Chapter 319 Cracks Beneath the Surface
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+8 Pearls
Soren effortlessly widened the distance between them after just a few exchanges.
Naomi didn’t get discouraged. She obediently kept pace with him, doing everything as directed.
The female guest in the concert would have to sit on stage, perform a magic act with Soren, and even dance with him.
Luckily for Naomi, the dance segment played to her strengths. The Rivers family had invested heavily in her artistic education growing up–dance was something she’d trained in for years.
Eliza watched from the shadows as Naomi and Soren moved from one side of the stage to the other.
Back and forth, over and over–it was exhausting.
Soren, being a professional, was barely winded. But Naomi?
She was struggling.
Even with her background in dance, running across such a massive stage again and again was too much. Sweat was already forming on her forehead.
And she’d worn makeup today. The sweat was starting to mess with it.
Naomi could even feel it seeping between her skin and the synthetic layer.
She was just about to ask for a break when Soren strolled over, his expression filled with gentle concern.
“Feeling overwhelmed?” he asked, his tone thoughtful. “Is it too much for you?”
Seeing the worry in his eyes made Naomi instantly forget all her earlier discomfort.
She had to look thoughtful and considerate in front of him–had to keep up the image. So she dabbed at her sweat and shook her head.
“I’m fine.”
Soren gave her a look of mild relief. “This performance means a lot to me. I really appreciate your help. But if it’s too much, just say so–I can make other arrangements.”
“No, no, I can do it.” Naomi stared earnestly into his eyes. “I’ve trained in dance since I was a kid. This isn’t hard for me. Don’t worry–I’ll help you bring your vision to life.”
Her determination made Soren smile. He reached out and gently wiped the sweat from her brow with a
handkerchief.
“Looks like your makeup’s smudging a bit. Want to head backstage for a touch–up?”
That was exactly what Naomi had been waiting for. She nodded quickly. “Sure. Wait for me–I’ll be right back.”
The moment she had his permission, she turned and walked straight to the dressing room.
T
Inside, Naomi was desperate to breathe.
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Chapter 319 Cracks Beneath the Surface
The sweat had made her whole face itch, and the synthetic skin was suffocating.
Still fully clothed, she had no choice but to peel off just a couple of the facial patches.
The exposed skin around the wound was already red and inflamed.
If she didn’t get air to it soon, the itching would be unbearable.
She finally felt some relief–until she heard voices and laughter approaching from outside.
“No kidding, Mr. Soren was so smooth out there.”
“That girl with him? What a joke. She couldn’t hold a candle to him.”
Naomi’s stomach twisted.
The voices were getting closer.
She panicked and scrambled to reapply the patches she’d peeled off.
Sure enough, the door swung open just moments later.
20 Fears
A few staff members walked in, chatting casually, only to see Naomi at the mirror, powder puff in hand.
One of them stepped forward. “Here, let me help with your makeup.”
“No!”
Naomi slapped the hand away without thinking.
Everyone froze.
The makeup artist blinked in surprise, unsure why Naomi had reacted so strongly. Just minutes ago onstage, she’d seemed so sweet and docile.
The others didn’t say a word.
Realizing she might’ve overreacted, Naomi forced a smile. “Sorry… I’m just not used to anyone else doing my makeup. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
The staff exchanged awkward glances but seemed to accept her explanation.
Still feeling crowded, Naomi quickly excused herself and stepped outside.
She wanted to find a quiet corner to breathe–to tear the damn skin off her face and let the wound cool down.
But before she could, another staffer came rushing over.
“Ms. Naomi! Are you done with your touch–up?”
Before Naomi could respond, the woman continued, “Your steps looked a little stiff out there. The choreography’s getting a slight update, so we’ll need you to run through it again—just ten minutes.”
Ten minutes? That she could handle.
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Chapter 319 Cracks Beneath the Surface
Naomi nodded, relieved.
If she rehearsed for ten more minutes, she’d still have at least twenty minutes afterward to rest. That was more than enough time to hide backstage and get some air.
Once the final rehearsal was done, she’d lay low and wait until it was time to step out as the show’s star
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