In a bar downtown, Los Angeles.Max Norman dusted his clothes; a crisp white shirt and black vest before returning to the counter, taking out his phone from his backpack. He clicked on the messaging app, and his last conversation with July an hour ago appeared on the screen.The Motion Pictures award ceremony was going to be held tonight, and July was nominated for an award. It was her first award since she debuted, and he was pretty excited for her, so he sent countless messages of encouragement. But she only replied with a text, telling him to stop bothering her as she needed to rest before the award began.It was pretty cold, but Max knew she needed rest, so he didn't send another message afterward.He placed the phone back in his bag and looked up at the overhead screen in the bar lounge. The awards ceremony was being aired, and several movie stars were being interviewed on the red carpet. But July had not appeared yet."One more bottle of vodka!" someone yelled from the center of

July was stunned for a couple of seconds.But she quickly regained her composure, and her face contorted with anger. “What are you talking about?” She barked. “Why do you want a divorce?”Max stared at her angry face silently but soon lowered his head, unable to look at her the same way as before. He tried to keep his voice monotone as he responded, “I watched the award ceremony.”July frowned and was about to retort, but a second later, she seemed to realize something, and her face blanched.“What.. what...?” She subconsciously blurted out.Max looked up at her and calmly said, “I saw you hug and kiss Greg on the stage.”She looked ashen but she quickly collected herself.“And so what?” She glared coldly and shrugged. “It’s nothing. Just some publicity stunt.”“Publicity stunt?” Max felt ridiculous. “You kissed another man on stage, and you say it’s just publicity?” "Of course it was!" July threw her hands up in exasperation. "God, Max, how naive are you? It's not a big problem.”He

The line connected, but neither one spoke. Finally, Max broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper."I lost."A deep sigh came from the other end. "I don't blame you, Max. Your personality... it's exactly like your father's."Max remained silent, those words stirring up memories he'd long tried to forget.The voice on the phone continued, "Now that you've admitted defeat, it's time to come back to the Norman family. You need to take up your responsibilities."Max closed his eyes, feeling the weight of those words. He'd run from this for so long, but now it seemed there was nowhere left to go. "Tomorrow," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "After I sign the divorce papers, I'll be back.""Alright," came the reply, followed by another stretch of awkward silence.Max felt a lump forming in his throat. All the pain and humiliation of the night came crashing down on him. "I'm sorry, Grandpa," he choked out, years of regret and longing in those simple words. "I know, son. I k

Alexa's eyes narrowed as she approached July, her stilettos clicking menacingly on the pavement. "Oh, honey," she drawled, her voice dripping with condescension. "Are you really trying to play with fire? You'll only burn yourself, and trust me, you can't afford any more damage to that face." “Let’s see who will hide her face after my post. If you beg me, then I can give it a thought,” she smirked and moved her feet in front of her so that she could beg easily for mercy. Alexa was controlling her anger till now because of Max, but now she realizes that she don’t deserve any respect. She let out a derisive snort. "I mean, seriously? Challenging me? It's like watching a chihuahua try to take on a wolf. Adorable, but ultimately stupid just like you." July's eyes flashed with anger. "I'm not stupid, Alexa. And Max? He's nothing special. That's why I'm leaving him. You're welcome to my leftovers." Alexa's gaze flicked to Max, a triumphant smirk spreading across her face. "Thank goodn

"I'm not here to work," Max said, his voice steady despite his rage. "I'm here to quit."The boss's face twisted into a sneer, his beady eyes narrowing. "Oh really?" he mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And how do you plan to make a living without this job, Mr. High-and-Mighty? Did you suddenly win the lottery?"Max took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure. "That's none of your concern. I'm moving on to better things."The boss let out a harsh laugh. "Better things? You?" He turned to the other employees. "Did you hear that, folks? Our Max here thinks he's too good for us now!"The other workers shifted uncomfortably, unsure whether to laugh along with the boss or support Max. A few nervous chuckles echoed through the bar.The boss stepped closer to Max, his breath hot on Max's face. "Listen here, you ungrateful little punk. You were nothing when you came here. I gave you a chance when no one else would. And this is how you repay me?"Max stood his ground, refusing