“No,” Eloise deadpanned. “You must be kidding. Your house is so big,” she said. “Why do you have only one bedroom?”“I’m the only one who lives here,” he said. “I’m telling the truth, Eloise. You can check every room in this house if you'd like.”“Then, what’s that room over there?” she pointed, walking over to the room perpendicular to Ollie’s. She opened the door and saw a movie theater-like space. She looked at them with wide eyes. “You have a movie theater in your house, but you only have one room?” she asked. “It gets lonely when you’re alone sometimes,” he muttered. “Besides, Ollie would have fun there. It also has a 4D function.”Eloise shook her head in disbelief. “So, when Alina stays here, she sleeps in this very room?”Eloise would rather sleep in the movie theater if that's the case. She can just imagine what the two of them have done on Vaughn’s bed. “Alina has never been here,” he said. “What?” she asked, perplexed. “But the two of you only broke up weeks ago.”He no
“And cut!” Director Hugo exclaimed as the scene finished. Grayson and Eloise parted ways, wet with the fake rain. They had just finished filming their confession scene, and Director Hugo was satisfied with the outcome. “Great job, guys,” the director called out. He then played back the video and frowned when he felt like something was missing. “Their chemistry is great,” he muttered. “But I feel like I have to add something right here,” he stated, pointing at the scene that was currently playing. “I think you’re right, director,” a producer agreed. “Shall I call Eloise and Grayson?”Director Hugo nodded. Grayson and Eloise went to Director Hug’s office after drying off and getting changed. He had a frown on his face, so Eloise felt a sense of uncertainty. He looked alright just a while ago. Did something happen?They sat down in front of him and waited for him to speak. “I want to reshoot the confession scene,” he suddenly said. Eloise and Grayson frowned, looking at each other.
Eloise couldn’t believe what she just heard. “What?” she clarified. “You heard me,” Vaughn said. “The best way you can master something is through practice. Practice makes perfect, right?”“And I have to learn this from you because?” she asked. “Because why not?” he smirked. “It’s not like you have any other person to help you with it? Who else are you going to ask? That Grayson dude?”“I could,” she said, raising her chin confidently. “There’s nothing wrong in asking him to practice. We’re going to be the ones to act the scene out anyway.”Vaughn’s jaw clenched. He already hated the idea of Grayson and Eloise kissing on camera. But behind the scenes? He’d rather lose his company. “We both know you wouldn’t do that,” he said. “Go ahead and call him. Ask him to practice kissing you. I’ll wait.”Vaughn crossed his arms in front of his chest and leaned back against the couch, his gaze still lingering on Eloise’s face. Eloise bit her lip. Of course, she said those words just to provo
“Shit,” Eloise muttered as she broke away from Grayson once more. “Cut!” Director Hugo called out. “Eloise, are you alright? This is our third take already. Why can’t you do the kiss properly?” he scolded. “Sorry, director,” she quickly apologized. “I’ll do it right away again.”Director Hugo sighed. “You’re a good actress, Eloise, and your chemistry with Grayson is off the charts. I hope it translates into your kiss. We want to give the people a satisfying adaptation of their favorite book, got it?”“Got it,” she swiftly responded. She then let out a deep breath and closed her eyes to calm herself down. “Hey, you alright?” Grayson asked. “Hmm, yeah,” she responded with a smile. Not. She’s not alright!Because what happened last night keeps replaying in her mind. Stupid, stupid Eloise! Why did she let him kiss her like that for such a long time? ‘You liked it,’ her subconscious said. “Shut up,” she muttered. “Hmm?” Grayson asked, confused. “Are you really alright? We can post
“Is it really alright for me to go?” Eloise asked Cadence as she took a sip out of her matcha latte. It was one of the rare days when the two of them had a day off. It’s been such a long time since they’ve hung out by themselves, so they decided to have coffee at a cute little cafe. “Why wouldn’t it be okay for you to go?” Cadence asked. “It’s family day!”“Exactly,” Eloise exclaimed. “It’s for families. It means that we’d have to mingle as Ollie’s parents. You know I would do everything for my child, but what if people ask us how long we’ve been together or something? Do I just tell them that we’re in a co-parenting situationship?”“Yes,” Cadence nonchalantly said. “It’s not unusual. Did you know? Nearly 45% of couples are divorced in the United States. I’m sure you are not alone.”“That’s the thing,” Eloise exasperatedly said. “We’re not a normal divorced couple. We were never really together, either. We’re in this weird ambiguous relationship of being co-parents with some sexual
Eloise turned off the phone call shortly after that. She didn’t wait for Vaughn to explain any further. She was deeply disappointed not only for herself but also for Ollie. Her child looked bright, hoping his father would attend this event. Then, he’s just going to break his promise without any warning?Eloise cast her head to the ground. And to think she was also waiting for this. It was as if their progress had gone back to zero. She already felt uncomfortable thinking about going back to his house tonight.Ollie ran to his mother, still with a huge smile on his face. “Mommy! Mommy!” he called. “The event is about to start. When is Daddy coming?”She pursed her lips. She had no heart to tell Ollie his father would not make it. “He’s busy, baby,” she said, recycling the same-old excuse. Her heart hurt looking at Ollie’s disappointed face. However, despite that, he still smiled, which only made Eloise’s heart hurt even more. “I’m sorry, baby,” Eloise whispered, gently squeezing th
