591-595

*Chapter 591: How Many "Dark Horses" Does Luca Have?*

After a day of relaxing outside, Luca returned to his normal routine the next day—working, going home, and spending time with his four little ones. He lived a seemingly ordinary family life.

By the end of March, Juno was set to premiere. Luca joined the crew for a few days of promotional events, which yielded impressive results.

On April 1st, Juno, backed by Brassiere Pictures, was released in 518 theaters across the United States as a limited release. As an indie art film, it needed to test the waters before potentially gaining broader resources.

The results were extraordinary. In its first three days, the film grossed $8.48 million, with a per-theater average of $15,000, shocking the distributors and media alike.

“What kind of monster has Luca unleashed this time?” some media outlets exclaimed.

Following this success, the distributors quickly expanded the film to 1,998 theaters, and the per-theater average remarkably held steady at over $10,000.

Weekend attendance surged by 200.7%, and by the end of the first week, Juno had grossed $20.68 million, ranking third at the box office.

The industry was astounded.

This small indie film, produced on a modest $15 million budget and centered around an unconventional pregnancy theme, had drawn a surprisingly large audience.

“Are Luca’s films really that irresistible? Wasn’t everyone supposed to boycott his films because of his reputation? Why are people sneaking into theaters instead?”

Even critics who went in with a negative bias came out with one thought: This is amazing.  

“The film tells the story of a young girl who unexpectedly becomes pregnant but bravely decides to keep the baby. Her father, stepmother, and friends support her through this challenging time. It’s a touching and heartwarming story that leaves you moved and uplifted. Three-and-a-half stars!”

— Los Angeles Times  

“Another quintessential Luca production. What defines his films?

1. Story-first: Aside from his first two youth-oriented films, Luca’s works have consistently delivered compelling plots, strong performances, and excellent production quality. It’s no exaggeration to say, ‘A Luca production is a quality guarantee,’ as evidenced by his frequent recognition at major film awards.

2. Bad-boy charm: Once again, Luca portrays a flawed character—a soft-spoken man afraid of his wife. His performance is hilarious and seemingly autobiographical (just my opinion). Want to see how Luca acts at home? Check it out!

3. Small budget, big returns: With a production budget of $15 million, Juno grossed $42.1 million by its second weekend, with its weekly revenue growing—a rarity in the film market.

This further proves the film’s high quality. According to box office analysts, Juno is expected to gross $80 million in North America and $140 million globally.

These numbers evoke memories of films like Step Up and Little Miss Sunshine, both of which turned $10 million budgets into over $100 million in earnings. Coupled with the $340 million success of The Proposal, industry insiders are now wondering: How many dark horses do Luca and Brassiere Pictures have up their sleeves?”

— Entertainment Online  

“A heartwarming film reflecting cold, harsh realities. While Juno’s story ends with redemption, countless underage mothers in real life continue to struggle in the shadows. The story is too idealistic, like a fairy tale. Half a star.”

— Cinema Market  

---

Luca put down the newspaper with a smile.

“What’s up? Did someone criticize you again?” Ed asked.

“No, it’s just... are there no reviews about the other actors?” Luca asked while flipping through the paper.

“There are,” Ed replied, pulling out some newspapers. “Here—lots of praise for your acting, looks, and charm. I didn’t show you earlier because I thought you might not like it. But if you want, take a look.”

“That’s not what I’m after. I want to see how the media is reviewing the other actors—Ellen Page, Jennifer Garner, Mr. Simmons. They all did a fantastic job.”

Luca skimmed through the reviews and sighed at how some shallow critics focused solely on his appearance, lavishing him with superficial praise.

“Most reviews about Ellen Page are positive,” Ed said. “They say she brought the character to life. Thanks to this film, she’s gone from a D-list to a B-list actress and is gaining popularity fast. She even thanked you on a talk show yesterday.”

Luca shook his head. “That’s not ideal; it could lead to misunderstandings.”

“Doesn’t matter. Even if she didn’t thank you, people would still speculate. Speaking of which—look at this.”

Ed handed over another paper.

