Chapter 311
Julian gently tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear as he lifted his head.
They couldn’t see each other’s faces in the darkness, but the way their breaths intertwined made them feel achingly close, sending shivers through both of them.
“Enna,” he whispered softly. His hot breath washed over the graceful curve of her neck, and then his lips pressed gently against her collarbone.
But Sienna suddenly remembered she still had to go home with her sisters later, so she reached out and gently stopped him.
“Julian, get up,” she said, surprised to discover just how soft her own voice could sound for the first time.
“Let me hold you a little longer. Just a little longer,” Julian murmured, half-lying on top of her as he tried to steady his breathing.
Sienna wrapped her arms around his neck, and in the quiet air, it felt like only their hearts were pressed close together, beating as one.
When Sienna felt it was about time to leave, she gently pushed him away and carefully fastened each pearl button on the front of her dress.
As she stood up, she could feel his intense gaze on her back, impossible to ignore. His breath was thick with longing. It was heavy and ragged.
Sienna tried to suppress the flutter in her chest as she moved to open the door, but suddenly, she felt his firm chest press up against her from behind.
He caught her hand just as she was about to open the door, stopping her in her tracks.
“Don’t go, okay?” he whispered, his voice low and pleading.
Desire really was endless; once one got a taste, one just wanted more. That was the nature of wanting—never satisfied, always reaching for a little bit extra. Love only made people more greedy.
Sienna’s long lashes trembled, but in the darkness, no one would ever notice.
“I should go now, Julian. As for what happened today, let’s just…”
Sienna’s words trailed off, her voice soft and uncertain.
“I know. You don’t have to say anything, I get it. I won’t mess up your life,” Julian said quietly, his voice low and tinged with disappointment.
Sienna could even hear the sound of him swallowing hard.
Meanwhile, back at the party, Yvonne was honestly shocked at how chill Rowena was acting.
She’d just been rejected for the third lead role, but now she was over here stuffing her face with dessert like nothing had happened, grinning from ear to ear.
Yvonne cleared her throat and walked over. “So, having a good time?”
As soon as Rowena realized it was her mom, her smile disappeared in a flash. “It’s whatever.”
Yvonne patted Rowena on the shoulder, trying to sound comforting. “Sweetie, I know all about it. It’s okay. Getting replaced like this actually helped you realize who you really are, right? You’re just not cut out for acting.
“Even the director said your acting is bad, that you have no talent for it at all. You’re simply not meant to be an actress. So let’s face reality—I’ve found you a new tutor, and you’ll start lessons tomorrow.”
After hearing Yvonne’s words, Rowena understood everything. It was her mother who had sabotaged her and cost her the role. No matter how hard she tried to stop it, nothing worked.
If it hadn’t been for Winifred, Rowena really would have lost this precious opportunity.
Rowena pulled her hand away, her eyes icy cold. “Mom, didn’t I tell you to stay out of my business? Why did you make them replace…”
When Yvonne heard Rowena’s blunt accusation, her face stiffened for a split second, but she quickly covered it up.
Yvonne snapped, “Now you’re just spouting nonsense and blaming me for everything, huh! I told you I wouldn’t interfere. Would I really go back on my word?
“It’s not my fault you didn’t measure up. They suddenly replaced you, and you’re upset. I get it, but you can’t just throw the blame on me.”
Yvonne rattled on, and when Rowena stayed silent, she figured her daughter was feeling guilty, so she kept going. “Sweetie, listen to me.
You’re just not that lucky, so don’t force it. Wouldn’t it be better to become a world-famous painter? I’ll always have your back.”