On the other side,
Ember sat still, her eyes fixed on the live stream. Her heart skipped a beat as a familiar image flickered across the screen—a photo of her, where part of her back was exposed. Her breath caught. There, just beneath the curve of her shoulder, was something she couldn't ignore. It wasn't entirely clear, but the shape… the hue… it sent a strange shiver down her spine.
A tattoo? she thought, stunned. But… I don't have one. I've never gotten one… have I?
She tried to shake it off, to focus on the footage, but the image refused to leave her mind. With a sudden burst of anxiety, she stood and rushed to the bathroom. Her hands trembled as she peeled off her upper wear, turning her back to the mirror, twisting just enough to catch a glimpse over her shoulder.
And then—she saw it.
There, nestled just below the scapula on the upper left side of her back, near the shoulder blade, was a delicate star. It shimmered faintly in the light, inked in a soft, icy blue that gleamed like moonlight scattered across snow. Faint, yet undeniable.
It wasn't just a tattoo. It was something far more intimate. A mark that felt like it had been written not on her skin, but into her very soul.
The star pulsed gently, almost in rhythm with her heartbeat, as if it were alive—holding within it memories just out of reach. A truth she couldn't explain. Some might've said it looked like a starburst. Others might've seen it as a spark from two colliding destinies, fusing into one.
To Ember, it was something more.
It was the meeting point between her dreams and her reality. The boundary where the two worlds blurred. A place where magic whispered softly in her ear and the echo of love lingered in her bones.
She stood frozen, breathless. The truth she had feared for so long was now right in front of her eyes, carved into her skin like a prophecy she couldn't escape.
Meanwhile, Dylan stormed through the hallway, Adrien's words echoing in his head like a scream. His heart pounded as he reached the door and threw it open. The living room was empty. The moment his eyes landed on the television screen—still playing the banquet footage—his breath caught. She's already seen it.
"Ember..." he muttered under his breath, stepping inside and shutting the door behind him.
But she wasn't there.
Dylan's chest tightened as panic bubbled in his veins. Then he noticed the light spilling from the bathroom—and the door slightly ajar. Without hesitation, he rushed toward it.
Inside, Ember stood in front of the mirror, bare-backed, lost in a trance. Her gaze was locked onto her reflection, where the glowing tattoo shimmered softly on her upper back like a hidden star—delicate and surreal. She was so consumed by the sight, by the overwhelming shock and fear twisting through her, that she didn't even hear him enter.
Dylan froze at the doorway, breath stolen by what he saw. The star—faint but luminous—seemed to pulse with something ancient, something magical. His feet moved before he realized, drawing him toward her. He reached out gently, fingers brushing the icy-blue lines etched into her skin.
The instant his touch met her back, Ember gasped. A shiver rushed down her spine, shaking her out of the fog that held her. Her eyes met the mirror—and there, behind her, she saw him. Dylan.
She turned, slowly, her eyes wide with emotion. And then, everything inside her broke.
Without a word, she threw herself into his arms, clutching him tightly. Her tears spilled freely, warm and heavy, soaking into his shirt as her voice trembled through the silence.
"Dylan... I don't want to leave you..."
Her voice cracked with the weight of all the fear, all the love she'd buried deep inside her heart. And in that moment—wrapped in his arms, trembling, crying—Ember let herself fall apart. Because ... she didn't want to be strong.
She just wanted to stay.
Dylan wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly in a warm, grounding embrace. He didn't rush her. He gently stroked her back, letting her cry it all out—every sob, every breath filled with everything she had been holding inside.
"Calm down, Ember… please," he whispered softly, his voice barely above a breath. "Tell me what's wrong… what happened?"
But he didn't press. He didn't tell her he already knew. He wanted her to open up on her own, to trust him with the truth she was too afraid to speak.
As her sobs began to ease into trembling breaths, Dylan gently picked her up and carried her over to the bed. He sat her down, pulling a soft blanket over her shoulders to protect her from the chill in her soul. He handed her a glass of water, his eyes never leaving hers—calm, patient, full of concern.
When Ember had gathered enough strength, Dylan quietly asked again, "What happened, Ember?"