The table, including Eloise, was shocked as Vaughn sat beside her. Some of the parents also glanced their way, whispering among themselves about the arrival of a hot “dad.” His appearance made quite the buzz, and Eloise felt a sense of jealousy in her heart. “Isn’t that Vaughn Ryder?” one mom pointed out. “The CEO of Cavallerizzo? What is he doing here?”“Did he come to accompany his relative? His niece of nephew, perhaps?” another one asked. "Maybe he has a child that goes here.""That's impossible! He just broke up with Alina Jenkins."The crowd buzzed with gossip. Vaughn, however, turned a blind eye and focused his attention on Eloise and their table. The wives on the table looked at Vaughn with agape mouths. Meanwhile, the husbands felt insecure about their partners’ reactions. Mrs. Brown calmed down, fixing her hair and leaning on the table. Her eyes sparkled with interest and kindness—as if she wasn’t just badmouthing Eloise a while ago. “Mr. Vaughn?” she said with a smile.
Cadence arrived at the office with a huge smile on her face. She used to not like working at all, hoping to marry into a rich family and live life like a trophy wife instead. Being able to marry a rich guy who was on the verge of dying was even her ultimate dream, hoping to get a hefty amount of inheritance after a couple years of marriage. However, as she started working in Cavallerizo, she came to love her job. She even goes to the office earlier than her work hours to see a certain person. “Cadence!” Xavi excitedly greeted, waving his hands enthusiastically at her. “Xavi,” she exclaimed, sitting down next to him in the office’s lounge. She smiled as she took in his features. He's still as handsome as ever. “Coffee?” he offered, sliding Cadence’s favorite blend in front of her. “I made it for you since I knew you’d be grumpy without it,” he smiled. Cadence couldn’t help but feel flattered. How could she not like Xavi when he acts like this? He’s like a big, soft puppy who’s loya
The anticipation in the air was palpable as the doors to the grand entrance slowly opened, revealing Eloise in all her radiant glory. As she took her first steps down the aisle, Vaughn couldn't tear his eyes away from her. She looked like an angel, a vision of beauty that took his breath away. At that moment, he was reminded of all the struggles they had gone through, all the obstacles they had overcome, and how far they had come to reach this point. Memories flashed before Vaughn's eyes – the first time they met, their initial disagreements, the tender moments of understanding, and the countless instances they had supported each other through thick and thin. Their journey had been far from easy, but it had brought them to this magical moment, where they were about to vow their love and commitment to each other. As Eloise finally stood before him at the altar, Vaughn's heart swelled with emotion. He held her hands gently, the warmth of her touch sending shivers down his spine. The of
The day of Vaughn and Eloise's wedding had finally arrived, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. The venue was adorned with ethereal decorations, and soft music filled the air as the guests took their seats. It was an intimate setup, surrounded by their closest friends and family who had witnessed their tumultuous journey toward love.Inside the bridal suite, Eloise was getting ready, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. Cadence, her best friend, and maid-of-honor, bustled around her, making sure every detail was perfect. "You look absolutely stunning, Eloise," Cadence beamed, her eyes glistening with joy for her friend.Eloise offered a shaky smile, clutching her bouquet tightly. "Thank you, Cadence. I can't believe this day is finally here."Cadence placed a reassuring hand on Eloise's shoulder. "You and Vaughn have been through so much together, and today is the day you get to celebrate your love. It's going to be perfect."Meanwhile,
After Alina's revelation to the public, Vaughn wasted no time in setting a press conference. Not only did he want to clear up everything with the public and start a new, clean slate, but he also wanted Eloise's first movie not to be affected. The news of Vaughn's press conference spread like wildfire through the media and social media platforms. Speculations were rife about what he might reveal, especially after Alina's scandalous revelation. Reporters and fans alike were anxiously waiting to see what the multi-millionaire would say.As the clock ticked closer to the scheduled time, Vaughn felt a mix of nervousness and determination. He knew that this press conference was a turning point in his life, and he was ready to face the consequences of his actions.The conference hall was filled with reporters and cameras, all eager to witness the drama unfold. Vaughn stepped onto the podium, taking a moment to survey the crowd. He knew that this was not just about him but also about the wom
