"Aunty May, I'm giving up on chasing my uncle. In a month, after I hand over my work, I'll quit the industry and go to Provence."

"It's good that you've come to your senses. Julian Blackwood isn't right for you. Not to mention him being your uncle, when you confessed to him at 18, if he'd had even a shred of romantic feeling for you, he wouldn't have announced he'd never marry."

For seven years, she never gave up.

After all, they weren't related by blood. She could wait, she could endure.

But now, she couldn't take it anymore.

Yesterday, he officially announced his romantic relationship. His sweetheart is an innocent student from a prestigious film school, Sophia Miller.

It's been on the trending topics ever since.

She didn't sleep all night, calling Julian 88 times, but he rejected every call.

After chasing him for seven years, he chose someone else. She was finally tired.

She didn't want to love Julian anymore.

Moving her numb body, Eleanor Vance got up and went upstairs. Since she had decided to leave, it was time to pack.

Her last name wasn't Blackwood, and now she'd never get into the Blackwood family's photo albums. The Blackwood house was no longer a place she could stay.

But standing before her eighty-square-meter bedroom, looking at a room full of mementos of her confessions, she felt dazed.

Devastated, she had nightmares every night. Julian would stay by her bedside. When she was too depressed to eat, he, a CEO who had never set foot in a kitchen, would swallow his pride and cook to coax her, take her out to clear her head, and buy anything she so much as glanced at...

When someone at school called her a burden, Julian cut off the Blackwood Group's partnership with that classmate's family and kicked them out of high society.

He granted her every wish, as long as it made her happy.

But after the college entrance exams, when she confessed her feelings to Julian at 18, everything changed.

He was shocked, even disgusted by her love. He said she'd mistaken familial affection for romance, that she needed to correct this mistake immediately.

He never smiled at her again.

Even though he was still the CEO of the Blackwood Group, still a genius director writing scripts and financing films, he stopped returning to Blackwood's Villa and kept his distance from her.

Eleanor tore down the love notes that covered the room, one by one. Seven years—some had already yellowed with time.

Every time she thought of Julian, she would write down how much she missed him.

She wouldn't leave these things behind to bother Julian and the woman he loved.

After she finished, the room felt empty. Faint glue stains dotted the walls like scars, growing more glaring with each passing moment.

Eleanor was heading downstairs with the box when she got a call from her agent, Sarah Lynn.

"Eleanor, we've tried five times for the 'Mural' script. The producers made it clear—no matter how perfect you are for the role, it's Julian Blackwood's project, and he doesn't want to cast you."

"We're best friends, and for the past five years, I've watched you publicly chase after Julian, get rejected over and over, and be made a fool of. He's with someone else now, so please, just let him go, okay?"

Just as Eleanor started to reply, she turned a corner and bumped into someone. The box tumbled from her hands, scattering confession notes across the floor.

The familiar sandalwood scent wafted over. Eleanor looked up in surprise and met a pair of deep, emotionless eyes.

The tall man stood against the light, a bracelet on his wrist. His handsome face was aloof and detached.

"Julian. It's been a while."

Eleanor felt a bit awkward.

For the past seven years, whenever she was home, Julian never returned to Blackwood's Villa.

But Julian's footsteps didn't stop as he went upstairs. He didn't even glance her way, his voice cold as it reached her.

"The 'Mural' already has its lead. Stop wasting your efforts on me. It won't work."

His dismissive attitude made it clear he was wary of her clinging to him.

Eleanor gave a silent, bitter smile. She'd entered the entertainment industry just to see him more. Every time they met, she'd publicly confessed her feelings or proposed collaboration.

Without exception, she was rejected every time.

But if Julian had just looked a little closer, he would have found the ground littered with her declarations of love for him.

Now, she was going to get rid of these seven years of affection. She was truly letting go.

After destroying the love notes, Eleanor returned to the house from the back garden and was surprised to see Julian wearing soft loungewear—a rare sight.

Eleanor slowly approached. Dressed like this, Julian exuded a lazy and noble air, looking a bit like his younger self.

He was instructing the butler to hire a chef who specialized in Spanish Cuisine.

But neither she nor Julian liked Spanish food.

Julian glanced at her, not caring what she had been doing in the garden.

As he turned to go upstairs, he said flatly, "Sophia will be moving in tomorrow. I hope you'll get along with her."

Eleanor froze, her hands instinctively clenching.

In the past, when hearing about any woman speaking an extra word to him, she would run to his side, demanding to know how she fell short.

But now, meeting Julian's heavy gaze, she quickly composed herself and gave a submissive smile.

"Don't worry, Julian. I will."

He didn't need to test or warn her.

The dream was over. The Eleanor who loved him was forever left in last night.

