Love Director [ENG]

Chapter 21: Everything for this

"Okay, I've read the plan you sent. Schedule a team meeting for next Wednesday." Aphros ordered.

"Got it. I'll take care of it."

"Thanks. Sorry I couldn't help out."

"No problem, Phi Aphros. This is just small prep work. We're still waiting for you to get back and lead the way. By the way, how are you doing? I was so happy when you said you'd take a break. You're not as young as you used to be, you know."

"Hey, I'm still young and strong!"

"Come on, Phi Aphros, you're not a robot. Seriously, have you taken any vacations in the past few years? You've been working non-stop. Some of the younger ones think you run on oil instead of food. They don't realize that most of the on-set meals are made by you."

"Just teasing." Aphros chatted with the person on the other end for a while longer before hanging up.

He turned to look at his computer screen, where his assistant had sent him an email with some work details, knowing that in a few days he'd be busy again.

Ever since he got married, he had been working almost without rest. Initially, he thought he was doing it for his future family. But later, realizing he and June could never see eye to eye, work became an excuse to avoid confrontations with his ex-wife. Compared to the chaos at home, work was his solace. The stress of meetings, client discussions, long shoots, and back-to-back workdays was bearable. The stress June created at home was far worse.

So, that break had been his first real rest in years. Initially, he planned to travel after settling things with June and their home, but then his nephew sent his friend over to stay. Thoughts of traveling disappeared, replaced by something more interesting.

"It's almost been a month." he mused, glancing at the calendar and realizing it was nearly time to end the arrangement they had made.

If it weren't for Paint's upcoming school term, Aphros would've wanted to keep him on. Even after school started, he wondered if Paint would be willing to work weekends. He was willing to pay by the day because otherwise, they wouldn't see each other often.

"Yeah, you're getting old, Aphros."

He knew he was becoming fond of Paint, but what could he do? The nong was much better at the job than he had anticipated. Not only did Paint cook delicious meals, but he also managed the entire household. He cleaned, did the laundry, and organized everything, knowing that Aphros didn't like clutter, unlike when June was around. Paint also handled all the New Year's gifts efficiently.

Every year, Aphros didn't mind the gifts because he'd just leave them around the house, and June would take care of them. She considered everything in the house hers. Sometimes, he was furious when gifts from important people were sold, given away, or redistributed without his consent. But then again, without someone to manage them, he would've just let them spoil.

He had told Paint to take anything he wanted, but Paint shook his head and organized everything. Even the perishable items were turned into juices that Aphros enjoyed. Whatever Paint handled, he did it perfectly.

He was the dream wife, Aphros thought to himself again, wondering if June had been even a fraction as good as Paint, would he have been able to love her? The answer was still no because June's actions had gone beyond anything he could overlook.

And as for Paint...

"That's why I said you're getting old, Aphros."

Maybe his nephew's efforts were starting to pay off. Just thinking about the handsome kid who thought he lacked charm made Aphros smile softly.