Defying Fate: The Unstoppable Eileen



Eileen stood there, perplexed. She had no clue what the director was rambling about over the phone. Deep down, she just felt it was best if Egbert didn't get wind of this conversation. With an abrupt click, she ended the call and strode out the door, Egbert trailing close behind.

They quickly made their way to the gathering point for the hostages. Dawn was breaking, but the rain cast an eerie glow over the morning light, creating an almost sinister ambiance.

The director had been whispering frantically to the assistant director ever since he'd seen Egbert and Eileen return. At first, the assistant director bore it patiently, but soon, his composure snapped. He stepped on the director's foot with such force that the man nearly jumped out of his shoes, and hastily retreated a few steps, not daring to provoke him further.

The rain meant the plane was still grounded, but thankfully, everyone was safe. After a headcount, the assistant director announced, "The Frostsglow government has arranged accommodations for us. Let's head there to rest."

The rest stop turned out to be a hotel in the city center. Originally, six VIP guests were to ride in one car, but upon seeing Eileen and Egbert approach, Aurora sprinted to the crew's vehicle instead.

Sylvia watched her leave and couldn't help but snark, "Good riddance! She's such an eyesore!"

Eileen didn't respond. She just peered through the car window at Aurora's retreating figure. It was just like back on the deserted island-it didn't matter that Eileen had saved Aurora's skin; not a word of thanks had come her way. And now, even with Egbert right there, Aurora hadn't thought to apologize for her previous behavior. Was it vanity or a sheer lack of gratitude and shame?

The group soon arrived at the hotel, where they were greeted by staff from the Frostsglow Embassy. The employees were excessively hospitable, offering condolences and warmth. They were practically falling over themselves to cater to every need, from fetching drinks to giving massages.

The assistant director seemed puzzled by the over-the-top attention. "You really don't need to fuss over us," he said.

It was then that the staff member cautiously broached the subject, "Actually, if it's not too much trouble, we were hoping you might... post a tweet to let your followers know you're safe."

The embassy had been flooded with calls from worried fans ever since the live broadcast began. Their nerves were frayed to breaking point. The assistant director quickly agreed, motioning for the camera crew to set up a live stream to reassure everyone with a visual confirmation. Upon hearing about the live stream, Aurora excused herself, claiming exhaustion, and vanished before the assistant director could even finish speaking.

Sylvia was visibly irritated and muttered under her breath, "Cowardly in front of the camera, yet bold enough to betray others. She'd fit right in as a traitor in times of turmoil."

Her comment was a bit harsh; even if Aurora was a senior colleague. Hobson intervened with a gentle "Enough."

But Sylvia was having none of it. "Why shouldn't I speak out? She did the deed, why fear the talk?"

As the elevator arrived, Aurora, head down, slipped inside without a backward glance, leaving a hushed silence in the lobby.

Sylvia, still fuming, clenched her teeth and hissed, "Just wait until I drag her through the mud in the group chat!"

Curious, Eileen inquired, "What group?"

Without turning around, Sylvia replied dismissively, "Your fan group."

Eileen was taken aback, then brightened up, "I have a fan group? What kind of group is it? How many people are in it? Add me, I want to join!" Sylvia frowned at Eileen, "What for? You're not welcome there."

Eileen was dumbfounded, her phone in hand, "Isn't it my fan group?"

Sylvia scoffed and explained, "It's not some unofficial fan group. It's for the hardcore fans. It's a small group and we're usually busy compiling your stats and holding meetings. You wouldn't understand. Don't bother joining; we're all busy and don't have the time to entertain you."

Eileen was silent, confused by Sylvia's explanation. “It sounded like a serious affair,” she commented.

"Of course, it is!" Sylvia stated plainly. "You wouldn't know since you're not a fan. Being a hardcore fan is tough, and as a moderator, it's tougher for me. But it doesn't matter to you. We fans handle our own stats, and the subject of our fandom doesn't get a say!"