“There’s a report saying you got along well with Jennifer Garner on set. It then pivots to claim that Jennifer and Ben Affleck are experiencing marital issues. They didn’t outright accuse you of being a homewrecker, but the implication is there.”

“Ridiculous! I was nothing but professional on set and avoided private interactions with female co-stars. How can they write this nonsense?”

Ed laughed. “Once a ‘bad boy,’ always a ‘bad boy.’ As long as you’re in this industry, you can’t escape these rumors. But hey, a man with scandals is more intriguing. You already have so many; a few more won’t hurt.”

Luca shook his head. “These media outlets won’t rest until they ruin my name. Still, I feel more at ease seeing negative rumors. Too much positivity gives me anxiety.”

Ed chuckled and handed over a folder. “Look at this—your latest offers. Four projects, two of which are offering $25 million. You’re solidly in the A+ tier now. If you keep it up, S-tier isn’t far off.”

“$25 million?”

Luca glanced at the offers. Paramount’s G.I. Joe and Clash of the Titans each offered $25 million. Tempting, but...

“They’re decent, but I don’t have time. My schedule is packed this year,” Luca said.

“So, you’re passing on them?”

Ed pointed to the folder. “That’s $25 million we’re talking about. If you want, I can make adjustments to fit them in.”

Luca shook his head. “Not interested. These films lack awards potential and significant impact.”

“What about the superhero buzz? There’s talk about remakes of Captain America, Spider-Man, Thor, and a few others. Maybe aim for one of those?”

“Captain America’s a no-go for me, but characters like Thor, Deadpool, or Aquaman might be worth considering,” Luca replied.

“Got it. I’ll keep you posted.”

“Thanks. You’re the boss.”

Ed left the office with a smirk.

Luca smiled, checked his phone, and saw a message from Anne Hathaway inviting him over for dinner after finishing her latest film.

“Dinner?”

Luca thought for a moment and decided to accept.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 592: The Tenderness in the Kitchen*

Ding-dong~ Ding-dong~  

That afternoon, Luca arrived at Anne Hathaway’s home, carrying a bottle of red wine and a bouquet of white tulips.

Click~  

The door opened, revealing an exquisite face that instantly caught the eye—it was Anne Hathaway herself.

She wore a light blue blouse tucked into a creamy white pencil skirt, cinched at the waist with a slender belt. Her look was simple yet elegant, radiating charm.

"Luca, you’re here!" Anne greeted him with a warm smile.

"Anne, you seem to get more beautiful every time I see you. Here, these are for you."

Luca handed her the flowers.

"Thank you!" Anne took the bouquet and gave him a light kiss on the cheek.

As they entered her home, Luca glanced around. "Where’s Lavery?"

"We broke up. Didn’t you know?" Anne said as she walked to the counter and placed the flowers in a vase.

"I hadn’t heard about that," Luca replied.

Anne brushed her hair back with a chuckle. "You’ve probably been too busy. From last year to now, you’ve been on fire. Atonement, The Proposal, and 21, not to mention the buzz around Juno. Mr. Kelly, how many more dark horses do you have up your sleeve?"

"Plenty more, of course. After all, I am the ‘Dark Horse Prince,’ right?"

The nickname had been coined by fans, referring both to his incredible box office success and his reputation for unexpected twists.

"Indeed, it suits you well," Anne said with a laugh. She pulled two aprons from a drawer, handing him a blue one.

"What’s this for?" Luca asked, puzzled.

"For cooking, of course. Don’t you wear an apron while cooking?" Anne replied with a playful wink.

"Wait—you invited me over for dinner and now you’re asking me to cook?"

"What else? Haha! Come on, it’ll go faster if we do it together," Anne said as she slipped the apron over his neck.

Luca smirked reluctantly but accepted his delightful task.

"Let me help you with yours," he said, tying her apron around her waist.

"Thanks. How do I look?" Anne twirled in place, her skirt fluttering lightly, accentuating her tall and graceful figure.

Luca admired her quietly. "Nothing could look more appetizing. Anne, just looking at you is a feast in itself."

