Chapter 50: Explanations

Out of courtesy, Livia called Angelo half an hour after the news went viral.

He answered right away.

"Hey, what happened to Valentia?" she tried to avoid any misunderstanding, quickly adding, "I saw it on Facebook."

Angelo's voice was indifferent. "It's nothing, just an on-set accident."

Livia was skeptical, but she had neither reason nor interest in digging deeper.

"Take good care of her, then."

"She has her assistant," he said, implying he wouldn't be taking care of her.

Munching on a skewer, Livia remarked, "Sure, she has an assistant and an agent, too, but that doesn't stop you from looking after her."

"Are you being sarcastic again?"

"Not at all." Livia put the phone on speaker, grabbed a drink with her right hand, and took a sip. "I'm just stating facts. Otherwise, why rush to see her?"

There was no response, and she glanced at her phone screen to make sure he hadn't hung up.

"She's the face of M Jewelry. With the new collection launching next quarter, her getting hurt is a big loss to the company," he finally said, offering an explanation.

"Oh." Livia's tone was nonchalant.

"Where are you?"

"At home," she replied.

"You went back?"

"What else would I do?" Livia said. "I didn’t know if you’d be coming back tonight. Might as well chill at my own place."

Suddenly, Angelo hung up.

Staring at her phone, Livia was perplexed. "Weird."

Before falling sleep, she scrolled through Facebook again—there was so much buzz about Valentia.

Some tabloids claimed Valentia was rehearsing with other actors at the director's and got hit for real when someone got too carried away and hit her with an ashtray.

Rumors swirled that Valentia wasn't just acting in a scene but was caught having a late-night rendezvous with a director, and when the director's wife discovered them, a brawl ensued, leaving Valentia injured.

Livia was surprised to read that bit of gossip. Considering Valentia had been so focused on becoming Angelo’s woman, why would she do something like that?

Livia thought that the entertainment industry was too chaotic. An average person can never figure out the truth. Whatever people are saying, that's what the audience tends to believe. Good news rarely gets better with time, but bad news definitely gets worse.

However, Angelo had publicly stated that Valentia, being the face of his company's brand, would receive ample PR support from them in the case of any negative allegations due to their partnership and past history.

True to his word, it wasn't long before several influencers, as if coordinated, began to spin the narrative that Valentia was deeply committed to her role, insisting on authenticity from her co-star, which unfortunately led to her injury due to the co-star not restraining their strength.

The numerous comments below were filled with praise for Valentia's dedication as a newcomer to acting.

Livia looked at the uniform positive comments with indifference.

Regardless of the actual truth, the prevailing online opinion lauded Valentia.

This incident only solidified her persona as an inspirational goddess.

At the bottom of the comments section, Livia spotted a cruel remark about Valentia seducing the director and being attacked by his wife upon discovery. The comment was met with harsh criticism.

’The truth and falsehoods on the internet, who knows them besides the people involved?’ Livia mused.

Putting her phone aside and closing her eyes, Livia knew Angelo would be by Valentia's side after such an incident.

She turned over with a sigh.

’This must be what first love is like, otherwise why would Angelo drop everything for Valentia again and again?’

First loves are often the most unforgettable. Even if they appear to separate amicably, the smallest things can still tug at your heartstrings.

At the hospital, Valentia was looking somber with eight stitches on her forehead.

Angelo sat at a distance, incessantly checking his phone, visibly impatient.

Initially, Angelo had planned to leave, but Valentia had clung to his hand, crying, and convinced him to stay.

With eyes red from crying, she looked at Angelo, "Am I going to have a scar after this?"

"Do you not trust what the doctor said?" Angelo looked up at her. "You know what you need to avoid, so avoid it. Cosmetic medicine is so advanced now. A little scar like yours is nothing."

Valentia sniffed, holding her hands tightly together. "Do you believe me?"

"Believe you about what?"

"I was really just discussing the script with the director. As a newcomer, I'll be joining the production next month, and I'm really nervous. I just wanted to talk to the director about the character, but then his wife burst in out of nowhere, started hitting me without even asking, accusing me of seducing her husband." Valentia's voice was full of grievance. "I honestly didn't."

Angelo saw her swollen, tearful eyes and her lips pressed tightly from the overwhelming unfairness. He suddenly remembered how strong and optimistic she used to be before she chose this path. In his memory, she had never shed tears.

"What you need right now is not for me to believe you, but to convince his wife of your innocence. You don't need to explain anything to me." Angelo glanced at the time. it was already two in the morning.

Livia was unexpectedly calm. No calls, not even a message to check in.

Had she really become so indifferent?

The thought furrowed Angelo's brow.

"I don't care what others think of me. All that matters is what you think. If you believe me, I have nothing to fear." Valentia once again declared her feelings.

Angelo looked at her coldly. "I have a girlfriend. Is it appropriate for you to say this to me now?"

Valentia felt a pain in her forehead, but her heart ached more.

Tears fell heavily, and after a tremulous breath, she finally managed to speak, "Girlfriend? You're admitting she's your girlfriend now?"

"Is that a problem?"

"You've never acknowledged her as your girlfriend before, have you?" Valentia swallowed hard in disbelief.

"Do I need to make a public announcement that she's my girlfriend for it to be official?" Angelo was out of patience and stood up. "It's late. You should rest."

"Angelo!" Valentia called out to him, desperate.

He looked at her with displeasure. "What?"

"Could you stay with me? I'm scared." Valentia's cautious demeanor was a rare sight, for a woman usually clad in a façade of toughness.

Angelo's eyes narrowed slightly.

Hope filled Valentia as she looked at him through blurry tears. "Please, stay with me."