To Love A Villain-Chapter 185: Cooking Star

>>Amber

As I stood amongst the staff, watching Hael film a cooking show, I couldn’t help but marvel at how effortlessly he adapted to any situation. This was supposed to be a casual guest appearance after his photoshoot, but his ease in front of the camera, his charm, and his natural confidence made it seem like he’d been doing this his whole life. He moved fluidly, speaking to the host with that soft yet captivating voice of his, laughing at her jokes and effortlessly following along with the recipe they were making together.

Damn, I thought as I watched him closely, he’s really good.

I guess he brought along his cooking skills from our previous life. I pouted. While I still can’t cook...

"We have another beautiful person joining us today," The female host announced with a wide smile, making me perk up in curiosity. "Everyone, welcome Hael’s mother, Hestia!"

I froze

...

My heart stopped. Hestia? My mind whirled as I processed the name. Suddenly, a stunning woman with long, silver hair and light gray eyes stepped into the set with grace, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

OH MY GOD!!!

HESTIA!!!! That’s Hael’s mother from the other world!? She looks exactly the same too! OH MY GOD!!!

Hestia moved towards Hael with an elegance that made her seem almost ethereal. She was beautiful, the same silver hair and striking eyes as Hael, but with a motherly warmth that made her glow. As she approached him, Hael’s face lit up with genuine happiness, a smile spreading across his face that I hadn’t seen before.

"Mom!" He greeted warmly, opening his arms wide as she came in for a hug.

"Hael, darling," She replied, her voice soft and filled with affection as she embraced him.

I watched them closely, it seemed almost unreal but then again, seeing Hael was very unreal

It was a strange sight. Hael, who was always composed and calm, looked lighter, happier in the presence of his mother. They spoke briefly, their laughter filling the room, and I could see how close they were—how much they cared for one another.

This wasn’t just a public display for the cameras; this was real.

I smiled as my heart warmed up. The day he lost his mother came back to me and I felt a little emotional too.

"Miss Hestia is the CEO," A voice whispered beside me, and I turned to see Nessy, the staff member who had been guiding me throughout the day. She leaned in, her eyes wide with admiration. "People say that Miss Hestia started this company just for her son, Hael."

I stared at her, my mouth falling open in disbelief.

Wow.

That explained so much. The way the staff treated Hael with such reverence, the way he seemed so comfortable here. His mother wasn’t just a guest—she was the CEO of the company, and she had built it around her son’s talent and career. There was this swell of happiness in my chest for Hael, knowing that he had this kind of support behind him.

On set, Hael and Hestia were working together now, adding ingredients to the cake they were making. It was strange seeing Hael in such a casual, domestic setting, surrounded by flour, sugar, and eggs.

My smile widened

But it suited him, and his interactions with his mother were filled with such ease and warmth that I couldn’t help but be happy.

"She’s also known to be very protective over him," Nessy added quietly, watching the same scene unfold.

I nodded, still smiling as I watched them work. "That’s nice," I murmured. Hael deserved this—this happiness, this connection. It was clear that, despite everything, he was genuinely happy with his mother here.

"Hael," The host chimed in, wiping her hands on her apron as they waited for the cake to bake. "I heard you’re playing a villain again?"

My ears perked up at that.

A villain?

"Hael is playing a villain?"

Nessy nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, yes! He usually plays villains or the second male lead in romance dramas."

What? I raised my brows in surprise, casting a glance at Hael, who was still smiling warmly at his mother. With looks like his? "Why?"

She shrugged, seemingly unfazed. "It’s his thing. He’s very popular because all the girls want him as the main lead, but he keeps refusing those roles."

That shocked me. With his striking appearance Hael seemed like the perfect leading man for any romance drama. "He never takes the male lead?"

"Oh, he does," Nessy clarified, nodding again. "But only if it’s an action, horror, or thriller. Basically, anything except romance."

I blinked. That’s... odd. "Why?" I asked again, even more confused than before.

Nessy shrugged once more. "He never tells anyone."

I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Why would he refuse romance roles? It didn’t make sense. He had the looks, the charisma, and the fanbase. If anything, he should be the top choice for romantic leads.

I’m not saying he should. If he became the main lead he would be involved in intimate scenes with the actresses and I’m very happy to know that he doesn’t take the lead roles but at the same time I’m very curious. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"Say," As they finished making the material, the host put the cake in the oven, "I’ve been hearing about this thing Hael," She came back after putting the cake in the oven with an excited look.

Hestia and Hael, who were both a lot taller than the host stared at her, "And what have you been hearing?" Hael asked

"I heard you don’t really do good with kids." She said, making him pause.

Oh! This bitch! She’s doing it on purpose! Everyone knows that when someone isn’t good to kids people will assume they’re secretly a bad person. All these shows always have at least one question that puts the celebrity off guard.

Hael put on his professional smile, "Yes," He replied calmly, "I am afraid of them."

"Afraid!?" The host was astonished

I balled my fist in pride. Good going Hael! That’s a very good answer! That line changes the whole game.

"Why would you be afraid of kids?" The host asked and I noticed Hestia was subtly staring at him, there was a look of contempt in her gaze. But likewise girl! That host tried to put our Hael is such a tight spot!!

"Well, I’m just scared I might hurt them since they’re so small."

"Would you hurt them on purpose?" The host answered and I felt like throwing my bag at her, wishing it would hit her straight on her face.

"I would never dare," Hael looked hurt, "What kind of person do you think I am?" He looked genuinely hurt as he placed his hand on his chest,

I smirked

This little, he’s clearly acting but he’s got the host flustered.

"AH, no," She waved her hands in denial, "It’s just that you said about hurting them! So, I,"

"I simply said that since they’re small and fragile, I get scared." He looked away, his eyes full of sadness, "When I was young I ended up dropping a puppy I adored and it got seriously hurt." He let out a sigh, "I’ve been scared of all kinds of small beings since then."

"Oh..." The host got further confused, "I-I see..."

Very good Hael! No wonders you’re flourishing in this industry! He knows what to say and when to say it!! His response is bound to make his fans even more devoted to him.

"But," The host did a comeback, "If that is the case, do you not plan on having a kid of your own?"

!!

Her question left me dumbstruck. His own kid?

Wait

"Does Hael have a girlfriend?" A wave of fear enveloped me.

Nessy stepped closer to me, "No," She answered, "Not that we know of,"

I gulped

"I do," Hael replied, "I want my own family one day," His answer made me feel like someone had gripped my heart tightly. He wants a family? When? With Who? Does he have someone he likes?

I balled my fists in fear, my nails digging into my palms.

He’s a celebrity, they tend to keep their relationships a secret. I bit my lower lip in fear. What if he has someone already?

Then what? I glanced at Hestia. She had a knowing smile on her face which further got me anxious.

"I’ll do my best to overcome my fear for my child." Hael smiled, "I want to spend as much time with them as I can."

"How many kids would you want?" The host asked

"One," He chuckled, "I want to give them all of my attention and love." He glanced at his mother, "Like I got from my mother." Hestia smiled back at him.

"Awww, that’s so sweet." The host said, "Do you prefer a daughter or a son?"

My heart skipped a beat at her question. What will he say? I gulped

"I have no prejudice, but," There was a glint in his eyes, "If possible, I want a daughter,"

!!!

It overwhelmed me and I felt tears sting in the corner of my eyes. The clear image of Hael holding our daughter Zola came rushing to my mind.