Chapter 3 - The Major Sponsor

ALIANA'S POV

        

"Here's your food!"

       

Andy gave me my Caesar salad. We are currently in the dressing room preparing for my appearance on a talk show. Several minutes from now, the artists will arrive to do my makeup. Andy wanted to make sure I had already eaten before that. Vicky is reviewing the questions beforehand and giving me bits of advice for answering them.

          

"We've already informed the media that you won't be giving comments about Josh and Chantal, so I am sure they won't be asking you about that later," Vicky says.

         

I nodded, looking at Andy's burger and fries while I chewed my food. Andy seems to notice that and looks at Vicky, who is still busy reading the papers.

       

She then went closer to me and whispered, "Do you want to eat a burger and fries? I can ask Ma'am Vicky out, so she won't notice you eating some."

        

I chuckled and shook my head. 

       

"I don't want you to be in trouble again," I whispered back, smiling.

          

I really appreciate Andy's thoughtfulness towards me. The management, especially Vicky, is very strict with my diet as they think me being careless would ruin the body I have, which is also one of my investments as a model and an actress.  I sometimes crave those foods, and Andy knows that. She actually brings me some secretly, but there are times she gets caught, which makes me feel guilty. She likes spoiling me even though she'd be scolded for doing so. That's why I appreciate not only having her as my personal assistant but also as a caring friend.

        

"Thank you, Sir. I'll be informing Aliana." 

       

My attention was caught by Vicky mentioning my name as she talked over the phone.

     

"Yes, for sure. Congratulations to us in advance," she added, smiling.

        

"Who is that?" I asked.

         

"The big boss. He informed me that there will be a major sponsor meeting with the management. He also told me that you are one of the chosen artists from our agency that will meet the CEO," Vicky excitedly said.

            

We call the head of our entertainment agency the "Big Boss." 

         

"I'm not sure about how big the sponsor is. But judging by the big boss' tone, this is huge. He even mentioned that it is an international hotel and restaurant chain," she added.

         

I was amused. The management is, for sure, very delighted about that. More sponsors mean more funds, and more funds also mean greater promotion for all of us. 

          

I smiled.

      

Better opportunities.

          

This may also be a sign that I should begin again and move on from all the problems of the past weeks. I endured the issues circulating in the media linking me with Josh and Chantal. I should now strive to move forward to have a more successful career.

          

          

           

"There you are, Aliana! You get prettier day by day." 

         

I smiled after hearing the big boss' compliment when I went inside the conference room. Days have passed, and we are now waiting for the major sponsor. I walked gracefully to my seat, wearing my brown square neck top, nude wide-leg trousers, and a pair of white stilettos. Beside me is Vicky, chatting with other managers and artists already seated. 

          

A few minutes later, everyone got busy as we heard that the major sponsor had already arrived. I actually thought of an old man coming in because Vicky told me of how big the group of companies he's holding is. Also, the branches of their hotels and restaurants even extend internationally. That must require a lot of knowledge and experience. 

           

Everyone looked happy as a few men in black suits went in. I gave my most welcoming smile as the last person entered. However, it eventually vanished when I see that person's face. 

               

I couldn't be wrong. I might have been too drunk that night, but I still remember his face. I even woke up with him sleeping that morning. 

        

Shit. Why is he here?

       

"Good afternoon, Mr. Martinez." Everyone slightly bowed their heads as our big boss shook his hand with the man who had just come. 

          

"Good afternoon," he answered in a cold, manly voice. It sent shivers through my whole system, just like the night I met him.

      

His gaze fell on me, and I immediately looked away. With my heart thumping so hard, I held onto the table for strength. 

       

So the major sponsor they were talking about is him. Fuck. I tried my best to look normal the whole meeting, despite feeling his gaze and stares. 

           

"I see. This agency has made a lot of names in the entertainment industry. So, may I hear from them?" He said. 

        

Suddenly, everyone turned their heads to me, expecting me to speak first. I felt Vicky tap my elbow.

      

"I-I'm Aliana R-Reeves. I've been with Stardom for almost eight years already. They're t-he ones who helped me get to where I am right now in the industry, and they actually opened a lot of opportunities for artists like me. And I-I am forever grateful to them," I said, looking at everyone except him. 

         

I want to slap my face right now for stuttering a lot because I can feel him staring as I talk. 

       

Anyone in my position would understand. Imagine having a one-night stand with a stranger and hoping you would never see him again. Then one day, he'll just appear, offering a major sponsorship to your agency—the amount of bad luck I have.

      

"Don't you feel well, Aliana? I notice you have been looking pale since the meeting started," Vicky whispered. My eyes widened, alarmed that my reactions may be noticeable to others, too.

        

"I-I'm fine. My stomach is just upset. Maybe because of something I ate," I smiled awkwardly.

