Chapter 277 - 276: Leaving
Just as the warmth between them had settled into something soft and comfortable, a sudden chime from Monica’s phone cut through the room. She blinked, grabbed it off the table, and sighed the moment she saw the screen.
"Ugh. That’s my cue," she muttered, silencing the alarm.
Rex raised an eyebrow, still lounging comfortably in the plush robe. "Something important?"
Monica stretched her arms overhead with a little groan, her damp hair falling over her shoulders. "A jewelry brand launch. Just a quick appearance, like twenty, thirty minutes max. I promised weeks ago."
Rex didn’t say anything at first, but the way his eyes lingered on her made it clear he wasn’t ready for the moment to end. He didn’t try to hide it either.
She noticed the reluctance in his expression and smirked as she walked over and cupped his cheek. "Hey," she said gently, "I want to stay too. But these things pile up. I miss one, and ten others try to sneak in."
He didn’t argue, but his gaze flickered with quiet concern. "You sure you’re up for it? You’ve barely rested. Won’t it be exhausting?"
Monica let out a soft laugh, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Please. I’ve been through worse in my rookie days... crazy night shoots, ten costume changes in a trailer the size of a closet, walking red carpets with barely any sleep and a sprained ankle. This?" She kissed her fingers and waved them in the air. "This is a stroll in the park."
Even though she had said it nonchalantly with a smile, he couldn’t help but feel heartache for her. It’s true that nobody can become truly successful without some sacrifices, and people only see the glamorous side, not the pain they had to endure to reach here.
Monica noticed the way his gaze lingered, soft and concerned. So she looped her arms around his neck, pulling him in with that easy confidence only she could carry.
"Don’t give me that face," she said with a teasing smile. "I’m not some fragile rookie anymore. I’m a whole damn diva now."
He blinked, lips twitching.