After two days of continuous chaos, Julia Avery still had several hickeys on her neck.
She chose a top with a slightly higher collar to cover them up.
As usual, Zoey was sitting on the couch, munching on sunflower seeds and watching TV, looking every bit like the lady of the house.
Julia cleared her throat as she came down the stairs and sat on the couch. Zoey glanced at her.
"What? Want breakfast? Make it yourself!" Zoey's tone was still as arrogant as ever.
Julia knew very well that the meal Zoey made yesterday was only because she was worried about being caught by the master of the house.
However, she didn't want to make a fuss over a meal, especially since she didn't think much of Zoey's cooking skills anyway.
"I want to ask you something."
Zoey turned her head and gave Julia a once-over. "What do you want to ask?"
"Is your master's last name Butler?"
Julia had picked up on this during her conversation with Zoey yesterday. It was the first time she realized her husband's last name was Butler.
Zoey sneered, "You don't even know your own husband's last name!"
"How old is he?" Julia continued to probe.
Although she had been half-asleep yesterday, she could definitely tell during their intimate moment that he was a young man.
Zoey remembered Royce's instructions from the night before, and her eyes became somewhat distant. "He's in his forties."
"Oh..."
Julia let out a meaningful "oh." The touch of that skin last night, those firm muscles—if a man in his forties kept up with his fitness, it made sense.
Zoey snorted coldly, "Let me tell you, don't be fooled by my husband's age. Even though he's in his forties, his body is no less fit than a guy in his twenties. He's charming and handsome!"
Julia Avery could see it clearly now—Zoey was always defending this man. Maybe she had a thing for him all along!
"Alright, I have nothing more to ask," Julia said as she stood up.
"Hey, let me tell you, when the master comes, serve him well. Don't make him unhappy, or you'll regret it!"
Julia rolled her eyes dramatically.
Zoey didn't seem like a housekeeper; she was more like the wicked stepmother from a TV drama...
Back in her bedroom, Julia glanced at her phone. Her reminder app notified her that she had an audition today.
Graduation was approaching, and all her classmates had signed with various companies, but she was still without a contract.
Without an agency or a manager, it was hard for her to get audition opportunities.
Fortunately, this audition was an open call. The director was the famous Blithe, who was planning to shoot a historical drama.
It was said that Director Blithe loved giving newcomers a chance. According to his theory, actors who had been in the industry for three to five years had too much going on in their eyes and too many concerns, which affected their performance.
That's how Julia got this audition opportunity, but she was only auditioning for the third female lead.
Even though it was just the third female lead, because of Director Blithe's reputation, dozens of people were auditioning for the role!
The competition was fierce.
The ringing of her phone pulled Julia out of her thoughts. Seeing the number on the screen, she couldn't help but smile.
"Grady, what's up?"
"Sis, what are you doing?" A young boy's voice came through the phone.
"I'm getting ready to change clothes and then head to an audition."
"You have an audition today!" The boy on the other end sounded even more excited than Julia.
"You have to do your best!"
Julia chuckled. "Look at you, getting all excited. It's just a third female lead."
"So what if it's the third female lead? No one starts as the lead actress right away! With your talent, you'll be a big star someday!"
"Alright, alright, you little flatterer. Do you have enough money? Are you still taking your medicine? Have you been feeling okay lately?"
"I have enough money, and I'm still taking my medicine. I feel fine..." The boy's voice sounded a bit impatient. "You ask the same questions every time we talk."
"I'm just worried about you, you ungrateful brat!"
"How are you and brother-in-law doing? Any plans for a baby?" The boy asked excitedly.
Julia bit her lip and then smiled. "My brother, the ultimate baby pusher."
"I'm just worried I won't be able to see them in the future."
"Don't say that!" Julia immediately scolded, her expression turning serious.
"Sis, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that, but you know it's true." The boy's voice grew somber.
Julia bit her lip, holding back her tears. The last time her brother Grady was hospitalized, Dr. John, who had been treating him for years, had a serious talk with her.
Her brother was born with congenital heart disease. At that time, medical science wasn't as advanced, and there was no way to treat it. The doctors said he wouldn't live past seventeen.
Later, a hospital offered surgery, but Grady had already missed the optimal treatment window. Undergoing the operation now might not change anything and carried significant risks.
Born at the wrong time.
Grady was essentially given a death sentence by the doctors from birth.
But now, he was eighteen, a senior in high school, having already lived a year longer than expected.
The last time he had an episode, Dr. John told Julia to prepare herself mentally; Grady's condition was deteriorating.
"Alright, sis, don't be upset. I just want to see my little nephew sooner, that's all. You and your husband have been married for a year now. I know you're still in the honeymoon phase and want to enjoy your time together, but think about me, okay?"
Julia snapped back to reality. "Alright, Grady. My husband and I have discussed having a baby, and he agrees. But you know, having a baby isn't something that happens just because you want it to. It takes time."
"Really? That's great! As long as your husband agrees, everything will be fine! I won't rush you, take your time."
Julia smiled. For the past year, she had been hiding the truth from Grady.
In Grady's eyes, he had a brother-in-law who was often away, which allowed his sister to come home frequently to take care of him. His brother-in-law was a company elite, earning a good salary and loving his sister dearly.
"Sis, I won't say any more. Good luck with your audition."
"Remember to call me if you feel unwell."
"I know, bye!"
After hanging up the phone, Julia sighed deeply. Her brother would always be her greatest worry.
But she couldn't afford to think about that now.
The audition this afternoon was crucial because she was running out of money.
Rachel rummaged through her closet and picked out an outfit. In reality, she only had a few decent pieces of clothing, so it didn't take long to decide.
After changing into her chosen outfit and applying a simple makeup look, she headed out the door.
What she didn't expect was to run into someone she knew.