The next day.
When I woke up, I found myself in an unfamiliar environment, and immediately sat up half-awake, on high alert.
Emily Thomas was wearing a green home dress, her hair tied in a ponytail, looking both elegant and otherworldly. She poured a glass of water and set it on the table, "You've been here once, don't you remember?"
"It's you," I finally breathed a sigh of relief, rubbing my temples, "Sorry for disturbing you."
Then I got up, ready to leave.
"Have a drink of water first," Emily said calmly, as she walked to her own independent alcove for composing. She sat in front of the piano, her long, pale fingers playing the melodies of her new album.
After I drank the water, I got up to leave, but Emily, without turning her head, said, "If you go out now and get caught by the paparazzi, our relationship will be exposed."
I pursed my lips, then found a step to sit on in the living room, where John, Emily's assistant, was also sitting. I asked Emily, "Can I smoke?"
Emily said nothing, continuing to play her piano.
The music was lively and gentle.
Listening to it, I lit a cigarette, leaned on the sofa, and looked at the ceiling, feeling much more at ease thanks to the music.
When Emily finished playing, she turned her head to glance at me, "You came out?"
I nodded, "Yeah, I didn't get selected, so I came out. I'm working here in Summit City for now, but you can relax, we'll continue living our own lives. I promised I wouldn't disturb or bother you, and I'll keep my word. I won't interfere in your private life."
"No need for reminders. You've done well these three years," Emily asked me, "What do you plan to do?"
"They gave me a job in a public service unit," I said, "I'll start as a junior police officer, but I won't give up on my dreams."
Emily: "I envy you for still having dreams."
I knew she was being sarcastic. For Emily, entering an arranged marriage with a man she didn't like was very unfair, interrupting many of her life plans, forcing her to move from Aethel to Veridian to be my wife.
"I've tried for years to persuade Uncle Thomas, but to no avail. I'm truly sorry about marrying you, but don't worry. I'll give you enough freedom and respect. You can even disregard this marriage and pursue your own love. I know the marriage certificate will eventually be exposed, ruining your reputation, but give me some time to convince Uncle Thomas, and we'll get divorced immediately," I said sincerely.
Emily said nothing, silently looking at her sheet music.
Beside her, John, the assistant, clearly scoffed at Tobby's career as a junior police officer. In her eyes, Emily's husband should at least be a dashing young scion or a dignitary, so finding out he was just a regular guy with average looks and a junior officer's job explained Emily's aloofness toward him. That said, Emily seemed indifferent toward all men anyway.
Initially, she had considered cozying up to Tobby if he were indeed well-connected, but now, knowing his job, John felt she needed to assess whether he might pose a threat to Emily's career. After all, Emily was at the peak of her popularity in the entertainment industry, commanding top-tier fees for her appearances and performances. John couldn't help but worry that Tobby, being a junior officer, might exploit Emily. So she hesitantly pulled out an agreement and placed it on the table.
I turned my head toward the table, "What's this?"
John said, "Emily, this is from your agent, Ashley."
Emily frowned.
I also frowned.
John looked at me, "Mr. Curry, though it's quite presumptuous, for the sake of Emily's career, we would like you to sign a confidentiality agreement regarding any relationship with Emily Thomas. You must not interfere in her private life or career moving forward."
"John!" Emily expressed some dissatisfaction.
"Emily, there's no choice. You're the company's top star. If word gets out you've been married for three years, it would severely impact your career, especially while it's on the rise. We need to eliminate anything that could damage your image," John said with a worried laugh.
I burst into laughter, then my expression turned serious, "There's no need for meddling with our business. I've always been self-aware and keep my promises. I haven't taken any interest in her matters for three years, and this apartment, I've only been in twice. So rest assured, I'll walk my own path."
With that, I stood up and walked directly out of the apartment.
Frustrated, John told Emily, "He's clearly feeling guilty. This won't do, Emily. If he doesn't sign the agreement, it indicates that he'll wait until you're even more famous and then blackmail you."
Emily remained silent, focusing on her sheet music.
She wasn't worried, but John was anxious. The entertainment industry was full of such opportunistic men.
"Emily, really, why hide your marriage from the company? Without his signature on the agreement, how can the company feel confident about investing resources in you?"
Emily continued playing a new song, lost in her music as John painted a picture of impending doom. She was immersed in her music, beautiful and serene like fireworks frozen in time.
After finishing the piece, Emily lifted her gaze to her assistant, "John, do you think I'm beautiful?"
"Of course, Emily! You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Even in the mixed-heritage world, you're renowned globally. What man with status wouldn't want to meet you? Some executives want to have a candlelight dinner with you and have even bid up to twenty million for it! The headhunters directly approached the company, but Ashley refused. Can you imagine the value of a dinner with you? Even top-tier actresses don't have such high appearance fees," John said.
Emily smiled gently, "Yes, didn't you hear what he said when he left? For three years, he claimed to have no interest in anything about me, and he kept his promise, staying out of my affairs. The fact that he hardly remembers being here is proof. I believe if he says he can do it, he will. Tell me, how many men can marry me and still remain so polite and distant for three years?"
John clicked her tongue.
That was true, indeed. Other men would likely not have been able to resist.
"But I worry that once you're at the peak of your career, Mr. Curry might change his mind and start making demands," John said with concern.
"Adam't worry, it won't happen," Emily replied, seemingly unconcerned. She closed her piano lid and stood up, saying, "Do you know why the media and investigators can't find any information on my marital status?"
John shook her head.
Emily said, "It's because Tobby used his connections to keep it confidential. He really doesn't seem interested in me. When we got married, he never forced me. I thought he was pretending to be distant, so I chose to enter the entertainment industry to test him."
Emily let out a bitter laugh, "It turns out he truly doesn't care at all. Over these years, he's rarely been out from the army, and hasn't contacted me even once. We're like the most familiar strangers. Maybe that's for the best—it keeps us from resenting each other, which is good for both of us."