"Haha! Do you always say such sweet things?" Anne laughed, kissing him again before stepping into the kitchen.

Luca rolled up his sleeves and got to work.

In the kitchen, Anne washed vegetables and prepared ingredients while Luca handled the chopping and second-stage prep.

"Luca, aren’t you filming anything this year? You’re so in demand; I’m sure companies are throwing checks at you," Anne said.

"That’s true. Paramount’s G.I. Joe, Warner Bros.’ Clash of the Titans, and Star Trek—all offered $25 million contracts. But I turned them down," Luca replied casually.

"Why? Were the projects bad?"

"No, they were good. I just don’t have time. I just wrapped up post-production on Inglourious Basterds, and I’ve got new movies coming out in the spring. Then there’s Sherlock Holmes, a new Woody Allen film, and two projects in development with my company. My schedule is almost full this year and next."

"Wow, sounds like a dream come true for any actor. Do you realize you’re living the ultimate dream—unfinished projects on hand and big offers waiting for you?" Anne said, smiling.

Luca chuckled. "What about you? Finished filming Bride Wars?"

"Yes, but it’s a dual-lead film, so my scenes weren’t too extensive."

"Any new roles lined up?"

"No," Anne said, shaking her head. "After Becoming Jane flopped at the box office and I had no other releases last year, my buzz faded. So, no good projects have come my way yet."

"Is that so?" Luca mused.

"Hey, Luca," Anne nudged his shoulder, "do you know Miramax regretted not casting you as the male lead in Becoming Jane? They said it could’ve grossed at least $100 million with you."

"Really? I would’ve loved to collaborate with you earlier. On the Brokeback Mountain set, Jack’s role was supposed to be mine, and then in Becoming Jane… but something always got in the way. It’s like fate is messing with us."

Anne laughed. "Maybe it’s God?"

"Or Cupid," Luca said with a sly grin.

"Cupid?"

"Yes, testing us."

"Why test us? We’re not even dating," Anne teased, looking at him.

"Aren’t we?" Luca leaned in and kissed her softly.

Anne smiled and placed a tomato in his hand.

Luca diced it into small pieces and added them to a bowl. "Anne, I have a script based on the bestselling book Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman. Interested?"

"If you’re recommending it, it must be good. I’d like to read it."

"It’s an R-rated film with full nudity and intense scenes. It requires a bold performance," Luca warned.

"Are you the male lead?" Anne asked, studying him.

Luca smiled faintly. "If I have the time."

"I hope it’s you," Anne said, holding his arm.

Luca laughed softly. "Read the script first. If you don’t like it, I’ll recommend another. Do you trust my judgment?"

"I do. But why are you helping me?" Anne asked, gazing at him.

"What do you think?" Luca pulled her close and kissed her deeply.

Anne closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck.

The stovetop flame hadn’t even been lit, yet the kitchen’s temperature soared, filled with a heat that had nothing to do with cooking.

"Wait, we agreed—cook first, everything else later. We have plenty of time," Anne said, cupping his face with a smile.

"You’re right. I got ahead of myself. My apologies," Luca said, stealing another kiss.

"You’re forgiven," Anne replied, kissing him back.

With that, they focused on cooking, though at a quicker pace.

In less than an hour, they had created a beautiful spread of dishes.

"Chef, thank you. This is the best lunch I’ve ever had," Anne said, raising her wine glass with a smile.

"And thank you. I love your kitchen," Luca replied.

Ding!  

Under the soft glow of the lights, the two chatted and savored their meal. Before they knew it, night had fallen.

"What’s next?" Anne swirled her wine, her cheeks flushed with a hint of intoxication.

"Save the world?" Luca suggested with a playful smirk.

"Sure, let’s save the world together," Anne said, leaning into his arms.

Luca held her close and kissed her gently.

"Darling, I have an idea," Anne whispered into his ear. "Shall we try it?"

"Beauty and the Beast? Am I the beast?"

"Yes, Beast, shall we?"

Anne’s breath brushed against him, her words laced with laughter and allure.

