As soon as I entered, the room was filled with wealthy individuals. I glanced around and saw other actors I only knew from here, as well as people who owned famous brands.I went to the corner of the yacht and enjoyed the night view. Memories of times with my grandfather flooded back.Every night, in my dark room, when nightmares haunted me, he was there. Grandpa, with his kind smile, entered. He sat beside me, holding my hand, asking about my dream adventures.I told him about scary monsters chasing me. Grandpa, with his wisdom, said those monsters might seem big, but reminded me that I'm even braver. He told me I have the power to change my dreams.His words made me feel safe, like a shield against fear. He stayed until the scary feelings went away, and I fell back asleep. I felt lucky to have him, but he vanished five years ago. I clenched my hand, determined to avenge his killer."It seems like it will rain tonight," a woman's voice beside me said. I didn't pay attention and just
I checked the woman's neck; no blood was seeping out from her body, but her color changed. Her lifeless eyes stared blankly at the ceiling."She got poisoned," I heard the man next to me say.I turned to look at him, my eyes narrowed. "What makes you say that?""The woman's face was peaceful, almost serene, except for the faint blue tint around her lips. I've been observing her, but then, I saw how she gulped a wine then collapsed a little later," I looked back at the man next to me. He was with Oliver earlier. A friend, I guess."You're observant. Did you know her?"He didn't look at me, instead just staring straight ahead where the woman was still sprawled on the floor. No one dared to touch her. As far as I know, the police can't just enter here no matter what happens because the casino's owner is a member of an elite family, and they follow their own rules."Not really, but I talked to her before this happened. She gave me hints, and I thought that was just a bluff." He seemed gui
"Do you have a plan?" Oliver asked, but I ignored him. Instead, I observed the men at the Port. One of them seemed uncomfortable, and I saw an opportunity."Where's the guy with you earlier?" I asked, looking at him."He's fetching his private yacht. You'd be better off joining us.""No." I responded immediately."Damn it! We're helping you, aren't we? Do you want to die here?!" I hushed him because he was raising his voice, drawing attention to us."Keep your mouth shut. You're too noisy, you know that?" I stopped when he held my hand, which was covering his mouth, and looked at me intensely. I didn't react immediately when he lowered it, but he kept his gaze on me."You smell like a woman." I blinked several times. What kind of smell was he picking up?"Because I touched a woman earlier." I reasoned, not looking at him anymore as I checked the men there."Really? Was she good? Not boring?"I rolled my eyes at Oliver's sudden curiosity. "Now's not the time for that. Focus on staying
I woke up lazily on my bed. I checked the time and realized I had woken up earlier than my alarm. I usually don't set an alarm because I always wake up early, but I came home late last night. I scratched my back and yawned.Adding to the discomfort, my body was sore from last night's events. I will also ask Mr. Gil later about the people who attacked me. I really can't recognize them and why I was their target.While contemplating, I prepared for work. I changed into simple attire - a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt, then headed to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth.After getting ready, I hopped into my car, a sleek black sedan. I usually ride my motorcycle to work, but due to the events last night, I opted to take the car. It's safer, and there's less chance of being recognized. When I arrived on set, everyone was busy. The cast members were getting ready, while the staff were bustling around, doing their jobs.I also saw Oliver, seated in a corner while getting his m
I could tell he was trying to get closer, but I wasn't interested. I had enough drama dealing with Oliver and his antics. I didn't need more complications in my life."Good. Now, let's get back to work. We have a lot to do today," I said, steering the conversation back to our tasks.He nodded and we went back to rehearsing the stunts. As the day progressed, I noticed him stealing glances at me every now and then. But I chose to ignore it, focusing instead on doing my job.In my line of work, it wasn't uncommon for people to develop feelings or show interest. But I had learned long ago to keep my personal and professional life separate. And that's exactly what I intended to do. It's quite common for these situations to arise, and some are not even afraid to approach me despite my intimidating facial expressions."By the way, coach, do you like rock and R&B genres?" he asked while sitting comfortably, near me."Yeah, why? You want to invite me to your band concert?" I asked directly. He
"Coach!" I turned to Jenson when he called me. I was already leaving the set as I was now out. He was still in costume as he made his way towards me."What is it?" He stopped in front of me, a smile on his face, scratching his head as if feeling a bit shy."Are you free tomorrow, Coach? I heard you were looking for a gym, maybe you'd like to come with me tomorrow. My bandmate has a gym and we always go there," he said eagerly.I pulled the strap of my bag and looked at him again. "Hm, complete equipment?""Yes, Coach! It's been there for a year now, and you can be sure it will be comfortable for you," he replied, beaming with excitement. I glanced at the man who had been watching us earlier. He was just sitting near the director, but because I could quickly determine who was looking at me, I couldn't help but look at him.I raised an eyebrow at him, but he averted his gaze and proceeded to remove his makeup with his assistant. I looked back at Jenson, who was waiting for my response.
