...As the interview drew to a close, it was time for the final round of pictures. The flashes from the cameras illuminated the room briefly, capturing the smiles and camaraderie that we had projected throughout the interview.Zephyr's voice cut through the chatter as I stood there, smiling at him. "You know," he began, his words hesitant and laced with a hint of nervousness, "I was thinking…" He paused, seemingly unsure of how to continue, but I raised an encouraging eyebrow, silently urging him to speak his mind."How about we exchange our numbers?" he finally said, his smile slightly suspicious yet undeniably cute.A grin crept across my face. "Is that something to be mindful about? Of course," I replied playfully. Zephyr's suggestion didn't catch me entirely off guard, but it was a pleasant surprise."You should have asked me!" Antonio chimed in, joining our little circle with a playful grin. He put his hand on my shoulder, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes in mock exasperation
Sitting in my living room, I felt a sense of turmoil within me, my hands folded tightly as Raffaele sat opposite me, his reassuring presence a small comfort in the midst of my chaotic thoughts. My mind raced, searching my subconscious for answers. What should I do? Should I attempt to reconnect with Rosa, my advisor whose advice I had yet to follow? Here I was, knee-deep in a mess of scandals, feeling utterly lost."You're thinking too much," Raf's soothing voice cut through my inner turmoil, and he offered me a warm smile."I can't help it," I confessed, my anxiety still gripping me. "And now, because of me, so many people will suffer," I added, struggling to keep my composure."I'll take care of everything," he reassured me, his voice filled with determination."How?" I asked, my faith wavering. The door to the living room began to make noise, signaling someone's arrival."Why can't they give us a moment of peace?" I muttered, feeling trapped in a never-ending cycle of chaos.The do
..."Good thing you are back, with your boyfriend's resources we can pull this faster," Steven said immediately I returned to join them as I raised my brows at him."What do you mean by that? You said it will only cause more harm," I said a bit annoyed "You guys are dating?" Emilia said her looking at me, her eyes hard to read as I stood not knowing how to reply."There is no need denying it," Steven said as I turned to him with my eyes shooting lasers."Don't you think you are too comfortable with your speech, you are pushing it," I said as he stared at me as if taken aback."I understand that there is a problem but as a celebrity is almost inevitable, so please watch it," I said angrily "Okay..." he said looking at me as I nodded aggressively "But his resources will come in handy though," he added as I rolled my eyes."Am not about to take advantage of him being my boyfriend," I said "There is nothing like taking advantage in this industry, he us the Ceo and him pulling extra s
The ringing from my phone caught my attention. Raffaele calling, he earlier has bren communicating through steven."Hello," I said upon picking the call"How are you feeling?" he asked his voice soothing, exactly what I needed."I am better thanks to you," I said smiling."I told you to trust me, I will get to the bottom of everything, Just trust me," he said reassuring but still I wants to be involved."I will take care of everything including the accident," he said...I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for his unwavering support. He has become my pillar of strength throughout this ordeal, and his calm reassurance was a soothing balm to my frayed nerves."Thank you, Raffaele," I said sincerely. "I do trust you, and I appreciate everything you're doing for me."His voice carried a warmth that seemed to chase away the remnants of anxiety that had lingered. "That's what partners are for, to stand by each other in times of need."We continued to talk for a while, discussing th
...The sudden jingle of the doorbell startled me, and my eyes darted to Emilia. The question she voiced seemed rhetorical, but it hung in the air as I stared at her, unsure of what to expect.As I turned my attention towards the door, I couldn't help but realize that it had been a long time since I'd heard that sound. I'd grown so accustomed to the door opening and closing that the doorbell's chime felt strangely unfamiliar."Could it be..." I began to ask Emilia, but my words tapered off as we exchanged a meaningful look. She seemed to read my thoughts and offered reassurance."No, trust me, it's probably not what you're thinking. I'll take a look," Emilia said, moving towards the door and opening it. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched her greet the visitor, and a familiar perfume wafted into the room."Is Averial around?" the soft voice at the door inquired. My breath caught in my throat, and I held it, unable to believe my eyes. Emilia stepped aside, revealing the guest."M
...As we sat together, words seemed to fail me, and I found solace in holding onto my mother's hand, pondering the life that might have been if circumstances had been different. I had a good childhood, even though I'd later discover that the woman I'd called "mother" wasn't truly my biological mother. Still, the thought lingered—how differently would I have turned out if the events of the past hadn't unfolded as they did?Another knock interrupted our moment, and my mother glanced at me, her expression slightly awkward. Reluctantly, I released her hand, knowing that building a relationship with her would be challenging. We each carried our own secrets and experiences, and there was so much she didn't know about my life.The knocking persisted, prompting me to get up. "I'll get the door," I said, making my way to the entrance. I swung the door open to reveal Raffaele, holding a bouquet of flowers."Raf?" I called out, my voice soft with surprise and pleasure at seeing him."Deme," he
