Love’s New Bloom By Simone Hastings - Season 2 Episode 32

Roman’s words made Erin reflect on her actions seriously.

“Roman, I caused trouble for you this time. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you in the beginning, and I interfered in matters that I shouldn’t have-

Seeing how guilty she seemed, Roman didn’t have it in him to reprimand her anymore.

He said. “This incident concerns Simon. He is Chandler’s cousin, and they’re pretty close. So, your intervention isn’t exactly out of place. However, if you happen to learn something about someone else’s personal matters in the future, don’t get involved. You’ll make enemies for yourself inadvertently if you’re not careful enough.”

After a slight pause, he added, “Moreover, the interpersonal relationships in the entertainment industry are very complex and delicate. You

don’t know what connections and influence the other party has behind them. There are no kind and trustworthy people here. Just maintaining a cordial relationship with everyone is already very challenging. Since you want to be an actress, you should know how to protect yourself first!”

Erin accepted Roman’s sensible advice humbly. He spoke like a strict older brother. His words were blunt and somewhat piercing, but he was evidently saying all that for her own good.

“Thank you, Roman. I’m indeed too impulsive when handling things.”

Erin regretted how she’d handled things when she thought about the incident with Megan. In fact, she could have anonymously sent the audio recording of Megan’s affair with Percival to Simon. That way, she herself would be spared from getting entangled in their mess.

She couldn’t help but admire Chandler’s intelligence. He’d admitted to her in her hotel room that he was the one who had sent her the videos of lan and Tracy. He even used some hacking techniques to make it anonymous, so even if Erin hired professionals to investigate, they wouldn’t be able to trace it back to him.

Roman patted her shoulder and said, “It’s okay, take your time. The entertainment industry will make you grow quickly.”

At 11 pm. Roman escorted Erin back to the hotel with Ken. After she returned to her hotel room, it didn’t take long for Matthew to come knocking on her door. As it was late, Erin didn’t open the door for fear of being spotted by the other crew members.

Instead, she sent Matthew a text message that said, “It’s too late now. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

Matthew stood at the door, read her message, and then left.

By the time Erin finished showering and drying her hair, it was already midnight. Just then, her phone rang. It was a call from Chandler.

The moment the call connected, Chandler scolded, “Are you dumb, Erin? Why did you meddle in Simon’s affairs? I’m his cousin, and even I didn’t interfere.”

Hearing his words, Erin couldn’t help but ask, “You mean you’ve been aware that Megan was cheating on Simon?”

Chandler snorted coldly and said, “Oh, I’m aware, alright. I once caught Megan and Percival spending a night at a hotel together. Megan and Simon have been dating for a little over a year, but she’s been cheating on him since hall a year ago.”

Erin asked incredulously. “If you already knew, why didn’t you tell him?”

“Simon is such a stubborn guy. When I told him, he was in the honeymoon phase of his relationship and refused to believe me–his cousin! We even had an argument at that time. I couldn’t be bothered with such an idiot!” Chandler was lying down in his bedroom, with no lights on. There was only the faint light from his phone screen.

Erin agreed. “That’s true. If I hadn’t played the recorded audio for him, he wouldn’t have believed me. Simon is exceptionally stubborn indeed.”

Chandler chuckled lightly. “Now you know. You were lucky this time. I’ve arranged for two people in the crew to protect you in secret. Just stay by Roman’s side. He’ll take care of you.”

“Ok. Who are the two people you arranged?” she asked curiously.

‘I’m not telling you.”

Erin pouted. “Fine, you meanie!”

Chandler stopped laughing and said seriously. “I’ve already heard from Roman that you want to pursue acting. Is it because of me?”

Holding her phone, Erin felt her heart beat faster. After a few seconds of hesitation, she replied. “Yes, it’s because of you.”

There was silence on the other end of the phone. Then, very faintly, she could hear his fluctuating breathing. After a while, Chandler said.” I’m glad.”

Despite Chandler’s calm and simple words, Erin found it to be the sweetest confession.

“Erin, I miss-

Erin leaned closer to her phone, waiting for him to utter the word “you.”

But he said something else that was

a bit more suggestive.

Blushing, Erin scolded angrily. “You pervert! All you think about are those things… I’m going to sleep now! I’m exhausted-”

*Erin, I miss you.”

In the end, he said the words she wanted to hear. Erin louched her flushed cheeks and whispered, “I I miss you too. Good night!”

Erin was the first to hang up with her hands trembling. Chandler looked at his phone as a smirk slowly formed on his lips. “She dares to hang up on my call now, huh?”

