Chapter 7

"Ms. Dunn!" Hearing Mason's voice from afar, Josephine stopped. She concealed the weariness in her eyes and by the time she turned around, her face bore a radiant smile. "It's been a while, Mason." "Ms. Dunn! Wow, I was so scared it's just a dream until I see you here!" Mason was brimming with excitement, he wanted to give Josephine a hug but he recalled that she disliked being touched casually, so he held himself. Just as he managed to hold back, Josephine smiled and gently embraced him. "These three years must have been hard on you." If it weren't Mason helping around tirelessly, she would have much to worry about. Smelling her familiar, elegant fragrance, his eyes turned red. "Ms. Dunn, I'm just glad you're back. That's all that matters!" In the First Class Lounge, Josephine was clad in a white shawl. She listened quietly as Mason shared the highlights of the past few years. "Arthur is really extraordinary! For three consecutive years, he won the Best Cinematographer award. He is incredibly bold too. Last year, when he won, he went on stage, blew a kiss, said nothing, and walked off!" Josephine commented calmly, "There's a saying, that genius and madness are separated by a thin line." Mason laughed heartily. "He's really a bit crazy, I heard that recently he pretended to be a plumber to experience life and almost got the client's house flooded! He got cursed out online after being exposed. Seeing Josephine's distracted expression, he stopped. In truth, he had a hunch. Something must have gone wrong between Josephine and Zayn. Otherwise, why would she suddenly return to the film industry after announcing her plan to retire and support Zayn? But he didn't dare to ask. Despite her composed demeanor, Mason could see through her facade. Beneath her calm expression laid a fragmented soul barely holding together. "Ms. Dunn, am I talking too much? How about you take a rest?" Josephine smiled faintly. "Thanks." Compared to the past, he had become much more observant. Mason wanted to let her rest but others didn't. Just as she leaned back, her phone chimed. Hesitating for a moment, she picked it up. As expected, it was a message from Zayn. "Josephine, I wanted to have dinner with you tonight, but something urgent came up at work and I will have to stay late. I am sorry. Once this is over, I promise I will make it up to you. Love you." Josephine knew he wasn't lying this time. The investors for his new movie decided to divest and both the directors and cinematographer decided to quit. How could he not be busy? But now she understood his eagerness to shoot the film. It wasn't for the Forbes Group, it was for "his woman". Speaking of the devil… Just after reading the message, Nadine sent her a photo. The timing between their messages was eerie. In the photo, Zayn stood in a tailored suit, leaning casually on his Maybach. His hand held a phone, his expression focused and gentle. The dark strands of hair falling across his forehead softened the otherwise cold and distant features of his face, adding a hint of gentle warmth to his expression. Nadine stood before him, raising her phone high, posing playfully for a selfie. Zayn's gaze, meeting the camera, carried a trace of indulgence. "Josephine, I will be working late with your husband tonight. We're grabbing dinner first and then enjoying a sweet night at the office. Sorry, but you will have to spend the evening alone." Staring at the photo for a long time, Josephine saved the chat record. "Ms. Dunn, are you okay?" Mason's worried voice broke the silence. She shook her head lightly. "What could possibly be wrong with me?" "You don't look well," Mason said cautiously. "Actually, I'm quite surprised. Two months ago, you told me you were planning to have a baby and wouldn't come back anytime soon. I almost lost hope. Then, out of the blue, you tell me you're returning to Hollywood… Ms. Dunn, are you sure about this?" If it was just a small quarrel with Zayn and Zayn managed to sweet-talk her into reconciling soon after. Then all his excitement would have been nothing. She responded with certainty, "Don't worry. When I say I'm stepping away, I mean it. And when I say I'm coming back, I'll make it happen too. Three years of silence was the price she paid for her foolishness. Half an hour later, Zayn sent her a video. Before she could open it, three news notifications popped out. "Mr. Forbes spent a million to light up the Crestwood's tallest tower, confessing love to his wife—envy ensues!" "Mr. Forbes has huge public displays of affection again! Netizens say that Mrs. Forbes must have saved the galaxy in her past life!" "God is unfair! Why's the handsome, rich, and loving Mr. Forbes not my husband!" He was at it again. Opening the video, she saw the city's tallest skyscraper displaying glowing pink words. "I love you, Mrs. Forbes." Accompanied by soft music and drone-shot panorama, it was indeed impressive and romantic. However, she had grown numb to these gestures over the years. No amount of showy affection could outweigh the betrayal. "Josephine, I know you're upset. Please have mercy on your overworked husband who misses his wife. Can I get just one smile? Just one." She exited the chat without hesitation. Another message arrived immediately. "If you don't reply, I won't sleep tonight. I'll wait for your message." How long would he keep up this charade? Josephine couldn't help but respond, "Zayn, do you remember the vow we made when we tore up our prenup?" Zayn replied quickly, "Of course, I vowed to love you forever." Josephine added, "No, not that. The part about whoever cheats first leaves with nothing." "Josephine, even if the sky falls, I won't betray you." She was stunned. How could someone once so sincere, warm, and honest now be so adept at lying? "Josephine, where are you now? I just passed by your favorite bakery. Should I get some bread and have it delivered to you?" "I am at the airport." The plane was set to depart in an hour. Even if Zayn drove to the airport now, it would be too late. Hence why Josephine decided to tell him. "I'm leaving Zayn, my lawyers will handle everything from here." "Josephine, where are you going? Don't do anything rash. Stay at the airport. I'm coming to find you!"