"Well? You won't be losing out, you know!" Kenneth Butler tilted his head towards Emily Avery.

Emily's expression turned serious. "Kenneth, from the moment you took time out of your busy schedule to save me today, I could tell you're a kind person. And I believe a kind person wouldn't force another kind person to sleep with him, right?"

Kenneth opened his mouth, but at the sight of Emily's earnest, serious face, he found himself at a loss for words.

"I made it very clear last time. The reason I agreed to sleep with you and have a child was because of special circumstances. Now that my husband is back, I won't do such a thing again. You may think once or twice makes no difference, but to me, it makes a world of difference."

Emily paused before continuing, "As for my photos, do as you please. If you want to leak them, there's nothing I can do. But leaking someone's private photos without their consent is illegal. I may not have money or power, but if you infringe on my rights, I won't let it go easily!"

With that, Emily stood up, took out her wallet from her pocket, and after rummaging through it for a while, she finally pulled out some money and placed it on the table.

"You saved me, so I'll treat you to a meal." She put the scattered bills on the table and left.

"Hey! You're no fun at all!" Kenneth called out, but Emily didn't look back.

Kenneth looked at the pile of bills in frustration. The largest denomination was twenty dollars, with the rest being tens and fives, totaling a hundred dollars.

"So, you really are dirt poor, huh?"

Kenneth chuckled helplessly. To be honest, he rarely saw bills of such small denominations.

After some thought, he made a call to Zoey. Just as he was about to leave, Lionel Mendez's call came in.

Emily took the last bus home. As she reached her doorstep, she remembered she had forgotten to buy medicine.

Since there were only a few households in the neighborhood, the surrounding shops had gradually closed down. The nearest pharmacy was probably several miles away.

"Forget it," Emily muttered as she unlocked the door and stepped into her home.

Zoey was still lounging on the couch, engrossed in her favorite pastime-watching TV dramas, especially those Korean ones.

Emily didn't pay her any mind and headed straight to the kitchen. As usual, there was no dinner waiting for her. Feeling a bit worn out, she decided to cook herself a bowl of instant noodles and sat down in the dining room to eat.

After finishing her meal and cleaning up, Emily was about to head upstairs when she suddenly remembered she might need some antiseptic. She was due to join a film crew soon, and her arms and legs were covered in scrapes. With the current season, infections were easy to catch, and she couldn't afford to let them get worse.

"Zoey, do we have any antiseptic? I scraped myself today," Emily asked politely, knowing she needed a favor.

Zoey glanced at her, then pulled a plastic bag from under the coffee table and handed it to her. "See how good I am to you? You don't know how lucky you are!"

Julia opened the bag and found it filled with antiseptics and wound-cleaning supplies, all brand new.

"Thanks!" she said, taking the bag and heading upstairs.

---

At the bar, the place was alive with vibrant lights and pulsating music, another night full of excitement.

In the center of the stage, a pole dancer was performing, drawing cheers from the crowd.

"Way to go!" shouted a fair-skinned, handsome young man with strikingly large, bright eyes that gleamed mischievously as he squinted.

This was Lionel Mendez, known to many as Mr. Lionel.

He took a swig from his bottle, then turned and draped an arm over Kenneth's shoulder.

"Kenneth, are you telling me that your fling that day was actually with your own wife? Your wife wants to have a baby by borrowing someone else's seed and cuckolding you?"

Kenneth glanced at him but remained silent, continuing to sip his drink.

"I'm telling you, a woman like that, if she does it once, she'll do it again.

And if she does it again, she'll do it a third time, and then a fourth, and so on. I can already see a green glow on your head! Hahaha!" Lionel Mendez said, patting Kenneth's head.

"Get lost!" Kenneth Butler glared at Lionel. After a moment of silence, he said, "I threatened her with her own photos, and she still wouldn't sleep with me. Plus, I saved her. It's a double test."

"Double test, my foot! You just haven't been around enough women! Women say no with their mouths, but their bodies tell the truth. Don't listen to what they say; listen to what they really mean."

Kenneth Butler pondered this. To be honest, when Emily Avery refused him today, he felt a secret joy. He had planned to reveal his identity to her, but after hearing Lionel Mendez's words, he thought there might be some truth to them.

Kenneth Butler suddenly turned his head. "Then why do you think she, being so young, wants to have a baby?"

"Who knows! Your wife is quite the odd one!" Lionel Mendez rubbed his clean-shaven chin. "But maybe she just wants an excuse to fool around!"

Kenneth narrowed his eyes.