...Raffaele's phone rang, pulling his attention away from me. It was evident that the call had something to do with me as he answered it with a sense of urgency."Hello," he greeted, his voice slightly tense as he listened intently."Okay," he continued, his responses brief, leaving both Emilia and me in suspense, waiting for him to provide some context."Let's talk later," he said, ending the call, and I couldn't help but eye him suspiciously. The sense of excitement I had felt moments ago was beginning to wane."It's not Steven?" I inquired, unable to contain my curiosity."No, it's not," he replied, and my skepticism persisted. Perhaps I had jumped to conclusions prematurely, assuming that everything was finally going to settle down."Isn't it the right time for the company to call Amber in for questioning?" Emilia chimed in, her voice laced with concern."On what basis?" Raffaele posed the question, taking a seat."I don't think that's the right move," I interjected, addressing E
"You will regret coming in between us," Aliya snarled, her gaze fixed firmly on me. Raffaele promptly stepped in, physically pulling her away from my face, though I could still feel her heated stare."Raf," I called out to him, urging him to release her hand, as I didn't want things to escalate further."I can't believe this," she muttered, attempting to go back upstairs."I need to gather my things. Let go of me!" she cried out, and Raffaele reluctantly released her hand, immediately taking mine instead. He gently guided me behind him, acting as a shield between us."Come here!" he shouted, and to my surprise, two of his maids appeared from seemingly nowhere. I hadn't even noticed their presence before."Go upstairs and gather anything that belongs to her," he ordered the maids, who promptly obeyed his instructions and disappeared upstairs."You're not seriously doing this to me, are you?" Aliya cried out, her voice a mix of anger and desperation. Raffaele remained resolute, unphased
...(Demetria)It's been Three weeks since I moved and changed my number. Slowly I have adjusted to a new routine. Emilia refused to leave even when I threatened not to pay her, she stuck around me. I have since resigned and went on an indefinite hiatus. I still think about him but it doesn't matter. Does it?I have refused to go online and no one is allowed to talk about what is happening online near me.Since Kiera suddenly went missing the investigation went on hold. It seems like my life is on hold. It's been peaceful and I know with time I will overcome the constant thought of him.The only persons with my new number are Steven who has since traveled out of the country, he really was serious about not going back to the industry and was only here because of me.Emilia who is with me and my mother whom I called out of frustration. Today I have decided I was going to go see them. By them, I mean my family.No matter how I thought about it, I can't continue to not meet them.I booke
"How many month's break are you taking?" he asked while I folded my hands and looked down."You don't know?" he asked while I remained quiet till my phone began to ring. It was Emilia."We are on our way, and I forgot to let you know the villa is an almost eight-hour journey," she said as I nodded.I just need to put the location and drive, I have made up my mind to leave this city behind now that I am still strong, I feel nothing but anger for some reason, and feeling it into getting things done is better."What did she say?" Steven asked."It's an eight-hour journey," I said while he nodded."I will drop you off and then go," I said while he smiled "I will drive you," he said going ahead to the driver's side while I just rolled my eyes. Men are their need to lead. "I don't think you have had anything today," he said while I just frowned."I know how this your appetite is, I hope you start eating well from now on," he said while I turned to look at him, for some reason he seemed to
The ride went quiet as I drove out of the hospital my blood boiling for some reason, rather than curling myself up I felt energized.Looked like I was preparing myself all this while for this. Or does this have anything to do with me suddenly seeing Rosa?The ride was eerily silent and I was thankful for it, different emotions going through my mind and beneath it all was an unexpected surge of anger.Felt like I was building a war against myself. I was suppressing a certain emotion within me and that was anger, I am angry at everything. So many things were upsetting me the more I thought about it but I was driving and was not alone so I repeatedly breathed in and calmed my nerves as I drove straight to my apartment.And surprisingly but very much expectedly they were media houses packed around. I wonder just how bored and jobless they have to be to be camping near my apartment complex."You can't continue driving towards them," Steven said "They don't recognize this car," I said driv