"Absolutely. Because I am the Beast," Luca said with a hearty laugh, lifting her onto his shoulder.

"Ahh! Beast, let me go!" Anne giggled.

"Princess, don’t struggle. I’m your Beast Prince," he teased.

Bang!  

The bedroom door shut firmly behind them.

(End of Chapter)  

Chapter 593: Luca's Criminal Evidence

The night was dark.

A faint glow illuminated his face.

Luca rubbed his forehead and woke up from a deep sleep, hearing strange sounds echoing in the room.

Phrases like:

"No~ don’t do that~"  

"You jerk! What you’re doing is illegal. I’ll call 911 and have you arrested!"  

"Luca, you beast! That’s off-limits! Nooo~"  

Hearing these voices, Luca froze.

They sounded familiar, as if they were Anne Hathaway's voice. He could swear he’d heard these lines earlier.

Aside from the woman's voice, there was also a male voice—his own, saying overly dramatic lines.

"Princess, stop struggling."  

"Scream all you want. See if anyone comes to save you."  

Luca’s face flushed. That’s me! But why am I hearing this?  

He looked up and saw the massive television on the opposite wall playing some explicit content. The characters on screen were none other than himself and Anne.

Watching his own actions, Luca's face burned with embarrassment.

Earlier, Anne had suggested they play a little game called "Beauty and the Beast."

He’d agreed to be the beast. However, after drinking too much in the afternoon, he lost control and truly acted like a beast, doing things he now regretted.

“Anne!”

Sitting in the corner of the bed, Anne Hathaway draped a white blanket over her shoulders, her golden-brown hair cascading over her pale shoulders. Hearing his call, she flinched.

“Anne, did you record last night?”

Luca put his arm around her shoulder.

“Hmph, surprised?”

Anne’s tone was cold.

“Haha, you’re thoughtful as always. Such a beautiful night should indeed be remembered.”

Luca kissed her shoulder.

“Let go of me, you criminal.”

Anne shoved his hand away, her delicate face icy cold.

Luca raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Anne, shall we continue? If so, let’s go!”

“You bastard!”

Anne wrapped the blanket around herself and stood up, glaring at him. “Luca, what if I take this to the police? Will you go to jail?”

“What do you mean?”

Luca froze. He was still tired from last night’s escapades, and his brain wasn’t running at full speed.

“It’s simple. Luca Kelly, you broke the law. You took advantage of me while drunk, and this is the evidence. I’m calling 911 to have you arrested. I’ll also expose your disgraceful deeds and ruin you!”

Anne crossed her arms and sneered.

“Uh... wait, this is too exciting. Give me a moment to calm down.”

Luca rubbed his chin and gave her a once-over. “Anne, are you saying you want to ruin me like this?”

“Yes!”

“Why?”

Luca smiled faintly. “Anne, aren’t we good friends? Aren’t we dating? And this was your idea—a game. Why is it now criminal evidence against me?”

“I didn’t plan this. It’s all your fault. You got drunk and assaulted me.”

Anne glared at him.

“Alright, I get it. This is a honey trap, isn’t it?”

“Hmph!”

“Why?”

Luca was puzzled.

“You really don’t know? You conspired with Tompo Realty to destroy Lavery’s business, forced him out of the U.S., and made him break up with me. You tore us apart and still claim innocence?”

Anne’s eyes were filled with rage.

Luca shook his head. “Anne, did Lavery tell you this?”

“Isn’t it true? I trusted you as a friend and introduced you to Lavery, hoping you, a wealthy man, could help him. But I was wrong. Big capitalists care only about profit, not friendship!

You ruined his business, seized his assets, and even took me away from him. Aren’t you satisfied? But don’t get too happy yet. With this evidence, even if I can’t put you in jail, I’ll make sure you can’t stay in the U.S.!”

Anne grabbed her clothes and the tape, ready to leave.

“Wait, Anne!”

Luca grabbed her tightly.

“Let go of me! What are you trying to do? Imprison me? I’ll have you know, if I don’t show up tomorrow, my agent will call the police.”

Anne struggled.

Smack!  

