Chapter 4

James took off his hat and mask and swaggered into the living room.

He sat comfortably on the sofa as if it was his home.

"Perfect timing, with Daniel on a business trip. I don't have any performances these days."

Ave jumped into his arms, giggling.

"So coincidental, huh? Well, you better spend some time with me."

"How long is Daniel gone? Hope he doesn't come back suddenly..." he whispered ambiguously in Ave's ear.

"Don't worry, he'll be gone for one or two months."

James grinned and pulled Ave closer.

"Great, then I'll take good care of you."

Their conversation hurt my heart, but I forced myself to keep recording.

"Remember, no one touches you except me!"

"You're so possessive."

I thought they'd quickly get to the point, but they just sat there on the sofa.

Ave sat on James' lap, their fingers intertwined, looking like a couple deeply in love.

James asked, "Ave, do you love me?"

"If I didn't love you, why would I be carrying your child?"

They cuddled and flirted for a while.

Three minutes later, my assistant sent me James' profile.

James came from an ordinary, even somewhat poor family.

He dropped out of school early and worked various jobs. Waiter, delivery man, and factory worker.

Later, he started performing as a bar singer.

His good looks attracted many female fans.

Once he became famous, he was invited to many music festivals.

I took a closer look.

Ave had been to the bar where James performed.

She and her friends stayed out late one night, and I went to pick her up.

Ave had been to most of the music festivals James attended as well.

I froze, staring at the profile, my eyes bloodshot.

It turned out they had already known each other at the bar.

I suddenly recalled that during the recording of the show, Ave insisted on attending the rehearsal.

When James came on stage, he looked in our direction during his self-introduction.

He said he wanted to thank the important people in his life.

Then he smiled at me.

Looking back, that smile was full of provocation and mockery.

The funny thing was, I actually thought he was thanking me for giving him the opportunity.

Sitting on the sofa, I stared at James' profile, and a plan began to form in my mind.