..."Is there proof of this engagement you speak of sir?" I finally mustered enough courage to ask."So you are saying that am lying," his father said with a smirk plastered on his face."I don't know what you think of me, sir, am not just the woman your son sleeps with," I said confidently looking at him not avoiding his gaze anymore. "It's a relationship, courtship in other words," I added, the look on his face signified he was taken aback while his mother on the other hand had the look of an angry bird."If there is proof of me being the other woman then I would quietly withdraw," I said while his mother scoffed."What is this? Acting all dignified," she said."What is your issue with me ma'am, "I tried to sound as respectful as possible."People like you paint bad names for women around the world, you continue to do stereotypically what Actresses are known for, two-timing and going after rich men just to claim the social laser," she blasted me."People like me, you say?" I repeat
Georgiana, ever the gracious host, insisted on helping me prepare for the meeting with Raffaele's father. I hadn't brought any clothes with me, so she guided me to her room, where I could borrow something appropriate.Her room was elegant and well-organized, reflecting her refined taste. She opened her closet and started selecting a few outfit options for me. "Let's see," she murmured thoughtfully. "Something professional, yet not too formal."I watched her with gratitude as she chose a tasteful blouse and a pair of tailored slacks. "These should work nicely," she said, handing them to me."Thank you so much, Georgiana," I replied, feeling a sense of relief that she was there to help me in this unexpected situation.She offered me a comforting smile. "It's no trouble at all, dear. We women have to look out for each other, especially in times like these."I quickly changed into the outfit she had picked out, and she even offered some accessories to complete the look. As I looked at mys
(Demetria's pov)In the midst of our heartfelt conversation, Raffaele's phone suddenly rang, jolting us both from our intense emotional exchange. He frowned, his brows furrowing as he reached for his phone, glancing at the caller ID."I'm sorry, Deme, I have to take this call," he said apologetically as he answered the phone and moved a few steps away to speak privately.I nodded, my heart heavy with the abrupt interruption. It was clear that whatever had prompted the call was important. As I watched him talk on the phone, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Our conversation about his family and the challenges we might face together had left me emotionally vulnerable, and this unexpected interruption only added to my uncertainty.Raffaele's voice remained composed as he spoke, but I could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his expression shifted from concern to seriousness. It was evident that something significant was unfolding on the other end of the call.Minutes pas
(Demetria's pov)Slowly I stirred from my slumber, my eyes blinking sleepily as I slowly became aware of my surroundings. The room was softly lit by the gentle morning sun filtering through the curtains. It took me a moment to remember where I was, and as my consciousness fully returned, a contented smile curled at the corners of my lips.I'm wrapped in warmth and comfort, nestled against a solid, reassuring presence. I turn my head slightly, finding myself face to face with Raffaele. He's still in deep sleep, his features relaxed and peaceful. His dark hair is slightly tousled, and a few errant strands brush against his forehead.I can't help but admire the man beside me. His long lashes cast soft shadows on his cheeks, and the faintest trace of a smile plays on his lips. His breathing is slow and steady, matching the rhythm of my own heart. His strong arms, which have held me throughout the night, feel like a protective shield.My thoughts drift back to the whirlwind of events from
(Emilia contd)Slowly and shamelessly I began to raise, my eyes facing toward the window away from him."Emilia," he called my name as I closed my eyes tightly my heart beating fast, slowly I turned around to face his direction."Good morning," I said still with my eyes closed as I slowly opened them to look at him, he stood by the door, his hands folded with a smirk on his face, I swear I thought he was closer to the bed."Hey," I followed up, oh I wish the ground could swallow me who just to avoid this torture."I would allow you to sleep but I know you are awake," he said taking a step forward."What!" I let out a low scream as I looked at his legs."What?" he asked as my heart continued to beat against my chest."You don't want me to approach?" he asked taking another step with his brows raised."Please," I pleaded as he stopped looking at me weirdly."Is this about yesterday?" he asked while I face-palmed myself. Of course, it's about yesterday. How can he be so casual? This migh
(Emilia's pov)I woke up to the gentle chorus of birds outside, their melodious singing filling the room as the morning sun bathed everything in its warm glow. As I slowly shook off my drowsiness, I couldn't help but notice that something was amiss.The room around me felt unfamiliar at first, and for a moment, I couldn't quite place where I was. Then, it hit me like a lightning bolt, and my jaw practically hit the floor."Steven's room?" I whispered in disbelief, my eyes widening as I took in my surroundings.Slowly I raised the heavy duvet covering me as I noticed I had on only his shirt. My heart immediately began pounding against my chest as the memories of last night began creeping back.. "Can't you see that it's you? You're the one making me like this!" I remember it like it was said minutes ago. Those were my words although I didn't mean to blunt it out like that, it was too late, the damage had already been done as he smirked at me."You what?" he had asked as I covered my mo