Keeping his grip gentle but secure, Casper searched her tear -stained face.

"It's Tilda Fernandez, the wife of the CEO of the Fernandez Group!"

The name tumbled from Rita's trembling lips like a heavy stone.

Casper was taken aback. "You mean Lyndon's wife?" The words escaped before he could stop them.

Rita's glistening eyes widened. "Do you know Lyndon?"

A shadow of memory crossed Casper's face as he nodded. "Yes, my sister was his first love."

"So you almost became Lyndon's brother-in-law?" Rita's voice held a note of disbelief.

A bittersweet smile touched Casper's lips as memories washed over him. "When my sister was alive, she and Lyndon were truly in love. He treated me well because of her."

Rita bit her bottom lip, hesitating before speaking. "I know they were in love. That's why when Lyndon first saw me at the hospital, he helped me pay for my grandmother's treatment. It's because I resemble your sister."

Casper studied her face, noting the uncanny resemblance that had first caught him off guard. "Well, just now on campus, it was because I saw your face that I was stunned for a moment. That was why I didn't dodge in time and got hit by your bike."

Rita's fingers trembled as they traced the contours of her face, her voice breaking with each word. "But I'm really not a homewrecker," she whispered, anguish lacing her tone. "I never intended to ruin Lyndon's marriage. Why doesn't anyone believe me? Especially Mrs. Fernandez. Just because I look like your sister, she stripped away the singing job Lyndon had offered me! As a woman, I understand her feelings and don't hold it against her. But later, when I went to work at a restaurant, she and her friends pressured the manager to fire me!"

Tears welled up again as her voice rose with desperation. "Why does she have to treat me like this? I just want to earn some money to repay what I owe Lyndon as soon as possible." Her shoulders slumped in defeat. "Why do they have to keep pushing me? Do they really want to drive me to despair?"

Tears streamed down Rita's face, her vulnerability painting a picture of distress that would move even the coldest heart.

In her features, Casper saw echoes of his sister, and his heart couldn't help but soften at the sight.

"Please don't cry," he said gently. "Let's find somewhere quiet where we can talk properly. Every cloud has a silver lining. Remember, no one in this world holds absolute power - not even over your own spirit."

Rita dabbed at her eyes, letting out a small sniffle before gracing Casper with a delicate smile. "Thank you for your comfort."

"Come, Let's find a restaurant where we can talk over a meal," Casper suggested.

A flicker of triumph danced in Rita's downcast eyes as she nodded demurely.

The afternoon on set was a gauntlet of curious glances for Tilda, with crew members stealing looks at every opportunity.

She maintained her composure, channeling her energy into her work with unwavering focus.

While she remained steady, her friends stirred with unease.

Even Hutton reached out with concern, offering to help quell the viral news story making rounds.

"Thanks, but I've got this handled," Tilda responded with a gentle smile.

Hutton backed off gracefully, simply letting her know his support was there if needed.