The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Chapter 855: AT HIS CORE

THE rest of the movie became a blur for Wulfric after that. His brain just couldnʼt let go of that damn kiss scene. It kept replaying in his head over and over, and he couldnʼt focus on anything else. He tried, he really did. Because if he didnʼt, he would just keep glaring at whatever-his-name was. And the longer he glared, the higher the chance that he might lose control and actually do what he wanted. Which was to make the guy puke on his seat. But he knew Aster would know it was him, so he was doing his best to hold back.

All Wulfric really caught was that after a lot of chasing and double crossing, they finally caught the Architect. He turned out to be a noble duke. That part got his attention for a second, since the actor playing him looked a bit like that general from the shitty Lancaster family. But then the Architect was killed, or was he? Wulfric couldnʼt really remember. Either way, after he disappeared, Themis was acquitted from the murder they were framed for, and just like Asterʼs character had promised, their records were wiped clean.

Then some drama happened. Asterʼs character disappeared again, which Wulfric hoped would be the end of the movie. But of course it wasnʼt. It ended with that unlucky, no, very lucky bastard back on his home planet, meeting up with Asterʼs character on some hill as the sun was rising. Wulfric braced himself for another kiss. But thankfully, it just ended with the guy offering his hand and Asterʼs character about to take it.

He let out a quiet sigh of relief when the movie finally ended there. Because if there had been another kiss scene, he might have really lost it. Once was already enough. Twice? His self control would have snapped completely. He would have stood up and attacked whatever-his-name was right there in the theater. Yes, he knew it was immature. He wasnʼt denying it. He was an immature bastard, so what? He couldnʼt just change that overnight, no matter how hard he was trying to be a decent person for Aster. At his core, he was still the same demonic general that people feared.

The theater lights came up as the credits rolled, and the audience broke into loud applause. The cast stood from their seats and made their way to the front, facing the crowd. The clapping grew even louder when the actor playing Remi reached for Asterʼs character and took his hand. Aster accepted it without hesitation, and the audience ate it up. Wulfric watched the whole thing, his eye twitching just a little.

Feeling the dark pressure around her grow even stronger, Ellis turned to the prince. Her eyes immediately landed on the armrest he had been gripping, now cracked and splintered under his hand. She stared at it for a second, then back at his face. His jaw was tight, his eyes fixed on the cast still standing at the front of the theater. She knew exactly why he was like this. He had just watched Astrid kiss another man, even if it was just acting. She had hoped his mood would ease as the movie went on. It hadnʼt. It had only gotten worse. Surely, he wouldnʼt just suddenly attack Jordan, right?

She pinched the bridge of her nose. This was exactly why she hadnʼt wanted to bring him here. Imagine the scandal if the prince actually attacked someone in the middle of the theater. She let out a quiet sigh and forced herself to take control of the situation before it escalated further. She would just have to get him out of here as soon as possible. And she just happened to know the magic word for that.

”William, letʼs go wait for Astrid near the side hallway. Heʼll be coming through there once heʼs done talking to the cast.”

Just as she had hoped, the pressure radiating from the prince eased slightly. Not completely, but enough that Ellis could breathe again. He glanced one last time toward the front where Astrid stood, then got up and followed her without argument. She let out a quiet breath of relief. At least he hadnʼt made a scene.

***

”Are you really not joining us for the after party?” Director Evans asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

”Yeah, come join us, Astrid. Youʼre a big part of this film, after all,” Jordan added, draping his arm casually over the directorʼs shoulders.

”Iʼm sorry, I really wanted to,” Astrid said, offering an apologetic smile. ”But I already have something scheduled tonight that I canʼt get out of.” Which wasnʼt entirely a lie. He wanted to spend his time tonight with Wulfric. So, he was partially telling the truth. He paused, then added, ”Iʼll definitely make it up to you all next time.”

”Itʼs fine, what do you mean ʼmake it up to usʼ?” Logan said, waving his hand. ”You being part of this movie was more than enough already.”

”Yeah,” Zoey agreed. ”Youʼre the one bringing in the box office numbers. Weʼre not going to hold it against you if you canʼt stay for the after party.”

”Hey, youʼre acting like we donʼt have any pull ourselves,” Jordan said, putting on an offended look.

Astrid chuckled. Even now, he still wasnʼt used to seeing how different the three of them were from their characters in [Blind Justice]. He talked with them a little longer before excusing himself and heading toward the side hallway. Ellis had messaged him earlier, saying she and Wulfric were waiting for him there.

As he walked toward them, he spotted Ellis and Wulfric right away. But just as he was about to call out, his steps almost faltered at the dark look on Wulfricʼs face. Most of his eyes were still hidden behind the fringe of his wig, but Astrid could still read the expression clearly. It was a mix of anger and irritation.

He knew exactly where those emotions were coming from. The kiss scene. He didnʼt know whether to find it amusing or frustrating. In the end, amusement won.