The midday sun hung glaringly in the sky, leaving the leaves on the roadside motionless. The sudden heat nearly eradicated pedestrians, and not a soul was seen around Matthew's residence. The paparazzi, who once followed him occasionally, also vanished due to Universal Studios' recent slowdown in promotion and Matthew's uneventful personal life.
After all, Matthew wasn't truly a star, lacking the enduring allure.
A black sedan turned from North Hollywood and slowly stopped by the roadside. After a while, with no one around, a blonde girl got out of the car and had barely reached the ivy-covered wall when the iron gate opened. She almost threw herself in, embracing the muscular man inside tightly.
The iron gate seemed to have been kicked shut from the inside, making a loud clang that shattered the surrounding quiet.
Inside the high walls, clothes were scattered across the lawn as the girl was pressed tightly against the gate by the muscular man, sparking a tumultuous battle that soon moved indoors due to the unbearable outdoor heat.
"I'm going to die..." Brittany lay on the floor, too exhausted to move even a finger, her blue eyes misted with tears, a droplet of saliva unwittingly escaping her mouth like a lamb to the slaughter. "Matthew, are you trying to kill me..."
Matthew lay nearby in almost the same position, turned his head towards her, and asked, "Darling, didn't you enjoy it?"
Brittany's response was delirious, "Loved it, absolutely loved it, but I really will die if we go again."
After kissing her forehead, Matthew grabbed a blanket to cover her and went out to pick up their clothes. By the time he returned, Brittany had managed to sit up on the sofa.
Seeing Matthew, Brittany launched herself at him for another round of passionate kissing until they were both breathless.
Sitting on the sofa, with Brittany nestled in Matthew's arms, her hand wandered over his toned upper body. "Matthew, you've lost weight, but your muscles feel even firmer."
Matthew winked at her playfully, "I've been keeping up with my workouts. What do you think of the results?"
"Fantastic!" Brittany finally understood one of Matthew's glances and said openly, "I absolutely love it; it's exhilarating."
This comment acted like a battle drum, prompting Matthew to stir again, but Brittany quickly created some distance, "What are you doing?"
Matthew stood up, "I'm going to get you some water. Coffee or tea?"
"Just water," Brittany got up, wrapping the blanket around her, "My trainer reminded me to watch my figure, so I should cut down on drinks like coffee."
"Okay." Matthew nodded and went to get water. Brittany changed into her clothes and followed him, saying, "I haven't had lunch yet."
Matthew quickly handed her a glass of water and said, "Why didn't you say so earlier? I'll make something for you."
Brittany nodded, her face brightening, "Yes! I've always wanted to try your cooking."
Matthew, now dressed, headed to the kitchen, "My cooking is quite basic, only Chinese dishes."
Brittany, still drowsy, said, "As long as it's made by you, I'd even eat African cuisine."
As they walked to the kitchen, Brittany noticed the DV camcorder Matthew had bought recently and picked it up with interest.
Matthew, seeing her curiosity, said, "I use it to relax and shoot videos in my spare time."
Brittany, familiar with the DV camcorder, quickly turned it on and aimed it at Matthew, excitedly saying, "I'm going to record you cooking for me for the first time!"
"Sure!" Matthew entered the kitchen and turned towards the camera, "It's showtime for the chef."
Brittany, curious, asked, "What are you going to make? A love lunch?"
Matthew pulled eggs and tomatoes from the fridge, "This is my specialty. Darling, I'll make it for you."
"Okay!" Brittany steadied her hand, keeping the camera on Matthew, "Pasta?"
"Chinese food!" Matthew, clueless about Italian cuisine, cracked the eggs and said, "Tomato and egg noodles."
This dish was quick, easy, and nutritious.
Matthew cooked skillfully while Brittany recorded enthusiastically, the kitchen filled with laughter and warmth.
Soon, a fragrant bowl of tomato and egg noodles was ready. Matthew instinctively reached for his chopsticks, then remembered and switched to a fork and spoon, serving the meal under Brittany's watchful lens.
"It smells delicious..." Brittany sat down at the dining table, giving the noodles a close-up before handing the camcorder to Matthew, "Record me too."
Matthew stepped back for a wide shot. Brittany, apparently very hungry, finished the noodles in less than five minutes.
"Oh..." She made a victory gesture at the camera, then blew Matthew a kiss, "This is even better than what a Michelin three-star chef could make!"
Matthew knew Brittany was flattering him and couldn't help but laugh, "Another bowl?"
"No, thank you," Brittany shook her head gently, "I need to diet, don't want to get fat."
Dieting is a norm among male and female stars, something Matthew was aware of. He didn't diet much but compensated with his workout routine, never gaining weight.
She approached Matthew, taking the camcorder, "Alright, show me around your house."
Matthew led the way, giving Brittany a tour inside and out. Due to Helen Herman's previous overreaction, he didn't mention the house's history of murder, guessing Brittany might not care or could get scared.
After the tour, back in the living room, Matthew asked, "What do you think?"
"It's nice," Brittany nodded, especially appreciating the privacy the yard's walls provided.
"Indeed." Matthew nodded, pleased Brittany was becoming more observant and thoughtful.
She seemed more mature since returning from Nashville, perhaps influenced by his constant reminders and daily phone calls.
Brittany turned off the camcorder, stretched, and suggested, "Let's take a nap."
Matthew carried her to the bedroom, and they just cuddled together, falling asleep quietly.
They slept until almost 3 p.m., and after freshening up, Brittany asked, "Aren't you going to the gym today?"
"Rest day," Matthew said, leading her to the living room, "The crew starts shooting next Monday, so it's a weekend off."
Brittany nodded, relieved the shoot was nearby, sparing them from separation.
Matthew then suggested, "Darling, I've moved here, and it's very private. Why not move in?"
Brittany was about to agree but hesitated, unsure how to explain, "Matthew, I'd love to, but... it's not quite right now."
Matthew felt a tinge of disappointment but didn't press, comforting, "No rush. When you're ready, it's not too late."
"Sure!" Brittany seemed down but reassured him, "Soon, Matthew."
Changing the subject, Matthew asked, "When's the new album out?"
"Next month."
The album's release made Brittany even more melancholic, "Once it's out, I'll be busy with promotions, flying across North America and Europe for over eight months, possibly even to the Far East."
"It's okay," Matthew consoled, "I'll visit whenever I can."
Brittany's mood didn't improve, "After the promotions, I'll start preparing for the next tour."
She leaned on Matthew, close to tears, "Matthew, my work schedule is booked for the next two years..."
Matthew struggled to comfort her, knowing the busy life of a pop star leaves little room for personal time.
"It's alright, darling." He hugged her, soothing, "With today's travel, we can meet anytime."
Brittany nodded vigorously, kissed him deeply, and they engaged in another passionate encounter, tearing at each other's clothes.
Time flew, and by night, Brittany, as usual, didn't stay over, leaving before 9 p.m.
Matthew stood in the yard after seeing her off, gazing at the stars, sighing at the sacrifices required to shine brightly.
What do Hollywood stars sacrifice? Personal life, space, time, perhaps more.
He went back inside, tidied up, and resumed his nightly routine of mimicry practice, determined to shine among the stars.
The weekend flew by, and after spending two days with Brittany, Matthew returned to Warner Studios on time to start shooting "The Scorpion King" for the new week.
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