Claire and Laura walked side by side, their steps in sync as they made their way across the street. The city lights flickered around them, casting a warm glow on the pavement.
"I swear, if I don't get a callback, I'll just accept my fate" Claire joked, adjusting the strap of her bag.
Laura gasped dramatically. "No way. With that performance? You were a whole star in there! If they don't pick you, they're blind."
Claire laughed, shaking her head. "You're biased."
"Of course I am," Laura said, linking her arm with Claire's. "But I'm also right. You nailed it, and you know it."
Claire sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips. Maybe Laura was right.
"By the way how's mom" Claire asked.
"I checked on her last night and she's good, the medications are working and her vitals are stabilising" Laura told her and Claire smiled —every pain was worth it if her mom got better.
"Do you want to see her now? No one is around here now" Laura suggested.
Just as Claire was about to respond, her phone vibrated in her hand. She glanced down, and the name flashing on the screen made her heart skip a beat.
Leon.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she swiped to answer. "Hello?"
A deep voice rumbled through the phone, sending a shiver down her spine. "Hello."
Leon's voice was smooth, calm—but there was something in the way he spoke that made her pulse quicken.
"I sent a car to take you and your friend home," he continued, his tone firm yet gentle.
Claire blinked, surprised. "You don't have to do that," she replied quickly. "I was going to take a taxi—"
"My wife has already stressed herself too much in the audition hall," Leon cut her off smoothly. "I don't want you exhausting yourself any further. A car is faster and safer for me."
Claire barely had time to react before Laura, who had been shamelessly listening in, let out a high-pitched squeal.
"Did he just say 'my wife'?" Laura gasped, covering her mouth in exaggerated shock. Then, turning to Claire, she grabbed her by the shoulders. "Oh my God! Now I see why you're falling for him. He's so sweet and possessive. Ugh, my type of guy!"
Claire's ears turned red. "Laura, stop!" she hissed, though she couldn't stop the warmth spreading through her chest.
Laura smirked. "Nope. You're blushing, Claire. I knew it!"
Claire groaned and turned away, pretending to focus on her phone. "Anyway, the car should be here soon."
Laura laughed, nudging her playfully. "Admit it, he's got a hold on you."
Claire shot her a glare. "Let's just go home." A bit sad she didn't get to see her mom.
Minutes later, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb. The driver stepped out, nodding politely before opening the door for them.
"Damn," Laura whispered. "Being married to a rich man has perks." She said eyeing the luxurious car.
Claire rolled her eyes and slid into the car, Laura following with a giggle.
The ride was quiet, except for Laura occasionally side-eyeing Claire with a knowing smirk. They reached Laura's apartment first, where she exited with a dramatic sigh—her ride in the luxurious car was over.
"Bye, Mrs. Yu," she teased, winking before closing the door.
Claire didn't respond and just rolled her eyes.
As the car pulled away, heading toward the mansion, she found herself staring out the window, her mind drifting to Leon's words.
'My wife has already stressed herself too much.'
Why did those words feel so… warm?
---
When Claire stepped inside, the butler greeted her with a polite nod and bow.
"Good evening, Young Madam. The Master is at work, Old Master went to play golf, and Madam Rinna is out having tea with a friend. If you need anything, please let me know."
Claire shook her head. "I'm fine, thank you. Maybe just some snacks."
"As you wish."
After eating, Claire made her way upstairs. The evening air was cool, and when she stepped onto her balcony, she found herself drawn to the breathtaking view. The city stretched out before her, glowing under the fading sunlight.
Plugging in her earphones, she played a soft melody, allowing herself to get lost in the music. The gentle breeze brushed against her skin as she leaned against the railing, eyes closed.
For the first time in a long while, she felt at peace. Not bothered by all the things happening around her.
Then, she felt something warm drape over her shoulders.
Her eyes fluttered open.
Leon.
He stood beside her, his expression unreadable as he adjusted the blanket over her.
"How long have you been here?" he asked, his voice quieter than usual. "You look cold. Goosebumps all over."
Claire swallowed, suddenly hyper-aware of how close he was. His fingers lingered on the fabric, the warmth of his hand seeping through.
"I should've brought a blanket," she murmured, looking away.
"You shouldn't stay out here for so long," he said gently, as he leaned against the railing, watching her with quiet intensity.
"No one was home," she explained, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I just wanted to relax for a bit."
A silence stretched between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable.
Claire hesitated before pulling out one of her earphones, offering it to him. "Want to listen?"
Leon took it without a word and placed it in his ear.
A small smile ghosted his lips. Her taste in music hasn't changed.
"Do you like the music" Claire said, watching Leon close his eyes.
Leon didn't respond, but the softness in his eyes said enough.
They stood there, side by side, sharing the music as the city lights flickered in the distance.
After a while, Claire turned to him. "About what I said last night…"
Leon's expression didn't change. "I understand," he said smoothly. "You were drunk. Let's forget about it."
A quiet sigh of relief left her lips.
But then, he took a step closer.
Claire's heart pounded as he leaned in, his voice dropping to a murmur just below her ear "But… it wouldn't be wrong for my wife to fall for me, would it?"
Her breath hitched.
'Everything is wrong with that', she screamed internally. 'I'm supposed to make you fall for me, not the other way around!'
Leon reached up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Claire," he murmured, "I really hope we can make this marriage work. You're an amazing woman."
Claire closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of his touch. But then, reality crashed down on her, and she snapped her eyes open, pulling away slightly.
Leon didn't push. Instead, he shifted the topic, his voice light. "By the way, the directors liked your performance. The results should be out soon."
Claire exhaled, relieved for the change. "That's good to know."
Not wanting the atmosphere to grow any heavier, she turned toward the door. "We should go inside."
Leon nodded, and together, they headed in.
Dinner was quiet but comfortable, and by the time Claire went to bed, her mind replayed everything that had happened. She buried her face in her pillow, her cheeks burning.
---
A few days later, Claire sat at the breakfast table when her phone rang. Seeing Laura's name, she answered, only to instantly regret it.
"CLAIRE!" Laura's excited scream nearly made her drop the phone.
Claire pulled it away from her ear. "What is wrong with you?"
"You got the role! You got the lead role!"
Claire froze. "Wait, what?"
Laura laughed. "They sent an email this morning! Claire, you did it! You're the female lead!"
For a moment, Claire couldn't breathe. Then, it sank in.
"I got it," she whispered. "I got it."
Laura squealed again. "Get dressed and hurry! The briefing is happening soon!"
Claire's heart raced with joy. "Okay, okay, I'm coming!"
The family members who were present congratulated her warmly.
"Congratulations, Claire," Leon said beaming with a proud smile, his voice steady as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I did it," Claire murmured, more to herself than anyone else. "I really did it…"
And before she could think twice, she turned and hugged him.
It wasn't planned—it was natural, effortless.
Leon didn't hesitate, wrapping his arms around her, holding her just as firmly.
And for the first time in a long while, Claire felt like she had won. Like something had finally fallen into place.