"Who can say for sure! I can't imagine any young girl wanting to have a baby these days. Even women in their thirties, who are already successful in their careers, don't want to get married and have kids!"

Kenneth Butler nodded.

"Looks like I need to test her a bit more."

Lionel Mendez patted Kenneth Butler's shoulder. "Alright, stop thinking about your unlucky wife. Which chick caught your eye today? I'll help you get her! You deserve a break. Let's make sure you have a good time tonight!"

Kenneth pushed Lionel Mendez's hand away in disgust. "I'm leaving."

"Hey, don't go! You've already lost your innocence, why pretend to be pure now?"

Kenneth didn't say anything and strode out of the bar with determined steps.

He couldn't understand why all the women here wore heavy makeup and revealing clothes, but it made him feel sick to his stomach.

Soon, Emily would be joining a film crew to start shooting. Although her role as the third female lead wasn't extensive, it would still take about a month. She needed to arrange everything for Oliver before leaving and also finish his graduation thesis.

This week seemed to be the busiest week for Emily Avery.

To be honest, after her last separation from Kenneth, Emily felt a bit anxious. If he got angry and decided to release her photos, she would be in big trouble.

However, a few days passed without incident, and she gradually relaxed.

After finishing her thesis and making sure Oliver was settled, Emily finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Tomorrow was the day she would join the film crew, so she needed to pack her things tonight.

As soon as she walked through the door, Zoey ran up to her. "Why are you so late? Sir is coming back today! You need to get ready!"

Emily Avery stood there, momentarily dazed, still not used to the idea of having a husband.

With her recent days consumed by her thesis and joining a new film crew, she had completely forgotten that she was married.

"What are you standing around for? Go upstairs and clean yourself up!" Zoey urged.

Emily felt uncomfortable with Zoey's words. What did she mean by "clean yourself up"? It made her feel like she was just some kind of... tool for pleasure.

Emily didn't want to argue with her. Zoey had a sharp tongue and was quick to insult; there was no point in getting into a spat with her.

"Got it," Emily replied, and then headed upstairs.

Zoey pouted and returned to her room, standing in front of the mirror and examining herself.

She pushed up her chest, muttering, "I don't get what he sees in that woman. My chest is bigger! My face is prettier! It's just not fair!

So unfair!"

Upstairs, Emily enjoyed a long, refreshing shower. Her husband was coming back today, and no matter what, he was still her husband. She needed to let him know about her schedule.

What made Emily happy was that she had taken a test a few days ago and found out she wasn't pregnant.

That was a relief, as she didn't have to worry about whose child she might be carrying.

Even though her husband had been absent for a year, she still wanted to have a child soon. She figured she could discuss it with him today.

With that in mind, Emily finished her shower and packed her belongings.

She didn't have much to pack; a small suitcase was enough.

Everything was set up, but the man hadn't returned yet.

Early tomorrow morning, they had to head to the Swam City Film Base for shooting. Despite its name, Swam City Film Base wasn't an actual city but a filming site. Almost all historical dramas were shot there. It was about thirty miles from the center of Z-Ford City, not too far.

Even though it wasn't far,

There was an opening ceremony early in the morning. It was her first time attending such a ceremony, and missing it would be a shame.

Emily Avery started feeling drowsy without realizing it. She lay on the bed, trying to stay awake, but soon fell asleep.

As usual, Kenneth Butler arrived late at night. The moment he came in, Zoey turned off the main power switch of the house.

Kenneth had been incredibly busy that week. When he found out Emily Avery was joining a film crew, he just had to come over; he missed her terribly.

He had never been with a woman before, but once he started with Emily, he couldn't stop himself.

Stepping into the room, he saw Emily lying on the bed in her pajamas, without a blanket covering her. Her alluring figure stirred his desires.

Without a word, Kenneth climbed on top of her.

Emily wasn't in a deep sleep. She woke up as soon as Kenneth approached, remembering she had something to discuss with him.

"Wait a minute..." Emily managed to escape Kenneth's kisses and reached for the bedside lamp switch.

Click!

The light didn't turn on!

Emily pressed the switch several more times, but the lamp remained off.

What was going on?

"Is the light broken?"

Just as Emily hesitated, Kenneth Butler had already pulled her hand back, his hot, wet kisses once again claiming her lips.

She tried to speak several times, but Kenneth gave her no chance.

Once more, he tore open her nightgown...

His desire was fierce, leaving her no opportunity to utter a word.

It wasn't until midnight that Kenneth Butler noticed how utterly exhausted Emily was beneath him, and he finally stopped. With his back to her, Kenneth Butler began to dress. Somehow, in the darkness, he managed to distinguish his clothes with ease, his movements fluid and confident.