After the burial, Oliver tried to talk to me, but I chose to ignore him. I didn't know why he was there or how he found out, but it didn't matter. This wasn't the right time or place for him."Coach," she said, her voice soft. "Can we talk?"I didn't respond. I looked at him, my eyes cold. I didn't have time for her right now.I saw a sudden concern on his face, but I ignored it. Instead of answering, I turned around and walked away.But he quickly caught up and reached for my wrist as I avoided his and gave him a stern look. "What now, Oliver?"He scratched his head. "I'm sorry... I just want to... accompany you," he said softly.I deeply sighed and walked away, but I stopped when I reached my car and looked at him. He was still standing where we had talked earlier."Are you just going to stand there?"His face brightened. I scoffed because he looked like a child running towards me, but I just raised an eyebrow at him."Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked, still unable to m
We spent the next few hours looking around the property. There was a small lake at the back, shining under the moonlight. We sat on the dock with our feet hanging over the water."I come here when things get too hard," Oliver broke the silence. "It's my safe place."I just stared at my feet splashing in the water. The water was dark because of the dim area where we were, but I felt something nibbling at my foot.It's good to get rid of my ingrown toenail."I thought rich guys like you don't have problems," I said without looking, enjoying the ticklish feeling on my foot.A laugh escaped his lips, but it lacked its usual warmth. That's when I looked at him. He held a small rock and threw it into the water. My forehead creased as I remembered something from this scene. It felt like deja vu."Not all wealthy people are happy. Well, yeah. I'm just enjoying what I have but–" He paused, shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts. "Oops! Why am I being so dramatic?!"I frowned slightly, tak
"Laci!" Oliver shouted from a distance.I didn't even bother to look back and continued walking, despite tripping several times in my heels. Out of frustration, I violently removed them and threw them in the jerk's direction. What a jerk, flirting around like an idiot!"Fuck!" he cursed. I glanced back and saw that my shoe had hit him square in the face. He glared at me, his face turning bright red.I ignored him and kept walking barefoot toward the taxi stand. I didn't bring my car because Unnie dropped me off earlier. If I had known things would turn out like this, I would've driven myself.Before I could flag down a taxi, Oliver grabbed my arm, but I quickly jerked away and pushed him. "Back off or I'll break your bones," I warned.He tried to approach me again, but I feigned a punch, making him back off."Laci, please..." he said, sounding dejected, which made me frown as I turned away, but he followed me. We must've looked like idiots on the side of the road."Why does this bothe
I frowned when I saw what I would wear to the Annual Gala. I disdainfully picked up the red gown and threw it back into its container. I don't want to fucking wear that damn gown! I don't! Even if it kills me!This wasn't what I was supposed to wear, but Jenson sent it to me. He wants us to wear matching colors. I remember that the Annual Gala theme is royal, which is why we're supposed to wear something like this.I would rather wear knight armor than wear a fucking gown!"Ma'am Laci! Your sister is here!" Ellie shouted as she entered the living room where I was.When I turned to the door, my sister was already coming in, and I frowned as I noticed the people with her walking in like pageant contestants, swaying their hips.They stopped near the television, a few steps from the door, and stood with their hands on their hips."Who are they?" I asked."They are professional makeup artists. They're here to fix you u-" she didn't finish because I immediately went into the room and shut t
I sat quietly on the chair in the meeting room. I knew the board members of the Company were puzzled as to why I had called them again.When I first came here last week, I discovered many things, and what’s frustrating is not knowing why the Company ended up like this.I checked the sales and profits for previous years and one thing is for sure, there is a different transaction every twice a month that isn't included in the company's finances.And I found out that there's a thief inside this company who's been stealing money for a long time, and because the management is clueless, they didn't even realize they were being robbed by someone they trusted.I investigated it and at the same time, encouraged more investors to fund the company, but it's not simple. I want to find a way not to take Oliver's offer, but I'm tempted. It's not bad to become his bodyguard, but I feel like I'm babysitting him. But so far, his offer is the one that gives me the most.I could hear murmurs around me,
I sighed slightly, unsure if I should still wait for him. But in the end, I decided not to waste any more time and got into my car. I adjusted my mirrors and started the engine. I glanced at the mirror to see Oliver behind me. I didn't really want to wait for him anymore, but I hesitated. I drove off, and I saw him following me until I reached the outside of my condo building. When I got out, he quickly followed and approached me."Do you live here?" he asked.I grabbed my bag and just glanced at him. I took my time adjusting my belongings."Why? Do one of your girls live here?" I asked casually.He went silent, so I looked at him. He wasn't even looking at me anymore, and I knew from his reaction. He was too obvious."It's better that you're here, right? Or are you just chicken?" I challenged him. "Well, it's okay if you don't follow our deal. That's really fine with me."It's actually better that way so I wouldn't have any more problems with him. I knew he would give up eventually.