Perhaps Eleanor's tactfulness satisfied Julian.

That evening, there was an elder's birthday banquet to attend, and Julian was willing to take her with him.

A stretched Lincoln, a car that everyone in high society would make way for.

Eleanor got into the car, and the man's sandalwood scent enveloped her, just like when she used to sit in his embrace.

She slowed her breathing, deliberately choosing the seat by the far-right window, leaving an empty space between herself and Julian.

After sitting down, she only looked out the window, silently watching the bustling traffic outside.

But she wasn't like this before.

Back then, as soon as she got in the car, she would cling to Julian, practically hanging on him as she shared all sorts of things—the friends she made, the fun things she did...

She loved the way he would look at her dotingly, that indulgent smile.

Now, she wouldn't do that anymore.

Just as he wished, she would keep her distance from him.

"Why aren't you talking?"

Maybe because it was too quiet in the car, Julian actually initiated the conversation.

Eleanor turned her head in his direction but didn't meet his eyes, asking meekly, "Do you have any instructions for me?"

As soon as she spoke, the atmosphere in the car grew even heavier.

A few seconds later, he asked coldly, "What are you trying to pull now?"

Even though his tone was flat, Eleanor could tell Julian was angry.

But she didn't understand why he was angry. Wasn't keeping their distance his request?

She didn't want to waste energy guessing why, so she just played along, "Sorry, I think I'm a little tired."

"If you're tired, then get some rest."

There was silence for the rest of the way.

Eleanor closed her eyes to hide her discomfort. The sandalwood scent filling the car made it impossible for her to relax.

Fortunately, once they arrived at the party, Julian didn't stay with her.

She wasn't very good at socializing. First her parents protected her, and then Julian did. Even without actively socializing, she was never slighted. But after she and Julian had a falling out seven years ago, she was often ridiculed.

Most of them called her shameless, throwing herself at Julian without any decency.

The wind picked up. The evening breeze in early summer was still a bit chilly.

Just as Eleanor was about to leave and push the door, she heard a conversation coming from the study.

"Julian, Sophia might look a little like Eleanor, but she's nowhere near as beautiful. Everyone can see Eleanor is into you, so why not choose her?"

Eleanor froze. She had wanted to ask the same question last night.

Why would Julian want a fake instead of her?

By now, she was no longer fixated on the answer.

Just then, Julian's indifferent voice spoke up.

"They aren't comparable. Don't say things like that in front of me again."

She expected to feel pain, but instead, she found herself standing there calmly, listening further.

Letting go of Julian, it seemed, wasn't as hard as she had imagined.

At ten in the evening, the party ended.

Eleanor spent too long in the wind on the balcony and had a fever after returning to Blackwood's Villa.

The next day, she was woken by a loud commotion.

Pressing a hand to her dizzy head, Eleanor went downstairs, looking deathly pale.

Only to find that the pink forget-me-nots in the yard had all been pulled out.

The meaning of pink forget-me-nots is eternal love.

She had them planted when she was eighteen, thinking she would love Julian forever, and that he would one day accept her.

The vibrant flowers were torn out by the roots, petals crushed into the soil.

Just like Eleanor's affection for Julian over the years, trampled and discarded.

"Eleanor."

A soft female voice interrupted Eleanor's thoughts. She turned to see Sophia in a white dress walking toward her with a smile: "We'll be family now. I hope we get along."

Eleanor nodded, as a form of greeting.

She was leaving this place soon anyway and had no intention of talking much with Sophia.

As she turned to walk away, she heard Sophia ask again.

"By the way, Julian said white roses suit me, so the yard will be replanted with white roses. I heard the forget-me-nots were your favorite. You're not mad, are you?"

Eleanor paused, catching the fleeting glimpse of triumph in Sophia's eyes.

Just then, Julian came over carrying a trench coat and thoughtfully draped it over Sophia: "It's chilly, and you're still coughing. Go inside and rest. I've called the family doctor."

"I'm fine."

Sophia snuggled into his embrace.

Julian looked down, gently buttoning her coat, as if he'd forgotten Eleanor was standing right there.

Just as he was about to go inside, he glanced over at Eleanor, noticed her pale face, and said flatly, "You should have the doctor check on you too."

"Thanks, Julian, but I have a meeting with my agent, so I won't bother you guys."

Eleanor had no interest in being their third wheel.

For the next week, Eleanor didn't go back to Blackwood's Villa.

At the triennial Best Actress awards, she saw Julian and Sophia again.

Her agent, Sarah, looked upset and told Eleanor that the award was supposed to be a sure thing for her, but Julian had to go and get involved for Sophia's sake.

