Chapter 47 Visit to Star Ocean Entertainment 2
As the elevator doors closed, Hera finally found herself able to breathe calmly. She had anticipated the possibility of encountering Alexi in the company, given his affiliation, but she hadn’t anticipated him clinging to the hope that any lingering feelings remained between them, despite his actions.
Indeed, it had only been a few days since their official breakup, but for Hera, those days felt like a whirlwind of emotions akin to riding a roller coaster. Throughout this challenging period, she couldn’t help but notice the glaring absence of any apology from him for the pain he had inflicted or for the collateral damage caused by his new relationship. Had she been any other woman, such callous disregard might have wrought serious harm upon her.
It was widely acknowledged that extreme fans could pose a significant threat to those they perceived as enemies of their idols. What Minerva had done effectively painted a large target on Hera’s back, leaving her vulnerable to potential attacks at any time or place without warning. In a world filled with individuals capable of irrational and violent behavior, the mere opportunity presented by Minerva’s actions could attract the attention of those with malicious intent, regardless of any legitimate reason.
Without the unwavering support of Athena and her Grandpa in these tumultuous days, Hera might have succumbed to the fate of countless other women who lost their voices in the quest for justice. Gratitude welled within her for the privilege of being born into a well-off family and for the presence of a fiercely supportive and protective best friend. Her Grandpa’s boundless love served as an additional pillar of strength. Without the reassuring presence of these individuals, she might have found herself clinging desperately to Alexi, grasping for even a semblance of affection.
Humans are inherently social beings, seeking emotional support and connection as an essential part of life. This fundamental need likely played a significant role in Hera’s profound love for Alexi depicted in the novel. She believed she had found that crucial support in him, with no one to challenge her perception. However, in her current reality, Hera has discovered a close friend with a wealth of life experience. This friend serves as a valuable sounding board, offering insights into human behavior and helping Hera gain clarity on various situations.
While Athena may not be an expert in this area, her insights still hold value for Hera. Over time, Hera has become more discerning and astute than the character depicted in the novel, learning to weigh perspectives and make informed decisions.
Life and fate often take unexpected twists and turns, leading people to take risks despite the likelihood of getting hurt. There are moments when individuals gamble, believing that by giving their best effort or changing their actions, they might achieve a different outcome. Hera found herself entangled in this mindset, hoping for a different conclusion with Alexi. Despite facing hardships, she remained committed to their relationship, determined to demonstrate her sincerity and steadfastness. She chose to stand by Alexi through challenges, intending to prove her unwavering loyalty and dedication to their bond, come what may.
Alexi played his role in the relationship, treating Hera with kindness. However, from an outsider’s perspective, it seemed unfair that all the rent and utility bills were burdened onto Hera while he saved for their future. Despite this, they shared aspirations of buying a spacious home with a beautiful backyard to cultivate vibrant flowers together. Unfortunately, Alexi’s decision to prioritize his career over honesty and commitment proved to be the downfall of their once-promising relationship. His greediness ultimately tarnished the beauty of what they had built together.
Fortunately for Hera, she veered away from the original storyline after learning from Athena about its foreseen trajectory. She chose not to adhere to the plot, refraining from revealing her identity to Alexi upon reaching 18 years old, nor did she entertain the notion of transferring her wealth to him. It wasn’t a matter of being calculating, but rather a prudent measure to ensure clarity and weigh the consequences before making any drastic decisions.
It was acceptable for Hera to demonstrate her feelings for Alexi through her hard work and dedication, as evidenced by her actions thus far. She consistently prioritized his emotions, never once neglecting them, along with other essential aspects of their relationship. However, she refrained from taking their intimacy to the next level, choosing to preserve that boundary for the time being.
She maintained this reservation as a precautionary measure, ensuring that if unforeseen challenges arose, she would be better equipped to navigate them and avoid any potential regrets down the line.
Lost in her thoughts, Hera barely noticed as Rafael’s assistant guided her to a towering set of double doors, adorned with a plaque bearing the title ’CEO’s Office.’ With a sharp rap, the assistant announced Hera’s arrival to Rafael with a knock.