CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 5: FORCING HER HOME? SHE TURNS TO PORTOROS TO FIND THE MOVIE KING

Director Zhou thought she was hallucinating; she stuttered, "You, what did you say? Miss Monroe, did you misspeak or did I mishear? Isn’t this the child you’ve always dreamed of?"

Yet overnight, she became a different person.

Victoria Monroe’s eyes were red, her voice hoarse: "I’ve thought it through. This child arrived at the wrong time. Please help me arrange it."

Director Zhou sighed, "The child is too small to perform anything now, you have to be at least forty days pregnant. I can schedule a surgery for you in three weeks. Think carefully, do you really want this child or not?"

Walking out of the hospital, Victoria Monroe’s mind was filled with what the doctor had said.

"Miss Monroe, you should know your physical condition. You’ve been hurt before and took three long years to recover. If you undergo an abortion, it will inevitably harm your body again. It might not be so easy to have a child in the future."

"The child is innocent."

Victoria Monroe was all too aware of the child’s innocence.

She loved this child more than anyone, but if she kept it, what would her life become?

She looked up at the vast sky, a few sparrows soaring high.

Was she going to sacrifice her life for a child?

She had considered giving up everything to return to family life, but in the end, Julian Fordham still let her down.

This was her only chance to resist and struggle out of the mud.

If she waited until the child was born, she wouldn’t be able to escape!

It only took three years for Julian Fordham to sever all her prospects and social networks.

In another five or ten years, she would have no beauty or means of livelihood, and if the man’s heart changed, where would she go from there?

That was not the life she wanted. The sadness in Victoria Monroe’s eyes faded.

If this path doesn’t work, she’ll change her path!

Julian Fordham’s stronghold is in the Capital; he can’t possibly block the entire entertainment industry.

The Portoros Circle.

Victoria Monroe thought of that hit film before she left the circle. With the film "Minister," both she and the male lead won the Best Actor and Best Actress awards.

At that time, her and Rhys Hawthorne’s couple fans were passionately taking over, and Julian Fordham was consumed with jealousy.

To appease him, she publicly declared that she was soon to marry and have children, entering the next stage of life, at the award ceremony.

If her first comeback drama was with Rhys Hawthorne, that project would surely explode in popularity!

She heard Rhys Hawthorne went to Portoros to develop his career three years ago; Victoria Monroe found him from among a thousand contacts.

His profile picture was a still from the film "Minister."

In that photo, he was kneeling on one knee in black clothes.

As if he was surrendering.

So many scenes, she couldn’t remember which one it was.

In the past three years, she hadn’t paid much attention to the entertainment circle; with the industry’s cold winter and the rise of short dramas, many artists had switched careers. She hadn’t heard anything about him.

Perhaps, he hadn’t used this WeChat account in a long time.

That’s why it remained from three years ago.

The only post in his Moments was a scene from that drama, likely posted for publicity back then.

Feeling cornered, Victoria Monroe tentatively sent two words: [Are you there?]

She thought this message would fall into oblivion, not expecting a quick reply.

Rhys Hawthorne: [I am here.]

She was shocked, a near-instant reply.

All these years, is he still acting?

As she hesitated, the phone vibrated.

Rhys Hawthorne: [I am waiting for you.]

She quickly replied: [If it’s convenient, can we meet?]

Rhys Hawthorne: [Convenient.]

Rhys Hawthorne was easier to talk to than she imagined, so Victoria Monroe bought the nearest ticket and flew straight to Portoros.

During the four-hour flight, she was constantly on edge.

Not to mention if he was still acting, she didn’t even have a script and came so abruptly. Wouldn’t that be too presumptuous?

Rhys Hawthorne vanished after filming and likely disliked being disturbed?

As soon as she exited the terminal, she immediately spotted the extraordinarily handsome man standing in front of a black car.

Shed of youthful tentativeness, his posture was tall and refined, his outstanding features striking, his expression perpetually cold, tight lips thinly pressed.

A perfectly cut suit outlined his muscular physique, the corners of his eyes and brows exuding a dignified nobility.

He leisurely raised his hand, revealing a long, fair wrist wrapped with black Buddha beads, giving him an ascetic yet otherworldly aura.

But when those black eyes fell upon her face, Victoria Monroe seemed to see a touch of complex emotion in them.

He spoke slowly, his voice cold and deep: "Ms. Monroe, long time no see."

"Long time no see, Rhys Hawthorne."

The warmth of his hand engulfed hers as they shook hands, it felt as if someone had ignited a flame in her palm, spreading tingling warmth across her skin.

Except for acting, she hadn’t touched a man in years.

After a brief touch, she quickly withdrew her hand.

Their eyes met, his indifferent gaze seemed calm yet down below, a storm was brewing beneath the surface.

In the car.

The man beside her didn’t say a word, yet his powerful aura made her feel even more tense and uneasy.

Rhys Hawthorne glanced at the woman sitting upright beside him.

She had changed a lot compared to before, as if someone had plucked all her thorns, dimmed her blazing glory, making her appear haggard.

Loose wavy hair draped softly over her white coat. Portoros was warm, and she wore a light wool coat suitable for winter; her snow-white face was beaded with sweat.

Though Victoria Monroe looked tired, her delicate, lovely face was still stunningly beautiful.

She used to be a dazzling, thorny rose; now she’s a gentle and charming magnolia.

Her slender fingers were tightly gripping the hem of her coat, seemingly waiting for the right moment to speak.

The sun was setting, it was already dinner time.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

"Not hungry, I ate something on the plane, I..."

Then, "Gurgle—"

Her stomach, betraying her, growled embarrassingly.

Ignoring the blush on her cheeks, Rhys Hawthorne’s voice was steady and calm, "Let’s get something to eat first."

She bit her red lip, a bit embarrassed, "Okay."

He took her to a private restaurant but ordered Beijing cuisine.

They sat face to face.

His gaze landed on her wool coat, speaking lightly, "Not hot?"

Only then did Victoria Monroe belatedly take off her coat, revealing a shirt and jeans underneath.

As simple as a college student’s outfit, not like a married rich lady.

She took the hair tie from the waiter, tying up her hair neatly, simply and neatly.

Victoria Monroe held a warm glass in her hands and spoke: "Sorry for visiting unexpectedly today. Actually, I wanted to ask if you have any thoughts on acting? I want to..."

Under the dim light, Rhys Hawthorne had removed his suit, leaving only the white shirt underneath, with two buttons undone, adding a touch of fatigue to his cold demeanor.

The one unchanged feature was the innate oppressive aura that was exceptionally strong within this booth seat.

As if all around was dominated by his domain, his gaze at Victoria Monroe took on a dangerous, meaningful edge under the dim lights.

Not sure if it was her imagination, his gaze seemed to linger for a moment on her finger where she’d taken off her wedding ring.

There were still marks left by years of wearing the ring.

"Hmm?" His voice was low and lazy, very tantalizing to the ear, "What do you want?"