106: An old flame

An old flame

"So, how are you? It's been a while, and it's a surprise to see you here."

Heaven snapped her eyes as the man's soothing voice brought her back to the current lapse. There was a tinge of excitement and surprise in his voice, looking at her with sparkling, beautiful eyes, it was almost blinding!

"Uh." She cleared her throat, getting herself together. "Yes, it has been. How are you?"

"I'm good. Like usual." Leo rocked his head. "There's nothing much about me since there's nothing new. I am currently preparing for a role, so there's that. What about you? How have you been?"

"I'm okay."

There was a moment of silence that befell the two of them as the man waited for more. However, Heaven didn't continue. Studying the woman across from him, he could say she hadn't changed. Well, she looked more mature now, but she was still the beauty he once knew. 

Heaven suddenly disappeared from the limelight, breaching her contract and settling things in private. Even though what happened didn't turn into a huge scandal, many people in the entertainment circle were aware of this occurrence in the past. 

"It seems you are really fine." Leo heaved a sigh of relief, smiling gently. "I'm glad. I got worried when you suddenly decided to take an indefinite hiatus, but seeing you now, it seemed you are happy with your choice."

A lot of people criticized Heaven for her decision back then. Others even thought the dispute between her and her agency stemmed down from a disagreement regarding her pay. They thought just because she won the best actress award, Heaven picked up a diva attitude and wanted more money.

There were a few who didn't believe that, and Leo was one of them. He worked with her for months, after all. And he knew Heaven wasn't that type of person. There was probably a much deeper reason behind that.

But one fact remained, people were unsure what future Heaven had after that dispute. Some assumed she would live a humble life, probably working to make ends meet. It didn't seem that was what happened, though.

"Well." Heaven shrugged. "Back then, I needed some peace, space, and quiet. Things I cannot have in the industry."

"Oh. That's true." Leo rocked his head in understanding. "How about now? Are you planning to go back? I saw you posted yesterday — I'm still following you, you know?"

"Oh?" Heaven chuckled awkwardly. "So, you've seen it."

Just then, Heaven recalled the message she received yesterday. Deep lines appeared between her brows as she asked, "Don't tell me you're the person who texted me yesterday?"

"Huh?"

'Oh, it's not him.'

"Never mind." Heaven waved dismissively. "Yes. It's actually something for fun since I thought the lighting is good. I didn't expect a single photo will blow up like that."

"Haha! Why did you think like that? You're Heaven Liu. Anything you do will blow up." The man chuckled, almost giving her a heart attack. Fortunately, she had grown used to Dominic's face that it barely affected her. 

This man's every angle was made for the big screen. Even his slightest action was charming. No wonder he quickly rose to fame at the age of fifteen. He was now around twenty-nine years old and was at the peak of his career and attractiveness. 

"You think so highly of me. It's flattering." Heaven shook her head, chuckling. "But congrats on your next project. I'm sure it will be a blockbuster, as always."

Leo smiled. "Do you want a role in it?"

"Huh?"

"Ever since the last film we worked on together, the management had been having a hard time taking in any leading ladies. The chemistry we had left quite an impression on everyone — Heaven Liu set the bar too high," he humored. "But even though the films and dramas I did in the last five years did well, it'll be nice to work with you again."

"Ha ha… I haven't decided to go back. Sorry." Heaven politely rejected his offer, knowing that the invitation was an innocent one. 

Leo was a great guy, according to her memories. He was a gentleman and his personality was what captured everyone's heart. Heaven wouldn't have a crush on him if he had a terrible attitude, after all.

"It's alright. I just mentioned it in case you've been thinking about it." He maintained a smile. "Anyway, why are you here?"

"I'm meeting someone. And you?"

"Same." Leo smacked his lips, looking around. "Ms. Shen said to meet her here, but she's running late."

Paula?

The second Leo mentioned Paula Shen's name, Heaven's heart suddenly raced. If Paula asked this man to meet her here, knowing she would meet Heaven, that woman was probably up for something.  0

'Hah! That bitch,' Heaven mentally sneered, watching the man look around. 'Is she planning to do what I think she would?'

When Leo looked back at her, the irritation in her eyes disappeared, replaced with a friendly smile. Heaven suddenly had the urge to leave, as it was already past the ten-minute mark which she gave to Paula Shen. However, she couldn't leave just like that. 

Not when this meeting was orchestrated. If it was coincidental, she would get up and go on her way. 

"That's a surprise!" Heaven acted innocently. "I'm also meeting Paula, but it was an abrupt invitation. It seemed she moved your meeting here because of me."

"Oh, you're also meeting her?" Leo was surprised. "That's probably the reason. I didn't know you stayed in contact with her."

"She always nags me, so there's that."

"Haha! You two are really good friends. No wonder she asked me to meet her here."

"What's the purpose of your meeting, if you don't mind me asking?" Heaven cocked her head to the side, narrowing her eyes. "Wait. Don't tell me you're dating her?"

"What? No." Leo laughed. "Remember the project I was talking about? She is my leading lady."

"Oh?"

"We decided to meet and talk about the script and practice our chemistry. That's all. We're not dating." His eyes softened as he locked eyes with her. "The heartbreak I had five years ago made me focus on my career. After all, I'm still waiting for closure — maybe a little hopeful, too. She suddenly ghosted me, so I don't know what I did wrong."

'No, you don't!' 

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