"Are you the representative of Vintner? I thought it was the CEO?" I couldn't help but be surprised. Even here, we're going to see each other? Fate works in mysterious ways."I am the CEO. Isn't it obvious?" He said arrogantly.I still couldn't speak and just stared at him. He grinned at me, so I quickly looked away. Damn, why do I always avoid eye contact? He might assume something again."Sit down, Mr. Laurent," I said casually. I shouldn't let my personal feelings hinder my work. What? Personal feelings, huh? Gross.He sat down, still with that smile on his face. It's almost like I can sense you following me, Oliver. I hope it's really not."So, why are you here? What's your agenda?" I asked without any hesitation.He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "I'm here to discuss a potential investment in Nexus Enterprises."Investment? That caught my attention. "Why would Vintner Corporation be interested in investing in a bankrupt company like ours?"He leaned against my desk,
"Deal?""Yes, you want to court me, right? Then, I'll give you a chance if you win this deal."He hesitated for a moment. "Alright, I'm listening. What's the deal?"I looked him straight in the eyes. "If you want to court me, then you have to prove that you're sincere and capable of change. You must track down every woman from your past whom you've hurt or wronged. You must apologize to each one of them sincerely, and if possible, make amends. You need to clear your reputation as a famous actor by showing genuine remorse and taking responsibility for your actions."His brows furrowed slightly, clearly taken aback. I know he will never agree to this, or maybe he can't because it will damage his pride. Will he apologize to all the women he hurt? I don't even know how many they are, but I know there are many. He talks too much.He blinked. "That sounds like a lot..."See? He will never do it."It is," I affirmed firmly. "But if you truly want to pursue a relationship with me, you'll have
"What's this supposed to mean, Oliver?" I asked coldly.Oliver approached me and stood beside where I was standing. "You said you'd only eat here, so I decided we'd eat together here. I ordered different kinds of foods so you can choose, and of course, we'll share it with anyone here."Everyone who heard started whispering excitedly, seeming happy about Oliver's offer because lunch was now free for them, but I wasn't pleased. I will never be happy about this. I massage my temples; he's trying his luck to flirt with me. I'm not into this."Thanks Oliver! These dishes look expensive," one of the cast members, Amore, remarked, looking at the food laid out. "Wait, I recognize these. Did you buy everything on the menu?" She asked in surprise.Oliver pursed his lips while shrugging his shoulders. "Small things, Amore. They're all from your cousin's restaurant.""Really? Did you get a discount for this? Aren't the dishes there expensive?""I don't do discounts," he replied with a grin, then
I pulled my hand back and took a step back. "You're not in love, Oliver.""Why does my heart beat faster when I'm with you? Isn't that love?" he countered."It's only beating because you're still alive. Don't be surprised when it stops," I retorted.He gave me a glare. "You really are a useless conversationalist sometimes!"I grinned like a dog. "At least you're happy when you're with me, right?""You're so shameless!"I just laughed at him and began to stand up. "I guess I will be leaving. It's getting late."He stood up as well and brushed off his seat. "I'll go with you. I'm going home too."We left without saying anything further. He followed behind me, but he didn't immediately get into his car and just stood outside. I glanced back through the open door."Why are you standing here?" I asked.He scratched his head. "I just... I just want to check if you get in your car safely."I was taken aback by his response. I didn't like what he said, so I went back outside and closed the do
We spent the next few hours looking around the property. There was a small lake at the back, shining under the moonlight. We sat on the dock with our feet hanging over the water."I come here when things get too hard," Oliver broke the silence. "It's my safe place."I just stared at my feet splashing in the water. The water was dark because of the dim area where we were, but I felt something nibbling at my foot.It's good to get rid of my ingrown toenail."I thought rich guys like you don't have problems," I said without looking, enjoying the ticklish feeling on my foot.A laugh escaped his lips, but it lacked its usual warmth. That's when I looked at him. He held a small rock and threw it into the water. My forehead creased as I remembered something from this scene. It felt like deja vu."Not all wealthy people are happy. Well, yeah. I'm just enjoying what I have but–" He paused, shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts. "Oops! Why am I being so dramatic?!"I frowned slightly, tak