Chapter 125

Winnie awkwardly smiled, unsure of how to continue the conversation. At that moment, the vast, empty night sky seemed to stretch endlessly, and the surrounding silence left her feeling disoriented. She remembered how Aaron's wife had always watched her on set like a hawk, her gaze so intense that it felt suffocating. Every time shooting ended and everyone left, Winnie could still feel that scorching gaze, as if every second and every step she took was shadowed by it. In an interview, Aaron's wife had been asked if she was worried her husband might develop feelings for a co-star. She had smiled gently and replied, "I'm not worried. Aaron isn't that shallow." Over the past three years, whenever they crossed paths, they always remained silent, never exchanging pleasantries. When others spoke about their collaboration, Aaron remained quiet, and Winnie couldn't even remember the details. Now, the sudden conversation left her feeling uneasy, as if the past silence had hidden some unspoken secret. She had planned to leave immediately but hesitated, wondering if she should ask after his wife and child. Just as she was pondering, Aaron suddenly called her name, "Winnie." She instinctively turned her head to find him looking at her, his eyes holding some unspoken meaning. He said, "Tina." "Tina?" Winnie was a bit confused, thinking over the name before suddenly realizing that he was referring to the lead actress from their movie. In the few minutes that passed, Aaron hadn't finished his cigarette. Finally, he stubbed it out and said, "I'll head out now." Winnie nodded, watching him leave. She exhaled in relief, standing there in the night breeze, but her heart was still puzzled. That abrupt phone call earlier felt odd. She wondered if Van would be upset. Winnie was about to check her call history when a low, familiar voice came from behind her. "What's wrong, lost in thought?" Startled, she turned around and saw Van standing behind her. He still carried the night's dampness, as if he had just come back inside. She looked confused. "Didn't you leave?" "I came back," Van replied coolly. "You walked back?" Winnie asked, a little puzzled. "Traffic's blocked, couldn't get a ride, so I walked back," Van said casually. Winnie was taken aback. She hadn't expected him to choose walking, especially since he was so accustomed to the luxury of city life. They stood there, the silence between them growing heavier, the air tinged with a hint of tension. Van's voice broke through, gentle yet deliberate. "What was it you asked me earlier?" Winnie blinked, momentarily puzzled. "What did I ask?" His gaze deepened, his tone calm but pointed. "You asked why I'm still in touch with my ex-girlfriend." Her breath hitched, and a flush of embarrassment crept up her cheeks. "I... why would I ask that?" Van let out a quiet, resigned smile. "It was a call with my sister. You misunderstood." The realization dawned on her, and her cheeks grew even warmer. "I see... I misunderstood." "I haven't been in touch with her. There's no lingering connection, and we're not friends," Van said, which made Winnie feel a little relieved. She nodded, though her heart remained a bit conflicted. "Do you think I'm the type of person who would get entangled with a married woman?" Van asked, his voice calm and without a hint of emotion. "No," Winnie quickly denied. "Then..." Van paused, his gaze locking onto hers, "Do you think that, in your entertainment industry, infidelity is so common that you naturally assume it's the case?" Winnie suddenly looked up, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Mr. Marlowe, that's not what I meant." "Then why ask?" Van took a slow step closer to her. "Why not ask about another woman? Do you think cheating is so widespread in your industry?" Winnie's mind went blank. She instinctively lowered her head and softly replied, "It was just an overreaction. I don't know your relationship situation, I've just heard about her..." She paused, then decided to abandon her explanation and simply apologized, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed, and I shouldn't have let those things throw me off balance." Without realizing it, Van had moved closer, both hands resting on the railing, nearly trapping her in his arms. He paused for a long moment, seemingly surprised by how direct she had been.