CHAPTER 277: CHAPTER 276: LEAVING

Just as the warmth between them had settled into something soft and comfortable, a sudden chime from Monica’s phone cut through the room. She blinked, grabbed it off the table, and sighed the moment she saw the screen.

"Ugh. That’s my cue," she muttered, silencing the alarm.

Rex raised an eyebrow, still lounging comfortably in the plush robe. "Something important?"

Monica stretched her arms overhead with a little groan, her damp hair falling over her shoulders. "A jewelry brand launch. Just a quick appearance, like twenty, thirty minutes max. I promised weeks ago."

Rex didn’t say anything at first, but the way his eyes lingered on her made it clear he wasn’t ready for the moment to end. He didn’t try to hide it either.

She noticed the reluctance in his expression and smirked as she walked over and cupped his cheek. "Hey," she said gently, "I want to stay too. But these things pile up. I miss one, and ten others try to sneak in."

He didn’t argue, but his gaze flickered with quiet concern. "You sure you’re up for it? You’ve barely rested. Won’t it be exhausting?"

Monica let out a soft laugh, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Please. I’ve been through worse in my rookie days... crazy night shoots, ten costume changes in a trailer the size of a closet, walking red carpets with barely any sleep and a sprained ankle. This?" She kissed her fingers and waved them in the air. "This is a stroll in the park."

Even though she had said it nonchalantly with a smile, he couldn’t help but feel heartache for her. It’s true that nobody can become truly successful without some sacrifices, and people only see the glamorous side, not the pain they had to endure to reach here.

Monica noticed the way his gaze lingered, soft and concerned. So she looped her arms around his neck, pulling him in with that easy confidence only she could carry.

"Don’t give me that face," she said with a teasing smile. "I’m not some fragile rookie anymore. I’m a whole damn diva now."

He blinked, lips twitching.

She kissed his cheek, then added, "They don’t dare mess with me. And if they try? I don’t need to scream or sue. I just walk out. I can pick my projects now, pick who I work with, and if it doesn’t feel right—I don’t show up. That’s the privilege I bled for."

Then she leaned in, whispering like it was a secret. "Also helps that I’ve got a solid team behind me now. Personal assistant, driver, even bodyguards... all from a top-tier security company. Arcanum."

She continued, "I like to keep things personal. And I don’t trust company-assigned men following me around everywhere. Besides, agency’s happy, saves them money. Win-win."

"Male?" He asked instinctively, hearing about bodyguards.

Monica smiled even brighter, her lips curling into a wider smile like she had caught him red-handed. "Of course... not," she teased, dragging the word out, clearly enjoying the flicker in his eyes. "Relax, they’re all female."

She walked back over and gently brushed her fingers along his cheek, her expression suddenly softer but still laced with amusement. "I actually feel a bit uncomfortable around men. That’s why I’ve kept things tight. Even most of my roles? They’re solo-heavy. Or minimum male interaction."

Then she tapped the tip of his nose lightly and added in a whisper, "So you should know how lucky you are. You’re the first man I’ve ever felt completely comfortable with. That’s a pretty big deal... my little packet of jealousy."

Rex opened his mouth to protest, but stumbled on the words. "I—I’m not jealous," he muttered, eyes darting to the side like a child caught in the act. "I was just... concerned."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow, arms crossing as she looked him over with mock judgment.

He cleared his throat, recovering. "Your beauty could tempt even the most ascetic monk to fall from grace. Let alone the average bodyguard or assistant." His voice deepened as he went on, the pride in his tone becoming more and more apparent. "I’m just making sure my woman is protected properly."

Monica’s playful smile softened into something fonder as she leaned in, her lips brushing his ear. "Your woman, huh?"

He didn’t answer immediately. Just looked at her with that steady gaze that held no denial, only certainty.

Seeing this, she didn’t tease him further, instead kissed the corner of his mouth, lightly, as if acknowledging the truth of it.

But suddenly remembering the security company’s name, he was a bit stunned. Arcanum, isn’t it his company? He thought internally, but his expression didn’t show much, still he raised eyebrows in surprise "Arcanum?" he repeated, as if confirming.

She nodded. "You know them?"

"Yeah. You could say that." He said that, a prideful grin etching at his face.

Monica raised a brow, curious. "Really? That’s surprising. They’re insanely exclusive — professional to a fault, super expensive, and basically untouchable unless you’ve got serious money or connections. Even rich celebs get turned away sometimes."

Rex shrugged, amused by her mild surprise. "Well... when did I ever say I was simple?"

Monica gave him a playful side glance. "You keep getting more and more mysterious."

"There’s more to come," he said, leaning closer. "I’ve only just started peeling back the layers."

She playfully tapped his nose. "Don’t get cocky. Even if you turn out to be completely useless, I can still afford to raise a puppy."

"Just be careful," Rex said with a smirk, brushing a lock of her hair behind her ear. "You never know... that cute little puppy you’re trying to raise might actually be a wolf. One that’ll devour you whole."

Monica grinned, eyes glinting with mischief. "Is that so?" she leaned in, voice low. "Because from where I’m standing, it’s still not clear who’s going to devour who. Last night was my first time... but next time," she whispered against his lips, "I’ll show you what I really am."

Rex’s gaze darkened with heat. "Oh?" he murmured, his voice dropping as he leaned closer. "Why wait for next time? Let’s do it now."

Monica let out a laugh and gave him a firm, playful shove, pushing him back by the chest. "Down, Mr. Wolf. I’ve got an appointment, remember?"

Rex let out a mock groan and dramatically slumped back against the couch, throwing an arm over his eyes like a heartbroken poet. "Cruel. Absolutely cruel. You tempt me, tease me, then leave me hanging for a jewelry launch?"

Monica chuckled, amused by his theatrics. "Oh please, you’ll survive. Barely," she added with a wink.

He peeked at her from beneath his arm, feigning betrayal. "I thought we had something special."

She walked over, leaned down, and pressed a quick, soft kiss to his lips. "We do," she said, her voice a little quieter. "But even divas have to keep their promises."

He didn’t reply, just looked at her with something warm and lingering in his gaze. That quiet softness again. The kind that said more than any joke or flirt ever could.

With a sigh, Monica stepped away and began to gather her things. She slipped into a loose black hoodie, oversized sunglasses, and a face mask, carefully covering herself from head to toe like some celebrity incognito ninja. She tugged the hoodie down low over her face, then turned to him.

Seeing her like this, Rex couldn’t help laugh.

"I know, I look ridiculous," she said with a small laugh, muffled behind the mask. "But when half the city has cameras and the other half has gossip blogs... a girl’s gotta be careful."

Rex propped his head up with his arm, watching her from the couch. "Ridiculous? Nah," he said lazily. "You still look tempting enough."

She laughed again, a little softer this time. "I wish I could stay longer."

"I know," he said, his voice low and calm. "Go be dazzling."

She walked back over and kissed him again, slower this time. Not rushed. Not showy. Just... something intimate.

"See you soon," she whispered.

Then she slipped out the door, quietly and carefully, like a shadow that didn’t want to disturb the morning.

Rex looked at the closed door, sighed and stayed sprawled across the couch, one arm behind his head, staring at the ceiling with a small, crooked smile. The room felt quieter now. Not lonely exactly, but... different.

He didn’t mind the silence. But he’d gotten used to her laughter faster than he expected.

And now that it was gone, the echo lingered.

(End of Chapter)