Luca gave her a light slap on the rear. “Can you calm down? Don’t you want to hear my explanation?”

“No, I don’t want to hear your excuses.”

“What if I have evidence to prove my innocence?”

Luca said calmly.

“Evidence? Fake evidence? Hmph, I’m not a child. I won’t fall for it.”

Anne turned her face away.

“Haha, you look adorable when you’re angry.”

“You jerk! Let me go!”

“Don’t worry. Let’s talk seriously.”

Luca carried her back to the bed and set her down gently.

---

From there, Luca meticulously explained Lavery’s fraudulent schemes and presented incriminating evidence, revealing that Lavery had been the real villain all along. Anne, realizing her misplaced trust, broke down in tears, lamenting her naivety.

In the end, their heated argument gave way to reconciliation as Anne admitted her feelings and vulnerability, while Luca used his charm to lighten the mood.

Their story was far from over.  

(Chapter ends.)

*Chapter 594: Plenty of People Are Jealous of Me*

After another day of mischief, Luca once again found himself completely drained.

He silently resolved that for the foreseeable future, he would focus on work, cultivate himself, and strive to be a well-rounded, grounded man.

Over the next few days, Luca diligently tackled his company’s tasks and then poured his energy into preparing for the filming of Sherlock Holmes.

Initially, he had hoped to play Watson. However, the role assigned to him was Sherlock Holmes—a challenging character that wouldn’t be easy to portray well.

But as a professional actor who thrives on his craft, Luca wasn’t intimidated by any role.

In the past, Christoph Waltz excelled as the villain in Inglourious Basterds, proving that even a bold choice could lead to phenomenal results. Luca took the plunge then, and it paid off handsomely.

Robert Downey Jr. had redefined Holmes with his unique portrayal, and Luca was confident he could bring something equally, if not more, compelling to the table.

Downey’s Holmes was a genius—emotional, intense, slightly neurotic, and action-packed—far from the calm, mature detective of tradition. His witty humor and fearless combat scenes turned the character into an entirely new archetype, and it was precisely these innovations that made Downey's Holmes a success.

So, how could Luca make his own Holmes stand out?

He dived into Arthur Conan Doyle's original works, rewatched previous adaptations, and analyzed them meticulously to find inspiration. Combining elements from the past with his own unique strengths, he aimed to create a distinct and unforgettable Sherlock Holmes.

After some time immersed in study, Luca had some initial ideas, though they remained elusive. He decided to call the film’s director, Guy Ritchie, for guidance.

Ritchie, a celebrated British director known for classics like Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, had once set UK box-office records. However, his career hit a rough patch after marrying Madonna in the early 2000s.

Their collaboration on Swept Away in 2002 faced brutal criticism, and his 2005 film Revolver also flopped.

This year, amid rumors of marital troubles and potential divorce from Madonna, Ritchie took on Sherlock Holmes, leading to media speculation that his luck might finally change.

As some had joked, Madonna’s previous husband, Sean Penn, saw his career rebound only after their divorce.

Luca suspected that Sherlock Holmes owed its eventual success not only to Ritchie, Downey, or Jude Law but perhaps most of all to Madonna’s curious influence.

---

At a family gathering, Luca met with Ritchie to discuss the film. He shared his thoughts on portraying Holmes and sought advice.

Ritchie offered two key suggestions:

1. Study Ritchie’s previous films to understand his style and the essence of his characters.

2. Merge Luca’s own traits with Holmes’ DNA, creating a fresh and cohesive character.

The first point resonated deeply with Luca. Ritchie, known for his cult films, often infused them with irreverent British humor, absurd coincidences, stylish cinematography, rapid edits, and rock ‘n’ roll energy. As the film’s protagonist, Luca needed to align his performance with Ritchie’s style to do justice to the role.

The second suggestion was equally crucial. Combining his unique strengths with Holmes’ established traits could result in a groundbreaking interpretation of the character.

Downey had done this exceptionally well. With a touch of Charlie Chaplin—whom he had previously portrayed to critical acclaim—Downey added a layer of whimsy to his Holmes. His eccentricity and slapstick charm became a natural extension of his earlier work.

