Love in the Limelight

“Mr. Brooke, can you quit hitting me? Didn’t I already compensate you with a new one?” Yates pleaded, dodging punches, “Can’t you let me off the hook for Astrid’s sake?”

“Why should I stop punching you for Astrid?” Magee just kept landing his punches harder, especially on the parts Yates couldn’t dodge, “Listen here, you worthless, aimless dude. You’re way out of Astrid’s league!”

The commotion in the hallway had the neighbors peeking out, suspecting some trouble. Feeling embarrassed, Yates dumped the gift on the floor and dashed off through the fire escape, “Happy birthday, Astrid! I’ll come see you again!”

“Again? If you dare, I’ll break your legs!” Magee hollered after him at the stairwell, then turned to find the neighbors staring with wide eyes.

He straightened his collar awkwardly, explaining, “That punk, he was bothering my daughter. A good beating will do. Can’t go easy on such people. Better watch out if you have a daughter!”

Neighbors and Astrid were all rolling their eyes.

Magee spent the entire day at Astrid’s.

Elio had planned an entire birthday process for Astrid, but it didn’t go smoothly. Yet, he had no complaints. Although he was regretful he couldn’t celebrate with her, angering Magee would be the real loss.

Roman’s birthday. It was the happiest birthday he’d ever had, with his mother by his side and a ton of gifts from his grandpa and eight uncles. He was over

Christmas break, Astrid received a message from Dale: [Astrid,

Send me

to Gracie. I have several good projects lined up. Check them out and let me know which ones you like. I’ll reserve

Astrid: [Okay.]

Astrid dropped Roman off at the Lampard family’s mansion, then headed to the TV station with Gracie. On the way, she received a text from an unknown number: [If you won’t heed my

Elio. The person always used disposable cards, discarding them after sending the message. So, there was no way to trace it.Books Chapters

What’s on your mind?” Gracie’s voice snapped Astrid back

them warmly, and handed the