Chapter 2

“How dare she hit our Liam? Who the hell is Aria anyway?!”

“Aria, just die already! Our Liam’s face is all red from her hitting him!”

“As a neutral observer, wasn’t she head-over-heels for him before? Is this love turned to hate?”

“Aria, are you crazy?! With that stunt, all of Liam’s schedules will be delayed! Can you be responsible for the company’s losses?!”

In my bedroom, Marcus’s exasperated voice still echoed. I slipped on plastic gloves and took a satisfying bite of steaming hot fried chicken, my eyes narrowing in bliss.

“Are you deaf?! Don’t think the company will bail you out of every mess! Do you have any idea how much we lost this time?!”

“I’m listening. Weren’t you always hyping up me and Liam’s relationship before? Now I’m trending at number one for all the wrong reasons, hasn't that saved you money on those negative PR campaigns you used to buy?” I responded sarcastically into the phone.

When I first joined the company, I was a key talent they were heavily investing in. Marcus was kind and amiable to me, nothing like his aggressive, temperamental self today. But then I refused unethical demands from a high-level executive, and I tore him a new one. After that, my opportunities dwindled, my projects were downgraded, and everyone’s true colors were completely exposed.

It was just my luck that before I could terminate my contract with the company, I was taken over by the Obsession Protocol and completely lost control of my body. Marcus sputtered, “You—you—” for a good while before hanging up. He must have been furious.

I tossed my phone aside and took a big gulp of bubble tea. After being controlled by the Protocol, I had been constantly dieting to conform to Liam’s aesthetic. My once curvy figure had been reduced to a skeletal frame. I needed to gain some weight back soon. And no, it definitely wasn’t because I’m a glutton.

The TV was playing the popular drama I had recently starred in. The moment I appeared, the on-screen comments were filled with remarks telling me to get out of the industry. My reputation was so bad not just because of Liam’s fans and the company’s insidious manipulation, but also because my portrayal of villains was so convincing it made audiences seethe with hatred.

I binge-watched with relish, marveling at my own acting. The ringing of my phone pulled me back to reality as the sun had already set. I casually picked it up, and a low, clear voice instantly flowed into my ear. “Want to grab a drink?”

…

When I arrived at the bar, it was already crowded. But Julian seemed to possess a magical aura that made me spot him sitting at the bar instantly.

“Excuse me, handsome, is this seat taken?” a girl asked softly, circling to Julian’s side.

I quickened my pace, resting my hand on Julian’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, he’s already got plans.”

As the girl walked away, I withdrew my hand and sank into the seat next to him. “One Vodka Lime, please.”

“You just came like that? Aren’t you afraid of being photographed by paparazzi?”

“Afraid of what? Another trending topic just means more exposure, and I’m all for it.”

“So, what’s up?”

Julian took a sip, not answering immediately. I could pretty much guess what he wanted to say. I had always been the one to initiate things, so it was normal for him to be unaccustomed to speaking first.

“Since we’re both free from the Obsession Protocol, Aria, can we get back together?” He stared intently at me, his gaze deep and passionate, his voice slightly hoarse, laced with a hint of seduction.

I could never resist his gaze. My eyes traced down his deep-set eyes, stopping at his thin lips. “Have you ever kissed her?”

“Only you.”

During the time I was controlled, the only fortunate thing was that the Obsession Protocol couldn’t make us violate our bottom lines. Julian cupped my hand and gently kissed my palm, then slowly leaned in closer until our noses lightly brushed, rubbing against each other. Just before our lips met, something suddenly struck me. I used my finger to separate our mouths.

**截断点**

“Julian, even without the Obsession Protocol influencing me, I would have broken up with you.”