Now, she found a hint of humor in the situation and hugged him tightly, resting her head on his chest.


    “I love it, because it’s from you.


    Honestly, I’m relieved it’s not real.


    I couldn’t have epted it otherwise.


    But you know, this one looks so close to the real thing.


    It must’ve cost a pretty penny, right?”


    “Twenty-one thousand,” he replied casually, trying to assure her of its value.


    Lindsey was taken aback.


    “That’s way too much for a fake! Next time, let’s not go overboard with gifts.


    We’ve got other things to save for, you know.


    ”


    Domenic pulled her closer and whispered, “I love how you’re thinking about our future budget.


    It’s like you’re already my wife.


    And this ne? It looks perfect on you.


    The price doesn’t matter as long as you’re happy with it.


    ”


    Lindsey felt a warmth spread through her at his words.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    The ne, even though fake, symbolized their love.


    It was a treasure to her.


    In a soft tone, Domenic added, “About my cousin, I don’t really know her that well.


    She’s talented, grew up overseas.


    We hardly ever talked before.


    ”


    Lindsey nodded and carefully ced the ne back around her neck, seemingly unaware of theplex emotions in his eyes.


    He felt a storm of guilt and helplessness inside.


    He never wanted to deceive her, yet he saw no other option.


    He promised himself that one day, he’d tell her everything.


    If she got angry, he’d do whatever it took to earn her forgiveness.


    Yet, there was something that deeply concerned him.


    What was Carole’s real intention? Was her encounter with Lindsey a mere coincidence, or was it nned? A chill ran through him as he pondered this.


    Later, as Lindsey slept, he stood by the window, lighting up a cigarette.


    The faint glow of the cigarette flickered in the night’s darkness.


    Once his cigarette was finished, he made a phone call.


    The call was answered promptly.


    On the other end, a voice greeted him respectfully, “Boss.


    ”


    Domenic’s voice was low and serious, “Keep an eye on Carole.


    Report everything she does to me.


    Especially if she’s around Lindsey.


    Also, reach out to the director of Star Search.


    Make up a reason to fire Carole.


    I can’t bear to see her on the show any Longer.


    ”


    He couldn’t stand the feeling of losing control.


    To prevent any terrible oue, he decided to sever Lindsey’s any possible connection with Carole.


    Time passed quickly, and today marked the debut of Star Search.


    Lindsey couldn’t shake off her nerves.


    At eight in the evening, after wrapping up her day at the office, Lindsey invited Nancy to watch the show in her office.


    Once the show aired, it didn’t take long for it to be a hot topic on Twitter’s entertainment section, with catchy headlines popping up followed by these topics: “Sumner”, “Starlight”, “Sumner: The Male Everleigh”, “The Best Cover”, “Xiomara’s Virtual Performance”, “Xiomara Steals the Show”, and “Titbits from Star Search”.


    Both Lindsey and Nancy were ecstatic, nearly jumping with excitement.


    They hadn’t anticipated such an immediate surge in poprity!


    Sumner and Xiomara had be overnight sensations.


    Eagerly, they clicked on the video of the show, watching it attentively.


    But as the show progressed, Lindsey’s excitement turned to worry.