It wasnât until Weston questioned her again that she came to her senses and answered, âIt was nothing. It was just a colleague from the crew.â
He paused for a while, then Stella said, âIâve been out too long, so Iâll hang up first. Weâll talk about it later!â
She was getting braver and dared to hand up on him directly.
Weston put down the phone and stared at his phone screen with darkened eyes.
On the balcony.
A gust of wind blew, making Stella more awake.
She shook her head. Fortunately, Yates had come to remind her just now; otherwise, standing here for too long would lead to suspicion.
Just as she was about to leave, she saw him walking out of the bathroom and smiling at her. âYouâre done with your call?â
She nodded.
Yates went up to her and walked side by side with her.â Did I scare you just now?â
Stella smiled. âItâs fine.â
âIt was too dark just now, and I didnât see you on the phone. So, I thought you were standing there alone. Sorryâ¦â âItâs okay.â Stella looked down and deliberately kept a distance from him.
He saw it and said helplessly, âAm I a monster that you have to avoid me like this?â
She was stunned by his sudden question and shook her head. âIâm not avoiding you. But your manager probably wouldnât want you to get too close to me.â â⦠You can tell?â Yates suddenly turned around, shoved his hands in his pockets, and gazed into her eyes as he stepped back slowly.
Stella could only slow down and follow his pace when he was walking backward. âI think everyone could tell. But I understand that the entertainment industry is complicated, so itâs alright to be on guardâ¦â
âYou know thatâs not what I mean.â He looked down at her face; his eyes flickered. âAfter so many years, I should have a little personal space. I can discuss work matters with him, but I donât want him to control me too much.â When she heard this, she raised her head, somewhat surprised.
Logically speaking, he shouldnât talk to her about this.
These were his feelings. âI donât know the situation between the two of you very wellâ¦â She pondered her words before saying, âHow about you go back and discuss it with your manager?â
Yates sighed, âYou seem to be very wary of me.â
âNonsense.â She smiled before saying, âDonât overthink.
The two of them strolled.
Fortunately, no one passed by in this corridor. The night was hazy, and it was hard to tell who they were anyway. Yates stared at her and suddenly stopped in his tracks.â Ella.â
He called out her name.
She looked at him curiously and asked, âWhatâs wrong?â
Perhaps it was because of the alcohol, but Yates felt slightly different from his usual self.
He raised his hand and tucked her hair behind her ear.â Your hair is a little messy.â Before Stella could react, she saw that he had reached out his hand and immediately took a step back. âYatesâ¦â
She was startled. She didnât expect him to do that all of a sudden.
She didnât know how to react.
âI can do it myself.â After speaking, she stroked her hair a few times and lowered her head. âItâs getting late. Angelina and the others are still waiting for me, so Iâd better head in nowâ¦â
A trace of hurt flashed in his eyes as he saw the refusal in her actions. âGo ahead.â