Under the Veil I Rule (Amara) novel Chapter 399

“Barry picked the same filming lot as us. As it happens, I’ve got a new show shooting there too. Looks like we’ll be neighbors for a while—don’t be a stranger, all right?”

Cedric and Amara had always gotten along well. He genuinely admired her talent and character, so his easy warmth was no surprise.

Amara set her fork down and smiled. “I am working with Director Barry on my next show, but unfortunately, we won’t be neighbors after all.”

“Oh?” Cedric looked puzzled. “How come?”

She took a small sip of her drink, her eyes crinkling with amusement. “Well, I won’t be staying with the crew for this next project. I’m leaving Wye for a few months to travel—something I planned a long time ago.”

After finishing Whispers of Winter, she would be heading out of town to wait for her baby’s arrival. She’d still be writing scripts for income, but wouldn’t be with the crew, working remotely with directors and cast online, just like she used to.

This was something Amara had decided on long ago, but aside from Elysia and Keith, she hadn’t told anyone else. So when she mentioned it at the table, everyone was clearly surprised.

Across from her, she could feel a piercing gaze—she didn’t have to look to know who it was. Amara forced herself not to glance over.

“Where are you traveling to?” Cedric asked. “And for so long! I never took you for the adventurous type.”

Everyone had always seen Amara as calm, reserved—a homebody, really. No one expected her to up and travel, and the revelation left them all a little shocked.

Dinner finally wound down. Keith, always busy with showbiz commitments, had to rush off to another event. He dropped Amara at the entrance to her apartment complex before heading out.

It was after nine, the sky pitch black, but the complex was lively and well-lit even at this hour. Amara walked in alone, utterly unafraid.

She strolled at an unhurried pace through the courtyard. When she reached her building, she noticed a figure leaning against the wall outside her door, making her pause mid-step.

He stood tall and poised, the sharp lines of his profile striking and intense. Even in the dingy stairwell, he changed the whole atmosphere—made it feel charged, expectant.

Amara didn’t need to look twice to know who it was. She bit her lip and climbed the steps one by one, fishing her keys from her bag. Sliding one into the lock, she asked, as casually as she could, “Was there something you needed, Mr. Everly?”