Luca, however, lacked such a clear advantage.

“Don’t stress,” Ritchie joked. “Every new role is like giving birth. It’s painful, but if you keep pushing, you’ll deliver something extraordinary.”

Luca smirked. “I’m not even pregnant yet—how am I supposed to give birth?”

“Well, let’s see what you’ve got so far,” Ritchie said.

“My vision is a cool, slightly neurotic genius with nimble skills and a violent streak,” Luca explained.

“Sounds intriguing,” Ritchie mused. “But ideas alone aren’t enough. I need you to embody this Holmes as a cohesive, believable character without inconsistencies.”

“I’ll make sure of it,” Luca assured him.

Just then, Madonna called them over for pie.

“Luca, try this peanut butter pie Madonna and I baked together,” Britney said, offering him a slice.

Amid playful family banter and shared laughs, Luca found a moment of clarity. Even with the chaos of life, he could bring his creativity and determination to any challenge—including Holmes.

---

The next day, Luca attended the New York Film Festival, where Juno had been nominated. Walking the red carpet with Britney, he caused a media stir once again.

Critics wondered aloud: was he publicly solidifying their relationship?

Despite the inevitable backlash, Luca didn’t mind. Being a polarizing figure was part of his appeal.

When Juno won three major awards—Best Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Actress—the victory added fuel to the buzz. The film’s box-office earnings surged to $75 million, with $100 million now in sight.

As the media’s criticisms mounted, Luca couldn’t help but smile. This was exactly the kind of attention he thrived on.

“You really know how to invite controversy,” his agent Ed teased over the phone.

“Controversy keeps me relevant,” Luca replied with a laugh.

For now, Luca turned his focus back to perfecting Holmes. After all, every great performance begins with careful preparation—and a bit of chaos along the way.

"It's no big deal. My relationship with Britney has been no secret for a while. What's wrong with walking the red carpet together?"

Luca chuckled.

"Still, there's a big difference between being semi-public and fully public. Whatever, you're the boss—do as you please.

But you should be prepared for this: ever since you turned down several big productions and publicly stirred things up, those film studios haven’t been as enthusiastic about you as before."

"No worries. This gives me a chance to focus on the roles I already have. Ed, remember this: slow and steady wins the race."

Luca laughed.

"Slow and steady? Ha! Weren't you planning to retire?"

"Uh, well, at least I haven’t retired yet, have I?"

Luca smiled, chatted for a bit more, and then went back to working on the script.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 595: Get Your Stinky Pig Hooves Off Me*

At the end of April, The Great Detective Sherlock Holmes began filming in London, England.

The movie revolves around Holmes and Watson teaming up to investigate a series of gruesome murders targeting young women, eventually clashing wits with Duke Blackwood and unmasking the true culprit.

Luca plays the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes, while Benedict "Batch" Cumberbatch takes on the role of Dr. Watson.

When Luca first heard about Batch playing Watson, he was utterly baffled. After all, Batch became famous for portraying the iconic Sherlock Holmes—his rendition was even considered more classic than Robert Downey Jr.'s take on the character.

Now, having the authentic Sherlock Holmes play Watson felt odd, like participating in a bizarre game of Spot the Real Sherlock Holmes.  

Luca, as Holmes, found himself working alongside an immensely talented "Holmes" as Watson, which was quite the pressure cooker.

Batch, at 31, was a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, who debuted in 2000. Initially focused on TV dramas and stage plays, he gained recognition for his roles in works like Hawking, Silent Witness, Nancy's History, As You Like It, Romeo and Juliet, and Oh! What a Lovely War, earning numerous accolades along the way.

It wasn’t until the last couple of years that Batch began accepting film roles, mainly as a supporting actor.

Two years prior, he had worked with Luca on Atonement, where his performance garnered significant attention. This likely influenced the casting decision, where Batch was chosen over other famous British actors like Jude Law and James McAvoy for his distinctive appearance, even if it wasn’t traditionally handsome.