Her voice was low and shaky, but it carried the weight of her fear. She looked at him, her eyes wet, her lips trembling.
"Dylan… I read the book Adrien told me about," she began, voice barely steady. "It says the man in the story had a piece of jewelry and a tattoo… both connecting him to the star. And now, I have both." Her eyes filled with tears again. "That means I might disappear from your life… just like he did in that book."
She broke down, her voice cracking with every word. "I think we should stop this…"
The words hit Dylan like a slap. His heart dropped.
"What…?" he whispered, disbelief washing over his face.
But Ember continued, eyes lowered and voice fragile.
"I don't want to be your girlfriend anymore, Dylan. I don't want to hurt you."
Pain flickered across his features as he gets closer, searching her eyes for a reason—something to explain why the girl who lit up his world was suddenly trying to dim her own light.
"Why are you saying this?" he asked, voice raw.
And deep inside, he already knew. She wasn't pushing him away because she didn't love him… but because she loved him too much.
Ember reached out and gently held Dylan's hand, her fingers trembling as if they were trying to hold on to something slipping away.
"I don't want you to develop deeper feelings for me… so it won't hurt too much when it's time to say goodbye," she whispered, her voice cracking like fragile glass.
Dylan's expression shifted. His heart clenched, and without a moment's hesitation, he stopped her, getting closer.
"Stop, Ember," he said firmly, his voice low but full of emotion. "Why are you making such heartbreaking assumptions? Just stop right now. Are you saying… you want to leave me?"
She shook her head quickly, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
"No… I didn't mean it like that. I don't want to leave you. I want to be by your side… forever. But I can't. That's why I'm telling you to stop—so you won't get hurt later…"
But Dylan wouldn't let her continue. He reached out again, his voice more intense now, filled with pain and disbelief.
"Why are you saying I'm the only one who'll be hurt? Don't you love me enough to feel the same pain… if I disappeared from your life?"
Ember's tears finally spilled down her cheeks. She couldn't hide it anymore.
"No, Dylan… I love you. I love you so much. That's the problem. I just… I don't want you to suffer because of me…"
Dylan silenced her with the softest gesture—he placed his finger gently over her lips, stopping her words but not her tears.
"Then let me answer what you said before," he murmured, his gaze locked with hers, unwavering and full of fierce devotion. "I love you too. And that's the only thing that matters… now and always."
"And I'm not letting you leave me, okay?" Dylan whispered, his voice trembling slightly with emotion. He gently stroked Ember's hair, tucking a loose strand behind her ear as he leaned in and captured her lips in a kiss that held more than just desire—it held desperation, longing, and a promise.
Ember closed her eyes, melting into the moment. All the doubts, fears, and pain faded as she surrendered to the warmth of his touch. She didn't want to remember anything else—just him, his breath, his presence.
As the kiss deepened, Dylan only pulled away slightly to murmur against her lips, "I love you. I don't want you to leave me… just stay by my side."
They didn't even realize how close they'd become, until Dylan found himself above her, his eyes locked into hers as if trying to memorize every detail. With a tender embrace, he whispered, "I'm not letting you go. So don't you worry—get some rest now."
He noticed the puffiness in Ember's eyes, the way exhaustion clung to her like a shadow. As she blinked slowly, drifting toward sleep, Dylan wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead softly.
"If you disappear from my life… I don't know what I'd do," he whispered, a faint smirk playing on his lips despite the ache in his chest. "I think I'd spend my whole life looking for you."
Holding her close, her scent, her warmth grounding him, he finally let himself drift off too—his heartbeat syncing with hers as they both fell asleep, tangled in each other's embrace.
The silence was broken by the sudden buzz of Dylan's phone. Its vibration stirred him from sleep, and with one arm still wrapped around Ember, he reached over to pick it up, his voice groggy and thick with sleep. "What happened?" he murmured.
On the other end, Emir's voice crackled urgently through the receiver. "Hey! Where the hell are you, man? The interview's about to start. Get down here, quick!"
Dylan let out a quiet sigh, trying not to wake the peaceful soul beside him. "Okay, I'm coming," he replied, ending the call with a swipe of his thumb.
