Chapter 58: The Surprise at the Drop-Off
I knew poses like that weren’t unusual in this industry, but I didn’t want to go down that road again. It reminded me too much of the questionable jobs I’d once taken just to pay off my debts.
I had no intention of doing that again in this lifetime. Modeling was never my end goal anyway. Today’s shoot was nothing more than a stepping stone, just my very first step into the entertainment industry.
"I’m sorry, Zayne," I said gently but firmly. "You can talk about the work through my manager, and if I like the offer, I’ll reach out to you."
Good thing Zayne didn’t press the matter any further, so I went straight to the changing room.
Since I didn’t want the hassle of removing my makeup at home, I cleaned it off at the studio instead. Once that was done, I changed out of the photoshoot clothes and pulled on my hoodie because I was too lazy to bother with anything more proper.
Besides, Mr. Silo was already supposed to be waiting for me out front, and I planned to head straight home.
"Thank you for today." I smiled at every staff member I passed as I made my way out of the building.
Outside, Marissa and I parted ways when her wife came to pick her up. I let out a soft sigh as I watched her walk toward the car. It must be nice, I thought, to have your spouse waiting for you after a long day at work.
But what could I say? It wasn’t as if my husband had any obligation to do something like that.
I texted Mr. Silo, letting him know I was waiting at the drop-off area. But his reply caught me completely off guard.
[Mr. Silo: I’m sorry, Young Madam. My wife called me this afternoon and told me my son has been hospitalized, so I had to leave right away. I already informed Young Master, and he assigned another driver to pick you up.]
I frowned slightly because Mr. Silo hadn’t said anything to me since this afternoon, but maybe he was too panicked after hearing about his son to remember.
Still, he should have informed me sooner so I wouldn’t be left confused. It was already ten at night when I left the building, so the streets around me had started to grow quiet.
Without wasting a second, I messaged him again, asking who the new driver was and if I could have his number.
But before I could get his reply, a black van suddenly pulled into the drop-off area and stopped right in front of me.
I blinked several times, because I remembered this was the car Lando usually used because it made things easier for him with the wheelchair.
But why would the driver use this car to pick me up? There were plenty of other cars in the garage ... so why this one?
When the door slid open automatically, I froze.
Inside the van, sitting comfortably with his phone in hand, was Lando.
For a moment, I just stood there, stunned. I had been expecting a driver, not my husband waiting for me in person.
He lifted his gaze from the screen, his ocean-blue eyes locking onto mine. "It took you long enough to get out. I almost think they’re overworking you in there."
My lips parted, but no words came out right away. All the fatigue I had been carrying suddenly felt lighter, replaced by a strange warmth in my chest.
But when I remembered that I was standing here in nothing but a hoodie, bare-faced with no makeup, I wanted to smack my forehead so hard I could pretend to faint.
If I had known he was coming to pick me up, I would’ve worn something more proper or at least put on some powder and lipstick!
[Host, you looked even worse the first time Lando brought you out of the Davenport residence.]
’That was different!’ I argued silently.
Back then, I had no choice because I’d just come out of the hospital. But today? Today I had literally sent him a selfie with full glam makeup and pretty clothes, only to show up now looking like I’d turned into an ogre.
[You don’t look like an ogre, Host.]
[You’re not green.]
I took a deep breath, fighting the urge to roll my eyes at Penny’s ridiculous remark. As annoying as she was, she wasn’t completely wrong.
"Why are you just standing there?" Lando’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. "Get in. The air is getting colder."
I finally snapped out of my daze and hurried inside the van. Lando’s gaze followed me as I settled into the seat beside him. For a moment, neither of us spoke until I finally opened my mouth.
"Why did you suddenly come to pick me up? Weren’t you busy?" I asked softly.
"Is it wrong for a husband to pick up his wife?" he replied, so casually yet unexpectedly that it made my heart thump so loudly.
I swallowed hard and blinked quickly, feeling a little shy when he mentioned husband and wife so casually.
When I still didn’t say anything, he added, "Mr. Silo told me he had to rush to the hospital, and since I finished my work earlier today, I decided I’d come for you instead."
I bit my lip, then asked, "What time did you get here?"
"Around eight," he said lightly, as though it was nothing.
My eyes widened. "Eight?! You’ve been waiting for me for two hours?" I continued, "You should just call me!"
I had spent almost an hour and a half removing my makeup and taking out all the accessories from my hair. If he had just told me he was coming, I would’ve done it at home so he wouldn’t have had to wait two whole hours.
"It’s fine," he said calmly. "Marissa told me you wanted to clean your face first since you were too tired to do it at home."
I frowned. "So you talked to Marissa, but not me?"
"She’s a friend," he replied simply.
I met his gaze, my voice quieter this time. "I’m your wife."
"I know," Lando answered gently. "That’s exactly why I didn’t say anything. I was afraid you’d rush out just to meet me ... and end up hurting yourself."