Chapter 474 Confession
Aurora grabbed the stuff from the receptionist and set it on the table.
Aurelia's mind was all over the place.
"Hey, you guys handle this quick, okay?"
Aurora and the receptionist left, shutting the door behind them.
Soon enough, Phoenix called.
"Aurelia, I'm really sorry."
Things had spiraled way out of control, and an apology wasn't going to cut it. This mess was beyond Phoenix's control, and it wasn't the time to point fingers.
Phoenix was also in a tough spot, losing a lot of fans. Some folks just couldn't deal with him dating and started trashing him all over social media, even tanking the ratings on his shows.
Aurelia stayed calm.
"Don't sweat it right now. Just clear things up. It's all nonsense, and none of us should be catching flak for something that didn't even happen."
Phoenix apologized again over the phone.
"Aurelia, my manager's already working on a statement. It'll be out soon. I'm really sorry for the hassle. Be careful when you leave work, don't go alone. How about I get someone to pick you up and drop you off?"
Aurelia snapped back.
"No way!"
Just sharing a ride had caused this whole mess. If Phoenix sent someone to pick her up, it would only fuel the rumors, making it impossible to explain.
"Don't do anything right now. Don't contact me on social media, don't follow me, don't come looking for me. Clear things up and then let it cool down. It's better for both of us."
Phoenix paused on the other end. She was right; it was the best way to handle it. But it meant he wouldn't get to interact with Aurelia, even contacting her would be a stretch.
If being a celebrity meant losing the freedom to make friends, he might as well quit.
For the first time, Phoenix thought about leaving the industry.
"Aurelia, can I at least call you? Reporters can't tap my phone, right?"
"If it's not work-related, there's no need."
Aurelia's cold words hit Phoenix hard. It turned out their relationship was strictly professional, nothing more.
Phoenix sat on the couch, stunned. He hadn't expected the scandal to ruin any chance of developing a relationship with Aurelia. He hadn't even had the opportunity to confess his feelings.
"Aurelia..."
After a while, Phoenix asked,
"Do you think there's a chance we could make this real, just to spite those fans?"
Aurelia was taken aback.
"What do you mean, make it real?"
"Aurelia, honestly, I like you. If you're willing, would you give it a shot? I can be there for you emotionally, help you with your career and hobbies, just be there for you..."
Before Phoenix could finish, Aurelia's mind went blank. Was the world going crazy?
"Phoenix, are you out of your mind?"
Phoenix sniffled.
"Aurelia, I'm serious. From the first time I met you, I felt this weird nervousness. I worried about my image, about saying the wrong thing, about wearing something you wouldn't like. I was scared of everything. Later, I realized I wanted you. If it were someone I didn't care about, I wouldn't be so cautious.
Can you consider me?"
Aurelia thought the world had gone mad. She hadn't expected young men to be so bold, just confessing like that.
"Phoenix, I don't have time for your whims. I have a kid and someone I care about. Don't waste your time on me."
"You have a kid? I can treat them like my own. And you say you have someone you like, but you haven't agreed to marry them. I just want a fair chance. Whenever you're tired or need a break, you can come to me."
Aurelia's hand holding the phone started to sweat.
"Phoenix, I'm not joking. Have you seen the nasty comments under my Instagram posts? Whether I have someone I like or not, I wouldn't be with you. I don't like my private life being disturbed, being photographed while shopping, having a meal, or watching a movie, and ending up on the trending list.
Even worse, some crazy fans might stalk and do even scarier things. Do you understand? I want a normal life. You're a hotshot celebrity, and I'm just a hardworking employee. We're not the same."
Phoenix only heard one thing from Aurelia's long speech: 'We're not the same.'
He panicked.
"Aurelia, I can quit! If you don't like this job, I'll leave it. I can do something else. My dad has been trying to get me to quit and take over the family business anyway."
"Phoenix, hang up now and calm down!"
Aurelia felt it was pointless to talk to him at the moment. Phoenix was too worked up. She worried that he might actually follow through on his words. If he didn't clear things up and instead confirmed the rumors, her peaceful days would be over.
Thankfully, shortly after the call ended, she saw Phoenix's clarification statement, saying their relationship was purely professional with no personal feelings involved.
Aurelia felt a bit relieved.
Meanwhile, Phoenix, wearing a loose robe, slumped on the couch. The sudden turn of events had caught him off guard. He hadn't controlled his emotions and blurted out his feelings at the worst possible time, getting thoroughly rejected.
It was his first time seriously liking someone and his first time confessing to a girl. The courage he had on the phone was now replaced by regret.
He realized that his impulsive confession likely meant Aurelia wouldn't talk to him anymore, and their future collaboration was uncertain.
Demetrius handed him a glass of water.
"Drink up. Once you clear things up, the fans will realize it was a misunderstanding and come back. Trust in your charm!"
Demetrius had no idea that Phoenix was heartbroken. Phoenix didn't care about his fans at the moment.
"Demetrius, start looking for other artists. If you find someone promising, consider switching."
Demetrius was shocked.
"Are you firing me? Let me tell you, in this industry, I don't see anyone else worth my time. I'm sticking with you. I can make you an international star!"
Phoenix acknowledged Demetrius's capabilities.
When he first started, he was a nobody. He was lucky to meet Demetrius, an experienced manager who saw his potential and was determined to make him a star. And he did.
Phoenix was grateful to him, but now he was considering leaving the industry. Before he did, he wanted to make sure those around him found good positions.
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