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**Title: First Meeting**
"Sorry, I'm leaving, Peter. Think about it, I'm really sincere," Schmeichel nodded in agreement, and Levi followed the security guard out of the hall.
By now, the night had grown dark, enveloping the entire castle in a mysterious atmosphere. Despite the bright lights, thick fog added to the castle's mystical allure.
Outside the gates, many reporters had gathered. Most remained in their cars, observing the ancient walls and gate. Several wielded cameras and camcorders with long lenses, capturing snapshots of the fortress.
In the guardroom, Levi spotted an elegant young woman in a purple low-cut dress, clutching an expensive brand-name bag.
Upon hearing footsteps, she turned gracefully. Initially embarrassed, she quickly smiled, gliding towards Levi and embracing him.
"Darling, I'm sorry I'm late!"
Levi stood there, unsure, hands awkwardly outstretched, uncertain whether to reciprocate.
The security guards tactfully turned away, even closing the door to the guardroom.
"Hey, Miss Scarlett Ellan, what the heck are you doing?" Levi's frustration was evident.
She grasped Levi's hand. "What's with the anger? Didn't I invite you to hug me? What a killjoy!"
"What on earth are you up to?" Levi was genuinely exasperated, especially with this beautiful woman.
Despite their frequent arguments, Scarlett had dressed particularly well tonight in a stunning gown, looking even more radiant than usual—a true beauty unencumbered by societal norms.
"I'm crashing this wedding of the century. The exclusive rights were sold to a magazine!"
"I know!" Scarlett interrupted, flashing a mischievous grin. "That's precisely why I'm here. Our editor's given me a mission—snap a few photos, gather some inside scoop, or face dismissal!"
Scarlett's innocent face combined with her playful demeanor was disarmingly charming.
"But there's no need to pretend to be my girlfriend. I could sue you for defamation, you know?" Levi felt utterly defeated, wondering why he couldn't simply rebuff her, give her a stern talking-to, or even have the security escort her out.
Yet, Levi couldn't bring himself to do it.
"These are all misunderstandings from the security guards. I just told them we're living together!" Scarlett smirked triumphantly.
Levi conceded inwardly. Why did he always attract such trouble wherever he went?
Seeing Levi's resignation towards the castle, Scarlett couldn't help but revel in her small victory. It was the first time she had managed to one-up him—quite an achievement!
The castle, following English traditions inside and out, loomed as Levi and Scarlett approached the gates. The wedding coordinator, alerted by the guards, awaited their arrival.
"Hello, Mr. Levi. Your girlfriend can't enter the main hall tonight—it's a men's affair. I'll escort her to Victoria's side. She'll be in good company with some of the other ladies," the coordinator explained.
Levi glanced sideways at Scarlett's conspiratorial smile. He wished he could expose her deceit but found himself unable.
"In that case, let me make it clear. Miss Reporter, do not cause any trouble. Don't bother my friends or me. Otherwise, there'll be consequences!" Levi warned sternly.
Scarlett nodded obediently. "Don't worry, darling. I'll behave myself!"
Levi's resolve softened. As he noticed the wedding coordinator admiring Scarlett's beauty and charm, he sighed inwardly, lamenting his luck, and reluctantly headed towards the hall.
The following morning, the golden sun dispersed the lingering mist around the castle, casting an aura of nobility and elegance.
A black Rolls Royce slowly approached the castle, coming to a stop at the entrance. Stepping out was a woman in a blue strapless dress, stunning even the bride herself, Victoria, who greeted her at the gate.
"Eva, you look more beautiful each time I see you. No wonder the media and magazines have dubbed you the most beautiful woman in Britain!" Victoria greeted warmly.
"You're too kind, Victoria. Or should I say, Mrs. Beckham!" Eva Snow replied with a smile.
Victoria beamed with happiness.
Walking side by side like old friends, they entered the castle.
"Victoria, you've chosen a magnificent venue," Eva Snow complimented the castle.
