Chapter 47
Yolanda read through the script. For Wayne, there were indeed many kissing and bedroom scenes, but lan didn’t seem to have any kissing scenes before?
“Yeah, you need to practice more.”
Simone’s new drama has a bold style. Once it passes censorship, it will definitely dominate this summer’s prime time.
The lead male role plays a street tough who grew up in the red–light district and got caught up in a murder
case.
The investors have poured in a lot, and with many veteran actors involved, the audience will definitely be hooked.
The lead male’s character is a bit of a rogue. He’s been involved with several women, but each female character is well developed and realistic.
Ian’s innate stubbornness suits this role perfectly.
Just as she was about to step on the gas, she saw him still standing outside, looking as handsome as a store mannequin.
She sighed and rolled up the window. “Are kissing scenes challenging for you?”
He lowered his eyelashes and said, “I’ve never been in a relationship.”
Yolanda felt a bit puzzled. This person is so good–looking; how could he have never been in a relationship?
She recalled how awkward he was the last time he kissed her.
But that awkwardness was somehow perfectly enticing.
She quickly pulled back her gaze and looked into the distance. “This drama only has thirty episodes, with six kissing scenes and three bedroom scenes. Each one is crucial. If you really can’t manage, watch how the veterans perform recently.”
He didn’t say anything. He turned and went inside, closing the door loudly.
Yolanda continued discussing the renovation with Megan over there.
Megan scratched her cheek. Is this person genuinely clueless or just pretending? Ian clearly wants to practice with her.
But since she’s not interested, Ian will probably have a hard time ahead.
At 8 p.m.
8:12 Thu, Sep 11
Chapter 47
Simone raised an eyebrow when she saw Yolanda bring a man in.
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Yolanda sat beside her. “Aunt Simone, this is the talent from my studio. What do you think of him?”
Simone glanced up and down at Ian and nodded slightly. “He looks good. I watched the clips you sent me last night–his acting is solid. But I’m not sure about his on–screen chemistry in the bedroom scenes. I told you, those scenes are crucial.”
No one would come into this private room, so Simone started the audition right here.
She turned off all the lights except for a nearby floor lamp, leaving just a soft, dim glow.
Simone sat beside Yolanda with her arms crossed. “Ian, right? Take off your clothes. Pants too–just leave your boxer briefs on.”
Ian froze for a moment and looked at Yolanda.
Yolanda cleared her throat and pretended to sip from a glass of water nearby.
He said nothing further and took off his sports jacket.
As he was about to pull down his pants, he couldn’t help but glance at Yolanda again.
Simone frowned, “I’m the director. What are you watching your boss do?”
Lowering his eyelashes, the pants slowly slid down, revealing a beautiful mermaid line on his waist and abdomen. The inverted triangle area kept descending, and his muscles subtly rippled along with it.
With the lighting and his stunning face, this scene was truly captivating and hard to look away from.
A trace of satisfaction flashed in Simone’s eyes, but she clicked her tongue, “It’s good, but still a bit lacking.”
Ian’s hand curled slightly. Thinking of something, he reached out, grabbed the cup of water from Yolanda’s hand, and poured it onto his chest.
The water droplets splashed like sweat rolling down impulsively.
He wiped his face and fixed his gaze on Yolanda.
Yolanda felt dry–mouthed, as if that cup of water was snatched away from her body.
She struggled to look away and glanced at Simone beside her.
Simone still crossed her arms, a spark of light flickering in her eyes. “This is fine. How about the kissing scene? Can you do it? You need to stick your tongue out because the camera will zoom in, and this shot will be very
clear.”
He froze for a moment, about to say he wasn’t good at it, but Yolanda interrupted, “Aunt Simone, he can do it.”
Simone chuckled. “Just saying he can’t cut it. Find someone to try it out. The actress I booked has someone here tonight; I’ll give her a call. Ian, put your clothes on. If you can handle the kissing scene, I’ll pick you.”
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Chapter 47
Ian slowly put on his clothes while Yolanda turned on the lights inside the private room.
The moment the lights came on, the intense surge of hormones finally began to fade.
Simone was already on the phone. They said they’d arrive in twenty minutes.
Yolanda saw Ian tensing up and poured him a glass of water. “Relax”
He didn’t take it but stood up. “Director Sinclair, Ms. Grant, I’m going to the restroom.”
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Simone laughed, resting her head on one hand. “Looks like this kid is about twenty–three? Not bad at all. With some good training, he could make you money.”
Yolanda watched him leave the private room and couldn’t help asking, “Aunt Simone, was it the same when you interviewed male actors before?”
“Hmm, I have very high standards for male actors‘ physiques. These days, many stars have been spoiled by their fans and don’t like to manage their bodies. Ian’s physique is pretty good, but does Charles really know you’re so considerate to male talents? Personally accompanying him to auditions.”
Yolanda’s heart skipped a beat, but her expression didn’t change. “Aunt Simone, please keep this a secret. I just want to earn money.“</l>
Simone didn’t think much of it. After all, Yolanda’s identity as a member of the Grant family was more convincing than anything else.</2>
“Then you’d better keep it tight. Charles can be pretty possessive in some ways.”
Yolanda nodded and got up. “I’ll go check on Ian. He’s probably just a bit shy.”
“Go ahead. A kid who’s never been tainted by the big city looks genuinely pure.”
After Yolanda left the private room, she headed to the restroom.</6>
The hotel’s restrooms were all decorated with solid wood, reflecting a typical American style.</7>
She knocked on the door and called out, “Ian?”
Ian opened the door. His hair was wet, showing he had just washed his face thoroughly.
She pulled out a tissue and handed it over, “Are you really nervous?”
