Chapter 345
Adonis then gestured toward Hadley. “While your looks certainly caught my attention, relying solely on beauty would reduce you to just a pretty face, which I won’t allow to happen. Take this script home and immerse yourself in it. I want to see your interpretation of the character. Dig deep, alright?”
“Understood, sir.”
In no time, Elvin returned with the script and passed it to Hadley, leaning in to whisper, “Make sure you read it thoroughly and don’t screw it up.”
“Also,” Adonis added, “I’m not entirely sure which role will fit you best just yet. From the lead to the third female lead, I want you to analyze them all, if possible.”
“Of course.”
With the script in her hands, Hadley felt a wave of apprehension wash over her. Was acting really this intricate? She still found herself drawn to dancing.
At the hospital.
“Ernest?” Linda called softly as she stepped into the room.
She spotted Ernest’s assistant, Quentin Miles, standing by the bed and reporting something to Ernest. As soon as she entered, Quentin ceased speaking. He offered her a courteous smile. “Hello, Miss Harris.”
“Hi,” Linda replied, her curiosity bubbling beneath the surface. What could they have been discussing? A nagging thought lingered in her mind—were they keeping something from her?
“Sir,” Quentin said with a respectful nod toward Ernest, “I’ll take my leave now.”
Ernest acknowledged him with a nod.
“Goodbye, Miss Harris.”
“Take care.”
When Quentin was gone, Linda pulled up a chair beside the bed, took Ernest’s hand, and pressed it gently to her cheek.
Linda chose not to delve into the recent events that had unfolded. Instead, she kept the conversation light, as was her custom.
“Sorry I arrived a bit later than usual today. The chill in the air has settled in. Just stepping out of the car made my cheeks feel the bite of the cold. Here, feel it. Isn’t it brisk?”
She gently pressed her cheek against Ernest’s palm as she spoke. Ernest’s brow furrowed slightly, and a tremor ran through his fingers as he lowered his hand, attempting to pull away.
Linda’s heart raced. Was he intentionally distancing himself from her?
Maintaining her composure, she replied with warmth, “Is your arm weary? I apologize for making you hold it up.”
Ernest opened his mouth, but only a raspy, muffled sound came forth. Linda instantly grasped his need. After caring for him for so long, she recognized his signals like an old friend.
“You need to use the restroom, right? Just a moment…” She started toward the bathroom to get his bedpan.
But Ernest tugged at her shirt, shaking his head slowly, his brow knitted in concern.
She understood his gesture, yet confusion washed over her.
“Ernest, I’m your fiancée. We might as well be married, wedding or not. Let me assist you, please.”