Chapter 58

Julian barely glanced up from his phone, fingers flying across the screen as he muttered, "What?"

Evelyn smirked, mischief dancing in her eyes. "If I recall correctly, today’s the day Celeste left. Didn’t you go to the airport to see her off?"

Still not looking up, Julian replied flatly, "Their flight was at six. I called you after I dropped them off."

Evelyn’s eyebrows shot up. "Wait—you actually went?"

For weeks, Julian had kept his distance from Celeste, his only visible connection to her being the crescent moon emoji he’d added to his Twitter handle. He’d thrown himself into his work, burying his emotions under spreadsheets and strategy meetings.

But Evelyn knew better. She’d caught wind of his secret visits—always from a distance, never letting Celeste see him.

And now, he’d even upgraded their tickets to first class under the guise of a "corporate sponsorship."

Julian rolled his eyes. Why ask if you already know?

From his hiding spot at the airport, he’d watched Celeste’s usually composed face light up with genuine relief as she stepped toward the boarding gate. The sight had shattered him. He’d ducked into a restroom stall, pressing his palms against his eyes until the sting faded.

"Ahem!" Julian snapped, voice sharp. "Are you done? We have a class to get to."

Shut up. You’re making it worse.

Evelyn bit back a grin. Oh, he’s upset. Probably reliving the moment he realized Celeste was happier leaving than staying. Rumor had it he’d taken an overseas assignment just to avoid accidentally running into her.

Julian’s jaw tightened. I’m not overestimating myself. I just know my presence would ruin her peace.

But deep down, he knew his silent devotion wasn’t some grand romantic gesture. If Celeste ever found out, she wouldn’t be moved—she’d be creeped out.

Julian froze mid-step. He wasn’t trying to win her over. He just… didn’t know how to stop caring.

The ache of watching her slip further away was suffocating.

Evelyn, oblivious to his turmoil, her meal and sauntered over. Her gaze flicked to his phone screen—a flood of green message bubbles.

Accidentally, she caught a glimpse of Celeste’s profile picture.

Morning greetings. Lunch check-ins. Questions about her day. All unanswered.

"Is this… harassment by text?" Evelyn blurted.

Julian locked his phone with a sharp click. "It’s not her chat."

Evelyn blinked. Wait—

It wasn’t Celeste’s chat.

Julian had created a fake account. And he’d been messaging himself.

Evelyn’s mouth fell open. Is this his way of coping? Writing diary entries to a ghost?

Julian turned away, shoulders stiff, his pace quickening.

He needed an outlet. If he didn’t pour his feelings somewhere, he’d crack and reach out to Celeste for real. And he’d sworn never to make her uncomfortable again.

In reality, the only time he dared contact her was during holidays—and even then, only in group chats.

Pathetic.

Julian bristled. I’m not pathetic!

Evelyn’s voice cut through his thoughts. "Not a hopeless romantic. More like… the king of simps."

Julian’s eye twitched. So what if I am?

One day, Celeste would move on. And all he’d have left were silent tears in the dark.

Karma.

Julian scowled. I could start crying right now if I wanted to.

Exhausted, he dragged Evelyn to the agency, only to be ambushed by Marcus.

Evelyn, sensing drama, flopped onto the couch. "Didn’t you say you were canceling all my work?"

Julian ignored her, turning to Marcus. "What’s this about?"

Marcus grinned. "My Acting Skill."

Julian groaned. He’d expected Evelyn’s refusal—this show was grueling, and she loathed effort.

"I’ll do all the heavy lifting," Julian offered.

Evelyn snorted. "It’s live. If I slack off, your fans will skin me alive."

"Both our appearance fees go to you."

Evelyn jabbed a finger at the contract. "You’re doing this for Isabelle. You’re not getting paid."

Marcus coughed awkwardly.

Julian sighed. "You wanted money, right? Fame equals fortune."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "I do want money. But not enough to become public enemy number one."

I’m not some transmigrated protagonist. I’d rather be a rich spectator laughing at others’ drama.

Just as Julian was about to give up, inspiration struck.

"This show is a mess," he said casually. "The first few episodes were semi-live, so the audience missed all the juicy bits."

Evelyn’s head snapped up. "What?"

Julian smirked. "This season? Four couples. All disasters."

Marcus jumped in. "A secretly married A-lister paired with his on-screen ‘nation’s sweetheart’ co-star. A fantasy drama heartthrob forced to work with his ex’s current boyfriend. A ‘devoted husband’ actor teamed with the woman every wife in Hollywood hates. And a rising star stuck with her ex-boyfriend’s mother."

Evelyn shot upright, eyes gleaming. "Sign me up."

If she missed this trainwreck, she’d regret it forever.