He didn’t take it, turned his head, and was about to close the door again, clearly uncomfortable about something.
Chapter 48

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
Part 1: The Discovery of BetrayalYolanda Grant’s marriage was built on patience, sacrifice, and quiet endurance — but that illusion shattered in one night. It was late when she arrived at a dark, empty alley after receiving a mysterious message with an address. At first, she thought it was a misunderstanding. After all, her husband Charles Sinclair — a man of wealth, power, and refined taste — would never lower himself to something so vulgar. But when she saw him holding a young woman in his arms, kissing and touching her like a man possessed, every ounce of denial drained from her. Charles, the proud and disciplined businessman, was cheating — and in a filthy alleyway, no less.Part 2: The Scene of HumiliationFrom the safety of her car, Yolanda watched as the scene unfolded. The woman clinging to Charles was frail, trembling, and emotional, like a flower blooming in the mud. The surroundings — the stained floor, damp walls, and suffocating darkness — mocked everything Charles had always claimed to be. This wasn’t just infidelity; it was degradation. Yolanda’s mind swirled with disbelief. Her husband, who obsessed over class and perfection, had become a man of impulse and dirt. She didn’t confront him or make a scene; she didn’t even cry. Instead, she leaned back in her seat, numb, realizing that her marriage was already over in spirit.Part 3: Two Years of DevotionAs she sat there, flashes of the past flooded her mind. Two years of marriage — two years of her trying to please him in every way. She had known from the start that Charles didn’t love her. On their wedding day, he had made it painfully clear that his heart already belonged to another woman. Still, Yolanda married him out of hope, out of love, out of the foolish belief that devotion could melt even the coldest heart. She gave up her career, her ambitions, and her independence, just to prove she was worthy of him. She cared for him like a nurse for her patient — cooking his meals, planning his wardrobe, and tending to every detail of his life. And in return, she got nothing but distance and silence.Part 4: The Breaking PointNow, watching him entwined with another woman, everything she had built inside her — the patience, the sacrifice, the illusion — collapsed. The man she had once called her husband had become unrecognizable. He had torn off his noble mask and revealed himself as nothing more than a beast driven by desire. Yolanda felt like she’d been slapped, her dignity shattered into pieces. But instead of screaming or crying, she felt an eerie calm. Her pain was too deep to express. All she could think was: This marriage must end.Part 5: Charles’s UneaseWhile Yolanda drove home, Charles suddenly sensed that something was wrong. The headlights of a passing car illuminated his face, and a chill ran down his spine. He didn’t know whose car it was, but unease stirred in his chest. The girl in his arms whimpered for his attention, but his mind was already elsewhere. Straightening his clothes, he pulled away coldly. “That’s enough for tonight,” he said flatly. “The company’s got big projects. I can’t afford divorce rumors right now.” His words revealed not love, but calculation — every move guided by image and control. The girl, blinded by her feelings, agreed softly, claiming she would wait. But to Charles, it was just another temporary indulgence.Part 6: The Return HomeWhen Yolanda returned home, the villa felt colder than ever. She had just come out of the shower when Charles entered the bedroom, carrying his jacket. He looked as immaculate as always — tall, handsome, commanding — but tonight, his arrogance seemed cruel. On his pristine white shirt, Yolanda noticed a faint smear of pink lip gloss. She had never worn lip gloss; she hated its stickiness. That small, shiny mark told her everything she needed to know. As she dried her hair, she kept her expression neutral, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing her pain.Part 7: The Cold ConversationCharles glanced at her and asked casually, “When did you get back?”“This afternoon,” she replied.He loosened his tie, unbuttoning his shirt as if nothing had happened. “I was out playing golf tonight,” he added. The lie rolled off his tongue effortlessly. Through the reflection in the window, Yolanda saw the dirt on his back — proof that golf wasn’t the only game he’d been playing. With quiet fury, she shot back, “Then I guess you scored plenty of holes. Congrats.”Her sarcasm caught him off guard. For the first time, he frowned, slightly unsettled. He wasn’t used to this tone from her — the woman who once worshiped him now sounded indifferent, almost mocking.Part 8: His Cruel ArroganceInstead of apologizing, Charles smirked and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Are you mad? I told you when we got married that I didn’t love you. If you’re that unhappy, find someone else to cheat with.” His words cut through her like a blade. It wasn’t just betrayal anymore — it was humiliation. He treated her heartbreak as an inconvenience, as if her pain were irrelevant. Inside, Yolanda’s chest felt like it was being strangled with wire, every breath searing. Yet she stayed silent. Her quietness, once a sign of love, now turned into armor.Part 9: The Memory of InnocenceIn that moment, Yolanda’s mind drifted back to when she first met Charles. She was young, freshly adopted into the Grant family, and he was already the picture of perfection — disciplined, confident, untouchable. Back then, she looked at him with admiration and love. To her, he was everything she aspired to be. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that this same man would someday make her feel worthless. All those years of love, of marriage, of giving — they now felt like a cruel joke.Part 10: A New Beginning Hidden in the Word “Fine”Charles chuckled when she finally said, “Fine.” To him, it was just another empty threat, another outburst that would fade with time. He kissed her cheek, confident that her love would keep her shackled to him forever. What he didn’t realize was that this time, “Fine” wasn’t surrender — it was goodbye. Behind her calm eyes, Yolanda had already made her decision. The love that once bound her had turned to ash, and from that ash, something new was forming — strength.Chapter 1 ends with Yolanda’s quiet determination to take back her life. She won’t cry or beg anymore. This time, she’ll walk away — not as a broken wife, but as a woman reborn through betrayal.