Chapter 513
She watched her quietly move her chair and sit closer.
“Freya rarely used such a warm, familiar tone when addressing Odalys. Publicly, she always maintained a neutral tone, carefully hiding their connection as sisters-in-law. She cultivated an image of someone without powerful connections, unwilling to let people befriend her solely because of her ties to the Stewarts. Others treated her differently because they were unaware of her backing. Even her agent didn’t know she was the Stewarts’ adopted daughter, let alone that her brother was Percival. Many in the entertainment industry targeted her, trying to snatch away her opportunities, but Freya refused to ask the Stewarts for help. Her achievements, earned through sheer determination, brought her a sense of fulfillment no one could replicate.
Had she lacked the capability to survive and thrive, she would have been utterly defeated after the incident. She needed to cultivate her resilience, not only for self-preservation but to create a world where she could stand independently of the Stewart family.
She wasn’t impressed by Odalys’s skills but by her radiant energy. Even when targeted by the powerful Bennett family, Odalys remained unfazed—a resilience that resonated with Freya; she saw a kindred spirit.
“What’s wrong?” Odalys Stone, noticing the distant look in Freya’s eyes, wondered what was on her mind.
Freya whispered, “When this is all over, you and my brother should have a wedding. The grandest, most unique wedding anyone’s ever seen.” She lowered her voice, afraid Percival might hear.
Odalys was taken aback. “Why would you ask that?” The idea of marrying Percival hadn’t crossed her mind, especially since she was unsure about their future together. Their marriage had always been about securing good fortune. The future of her relationship with Percival was uncertain. Although they were married, she had deposited his betrothal gifts in the bank, untouched, so she could return them at any time.
“It’s obvious he cares about you, but he’s struggling to show it. I keep acting intimately with you on purpose, and he’s always been jealous. He’s inexperienced with love and unsure how to express himself. I’m worried he’ll lose you. He’s very respectful of boundaries, but he’s also been through a lot lately. He may seem to have it all, but he’s longing for love. Apart from Evander and Dorian, no one loves him. His father’s early death meant he never had the chance to live for himself, burdened with the responsibility of supporting the Stewart family since childhood. Honestly, I feel concerned for Percival. I can tell he loves you,” Freya said, her sympathy evident. “He’s a good man, like a real brother to me!”
“You’re so young, yet you’re already worrying about other people’s big things,” Odalys chuckled, poking Freya’s forehead.
Freya nudged Odalys’s shoulder playfully. “I’m not talking about other people. He’s my brother, and you’re my sister-in-law. Come on, just promise me,” Freya pleaded, leaning closer. She almost pulled Odalys into a hug.
Odalys was a bit taken aback. “Let’s eat first,” she said, gently pushing Freya away and picking up some food on her plate. Turning her head, she discovered a chicken wing and other food on her plate.
Percival said, “Don’t just pile food on her plate; make sure you eat enough.”
Odalys fell silent. While Percival discussed business with Stellan, he remained attentive to her needs, thoughtfully selecting food for her. He effortlessly balanced his conversations with taking care of her, never showing a sign of being distracted.
“You too,” Odalys said, placing a piece of meat on Percival’s plate. He grunted, then, despite his usual obsession with cleanliness, picked up the meat and ate it. Stellan and Francis watched in silence, awestruck by the dazzling display of affection.
An hour after their meal, the actors headed directly to the Film Capital. They needed to be in makeup and costumes, ready to film in thirty and a half minutes.
Odalys and Percival watched them walk away.
“Are you tired? I can drive you back,” Percival said, turning his gaze back to Odalys, noticing her fatigue.
Odalys nodded, deciding not to push herself. She needed to go back and rest to conserve her energy because dealing with Francis’s matters later that night would likely be draining. The prolonged tension made her worry she wouldn’t be able to handle it.
“Okay,” she nodded.
Percival took a detour toward the Stewart residence, driving in silence as Odalys watched the scenery flash by, her eyelids growing heavy. Noticing Odalys resting her head against the car window, eyes closed, he instinctively eased up on the accelerator to help her sleep more soundly.
The car parked in the courtyard, but Percival Stewart didn’t step out or wake her. He rolled down the window for a breeze. Then, he grabbed a blanket from the back seat, covered her with it, and quietly got out.
Odalys Stone’s body trembled in her sleep, jolting her awake with a groan. The blanket slipped from her and fell to her feet. As she reached down, she realized she was still in the car. She must have fallen asleep on the drive back with Percival. Concerned that waking her would make it hard for her to fall asleep again, Percival let her sleep in the car instead of carrying her upstairs when they arrived home.
“Percival,” Odalys pushed open the car door and got out. Looking up, she saw Percival’s tall figure standing beneath a large tree, his black shirt and trousers emphasizing his height. He was silently observing the soil she had placed there.
Odalys walked towards him. She stood behind him, and only after a long while did Percival ask, “Are you awake?”
“What are you thinking about?” Odalys walked closer. She stood beside Percival as he squatted to clear the weeds and leaves from a patch of bare earth.