Coming from a theatrical background, Batch’s acting was exceptionally nuanced. Before filming began, Luca thought Batch was perfect for Sherlock Holmes. However, once the cameras started rolling, his portrayal of Watson was equally flawless.

This made Luca, Alexander, even more determined to elevate his performance.

To fully embody the role, Luca pushed himself to the limit, grappling daily with the director, Batch, himself, and the literary legacy of Sherlock Holmes. This relentless dedication left him mentally and physically drained—he lost weight, became increasingly neurotic, and even developed mild depression. Outside of acting, he didn’t want to do anything or talk to anyone.

“You look like you belong in a psych ward—nobody would notice the difference,” Keira Knightley teased with a grin.

Luca shot her a glare. “Did you come here just to laugh at me?”

“Of course. When I heard you were depressed, I wondered if you’d consider jumping off a building. If you hesitated on the rooftop, I could give you a little push.”

Keira chuckled.

“And I’d make sure to drag you down with me. It’s called If I Jump, You Jump.”

Luca grabbed her and pinned her down on the sofa.

“Stop messing around—the door’s still open,” she said, laughing as she pushed his face away.

“No worries. I’m already a scoundrel. What’s one more scandal?”

Luca smirked, lying on top of her and gazing at her face.

“Hmph!”

Keira wrinkled her nose. “I thought you were depressed, but you’re still the same lecherous, shameless jerk as ever.”

“Go on.”

Luca grinned as he rested his chin on his hand.

“You’re also a creep!”

Keira shot back.

Luca nodded approvingly. “You’re absolutely right. So, Miss Knightley, as beautiful, adorable, and vulnerable as you are, what do you think this creep wants to do right now?”

“Hmph, nothing good, I’m sure.”

“Bingo! How about I dedicate tonight to you?”

Luca leaned closer, letting his hands roam.

“Stop it, you pervert! Let me go!”

Keira pushed at his chin and kneed him in the stomach, fiercely resisting.

“No way. In a moment, I’ll show you just how twisted I can be. What if I tied your hands and feet and gave you a proper punishment? Wouldn’t that be fun?”

“Don’t you dare!”

Keira panted, her cheeks flushed, her eyes shimmering with a mix of defiance and something else.

“Ha! I’m a pervert—why wouldn’t I dare?”

Slap, slap!  

“You jerk! I’ll bite you!”

“Ow, really biting? Not the jaw, I’ve got filming tomorrow!”

Knock, knock!  

“What are you two up to?”

Rachel McAdams walked in, carrying a tray with tea and snacks, her smile full of mischief.

“Rachel, you’re here! Keira called me a creep, so I’m teaching her a lesson,” Luca explained, letting go of Keira.

“You jerk!” Keira muttered, adjusting her hair and clothes, her face still bright red.

“Luca, you’re a guy—you can’t bully girls. Then again, since you’re a creep, I guess that explains everything,” Rachel joked, setting the tray down.

“Rachel, thanks for this,” Luca said.

“No trouble.”

Rachel smiled at them both, then stood up with her empty tray. “I’ll leave you two to it. Keira, remember: when dealing with a creep, don’t hold back—go for the kill!”

“Don’t give her ideas! She’s already too rough,” Luca protested.

“Exactly what I want,” Rachel quipped, laughing as she left.

Exhausted from the playful chaos, the three eventually settled down for tea. By 8 p.m., Rachel gave them a knowing smirk as she headed out.

“You two have fun,” she said before leaving the room.

“What were you two talking about?” Keira asked Luca, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

“Just friends. Close friends.”

“Doesn’t look like it,” she replied skeptically.

Keira pressed him further, analyzing their relationship with sharp intuition.

“Are you siblings?” she asked.

“Sort of,” Luca answered.

“Have you ever…you know?”

Luca raised an eyebrow.

“Gross! You’re despicable! Let me go—you creep!”

“Haha, too late. I’m officially adopting you as my sworn sister. From now on, we share everything, including a bed!”

“No way! Let me go, you pervert!”

Luca carried her off despite her protests, slamming the door behind them.

(End of Chapter)