Chapter 104

The helicopter roared as it landed on the tarmac, and the exhausted crew descended the steps. The latest survival livestream had finally come to an end.

For once, the director granted everyone a week’s break before the upcoming live performance.

The moment Aria Bennett stepped off the plane, her phone buzzed. It was her mother, telling her to head straight to Nolan Reed’s house for dinner.

Nolan had also received a call from his mother, and the corners of his lips lifted unconsciously. He quickened his pace to catch up with Aria. "Evelyn is at my place. Mom wants us both to come."

Aria nodded. "Fine. We’ll take your car."

Nolan’s eyes brightened, his grin spreading like a carefree boy’s.

As they walked through the terminal, fans erupted at the sight of his rare, radiant smile.

"Oh my god! Nolan actually smiled!"

"I’m gonna faint!"

Usually cool and composed, Nolan rarely showed such warmth. Fans squealed and stomped in excitement.

Aria wrinkled her nose and sidestepped away.

Nolan tried to follow, but a swarm of fans blocked his path, forcing him to pause and sign autographs.

Meanwhile, Aria’s own supporters called out to her:

"Aria! Over here!"

"Even without makeup, she’s stunning!"

Aria pressed a finger to her lips with a smile. "Keep it down, okay? Let’s not disturb others."

Instantly, the crowd hushed.

"Can we get autographs?" a dedicated fan asked hopefully.

"Of course." Aria led them to a quieter corner, patiently signing and posing for photos.

Before leaving, she whispered mysteriously, "Tomorrow night, I’ll be giving away a lucky charm on Pulse. Don’t forget to enter."

The fans gasped, barely suppressing their squeals.

Twenty minutes later, Nolan finally made it to the parking lot.

"Sorry for making you wait," he said guiltily.

Aria didn’t look up from her phone. "It’s fine."

Silence settled in the car. Nolan gathered his courage. "Any plans after the show wraps?"

"Filming." Her reply was clipped.

"I’ve got two solid scripts—"

Aria suddenly lifted her gaze, her expression odd. "Nolan, have you lost your mind lately?"

He’d never shown interest in her career before.

His throat tightened. "I want to make up for—"

"Too late." She cut him off. "I don’t need it."

Her eyes locked onto his. "My agent handles my work. Don’t bother."

The words stabbed through his chest. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

When the car stopped outside the Reed estate, Nolan hurried to open her door.

"Thanks." Her tone was distant.

Standing there, Nolan could almost hear the playful voice from his memories:

"Nolan, open the door for me~"

"You’re the best!"

But now, all that remained was her cold retreat. A crushing realization hit him—some things were truly beyond repair.