His gaze drifted back down to Ember, still fast asleep in his arms. Her face was serene, framed by soft strands of hair that had slipped loose . A smile crept onto Dylan's lips, unbidden but full of affection. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, a silent promise whispered into her dreams, before gently slipping out of bed.
As he made his way toward the bathroom, something caught his eye—Ember's top, lying in a gentle heap on the floor. He bent down and picked it up, and in that instant, the memory struck him like a wave.
It was the first time he had seen her like that.
She had been standing quietly in front of the mirror, her back turned toward him, unaware of his gaze. The room had been drenched in the golden hush of afternoon light. The delicate lace of her dress clung loosely to her form, slipping off her shoulders and revealing the soft, sculpted lines of her back. Her auburn hair was twisted into a loose, romantic bun, with gentle curls falling like poetry down her neck.
Sunlight filtered through the lace curtains, casting fragile, dancing shadows across her skin. She looked like something out of a dream—so ethereal, so quietly stunning that Dylan had forgotten how to breathe.
But what truly stole the air from his lungs was the tattoo inked along her back—. Delicate and fierce all at once, it seemed to belong to her soul.
He had stood there, speechless. He didn't say a word—he didn't have to. Watching Ember.
She wasn't just beautiful. She was art.
She was the kind of beauty that made time stand still. The kind of love that made him wonder how he had ever lived without knowing her.
And now, holding her clothing in his hand, Dylan realized—he never wanted to forget that moment. Not ever.
Her bare back had burned itself into his memory—graceful, unguarded, breathtaking. And that tattoo.... It shimmered softly in the golden light, as though it belonged not just on her skin, but in the poetry of the moment.
He remembered how she turned slightly, her tear-filled eyes finding his. There was something about the way she looked at him—vulnerable yet full of trust—that made his heart ache with something deeper than love. She looked so incredibly beautiful, even in silence, even in sadness.
Gently, Dylan folded her dress and set it aside, almost reverently. The moment was too sacred for carelessness. Then he rushed to the shower, needing to get ready but unable to stop thinking about her. Her scent lingered on his skin, on his breath, in his soul.
After the shower, he dressed quickly—
He put on a deep charcoal suit, tailored to perfection, its sharp lines giving him a clean, commanding elegance. The blazer hung effortlessly over his broad shoulders, double-breasted with subtle detailing that hinted at luxury without being loud. Underneath, his dark slate shirt was left slightly unbuttoned at the top, revealing just a touch of skin and adding an air of quiet allure.
His hair, styled with a tousled charm, framed his face with soft waves that brushed just above his brow. The city lights behind him flickered like stars, but none could match the quiet glow in his eyes or the soft, confident curve of his smile.
As he stepped out, his eyes immediately found Ember again.
She was still asleep, curled up in the sheets, her chest rising and falling softly. A few strands of hair fell across her cheek, and her lips were parted slightly, as if she were whispering to his heart even in her dreams.
He moved closer, reluctant to leave her warmth. Leaning down, he brushed his fingers through her hair and then pressed a tender kiss to her lips, lingering just a moment too long.
"I don't want to leave... but it's urgent," he whispered against her skin, covering her gently with the blanket. Another kiss, this time on her forehead, and then softly, "Love you."
He stood there for a second longer, memorizing the way she looked—peaceful, beautiful, and completely his. Then, with a heart pulled in two directions, Dylan finally turned and left, the quiet click of the door echoing behind him.
The room buzzed with anticipation as Dylan stepped into the interview hall and took a seat beside Emir. Cameras flashed, lights were bright, and yet Dylan's thoughts were still somewhere else—somewhere with her.
Emir leaned closer, whispering with a teasing grin, "Hey, where have you been?"
Dylan offered a brief smile. "Something urgent came up."
Emir arched a brow knowingly. "Is it related to Ember?"
Dylan simply nodded. There was no need for more words. Emir opened his mouth to ask further, but before he could, the host signaled the start of the live interview, cutting their conversation short.
The interviewer smiled at the guests and turned to Dylan with curiosity sparkling in his eyes. "Mr. Dylan, we all have a question that's been on everyone's minds…"
Dylan leaned back casually, his tone calm yet charming. "Feel free to ask."