Eileen was speechless. If she hadn't known any better, she might have thought they were conspiring behind her back, fundraising to hire a hit on her. The cameraman soon connected the live stream. At first, the chat was quiet, but then the viewers poured in by the thousands. Once the audience grew sizable, the camera panned across the guests. The five VIPs lined up and assured everyone of their safety.

The chat was a blur of messages.

The assistant director managed to catch a few questions, mostly about Egbert and Eileen's relationship, to which he responded, "For those curious about Ms. Lopez and Mr. Reed, stay tuned for 'Romantic Revelations' when it airs!"

The noisy live chat calmed down a bit at the mention of the upcoming show, as it became clear their supposed marriage was a fabrication.

The director just so happened to glance over in time to spot a comment [All those tabloids said they were already married, even turning up a pile of sweet moments between them from other shows. Ha, I knew it was all hogwash.]

Seizing the phone abruptly, the director eagerly asked the commentator, "What tabloids? Point me in the right direction! I need to see this so-called sweet scoop!"

With a swift motion, the assistant director snatched the phone back and shooed the disruptive director away with a kick.

Just then, someone piped up with the question, "Where did Aurora go?"

The assistant director didn't bother with the query.

But before he knew it, one online commenter had sparked a wildfire, as a horde ofizens began flooding the chat with the same pressing question. With no way to dodge the bullet, the assistant director begrudgingly typed out a response, "Ms. Bell wasn't feeling well, so she's gone to rest in her room."

An Aurora fan chimed in, their message tinged with a plea for understanding - [Truth be told, Aurora's actions are just human nature. After all, she's a girl and she was terrified, that's why she called out for Egbert. As a fan of Aurora, I apologize to Egbert on her behalf and hope he can forgive her momentary fear.]

[Every Spring Couple fan wants you to know, if Aurora didn't absolutely adore Mr. Reed, why else would she call his name first thing? She just wanted him to protect her. Please don't hold it against her, Mr. Reed, we're begging you.]

[You two were once the closest of comrades, standing together at the pinnacle of showbiz. Who Aurora is as a person, Mr. Reed, you know better than anyone. We trust that you won't misunderstand her.]

[Mr. Reed wouldn't hold a grudge. If they didn't still have feelings for each other, why would they agree to star in a reality show together after all these years? Can't wait for the premiere of 'Romantic Revelations' and to see the Spring Couple reunite.]

Suddenly, Aurora's fanbase had parachuted into the chat, whether they were paid posters or true blue fans, it was hard to tell, but their similar comments quickly dominated the screen.

The assistant director was dumbfounded.

Sylvia, already not Aurora's biggest fan, saw the assistant director's stunned silence and pressed, "Anything else?"

Caught off guard and pressured by the relentless scrolling questions, he reluctantly looked towards Egbert and relayed, "Um, Mr. Reed... Ms. Bell's fans are collectively apologizing to you, hoping you won't hold her previous actions against her..."

Egbert paused, then turned his piercing gaze towards the assistant director, his eyebrows knitting together ever so slightly.

That's when Eileen stepped in, extending her hand, "Let me see that phone."

The assistant director hesitated, but the director snatched the phone and hastily handed it over to Eileen.

The assistant director was speechless.

Eileen scanned the relentless stream of messages, letting out a scoff before turning to Egbert, "Mr. Reed, do you forgive her?"

Egbert's deep eyes settled on Eileen before him, his voice calm as he said, "There's nothing to forgive or not."

Eileen's lips curled up in a smirk as she prodded, "And why's that?"

He lifted his hand, gently smoothing a stray lock of hair from the woman's forehead, his voice soft and reassuring, "To me, she's a stranger. I don't get angry with strangers."

Eileen let out a cold laugh, "A stranger, huh? Didn't you two collaborate on a movie before? What was it called again? Remind me, Mr. Reed?"

Egbert fell silent for a moment before replying, "I've forgotten as well."

Eileen frowned, "Really forgotten?"novelbin

Egbert sighed, a hint of exasperation in his voice, "My dear, I truly have."