Love in the Limelight (Astrid and Elio)

"Don't fret, Lucinda, you're my baby girl. I ain't gonna let you be bothered like this." A evil glint flashed in Sandra's eyes as she quickly whisked Lucinda away from the community.

By that point, the bodyguards in the corridor had all cleared out. The arrival of her stepmother and sister brought back memories of Astrid's past.

Over four years ago, right after her art exam results were released, she topped the charts with a score way beyond the runner-up. Several film and television companies had thrown contracts at her, hoping she could sign with them.

She was thrilled and went out for drinks with a few pals to celebrate. She had quite a few drinks that day, but she could hold her liquor, and she didn't black out or do anything crazy.

Because it was pouring heavily and it was hard to hail a cab, she crashed at Fannie' place, which was nearby. But when she woke up, she found herself in a hotel bed, her body bearing the marks of sex... The guy was snoozing right next to her.

The room was pitch-black, and she was scared stiff. She hightailed it out of there immediately, not even daring to get a glimpse of the guy's face...

"Ma'am." A soft voice pulled Astrid back from her thoughts.

She turned around to enter the room, seeing the little boy staring wide-eyed at her, "What just happened outside?"

"No biggie." Astrid pinched Roman's cheek gently, "Let's keep watching TV." Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Roman obediently followed Astrid into the room, "Ma'am, that person wants to give you three hundred bucks?"

Roman hadn't caught the full conversation, but he heard bits and pieces about three hundred bucks.

"Um..." Astrid contemplated, "She wanted to pay me to work for her."

Hearing this, Roman's eyes lit up. Pay? Work? That sounded like a solid plan.

Before long, the person to pick up Roman had arrived.

Astrid looked at the man standing outside the door and gave a small smile, "Are you here to pick up the kid?"

"Yeah." The man nodded solemnly, with a cold gaze that could freeze anyone in their tracks.

He looked down at Roman, and Roman suddenly looked up at Elio and said, "Pay up."

Pay up?

Elio frowned at Astrid, to which Astrid immediately waved off, "I am not asking you for any money."

With that, Astrid patted Roman's head, "Sweetie, your daddy's here to pick you up. Don't run off next time, okay?" Roman rubbed his head against her hand.

His adorable demeanor surprised the bodyguards trailing behind Elio.

Were they seeing things?

Their little master actually had a cute side?

Elio looked down at Roman, saying coldly, "Let's go."

Roman responded, "You pay this lady. She helps you, works for you. You get a wife, and I get a mom!"

Although Roman's words were a bit choppy, Elio instantly grasped his intention. Roman planned to pay Astrid himself to act as his mom, and Elio's wife. What in the world was this kid thinking?

Astrid didn't expect Roman to have such an idea and felt both amused and helpless, "Honey, you can't buy a mother or a wife with money. Just go home with your dad." Seeing that Roman was still reluctant to leave, Elio gave a warning grunt, "Hm?"

Facing Elio's sternness, Roman had no choice but to give in. With a pitiful face, he let go of Astrid's hand and walked towards Elio, glancing back every few steps.