Eleanor had signed a contract with her company. If she didn't win this award, she'd have to break her five-year principle and start taking on intimate scenes.

Soon, the host announced—

"Congratulations to the winner of the Best Actress award—Sophia. And now, let's welcome Mr. Blackwood to the stage to present the award!"

Eleanor didn't feel much of anything.

No one knew better than her how over-the-top Julian could be when he cared about someone.

Sophia was crying tears of joy. After accepting the award, she stood with her arm linked through Julian's, thanked a whole list of people, soaked up enough envious stares, and finally looked toward Eleanor.

"Actually, the person I want to thank most today is Ms Vance. I wonder if I could get a word of congratulations from you?"

The spotlight hit Eleanor, and everyone turned to watch the show.

For the past five years, Eleanor had been publicly declaring her love for Julian. Who didn't know she was crazy about him?

Now, being called out and publicly humiliated by Julian's official girlfriend, could Eleanor keep her composure?

But Eleanor stood up gracefully, met that deep, unmissable gaze from the stage, and replied calmly, "Congratulations to you both."

The excitement died down.

News of Eleanor losing to a rookie actress spread quickly, and a wave of mockery followed online.

Being infamous is still a form of clout. The company capitalized on the buzz and got her a new role in a movie, "My Rainy Day."

This movie had a lot of kissing scenes, and even a blindfolded sex scene.

Before, for Julian's sake, Eleanor never took intimate scenes; the most she would do was hold hands with a male actor.

But now...

She was quitting the industry anyway.

"I'll take it."

The moment she agreed, the company used the fact that Eleanor was taking an intimate scene as a publicity stunt.

Eleanor, who had saved her first on-screen kiss for Julian, was now breaking her own rule, stirring up another wave of online buzz.

Eleanor didn't pay it any mind, though. She went back to Blackwood's Villa to clear out the rest of her things.

Looking at the cabinet full of things, she felt a little lost on where to start.

In the cabinet, everything from priceless jewelry to handmade ceramic dolls were gifts from Julian to win her over.

In those years, Julian had spoiled her into a little princess known throughout high society. Everyone said that if she wanted his life, he would rip out his own heart and offer it to her without hesitation.

Maybe it was from hearing that kind of talk too often, but she really started to believe she and Julian could be together forever.

She stubbornly confessed her love to him, year after year, trying to prove her love wasn't just familial affection, only to be met with his growing distance...

Eleanor packed these memory-filled items one by one into cardboard boxes.

She was busy all day, and before she knew it, it was dusk.

She called the butler to deal with the boxes and gave a specific instruction: "Replace everything in the room. Go with a black, white, and gray theme."

The butler sighed. "Are you trying to align with Mr. Blackwood's tastes?"

Everyone at Blackwood's Villa knew that black, white, and gray was Julian's preferred style.

But that wasn't what Eleanor meant. She just wanted to erase all traces of herself, to show that she wouldn't be clinging to Julian anymore.

But Eleanor didn't explain.

She got a call from Aunty May as she was going downstairs.

“Eleanor, everything's ready over here in Provence. You can come over now. I can handle those contract termination fees. No one gets to bully you.”

Eleanor smiled and refused, “Don't listen to the online gossip. I'm not being bullied. My agent, Sarah, is my best friend. She wouldn't let that happen.”

“That's good. Have you told Julian you're leaving?”

Eleanor paused, then said with perfect calm, “He is busy. There's no need to tell him.”

Before her words were out, the sandalwood scent filled the air.

A cool male voice came from ahead, “What is there no need to tell me?”

Eleanor looked up and met Julian's calm, questioning gaze.

She casually ended the call and lied without batting an eye, “Aunty May said I should ask for your opinion when I take on a new script, but I figured you wouldn't have the time.”

Julian's expression grew colder, and his tone became a harsh question.

“When did you get in touch with Aunty May?”

“Five years ago.”

Julian was about to say more, but Sophia came out of the kitchen with a dish, greeting them gently.

“Eleanor, dinner's almost ready. Why don't you eat before you leave? Julian cooked Paella himself today, and it's absolutely delicious.”

Eleanor shook her head, “No, thanks. The film crew is busy.”

She couldn't handle Spanish food.

Julian clearly didn't want her to stay.

And she had no interest in watching him give the tenderness that was once hers alone to someone else.

Eleanor went to the film set that very night.

She'd never filmed an intimate scene or even been in a relationship, so the director ordered her to spend 18 hours a day with her male co-star, acting like a couple.

Her co-star was the popular young actor Ian Preston, tall, handsome, and very considerate.

Combined with the intense filming schedule, Eleanor found she had no time to think about anyone or anything else.

Half a month later, it was time for the first kissing scene.

It was also Eleanor's first kiss.

