Chapter 22

Francheska let out a groan by just thinking about her full-pack schedule. Who said that being a star is all about fame, luxury, and enjoyment? Being an actress is also a tiring job!

"No thanks. I still want to live my life in peace." Francheska said with a frown. "The last time I saw your assistant, he looks like a zombie ready to devour some brains just to survive."

Francheska knew that even though Leon seems like the type of person who has nothing to do but to fool around, in fact, he is extremely busy. Different businessmen are always asking for him to invest in their businesses. And because Leon has no time to meet them all, his assistant is usually the one who faced them. Aside from a mountain of paperwork his assistant needs to check every day, he also needs to follow all of Leon's orders.

"But his salary is actually good." countered Leon.

"Hmm. If you say so~"

Francheska does not want to argue with Leon about it. She is aware of how many zeros his secretary can see on his paycheck. After all, Leon is rich. Extremely rich.

"By the way, I saw him while I am doing a secret inspection in one of our malls."

"Who?"

"Mr. Tan." Leon said. "He was shopping happily with his new wife."

"...Ah."

That was the only thing Francheska had said before silence enveloped the whole car. Leon focused on driving the car while Francheska is watching the streetlights and buildings they passed on the window.

"How is he?" Francheska suddenly asked.

"He is still the same."

"…Oh."

"Cheska, can I ask you a question. It is fine if you do not want to answer me."

"What is it?"

"Did you regret changing your surname? Even once?"

Did she regret it? Francheska took his question seriously. Three years ago before she left Finrel City to pursue her dreams, Francheska changed her surname. Instead of using her father's surname, Francheska used her mother's maiden surname. For her, it is a sign that she will leave everything behind that caused her a lot of suffering and heartbreak.

For her, "Francheska Tan" died a long time ago. She was a weak and coward woman who does not even know how to defend herself from those people who schemed against her and her mother before. She was a woman who was labeled as evil by her own father. She was an unfortunate woman who lost the things she cherished.

Right now, "Francheska Cruz" is a strong woman who is now capable of defending herself. She is now a woman who has enough power to protect not only herself but also those people who stay with her through thick and thin. She is now a woman who will never let anyone hurt her and step on her pride just like in the past.

So did she really regret her decision?

"No." Francheska finally said. "I did not regret it."

"Okay." Leon simply replied, but he has a relieved smile on his face.

He was afraid that if Francheska will someday meet those people again, she will become affected and the memories of the past will come back to her. That is why he tested the waters first. He intentionally mentioned her father to her. Leon knew that her father is also one of those people who left a huge scar on Francheska's heart.

It is a good thing that Francheska is not being affected by these things anymore. Knowing that those people are also living in this same city with her, it is not impossible for them to accidentally meet each other again. Leon was secretly relieved that his friend is now strong enough to face them.

After two straight hours of the car ride, they finally arrived in Lancester Hotel where Francheska is temporarily staying. Leon helped Francheska to get off of his car. Francheska gave Rissa a short call informing her that she has arrived at the hotel. Rissa said that she will come down to help her with her small luggage before ending the call.

"Thanks for giving me a ride, Leon."

"Nah. It was nothing." Leon said. "I guess it will be a long time before you get time to meet us again."

"If I have no time, then consider visiting me first." Francheska suggested.

"Cheska, do not ever mention that idea, especially with Wendy. I am very sure that she will be on your doorsteps every day." Leon warned her.

"Ah. You are correct." Francheska said and then she laughed.

Rissa finally arrived and took Francheska's small luggage from her hands. She said her goodbyes to Leon before following Rissa back to her hotel room. Leon was about to leave the hotel when he suddenly remembered something. But when he turned around, Francheska together with her manager had already entered the elevator.

"I forgot to tell Cheska that her suitor was also back in the city." Leon murmured to himself.

Leon is thinking if he will call Cheska again to inform her of this information or not. In the end, he chose not to tell her and left the hotel. Nevermind. Leon is pretty sure that Cheska will know about it sooner or later without him telling her about it anyway.