Asher Land felt a trace of guilt in his heart. He knew what kind of woman she was; proud inside, with her own dignity. But during those past days, he had said many hurtful things and done many hurtful deeds, deeply wounding her pride.
He began to reflect because he now saw her as someone more important; he could no longer ignore the true feelings in his heart.
City of Desire has entered a very busy promotional period, sometimes even traveling to two or three cities in a day for promotional events. Sophie Smith clearly felt overwhelmed.
She sat backstage, her head feeling a bit dizzy; she had only slept for two hours last night.
"Sophie, are you okay?" Next to her, Julia Brown asked worriedly, noticing her poor complexion.
"I’m fine. Can you help me get a cup of hot water?" As soon as Sophie finished speaking, a cup of hot water was handed to her. Surprised, she looked up to see Wyatt Sterling also looking at her with concern.
"This press event can be postponed. Should we go to the hospital first?" He sat down next to her, testing her forehead with his hand for fever. "Why is your fever so high?"
"I’m really fine. The weather is bad today, and the press event venue is already crowded. Postponing might cause chaos."
Wyatt knew of Sophie’s stubbornness from their interactions; she was kind and dedicated, unlikely to want to delay the event for a hospital visit.
"Drink more hot water," Wyatt advised her with concern. Sophie took the hot water and nodded gratefully.
The press event venue was exceptionally lively. When the film’s main team walked up the stage through the red carpet, the scene was chaotic at times. But Sophie knew most of the cheers weren’t for her; she was just a newcomer, naturally unable to compare in popularity to someone like Wyatt Sterling, a hot young actor.
The crowd on the sidelines was close to madness, desperately trying to push their way inside. There was inevitably some jostling, and security on both sides struggled to withstand the frenzy. Wyatt pulled Sophie closer and protected her with his body.
With great difficulty, they made their way from outside to the stage. Sophie took a deep breath from her heart.
The press event lasted an hour and a half, during which Sophie maintained her smile throughout. Her mouth corners felt nearly sore as she sensed her breath becoming heavy, and it was challenging to move as though her body was dragging a block of lead.
The media’s gaze was mostly focused on Wyatt and Anna; occasionally, a reporter would ask her questions, but they were mostly perfunctory.
Questions like, "What’s it like working with so many popular actors for the first time? Is there pressure? Do you think you fit the role?"
She answered each one officially, one by one.
"Alright, today’s press event concludes here. Thank you to all media friends for attending, and we wish City of Desire a box office success!"
When the host announced the end of the press event, Sophie felt relieved; she now only wanted to get off the stage. Her breathing felt a bit heavy, her body seeming to drag a lead block, making her steps difficult.
Her vision darkened, she stumbled, but Wyatt was quick to support her.
"I’ll take you to the hospital." Despite Sophie’s refusal, Wyatt picked her up readying to take her to the hospital.
"Let me take Sophie," Julia volunteered, rushing over. "You’re a public figure, it might be inconvenient."
"No problem." Wyatt carried Sophie into the car, disregarding Julia’s concern.