The mood was set, the lights were ready, and the cameras were in position.

At sunset, by a large tree.

Eleanor was in Ian's arms, her eyes shut tight with nervousness.

The last second before the kiss landed, screech—bang!

A black stretch Lincoln crashed into a lighting rig, stopping just a step away from Eleanor.

The license plate: five 8s.

It was Julian's car.

“Eleanor, get in the car.”

The window was halfway down, revealing Julian's handsome and aristocratic face.

But Eleanor didn't move. She just pushed away Ian, who was protectively shielding her, and coolly refused Julian.

“Sorry, I still have to film.”

Julian hadn't expected to be rejected, and his stern face darkened.

“Didn't you refuse to do kissing scenes? What kind of tantrum are you throwing now?”

Eleanor quietly watched the man, his displeasure clear in his eyes. She had never felt so clear-headed. The man who once doted on her endlessly was long gone.

Her obsession and clinging all these years had only earned her his disgust.

But this time, she really wasn't throwing a tantrum. If Julian hadn't taken her Best Actress award and given it to Sophia, she wouldn't have lost the bet, and she wouldn't have taken this intimate scene.

But she knew better; Julian wouldn't believe her explanation.

She had a history, after all, of trying to get his attention with intimate scenes.

He ignored her, and then she backed out of the scene at the last minute, causing rumors to fly around the set that she was being a diva. Sarah had to work really hard to squash the story.

Now, Eleanor could smile openly at Julian and say, "As a professional actress, a kissing scene is no big deal."

As she finished, Julian let out a soft, cold laugh that sent a shiver through the air.

Eleanor could tell he was angry, but she had no intention of placating him. "Please leave the set. Don't interfere with our filming."

Julian glanced at her, his eyes indescribably cold.

He said nothing more. The car window rolled up, and the stretched Lincoln drove away.

Only after Julian left did the crew members around dare to breathe freely.

"He's a big wig for a reason. That one look he gave, I almost dropped to my knees."

"Eleanor chased him for five years, and he never gave her the time of day. Now he's officially with someone else, but he comes looking for Eleanor. What's this big wig playing at?"

Eleanor was once again the center of gossip.

Ian, standing nearby, tried to ease the tension. "Shall we continue?"

Just as Eleanor was about to nod, the director shouted through a megaphone, "The sunset's gone! We'll shoot this scene another day. That's a wrap for today!"

For once, Eleanor got to go back to her hotel and rest early.

She received a text from Julian on her phone: [Come see me after you wrap.]

She was a little surprised. In five years, this was the first time Julian had ever contacted her first.

But she just sighed, turned off her phone, and ignored it.

Since she'd decided to let him go, there was no need for more contact.

...

The next day.

Eleanor was scheduled to film the show's famous scene—the blindfolded bed scene.

When she got to the set, she heard that Sophia had suddenly been dropped into the cast. Julian had apparently pulled some strings and snatched the lead role in 'My Rainy Day' for Sophia.

"Sorry, Eleanor, Julian gave me the lead role in this show. But you don't have to take off your makeup just yet. You'll still be doing the bed scene today. Julian doesn't really like me doing intimate scenes."

"I'll have to trouble you to be my body double."

Sophia smiled, her face full of provocation.

As if she were waiting for Eleanor to get angry.

But Eleanor just coolly tossed out a single word: "Fine."

This was her scene to begin with. She had already changed into her costume.

She'd treat this stand-in scene as repayment for all the care Julian had shown her over the years.

Before filming, the director told Eleanor to get a makeup touch-up. Eleanor habitually went to the lead actress's dressing room, only to find Julian there.

He was sitting on a black sofa, holding a glass of red wine in his left hand.

Their eyes met. Julian's gaze was dark, flickering with an obscurity Eleanor couldn't comprehend.

Her heart tightened for no reason.

"Sorry, wrong room."

Eleanor immediately backed out of the door.

After she got her makeup touched up in the extras' dressing room, the indoor hall set was ready, and the stagehands had cleared everyone out.

The room was dim, with only a few lamps burning with a warm, ambiguous glow.

Once filming began, there was no one else besides the running cameras.

Eleanor finished a sequence of the La-La dance. A white veil fell, wrapping around her slender waist and covering the upper half of her face. She couldn't see. Then, the scent of alcohol and a man's presence washed over her.

Before she could even get nervous, a suffocating kiss landed on her, leaving her breathless.

The scent of alcohol, mixed with the familiar sandalwood scent, made Eleanor panic.

"Ian?"

The moment she spoke, she was kissed even harder, as if the man wanted to devour her.

Eleanor felt more and more that something was wrong, ripped off the white veil, and got a clear look at the man before her—

It was Julian!