick . If I could return to being a doctor , I'd have more time to spend with Ted . I'd be so happy . " Mick placed a hand on her shoulder and reassured her , " There's no need for you to thank me . We're past that . " As Mick approached , his woody scent filled her senses and sent her heart pounding like crazy . She began . " Mick … " Mick replied with a hum . " You're so kind . " The two of them were so close now that they could smell each other . " Ms. Poole . " Gia's anxious voice came from outside the door as she knocked . " It's time for your next schedule . This is an audition for a variety show , so you can't be late . " Mona snapped out of her senses and took a quick step back in embarrassment . " Can't I reschedule ? If I leave now , Ted might cry . " Gia responded , " No way . If you offend the director , you can forget about working in this industry again . " " I … " " Go ahead . I'll talk to the director for you . No one will give you trouble , " Mick said as he turned to settle on the nearby couch . " And if you still don't enjoy this job , come back . You should be making waves in the medical field . " Mona was caught off guard . Her face brightened with genuine delight . " If Ted needs me , call me . I'll immediately be back no matter how busy I am . " Mick nodded . " Alright . " Mona reluctantly left the room , but as she closed the door behind her, the corners of her lips . curled into a sneer . 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