"Mr. Dylan, are you dating someone? We noticed a ring on your finger..."
Dylan chuckled softly, the corners of his lips curling into a playful smile. "I thought the first question would be about the film… but it seems you're all more interested in my personal life."
Laughter rippled through the room at his honesty, and then silence fell as they waited for his answer.
He glanced at the ring and smiled fondly. "It's okay—I'll answer. Yes, I am dating someone. As you've noticed, this ring isn't just for style."
The next question came quickly. "Is she the actress who entered the banquet with you earlier?"
Dylan shook his head, the smile on his face softening. "No… my girlfriend isn't an actress. She's just a normal girl… but to me, she's extraordinary."
Someone else jumped in, curious. "How long have you two been dating?"
Dylan laughed lightly, scratching the back of his neck. "If I'm being honest… I've been chasing her for months. But we made it official just yesterday. So… today is actually our first day together—as a couple."
The audience responded with a mix of surprise and delight, clapping and laughing at his sincerity.
A voice from the crowd called out, "Mr. Dylan, we're really excited to see your girlfriend now!"
Dylan smiled warmly, his gaze distant for a moment as if picturing her.
"I think you'll see her soon. But she's a little too shy to face all of this just yet."
And just like that, the world caught a glimpse—not just of the star, but of the man behind the fame,
who had fallen deeply, hopelessly in love.
As the next question rolled in, the reporter turned to Emir. "Mr. Emir, how was your experience directing for the first time? Especially during the shoot?"
Emir leaned forward with a grin. "Honestly? It was mostly about bossing everyone around. Even my friend Dylan, who usually doesn't listen to anyone, had no choice but to obey me on set."
Laughter echoed through the room, lightening the mood as everyone chuckled at the playful banter.
Another reporter raised their hand. "Mr. Emir, the woman you thanked earlier—the one in your film—was she cast for a role or just helping you out for a short part?"
Emir smiled, his eyes flickering with fondness. "I wish she could've been in the movie. But if I ask her for a favor again, she might just hit me." A wave of soft laughter followed.
"The friend I mentioned is very shy. She doesn't really know how to say no, and it makes her all the more adorable. Her acting? It's innocent… endearing. But if you're asking if I'll cast her in the movie, I'm afraid I can't. She already turned me down."
A few gasps of surprise rippled through the audience, followed by the next question.
"Mr. Dylan and Mr. Emir, you both mentioned her, but haven't shared her name. Why? And why isn't she here at the interview today?"
Dylan smiled softly, and Emir glanced at him as if silently handing over the answer.
Dylan spoke gently, his tone respectful and sincere. "She's our friend… and she didn't want to be in the spotlight, so we respected that. She's not a part of the movie—that's why she's not here with us today."
As the interview wrapped up and the cameras began to fade, Emir leaned toward Dylan, his tone casual but curious. "So… where's Ember? What kept you away all this time?"
Dylan's eyes grew serious. "She wasn't feeling well. I'll explain everything later, but right now… I need to be by her side."
Emir nodded, his expression softening. "Got it. Take care of her. Will you be coming to the evening party?"
Dylan glanced away thoughtfully, then replied, "If she's feeling okay… I'll come with her."
With that, Dylan stood and quietly left the hall—his heart already racing back to the girl whose presence meant more to him than anything else in the world.
He searched the room, but Ember wasn't on the bed. His heart skipped a beat. Panic welled in his chest—he knew now more than ever that she could disappear at any moment. That thought alone gripped him with fear. He turned toward the door, ready to look for her, when a soft, familiar voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Where are you going?"
He turned quickly—there she was. Ember sat in the living room, casually eating the snacks he had prepared for her earlier. The sight of her, calm and within reach, made his heart ease. He let out a quiet breath of relief and walked over, settling beside her.
"Do you want anything else?" he asked gently, his eyes still lingering on her like he needed to make sure she was truly there.
Ember looked up at him, a small smile curling on her lips. "I think this is more than enough for me… but come, have some too." She nudged the plate toward him, her gesture tender, inviting.