Without showing any emotion, Bradley glanced at Bettie.

The two were so close that he could discern the fine details of her lashes.

Her skin appeared perfect even under the makeup. Upon closer inspection, there wasn't a hint of flaking, setting her apart from many actresses in the entertainment industry.

Bradley had noticed on TV how some celebrities sported thick makeup, their skin appearing dull and tinged yellow. Such imperfections often necessitate heavy post-production enhancement. The final images, drastically retouched, were sometimes unrecognizable even to their own families. Unedited photographs were typically off-limits.

Bettie's eyes were bright and fixed on his eyebrows without moving. She seemed serious, quite different from her usual playful self.

Bradley's assistant exclaimed, “You've done such a great job on his eyebrows!"

After a while, a staff member, identifiable by the work badge on his chest, tapped on the door, saying, "Bradley, are you set? You're up for rehearsal shortly."

Taking a makeup spray, Bettie responded, “Just a moment."

After spraying the makeup, she organized her makeup kit. "You're good to go for your rehearsal."

Bradley stood up and straightened his clothes in front of the mirror, saying, "See you later."

"See you."

With that, Bradley headed off for his rehearsal.

Bettie walked out of the room with the makeup box and suddenly stopped.

A figure she recognized stood in the hallway.


Lance's intense stare settled on Bettie, tracking her every move.

Bettie withdrew her sight and walked around Lance as if nothing had happened and walked forward.

As she moved past him, Lance's hand swiftly caught her wrist, bitterness evident in his eyes. "Bettie."

Bradley was the reason again.

Seeing her talk and Laugh with Bradley made his heart ache in a way he couldn't put into words. It was Like being submerged in seawater, a mix of bitterness and saltiness overwhelming him.