10. The Plan

AYRA

I walk into Yolo Entertainment wearing a teal Zara jumpsuit, with one single goal in mind: Saying no to everything Matt would spew.

Raven is by my side, and we are the definition of the determined duo.

I push his office door open, and there’s my step-sister, her smirk quickly fading as she rushes toward me.

“Ayra, how have you been holding up since the news? I’m so sorry about how this turned out. You know I’d never do this to you intentionally, it’s all so shocking, yunno?" She pauses for dramatic effect, then continues, "I’m glad you're here to sort all this out. Things like this aren't really my thing. I was just as surprised as you must be.”

I nod and reply, “You’re right, you're too simple-minded to understand what’s happening, and it’s not your fault. That’s why I’m here—to help you navigate the brain-clouding intricacies of the entertainment industry.”

Victoria’s eyes go wide with anger, but she doesn’t say anything, instead retreating back to her seat without another word.

“Ayra, there’s no need for all this fuss. Just accept what the company wants you to do,” Matt says, breaking the awkward silence.

“Making no sense, Matt,” I retort. “You've never interfered with my choices.” I take a step closer. “This isn’t like you. Are you truly okay? You don’t even like Ferdinand. So why are you trusting one of your best talents to do a movie with him as the director? None of this makes sense.”

Something flickers across his eyes, but it’s gone before I can figure out what it was.

“Ayra, this is what you need to do. If you don’t listen, it’ll be us against you, and you know the penalty for breach of contract,” he says.

Victoria looks like she could jump for joy, and then she adds, “You’ll get other opportunities, Ayra. You’re such a great actress, and me taking this one wouldn’t make a difference.”

“Of course, it wouldn’t,” I say, storming out of his office.

Raven follows behind me and asks, “What are you going to do now?”

I stop and say, “I’m waiting for my sister to leave. There’s something off about Matt. I need to talk to him without a potential spy hanging around.”

Raven nods, and after a few minutes, we spot Victoria heading for the elevator. I turn and head back into the office.

I’m just at the threshold when I catch Matt on the phone.

“Yeah, I just made it clear to her... but isn’t there another way? Another script we could swap her out for?”

There’s a pause, then I hear him again.

“I know… your investment would be helpful. Thank you. I’ll make sure she either does it or faces the penalty.” The call ends.

I walk in, arms crossed, and say, “So, this is all about money, huh?”

Matt looks shocked to see me and quickly hardens his expression. “Ayra, why are you back here? And so what if it’s about the money? I’m not losing this company, and I need the money now… Hannah needs this money.”

“How much are they offering?” I ask, already knowing I won’t be able to match their price. I understand his need, but that doesn’t excuse his betrayal.

“More than you can imagine... Just do this for me, Ayra. I promise you better deals will come your way,” he says, his face hopeful.

I stay silent and turn away without giving him a response.

The drive back to my apartment is filled with silence. I’m mad at Matt, but I can’t find it in my heart to lash out. Hannah’s accident last summer must have taken a toll on him—hospital bills, stress, everything.

Raven asks to stay with me, but I decline. I need to be alone. I need to think about what I can and should do next.

Later that night, Brielle calls and asks if I’m up for drinks. I wanted to decline, but I decided a distraction wouldn’t be so bad.

******

"So, what's your plan since you want the role but can’t force it because of Matt threatening you with your contract? The penalty is insane,” Brielle says as she drops ice into my drink.

I sigh and take a sip. “I don’t know, fake an accident or something. I need to think about it more. I’m sure something will come up.”

“You know, I could help you talk to my dad about the money if you ever want to cancel it. He’s been trying to get into my good books lately. He’s even pushing me to go on blind dates. I could be your sacrificial lamb—one horrible blind date in exchange for a favour.” She smiles hopefully.

I shake my head. “I love you, but I hate handouts. You know this.”

“This isn’t a handout, you can pay me back when you get back on your feet. I know with your divorce, your joint accounts would’ve been frozen, and you didn’t work for over a year. Think of this as a long-term loan.” She smiles.

I think it's over. It’s not a bad offer, but I know Brielle wouldn’t take the money back. Then an idea hits me.

“How about I do the dirty job?” I smile.

“Tell me more,” Brielle grins.

“I’ll show up on your blind date for you. Thank God he’s Italian and doesn’t know me. You need to fill me in on his details, and voilà, I’ll appear as Brielle Rosa Caruso.” I grin.

Brielle bursts out laughing. “Oh my God, this is perfect. You need to go all out. He has to be the one to call off the marriage. My father is obsessed with getting us together for the family bond or some crap like that. He even had the nerve to say I was chasing after him when I was young. Mind you, I don’t even remember this guy.”

“I can totally picture you chasing someone. You definitely have that crazy tendency,” I laugh. “As for the family betrothal bullshit, I’m not the best one to give advice. Look at how mine ended.” I smile.

“You’re supposed to be on my side! Besides, I honestly don’t want to marry someone who’s involved in my father’s business and family legacy. You know I love my dad, but he’s way too overprotective. I guess being an arms dealer puts you at risk. I tease him about being a Mafia boss sometimes, but I’m not sure I’m kidding.” She sighs.

“He cares, Brielle. I’m happy at least one of us has it good in that department. Also, how’s your bodyguards taking your ditching tricks these days?” I smile.

“They curse and swear, one even cried, saying to my dad, ‘È una piccola demone, signore. Un ifrit con abilità di invisibilità. Vuole ucciderci. Abbiate pietà e cambiate il turno di sicurezza. Salvate me per mia madre.’” She bursts into wicked laughter.

“It sounds too funny, do I even want to know what that means?” I smirk.

“He’s calling me a demon, among other things. I put the man in real tears.”

“So, it’s settled. The date with my Italian blind date tomorrow?”

“Oh, it’s on. I’ll be putting on my best spoiled brat act.” I smirked while Brielle looked over to me with a wide grin.