Emily Avery's fingertips twitched tired, sore...

But she still managed to lift her eyelids. "Husband..."

Hearing this, Kenneth Butler suddenly paused. That faint, almost breathless voice brought a trace of joy to his eyes.

It was the first time he had heard her call him that.

For some reason, he liked it. He really liked it.

"Let's... have a baby," Emily Avery said weakly.

Kenneth Butler couldn't speak; he was worried about revealing his identity. So, he quickly finished dressing and left.

That tall figure flashed through the darkness, and the door closed with a loud "bang."

Emily Avery's thoughts were a bit scattered. He wasn't speaking-did that mean he agreed or disagreed?

Too exhausted to ponder further, she drifted off into a deep sleep.

Kenneth Butler descended the stairs. In the living room, Zoey had lit a few candles, providing a modest amount of light. Upon seeing Kenneth, she quickly turned on the circuit breaker and blew out the candles.

"Sir, you must be tired. Would you like a late-night snack?" Zoey hurriedly approached him.

Kenneth ignored her and sat down on the couch.

"Get me some paper and a pen."

Zoey didn't dare delay and swiftly placed the requested items beside Kenneth.

Kenneth quickly scribbled something and handed it to Zoey.

Zoey glanced at it; it seemed to be English words, but she couldn't quite understand them.

"Give this to Mrs. Avery when she wakes up in the morning. Tell her that from now on, she needs to report her whereabouts to me."

"Yes, sir."

Kenneth stood up and left.

When Emily Avery woke up, it was already ten in the morning. She glanced at the time and realized she had missed the opening ceremony.

The ceremony was scheduled for nine o'clock this morning; it was probably over by now!

She lay on the bed, letting her body sink into the blankets.

That man always had to be so ruthless!

She probably had bruises all over her body again! Since she had already missed the opening ceremony today, there was no need to rush.

After sleeping a bit longer, Emily Avery finally got up, dragging her luggage downstairs. She ignored Zoey and headed straight for the door when Zoey suddenly called out to her.

"Hey! The gentleman left this note for you!" Zoey handed a small piece of paper to Julia.

Emily took the note, but the English words on it made no sense to her. She looked at Zoey, confused.

Clearing her throat, Zoey took on an authoritative tone, "The gentleman said you need to report your whereabouts to him from now on!"

"Oh." Emily thought for a moment. She didn't have her husband's phone number, so this was probably a WeChat ID. She took out her phone and tried adding the ID,

And sure enough, she found him!

Zoey observed everything keenly.

Emily scoffed. This man was really sly, not even giving her a phone number. Most people's WeChat IDs were their phone numbers, but he questioned her right to give orders.

"I think if your gentleman comes back and finds the lamp broken, he wouldn't be too happy, right?"

Zoey snorted even more arrogantly, "Don't worry, the gentleman doesn't need a lamp! He doesn't need any household had to be different, clearly trying to keep her at arm's length.

"Zoey, the lamp in my bedroom is broken. It wouldn't turn on, no matter what I did yesterday. Could you check it and fix it if it's broken?"

"You want me to fix the lamp?" Zoey glared at Emily with her hands on her hips, as if questioning her right to give orders.

"I think if your gentleman comes back and finds the lamp broken, he wouldn't be too happy, right?"

Zoey snorted even more arrogantly, "Don't worry, the gentleman doesn't need a lamp! He doesn't need any household appliances!"

Emily Avery furrowed her brows, sensing there was more to Zoey's words than met the ear. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"What do you mean?" Zoey's arrogance grew even more. "Can't you understand? Fine, let me spell it out for you. Your lamp might not be broken; it just ran out of power."

"Out of power?"

"Yeah, because Mr. Butler told me to turn off the circuit breaker! This time, last time, every time he comes home, he insists the power must be off!"

Zoey's face was filled with smug satisfaction as she spoke.

"Why?" Emily Avery was puzzled.

"Why? You're asking me why? Mr. Butler doesn't want to see you! To him, you're just a tool for his desires. Your face disgusts him; how could he even bring himself to touch you?"

The words were harsh, but Emily felt there had to be another reason. Although she wasn't exceptionally beautiful, as a drama student, she certainly wasn't unattractive.

Zoey looked at Emily Avery with a triumphant grin. "And another thing, Mr. Butler said that when you're on set, you must be on call at all times, ready for his needs!"

Emily Avery felt her whole body trembling...

"You're nothing more than a blow-up doll. Stop thinking of yourself as the lady of the house! Honestly, you're worse than a blow-up doll. At least the owner knows to inflate and clean it regularly. And you? You have to do everything yourself!"