      

"I'll tell Andy to bring you some meds then." 

      

I sighed. Vicky seems to buy my explanation.

       

"Is this final, Mr. Martinez? This is a huge sponsorship. We're really grateful for this. We'll surely promote your company, too," the big boss said. 

       

"It is. Expect my support for this agency. I am not someone who walks away and leaves something behind after all." 

          

I looked at him after hearing that, and there I met his eyes staring right through me. My heart started beating faster as if I could not breathe anymore. 

       

Fuck. Is that the reason why he is here? What does he expect me to do? Stay until he wakes up? Have a chit-chat with him that morning?

        

       

KIEVAN'S POV

       

"Here are the financial reports that you requested, Sir. You'll be meeting the board in 10 minutes. Also, regarding your deal with Mr. Dmitriev, his secretary sent an email asking for a formal meeting between the two of you."

         

I nodded. 

        

"Schedule it next week," I said and proceeded with reviewing the papers submitted to me. Rico stood still on the side, arranging my schedule.

         

Suddenly, we were disturbed by a knock on the door. 

     

"Sir, someone wants to talk to you in the lobby," an office attendant entered.

      

"Sir Kievan has a meeting with the board to attend. Tell that person to set an appointment first," Rico answered for me.

          

"B-but Sir, it was Aliana Reeves, the actress."

        

"Let her in." I suddenly fixed the way I sit. 

       

"How about the board meeting, Sir?" 

           

"Move it tomorrow," I said, and Rico confusedly went out.

        

I just visited her agency yesterday. I wonder what brought her here. 

       

I smirked, realizing she may have thought of what was behind the sponsorship. It is still fresh to me how her smile vanished as she saw my face and how she managed to avoid my stares. Did she wish not to see me again?

       

After a few minutes, the door flew open. She marched in fiercely, her heels creating noise as they made contact with the floor. Her face showed no sign of fear or nervousness, different from how I saw her yesterday. It may have all sunk into her. 

          

"Cancel the sponsorship," she straightly said.

     

I didn't answer her. Instead, I looked at her with challenging stares.

      

"I know you remember me. Why are you doing this?" she added.

       

I remember you very well—your scent, your voice, and your touches. It still lingers on me all too well.

      

"Because I want to help an agency knowing my businesses will be promoted fairly as well," I innocently answered.

       

"No, you don't!" she raised her voice, sounding so pissed off already. 

       

I stood up, walked in front of my table, and leaned on it. 

       

"I just answered your question. Now, answer mine. Why did you leave me without saying a word?" 

          

She suddenly laughed, and I tried so hard not to get distracted by how captivating she looked right now. 

         

With that cross-neck halter top, flare pants, and a pair of hoop earrings…

         

Damn.

        

"What do you expect me to do after a one-night stand then? Wait till you wake up and ask for a commitment?"

           

"Why not? I am your first."

          

"It doesn't matter. Cancel the sponsorship and never show up again."

          

I clenched my jaw. This is the first time I've heard this from a woman. 

         

"Oh, tell me you don't mean that." 

       

I close the distance between us, place one hand on her waist and caress her cheek with the other. Her body stiffened, shocked by my sudden action, and I used that opportunity to kiss her. 

        

I felt her left hand push me, but that wasn't strong enough to make me move a bit. I noticed her body weakened, so I held her waist tightly and pulled her closer to my body. Feeling her kissing back eventually, I gladly deepen the kiss.

      

Oh, fuck. I love the feeling of her lips on mine.

        

The hand she used to push me a while ago now grips my shoulder for extra strength.

        

"Tell me you don't miss this," I whispered as my hands started to travel her body. Thousands of explosives run through my whole system, realizing she's now kissing me after I have longed for her for weeks. 

        

"I want you," I said, planting kisses on her neck.

         

However, I may not have anticipated that this would be fleeting.

        

"We should stop this." She broke the kiss and pushed me with a greater force this time. Her eyes look alarmed and confused as if she had just regained her right state of mind. 

       

"You kissed me back. I know you want it, too." I said, my eyes still half-closed.

       

She shook her head and composed herself.

      

"We're not in a romantic relationship to be doing that!" she exclaimed.

       

"Let's be in it then," I directly answered.

      

"Are you crazy? We don't even love each other!" She looked away, looking too stressed about everything I said.

        

"We can explore physical intimacy together. You can call me when you want it or when we both want it, and we're both available. No strings attached… just the benefits. We can stop seeing each other once the cravings subside; when we don't want each other anymore. Just for us to satisfy the thirst," I desperately proposed.

       

She gave me an insulting laugh again, making me feel that she found the idea ridiculous.

        

"You're out of your mind," she said, shaking her head.

She then turned her back and walked out of my office.