Regret It, Ex? Too Late

Chapter 7 Back on Stage

Kelly's father had worked as the personal physician for Cameron's grandfather, Robert Castillo, since his early career days.

Robert, a man of legendary resolve, had guided the Castillo family through the Cold War era, securing their place while leveraging his unique vision during the Third Industrial Revolution to build the family's current financial empire.

However, the toll of those early struggles had left Robert with a fragile body, confining him mostly to a wellness center for treatment and rest.

Cameron, who had been raised by his grandfather, grew up almost side by side with Kelly.

Kelly followed in her father's footsteps, earning her place at Hereida Medical School and eventually becoming a distinguished surgeon at Kaloria-Presbyterian.

Now, she serves as Cameron's personal doctor, working for the Castillo family.

As Cameron finished his medication, a healthy flush returned to his cheeks.

Reviewing his medical report, Kelly casually asked, "Where's Mia?"

Cameron stayed silent for a long moment before replying, "Doctors only tend to physical matters. The rest is none of your concern."

"If it concerns your health, then it's definitely my concern." Kelly shrugged with a playful smile.

Cameron glanced at Kelly's perfectly made-up face, and once again, his thoughts drifted back to Mia.

Noticing his gaze, Kelly wondered if there was something wrong with her makeup and quickly asked, "What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"

"Cameron? Cameron?" she called out again, snapping him back from his thoughts.

"It's nothing. I'm just tired."

Sensing his unusual mood, Kelly feigned lightheartedness. "Alright then, I'll let you rest. See you later."

As soon as she stepped out of the room, the smile on Kelly's face vanished, replaced by a stern and cold expression.

Before she left, she cast a possessive glance back at the resting Cameron in the room.

In the sunny midday of Newhaven, Mia lounged lazily in the corner of the garden, mulling over the suggestion she had received from the bar owner the previous night.

Her phone rang, and the moment she picked up, a voice burst with excitement.

"Hey, sweetie, you were incredible last night! I knew you'd outshine any professional dancer! The bar's sales tripled last night, all thanks to you!" Vivian boasted proudly, hands on her hips.

"By the way, the boss wants me to ask if you'd consider a regular gig at the bar. He's offering five thousand bucks per show. What do you think?"

Mia gazed out at the greenery in the distance, hesitating. "I'm not sure... I saw Cameron there last night."

"He was there too? Did he recognize you, honey?" Vivian asked, worry creeping into her voice.

Mia thought back for a moment. "He didn't recognize me, but he kept staring. I'm worried he might have guessed who I am. I don't think I'll go back to Thunderbolt."

"Oh, come on. You had a mask on! Even I almost didn't recognize you. Besides, he never paid attention to you before. How would he now?" Vivian tried to reassure her.

"No, I don't want to risk running into Cameron again. I'll keep looking for another job. Thanks for everything, Vivian," Mia said firmly.

"Alright, I'll let the boss know. But, darling, I'm always here for you if you need anything! Bye!" Vivian said before hanging up.

Mia glanced at the bank notification on her phone, showing her meager savings of fifty thousand plus the recent deposit of two thousand.

Fifty-two thousand dollars wasn't even a tenth of what I needed for my project. How could I possibly raise the money quickly? Should I go back to dancing at the bar? At five thousand dollars per night, I could make fifty grand in just ten nights...'

As she weighed her options, she suddenly heard hushed footsteps and conversation nearby.

"Oh my god, I heard Mr. Alden is having the estate put up for sale! Do you think they're really going bankrupt? Are we going to get fired?"

"What? This mansion too? No wonder we haven't been paid this month."

"It must be true. I've seen Daniel coming over almost every day lately, demanding his share of the assets."

As the voices of the maids faded away, the surroundings fell silent once more.

Mia felt a chill run through her as if the world was ending, yet no Noah's Ark appeared to save her.

Fighting back her rising sense of dread, she quickly picked up her phone and made a call.

"Hey, darling, is your boss still looking for dancers?"

"I didn't even get a chance to tell him you turned down the offer! So, does this mean you've changed your mind?" Vivian asked, her voice brimming with surprise.

"Yes, I accept! But... can you try to negotiate a higher rate for me?" Mia's voice grew quieter with each word.

"Absolutely! I'll talk to him and make sure you get the best deal!"

"Thank you, Vivian."

After hanging up, Mia slumped back in her chair, feeling as if her very soul had been drained away.

Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that, as someone born into a noble family, she'd be begging for more money just to survive.

The next day, the skies over Kaloria turned gray and heavy.

Outside Thunderbolt, the street buzzed with activity, but Mia lingered at the entrance, taking a deep breath before stepping inside.

She had worked out a deal with the bar owner of five thousand per dance, with the promise that she would only dance and never serve drinks.

Mia regained her confidence on stage after the success of her last performance.

That night, dancing alongside Vivian, she felt more alive than ever, moving gracefully like a spirited sprite.

At the end of the performance, she bowed as usual.

But this time, as she glanced out at the crowd, she scanned carefully for any familiar faces.

Seeing no sign of him, she finally exhaled in relief.

A strange mix of emotions swirled in her chest. 'Is it disappointment or relief?' Even she couldn't tell.

While Mia and Vivian retreated to the dressing room for a break, the bar owner suddenly approached and pressed a bottle of wine into Mia's hands.

"Hey, we agreed, no serving drinks," Mia reminded him.

"I know. But all the servers are busy right now. Just drop this off in one of the private rooms, will you?" he said, brushing her off.

Faced with his impatient insistence, Mia had no choice but to take the bottle.