Chapter 351 Like but Not in Love
Chapter 351 Like but Not in Love
Ethan took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Honestly, from the moment we met, I knew you were special. It was like love at first sight. The more time we spent together, the more I saw how amazing you are. You're great at everything—sports, academics, even gaming at a pro level. You're brave, focused, kind but not a pushover, and you chase your dreams with everything you've got. You've got so many incredible qualities, and I just keep falling for you more and more. So, will you give me the chance to spend my life with you?"
Victoria looked into his eyes, trying to read his sincerity. She thought maybe she should trust him this time, but she replied bluntly, "You only like my good qualities, but can you handle my flaws?"
"No," Ethan's face grew serious. "Everyone has flaws, but to someone who loves you, those flaws are just part of what makes you unique. I know you've been keeping some things from me, but I can wait until you're ready to share."
Victoria smiled, "That's a decent answer. But what if I say no?"
"If you say no, I'll just stick around Regal City for a few more years." Ethan's gaze was soft. He believed Victoria had feelings for him, but he wasn't entirely sure she'd say yes. He'd always been proud, pampered since childhood, and rejection would sting. But he was willing to give Victoria this power because he liked her so much.
Victoria couldn't help but laugh. Seeing her reaction, Ethan thought he was being rejected and frowned, ready to leave. But Victoria grabbed his hand, "I didn't say I was rejecting you."
Ethan turned back quickly, "So, does that mean you agree?"
Victoria shook her head, "Remember our five-year plan? I'm at a peak in my career, and you're busy with work in Regal City. Let's wait until you get transferred back, and if we still feel the same, we'll be together."
"Deal!" Ethan held Victoria's hand tightly and kissed it, "Consider this a down payment." She said they liked each other, which meant she liked him too! Ethan's heart raced with joy, and it took all his self-control not to hug and kiss her, settling for a kiss on the back of her hand instead.
Victoria pulled her hand back, her tone calm, "I'm heading back." But as she turned, her cheeks were slightly flushed, betraying her inner feelings.
Ethan watched her disappear into the elevator before finally turning to leave. Knowing that Victoria had feelings for him too, he felt at ease. Now he could focus more on his work, aiming to get transferred back to Sunhaven as soon as possible to be with Victoria officially!
Victoria didn't feel guilty telling Wilmer she wasn't in a relationship because she hadn't agreed to be with Ethan yet; they had just made a future promise. The next day, Victoria went to her scheduled commercial shoot as usual.
Ethan also followed up on the approval issue. He learned that the complaint letter had been verified and found inconsistent with the film. Ella had exaggerated the violent and gory parts based on her memory, but Victoria had carefully edited those scenes before submission, so the complaint was deemed fictional.
The reviewer found himself in a tricky situation. That morning, Albert had called, asking him to delay the show's approval with any excuse he could muster. He even drafted a report claiming "Dark Academy" needed extensive revisions.
But by noon, another higher-up called, urging him to fast-track the approval. Luckily, he hadn't submitted the report yet. The higher-up was a contact of Ethan's, so the reviewer ultimately approved the show and put it on the fast track.
That day, Victoria got the news that the film had passed approval. Wilmer started reaching out to streaming platforms to schedule the release and prepare for promotional activities.
By six o'clock the next evening, the official "Dark Academy" account dropped a trailer and announced a giveaway to encourage sharing. Fans of Victoria and Electra jumped on it, with some wealthy fans even adding to the prize pool. Keywords like "Victoria's new show is about to air" and "Dark Academy trailer is so suspenseful" quickly started trending.
Electra had edited the trailer brilliantly, leaving plenty of suspense. Most viewers who saw it were hyped and couldn't wait to watch the show. International promotions also kicked off, with bold and striking visuals that grabbed attention right away.
Tessa was in disbelief when she heard the news. "How is this possible? 'Dark Academy' hadn't passed approval yesterday, and now they're promoting it. Is Victoria really that bold?"
Her assistant whispered, "If they're promoting it publicly, it must have passed. Maybe your source was wrong?"
Tessa's face darkened, and she called Albert, "Albert, did 'Dark Academy' pass approval? You promised to help me."
"Sorry, Tessa. I did talk to the reviewers, but then a high-ranking official called about the show. My dad found out I was meddling and chewed me out, forbidding me from using his name to interfere with official matters." Albert sounded frustrated, "Tessa, do you know who's backing this show? I think you should stop going against Victoria; you're no match for her."
Tessa's expression soured, and she hung up without a word. It made sense that Victoria, with her wealthy background, would know some high-ranking officials. But she hadn't expected Victoria to pull such strings just to get a show aired. Now that Victoria's show was being promoted, the spotlight on "Missing is like flowing water" would surely dim, meaning she'd have to invest more time and effort into her own promotions.
However, her script was written by a well-known industry veteran, ensuring a strong plot. Victoria's show, on the other hand, was written by a newcomer, giving Tessa confidence in her own show's success.
Seeing the promotion for "Dark Academy," Ella was stunned. Tessa had been useless; even with her intervention, the show still passed approval. She wondered what tricks Victoria had used.
Had she changed the plot? But if she had altered the plot to pass approval, could the show still be as successful as it was in the past?