"Indeed. It hosted Prince Edward and Princess Sophie's wedding recently. I'm drawn to its elegance and mystery," Victoria explained.
Eva Snow nodded appreciatively, taking in the castle's surroundings.
"And what about your husband? Where is he?" Victoria inquired.
"He's off playing golf, I heard. Probably recovering from a late night with his friends. Early tee time," Eva Snow replied with a chuckle.
Victoria paused momentarily, then smiled knowingly.
Eva Snow's rise in Hollywood had been meteoric, her fame and elegance captivating audiences. It wasn't just her appearance but her entire demeanor that exuded grace and refinement.
Following the success of "The Matrix," Eva Snow had become Hollywood's hottest star, landing lucrative endorsements and solidifying her status as a modern-day icon of beauty and sophistication.
As they rounded a corner, they spotted Scarlett approaching from a distance.
"Good morning, Victoria!" Scarlett had exchanged pleasantries with Victoria the previous evening, and their acquaintance had blossomed since then.
"Hello, Scarlett!" Victoria greeted politely.
"Is this the Hollywood actress from 'The Matrix,' Miss Eva Snow? What a surprise to see you here!" Scarlett exclaimed with genuine surprise, although she had already spotted Eva Snow inside the castle earlier.
"Hello," Eva Snow nodded, smiling warmly.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they parted ways.
"Is she a friend of yours too? She's absolutely stunning!" Eva Snow remarked to Victoria as they continued walking.
"Oh, no. She's David's friend's girlfriend. But you're right, she's quite beautiful. Levi is a lucky man!" Victoria replied with a smile.
Though Victoria had met Levi on several occasions due to David Beckham's friendship with him, she had never heard of Levi having such a beautiful girlfriend before.
"Levi?" Eva Snow froze momentarily upon hearing the name, then continued walking.
"Yeah, David's friend who does business in the States," Victoria clarified.
Compared to Levi, who owned New Manchester United, his business ventures in the United States were evidently more prominent.
"Oh," Eva Snow sighed in relief, convincing herself it was merely a namesake coincidence. After all, Levi was just a coach at a small club!
Meanwhile, Scarlett, elated after encountering Victoria and Eva Snow, decided against taking photographs inside the castle. Gathering exclusive inside information seemed more newsworthy than photos.
"I didn't expect to run into Eva Snow here. Seems like she's quite close to Victoria. What a scoop—flying all the way from the States to attend her best friend's wedding!" Scarlett rejoiced quietly.
Around the corner, Levi and his group of friends, including the groom Beckham, Bruce, and Walsh, were laughing and approaching Scarlett's direction.
The corridor was wide enough that they had already spotted her. Trying to avoid them now would only arouse suspicion.
With a strained smile, Scarlett walked towards them.
"Hey, Levi, your girlfriend!" Beckham nudged Levi playfully, smiling broadly.
"Wow, she's stunning!"
"Yeah, incredibly beautiful. You're one lucky guy, Levi!"
As they passed by Scarlett, each greeted her warmly before moving on.
"I should charge you for reputation damage," Levi regretted, shaking his head.
All this unnecessary trouble she'd caused!
"Mr. Levi, I'm a woman. It doesn't bother me at all. Why so serious?" Scarlett responded more reasonably than Levi expected.
"Or perhaps I should ask David to arrange a room for us, and then... you'll have to honor our bet," Levi teased mischievously.
Scarlett blushed. Since losing the bet, she'd been avoiding Levi. With him traveling lately, they hadn't seen each other in over half a month, and she had almost forgotten about it.
"You rascal!" Scarlett kicked Levi playfully with her high heel before marching ahead indignantly.
Wincing in pain, Levi chuckled and followed Scarlett.
She quickened her pace, intending to return to the female guests' area where she'd be safer.
But fate had other plans. Just as she rounded a corner, walking too briskly, she nearly collided head-on with someone.
Turning the corner and seeing who it was, Levi gasped in astonishment.
"Carrie?"
"Levi?"
They both exclaimed each other's names simultaneously, equally shocked and unbelieving!