Meanwhile, Erin held her phone and buried her face in the pillow. Her heart was still pounding rapidly. The feeling of being in love that had been absent from her life for some time came back with a vengeance. She hadn’t felt such intense joy in a very long lime! It was as if everything around her had become infinitely beautiful.

Although she’d suffered Megan’s insults tonight and almost got beaten up, this phone call from Chandler soothed her weary heart. Knowing that the man she loved was also thinking of her, Erin had a sweet dream and slept until daylight shone through the windows.

For three consecutive days, Megan didn’t show up at the filming set. It was said that she had taken leave from the director.

During those three days, Roman acted as Erin’s guardian, and he was always by her side. Even during his own scenes, he made sure Erin was nearby to watch him in action. Just like that, Erin started learning to act.

At 7 pm that night, the crew would arrange an audition in a side hall of the studio. There would only be two actors participating. They would be auditioning for the fourth female lead in the movie–a female demon hunter who dressed up as a guy.

According to the information revealed to Erin in advance by Roman, the producer had already selected an actress for the role. The investor behind her had invested twenty million. Both the producer and the director were pleased with these extra funds that fell into their laps.

However, because the chosen actress was inexperienced, the director was concerned about the overall effect on the entire film. He faced slight pressure from Roman’s side as well.

Finally, the director managed to persuade the producer to let the chosen actress audition together with Erin. As Erin was a last–minute addition, her success or failure would depend on her own performance during the audition.

At 6.30 pm, Erin looked at herself in the mirror and silently cheered herself on. Dressed in a male costume, she exuded an air of elegance and strength. Although she wore a typical coarse long robe, her identity as a demon hunter made her look heroic and uninhibited.

Erin’s makeup and costume had been arranged by the director and the crew. The other actress participating in the audition received the same treatment too.

She glanced at the time on her phone and finally stood up. Even though she fell nervous about the audition, the thought of Chandler’s devilishly handsome lace filled her with boundless courage. She was a woman deeply immersed in love and brimming with fighting spirit. Erin took a deep breath, opened the door of the dressing room, and walked out. Only after slepping outside did she see Roman, Donny, and Ken waiting for her at the door.

She was surprised to see them there. “Roman, aren’t you supposed to be filming?”

Wearing his costume, Roman winked at her. “Are you surprised that I’m accompanying you personally?”

“Yeah!” Under normal circumstances, having an academy award winner around would make a newbie actor feel immensely pressured. However, since Erin was quite close to Roman, his involvement served as encouragement to her instead.

Ken smiled and informed, “Roman specifically made a suggestion to the director. So, he’ll be joining the audition panel too!”

Looking at Roman’s slight knowing smile, Erin understood that it was true.

“This is your first audition, so I’ll accompany you this time. For the next audition, you’ll have to go by yourself,” he stated.

She nodded, touched by his words, and forced back the tears that had formed in her eyes. It wasn’t the time to get all sentimental now.

And so, Erin and Roman walked side by side toward the side hall of the studio. On their way there, Matthew, who was also in costume, joined them too.

He glanced at Erin and said. “Erin, if you’re not chosen, you’ll have to dale me!”

Roman glanced at him with an unamused expression, as if he were dealing with an annoying brat. Matthew ignored his unfriendly gaze. His amber eyes were trained on Erin, who looked handsome in her costume, and this look of hers made him feel all restless.

Erin didn’t look at Matthew. Instead, she calmly said. “Stop fooling around, Matthew. I’m going to do my best to get the role.”

Right then, Roman suddenly spoke up. “Erin, I haven’t told you who your competitor is. It’s Claire.”

Matthew’s steps froze in place, his face full of disgust as he asked, “Roman, who did you just say it was?”

Erin also stopped in her tracks: her face filled with astonishment as she looked at Roman.

“Why are you all looking at me like that? Yes, it’s that Claire Kane that you all dislike. Matthew, if you’re afraid to see your ex–girlfriend, you can turn around and leave now. Erin, if you feel aversive or afraid, you can choose to give up.” Roman said bluntly.

Provoked by his words. Erin didn’t hesitate and walked forward. So what if it was a woman she disliked? It wasn’t like Claire was a monster that could gobble her whole. She had nothing to fear.

Matthew watched as Erin boldly walked away. After an internal struggle that lasted a few seconds, he trailed after her.

Roman gazed meaningfully at her petite figure, and an expression of pride slowly formed on his face. He felt proud that Erin had at least gained some courage.