Out of the Shadows: Tilda’s Second Life Begins
Ring, ring, ring! Darell shot up in bed, heart pounding. The alarm clock had ripped him out of sleep. He was gasping for air, drenched in sweat. It was five in the morning. His call time wasn't until nine, but he had to be downstairs for makeup in half an hour. "It was ... just a dream. Thank God," he whispered. "But why such a strange dream? Why was everyone there? Why did it feel so real, like it had actually happened?" Darell rushed to the counter, poured himself a glass of warm water, and downed it in one gulp. He choked from drinking too fast, coughing so hard he spilled water down his pajama shirt. Anyone who knew him would have been shocked. Darell was the most precise and disciplined among his family. Even Dominic couldn't compare with him. If Darell had chosen business instead of show biz, the one to inherit the family business might not have been Dominic at all. Just then, the hotel phone buzzed with a message. "Darell, are you awake? I'm already in the makeup room downstairs. Today's the final day of shooting. Once you get through this, everything will pay off." It was Cindy Stenham, his manager. Darell took a deep breath. Whatever happened, he had to get this day right. This was the most important moment of his career. There could be no mistakes. And once today's filming was over, he had to see that psychic again. And Tilda. His gut told him it was the only way.Otherwise, these dreams would never end. ... Across the city, Tilda also had the same dream. She was back on the night of her past life—the night she burned to death. Tilda watched her body consumed by flames until it was nothing but a ruined figure. Around her corpse, the Jensons sneered and spat, their faces twisted with scorn and contempt. But Tilda's heart didn't stir. She stood calmly inside the nightmare, simply waiting to wake up. "Tilda, hurry up and eat breakfast. Andy just texted me. He's coming to the hotel soon." "Okay." After washing up and getting ready, Tilda and Una headed downstairs to the buffet. "I heard there's a huge movie town near Jeselton. Andy's supposed to take us there today." Una urged, "Wow, this five-star hotel buffet is amazing. These pastries are so good. Tilda, you have to try one." "Sure." At that moment, Darell walked through the lobby. He wore sunglasses, a mask, and the hood of his down jacket pulled up. Wireless earbuds sat in both ears. His manager and two security guards flanked him as they moved toward the front entrance. Suddenly, Darell slowed. He picked up on something and turned his head slightly toward the buffet restaurant. Cindy noticed and asked, "What is it, Darell?" "Nothing. Let's go." But inside, he frowned. That sudden, unexplainable pull—it had to be his imagination. Meanwhile, Tilda and Una had spotted the commotion. "Wow, look at all those people. Must be some A-list celebrity." "Probably rushing off to shoot a movie in the movie town. The hotel security is tight. Good thing there aren't any crazy fans hanging around, or it would be chaos."Tilda asked casually, "Hey, that actor you used to like ... What was his name again?" "Don't even mention him, Tilda. I swear I'm cursed. Every time I start liking a star, they end up in some scandal." She sighed. "The whole industry is built on fake images. None of them are clean. Now I just watch shows for fun, maybe some variety programs. Spending money on stars? No way. I'm done with that nonsense." Tilda's lips twitched into a half-smile. She remembered how Una used to be obsessed with idols back in freshman year. Now here she was, acting all wise, saying she'd outgrown it. Well, maybe she had grown up. This was good. Tilda felt an odd, proud warmth—like a parent watching their kid finally mature. Soon Andy arrived and took Tilda and Una to Jeselton's movie town. "I've been here too many times already," Andy said, smirking. "Besides, I've got some legal work to handle. So, do you want to see me in action, or would you rather just wander around the studios on your own?" Una's eyes lit up. "I've never seen you work before! You're a top lawyer—famous across the country. I'd love to watch you." She had visited plenty of movie towns before, with their modest village houses, grand palaces, and period backdrops. It was all the same. But Andy at work? That was new and far more interesting. Tilda stretched lazily. "You go ahead. I'll just walk around on my own. Text me when you're done, and we'll meet up."
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