Emily Avery was so furious that she felt a chill run through her entire body. She grabbed her suitcase and left quickly.

Zoey made a mocking face at her, feeling particularly pleased with herself. Maybe soon, she could replace this so-called lady of the house!

Thinking of this, she quickly picked up the piece of paper Emily Avery had dropped. It turned out to be a WeChat number!

She immediately opened her WeChat app and searched for the number, then sent a friend request.

Emily Avery boarded the bus heading to Swan City Film Base, resting her head against the window. Zoey's words echoed in her mind.

"You're nothing more than a blow-up doll!"

"A blow-up doll!"

"A blow-up doll!"

Emily closed her eyes in pain. Was that man's sudden appearance just to use her for his own desires?

Why did he disappear for a whole year after they got married, only to show up now and treat her like a tool?

Her heart ached terribly.

They were already married, and she felt helpless, thinking only of divorce.

But if she divorced him, he would surely demand the one million dollars from a year ago. Where could she possibly find that kind of money?

The bus bumped along for over an hour before arriving at Swan City Film Base. Emily grabbed her luggage and headed to the hotel designated by the film crew.

The crew was stationed here for filming, and the hotel was almost entirely booked by them. As the third female lead, she naturally had a place to stay.

If the entertainment industry was a big circle, then a film crew was a small one. Even staying at a hotel involved its own set of complexities.

The first female lead, the first male lead, and the director naturally stayed in the best rooms, which were the suites.

The second female lead, the second male lead, and other actors with significant roles, as well as some of the assistant directors and key crew members, stayed in slightly less luxurious rooms.

The rest of the crew had to settle for less luxurious rooms, and those with minor roles might even have to share a room with two or three people.

The rooms were pre-assigned by the logistics team, so upon arriving at the hotel front desk, all they had to do was give their name to receive their room key card.

Emily Avery pulled her suitcase to the hotel front desk, gave her name, and was promptly handed a room key card.

Room 302.

Receiving the key card, Emily couldn't help but feel excited. This was her first time officially acting in a TV series. She eagerly pulled her suitcase and headed to room 302.

When she opened the door, she saw a young girl sitting on the bed, applying makeup with a small mirror.

Emily was taken aback. It was a double room?

The girl seemed to have anticipated someone coming in, but she didn't look up and continued with her makeup.

Though a bit disappointed, Emily thought it might be nice to have a roommate for company. She began to unpack her things.

The girl on the bed finally seemed satisfied with her makeup. She had striking features, large eyes, and a delicate face.

"Hey, I'm Unnie. You can call me Unnie. I play Georgia's personal maid in the show!"

Unaiza's voice was sharp and high-pitched, and she spoke with pride about her role in the series.

She knew the rules about hotel accommodations. Those in double rooms were usually minor characters. However, her role as the personal maid to the second female lead, Georgia, meant she was in almost every scene with Georgia, which was something to be proud of.

Emily smiled at her. "I'm Emily Avery. I play Tiffany."

"Tiffany?!" Unnie's eyes widened in surprise.

"Isn't that the third female lead?"

Emily Avery nodded.

"But why are you staying here? If you can't get the best room, at least you should have a single room!" Unnie exclaimed.

Honestly, Emily Avery didn't understand the rules here. She paused for a moment, then continued unpacking her luggage.

Unnie wanted to say more, but she opened her mouth and then closed it again, swallowing her words. She knew the answer already. Emily was a new face, with no connections or backing. Unlike Bailey Avery, who played the second female lead and got the best room. Why? Because she had Nick Edwards from A&B International behind her. Of course, she got the best room.

Room assignments not only depended on the importance of the role but also on who was backing you.

The two didn't talk much after that and focused on their own tasks. After unpacking, Emily Avery took a few photos around the hotel and posted them on her social media. She was a content person, satisfied

with the surroundings. Through their conversation, Emily learned that Unnie was a professionally trained actress, only twenty years old, and still a sophomore in college.

As soon as they stepped out, they heard laughter and chatter not far away. Curious by nature, Unnie looked towards the source of the sound and immediately spotted Bailey Avery.

Bailey Avery was surrounded by a group of young girls.

Emily Avery's excitement surged as she waved energetically at Bailey. "Sister Bailey!"

Emily found herself in a dilemma. If she went over, it might expose the complicated relationship she had with Bailey. But if she didn't, it would seem like she wasn't fitting in.

Having just joined the crew, Emily didn't want to give off the impression that she was antisocial.

So, she mustered up her courage and walked over with Unnie.