Skillfully declining the invitations to the wrap party, Amanda—still in her lead actress mindset—hurried back to the hotel. When she pushed open the door, she saw that familiar silhouette still standing by the window. She let out a silent sigh of relief and walked up behind him.
"I thought you had actually left because I made you angry," she whispered.
Quentin lowered his eyes and turned to face her. His expression was unreadable as he studied her. "Have you finished filming?" he asked gently.
Amanda looked up and nodded. "I'm sorry about this afternoon. I spoke without thinking."
Before she could say another word, Quentin suddenly pressed her against the window. He didn't wait for an explanation; he kissed her with a sudden, fierce aggression.
Amanda's eyes widened. She tried to speak, but he took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, his lips and tongue entwining with hers until her breathing became rapid and shallow. For so long, he had been nothing but gentle; this sudden show of force made her heart hammer against her ribs and her legs tremble.
When he finally pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers, both of them gasping for air.
"Mandy," he breathed, his voice strained. "In the future, you can do whatever you want. But don't ever ask me for a divorce again, okay?"
He knew actors had to film such scenes, but he was selfish. He couldn't help it. His domineering nature had made her angry, but the word "divorce" had truly broken his heart.
Amanda felt the lingering warmth of his lips. A corner of the icy wall around her heart was finally beginning to crumble. "I won't say it again, Quentin. Please... don't."
Don't look so helpless in front of me, she thought. I'm afraid I won't be able to control myself from softening toward you. She didn't say it aloud, but she realized she had already softened her heart many times without even knowing it.
Hearing her soft promise, the weight on Quentin's heart lifted. He smiled, pulled her close, and kissed her again. As his hand wrapped around her waist, pressing her body against his, Amanda realized there was no escaping him tonight.
But as the kiss deepened and his hand began to slide beneath her shirt, moving upward, she instinctively caught his wrist. Quentin stopped, looking down at her with a spark of unmasked desire burning in his eyes.
Embarrassed, Amanda looked away. "Let's go home first."
She had skipped the party specifically to pack and leave this hotel behind. Quentin frowned playfully. "I promised you ten kisses. That was only two."
Amanda rolled her eyes, pushing him back with an annoyed huff. "Did I ever agree to that? Besides, I didn't even film the kiss scene!"
Quentin's eyes immediately lit up. He pulled her back into his arms, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Are you telling the truth?"
Amanda slapped his hand away, though there was no real heat in it. "Why would I lie? Now, hurry up and pack so we can go!"
Quentin looked at the faint red mark on his arm and smiled like a fool. Without another word, he began packing their things.
The Return to the Villa
By the time they reached the Harris villa, it was 21:00. Returning to the familiar house, Amanda felt much calmer than she had during her first visit. Exhausted, she immediately headed for the shower to wash away the stress of the past few months.
Quentin showered in his study and returned to the master bedroom while Amanda was still in the bathroom. He lay in bed, flipping through a book, when the phone on the nightstand began to vibrate. It was his father. He let it ring a few times before answering.
"Calling this late... has your health improved lately?" Quentin asked, skipping the pleasantries.
On the other end, Elder Harris snorted. "Whether it's good or bad, you wouldn't know unless you actually came to visit. Why bother asking?"
Quentin massaged his temple, a small smile playing on his lips. "Fair enough. Why are you calling me at this hour?"
Elder Harris cleared his throat, his tone turning serious. "When are you bringing little Mandy home for a visit?"
"In a few days," Quentin replied, glancing toward the bathroom door. "She just finished filming and needs to rest."
"Is that so? Don't you dare hide my daughter-in-law from me!" The old man clearly didn't trust his son's excuses.
Quentin chuckled helplessly as he saw Amanda emerge from the bathroom, her hair damp and her skin glowing. "What use is there in lying? She's exhausted from work. If you want to have dinner, wait two days. Now, go to sleep. Even if you don't care about your own health, you should care about your son's happiness. Goodbye."
He hung up before his father could protest. Back at his own residence, Elder Harris stared bewildered at his silent phone for a moment before scolding the empty room.
"That damn boy! He gets a wife and forgets he even has a father!"