“I…” Maria shook her head, feeling lost as she looked at Jane. Tears welled up in her eyes.


    Jane furrowed her brows, wondering why the girl was crying again.


    “But his mother told me to stay away from him…” Maria muttered under her breath.


    The scene at the hospital shed before her eyes and she suddenly felt hesitant about pursuing Kim again.


    “Did Kim tell you himself to cut off all ties with you?” Jane asked, pinching the bridge of her nose. She never realized howplicated love could be until now.


    “If he did say that, then you should stop contacting him. But if not…”


    Jane ced a hand on Maria’s shoulder and spoke earnestly, “I’ve only met Kim once but I can tell he loves you.”


    He loves you. The words hit Maria like a ton of bricks and memories of being with Kim flooded back into her mind.


    “Maria, I like you.”


    “I care about anything that has to do with you.”


    “I’ll wait for the day when you truly love me.”


    Maria couldn’t help but smile foolishly as she thought about how silly it was for her to reject such passionate love and chase after something unattainable instead.


    Yes, she liked Kim not out of guilt but because he had be a part of her life little by little -she just didn’t want to admit it until now.


    Standing up straighter with clenched fists by her side, Maria thanked Jane before turning around determinedly. She wanted to hear what Kim had said from his own lips even if it meant they would have to separate for real this time around.


    Hearing these words, a smile appeared on Jane’s face, but after hearing about Maria’s situation, she also felt a bit puzzled.


    Love is such a strange thing.


    “I’m going to find Kim,” Maria made up her mind.


    Jane nodded in response, about to say something, but suddenly Maria, who had been standing in front of her, rushed to the bathroom, followed by the sound of retching.


    Considering she had already consumed a lot of alcohol and her emotions were fluctuating greatly, difort surged through her body all at once.


    Jane listened, her gaze falling on the scattered bottles on the floor, her expression turning unpleasant.


    Maria, with a pale face, walked out and upon seeing Jane’s disdainful gaze, she awkwardly fiddled with her hair.


    “You n to go see him like this?” Jane cast a nce at Maria, making her feel even more exposed.


    “I will tidy up,” Maria said softly.


    “Just take care of yourself,” Jane shook her head helplessly. “I’ll give you a few days off from thepany, so you have time to have a good talk with Kim.”


    Hearing this, surprise appeared on Maria’s face, but the next moment, she felt remorseful.


    “I’m sorry, Jane.”


    “If you understand the meaning of apology, then work hard for me, Maria. Just this onest chance. If you dare to skip work again or do anything like that, thepany won’t waste any more resources on you. Do you understand?”This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Jane, who had been giving emotional advice a moment ago, suddenly turned into a serious Miss North.


    Maria nodded repeatedly, even making a swearing gesture. “I promise to work hard from now on! I won’t let thepany down for investing in me.”


    “Big talker. Just think about how to handle the situation when you see that personter,” Jane tapped Maria’s forehead and said in a deep voice.


    Maria’s eyes flickered slightly, but in the end, a smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. “I don’t expect him to forgive me. I just want to apologize to him for my immaturity back then.”


    “After you handle your affairs, let me know. The online discussions about you are too intense right now. Although thepany’s public rtions team has tried to manage it, the impact is not significant. In the end, you may have to personally address the situation.”


    This decision was something Jane had nned in advance. Back then, she didn’t expect the situation to be soplicated. Fortunately, it didn’t escte too much, and she believed Maria could handle it.


    “I’m sorry. I caused so much trouble for thepany. I will issue a statement,” Maria blinked her eyes.


    Jane didn’t say anything more and turned away.


    Downstairs, Osborn and Maria’s agent were still waiting. When they saw Janeing out, the agent hurriedly approached her.


    “What happened? What exactly urred?”


    “It’s all resolved now,” Jane shook her head. She paused for a moment before continuing, “There’s been too much public opinion online recently, and it has affected her.”


    Jane’spany was not willing to intervene in their artists’ personal issues, so she didn’t reveal everything.


    Upon hearing Jane’s words, the agent also realized Maria’s recent abnormal behavior and nodded in realization.


    “Let her rest for a few days, adjust her mindset. I willmunicate with the director on the set.”


    Jane spoke while casting her gaze towards Osborn.


    “You’ll have more responsibilities on the set. We may shoot your scenes separately in advance.”


    Osborn nodded, his gaze fixed on Jane’s face.


    As Jane recalled what Maria had said to her, she looked directly into Osborn’s eyes.


    Thetter seemed surprised and hesitated for a moment.


    But the next moment, Jane had already averted her gaze. “Everyone, get back to work.”


    “I’ll drive you,” Osborn quickly opened the car door and said.


    Jane didn’t hesitate and shook her head directly. “No need. I’ll go back with Maria’s agent. You go to the set.”


    Saying that, she left with Maria’s agent.


    Watching the departing car, Osborn sighed bitterly. As he turned to get into his car, he caught sight of Mariaing down from upstairs.


    Their eyes met for an instant, and when Maria realized it, she nodded towards him.


    “How are you feeling?” Osborn recalled Maria’s condition when she was at home and asked.


    “Much better.” Maria touched her throat and her voice sounded a bit hoarse.


    “I’m sorry for suddenly skipping work. I caused you a lot of trouble,” Maria pursed her lips and said.


    “I should be the one apologizing. I caused you a lot of trouble.”


    Osborn spoke, and the atmosphere between them fell silent once again.


    Just as Osborn was contemting whether to ask Maria where she was going, Maria in front of him suddenly spoke up.


    “Thank you, Osborn,” Maria smiled slowly.


    Thank you for helping me understand many things.


    However, before Osborn could react, Maria had already waved her hand, indicating her intent to leave.


    “Bye!”


    Leaving Osborn alone, still stunned in ce, not quiteprehending the reason behind Maria’s gratitude.