The red carpet buzzed with excitement as hot stars came to promote the long-awaited movie—“Dreams Come True.”Director Hugo’s movies would always make it into the trending list during premier days, and this movie wasn’t an exception. Despite the numerous controversies that surrounded it, “Dreams Come True” still managed to capture the curiosity of viewers. “Grayson, over here!” The paparazzi and cameramen scrambled to get interviews and pictures of the young actor. The girls waiting outside the red carpet screamed as they were grazed by his handsome presence. “Why are you all alone tonight?” One interviewer asked. Grayson smiled. “Don’t worry. My Zoe is coming here later.”That’s right. His “Zoe.”Grayson had tried inviting Eloise to the red carpet-event, but it seemed like she already had someone else in mind. At the end of the day, the only version of Eloise that would be his is Zoe. Because the real Eloise already belonged to Vaughn. It was hard to accept at first, especia
“Xavi, let me go,” Cadence said, trying to tug her arm away.“Let’s talk,” Xavi said, locking themselves in a stock room and standing in front of the door.Cadence bit her lip in embarrassment.“There isn’t anything to talk about,” she muttered.“That’s not what I heard.”“I was just ranting to Eloise,” she said. “We should really go. Our break is almost over.”Xavi sighed and held onto Eloise’s shoulders, gently slamming her back on the door and caging her in his arms.Her eyes widened in surprise.Well, that was hot."Listen to me, please," Xavi begged. "I can't let this go on any further."Cadence slowly nodded. “I know this might sound stupid after I rejected you just yesterday, but I have realized that I like you,” he said.Her mouth went agape.So, it wasn’t just her imagination?“What do you mean?” she asked.He sighed and leaned even closer to her. Cadence felt her breath get stuck at the back of her throat.“Damn, you’re really so pretty,” he whispered. “You’ve always been p
The office was busting with the usual sounds of ringing phones, clacking keyboards, and business talks. In the highest office, near the large windows, Vaughn and Eloise shared an intimate moment, their eyes locked with affection as they leaned in. “Can we do this here?” Eloise asked. “I could literally see some of your workers walking past the office.”“It’s a one-way mirror,” Vaughn said, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. “We’re not going to get caught.” With that, Vaughn captured Eloise’s lips in a hot kiss, their tongues battling for dominance as they ventured into their new relationship. Eloise wanted to laugh since the two of them seemed like teens. It was like they had a newfound relationship, and everything just seemed to be exciting. The kiss lingered for a moment, their faces flushed with a mixture of excitement and lust. They stole glances at each other as they kissed, loving the way their lips felt against each other. Eloise wrapped her arms around Vaughn’s neck while V
“So, why did you call us out for a drink again?” Dylan asked, popping a chip in his mouth.“I think I know why,” Red said. “Did Cadence finally confess to you?”Xavi stopped mid-drink. “Did she tell you?”“Yeah,” Red chuckled. “She wanted to confess no matter what. Actually, the lunches we had for the past week were filled with conversations about you. You’re so oblivious.”“Fuck,” Xavi cursed. “Am I really that oblivious?”“Yes,” his two friends said in unison.“But how is this a problem anyway?” Dylan asked. “I thought you wanted to give every girl a chance until you find the right one.”“He still does,” Red responded. “But Cadence is his f-word.”“His fuckbuddy?” Dylan asked with wide eyes. “Damn, Xavi boy. I didn’t know you had it in you.”“No, idiot,” Red slapped the back of his head. “Cadence is his friend.”“Oof,” Dylan winced. “That’s even worse. So, you rejected her?”Xavi didn’t respond.“You did,” Red deadpanned. “I can’t believe it. Are you allergic to good women or someth
The plan was all set. Cadence drove her car back to her apartment during the lunch break just so she could ask Xavi to drive her home. Fortunately, he agreed, and now all she had to do was confess her feelings. “I thought you came here with your car this morning,” Xavi said, opening the car door for her. “Uh, no. You must have seen wrong,” she bluffed. “I took the bus this morning.”“Oh,” he said. “Must be my imagination, then.”“Yeah,” she nervously chuckled. “Thanks for agreeing to take me home, by the way.”Xavi shook his head, walking over to the other side. “No worries. I can take you again tomorrow if you’d like.”Cadence smiled as she sat in the passenger seat. Her heart beat even faster in her chest. How the hell is he making her feel giddy even until now? Xavi got in the car, too, and he started driving to Cadence’s apartment. It was only a short drive from the office to her apartment, so Cadence had to act quickly. “How was your day?” Xavi asked. “I heard you went out to
“We broke up,” Xavi calmly said, taking a sip from his coffee. Cadence almost choked after his revelation.“What?” she asked, some of the whipped cream from her frappuccino on her nose. She couldn’t believe what she just heard. Xavi chuckled and reached across the table to wipe her nose. Cadence felt another tug in her heart. For the past few days, she had been contemplating whether to forget about her feelings for Xavi, but it’s times like this that make it so difficult for her to move on. “We broke up,” Xavi repeated. “Trina and I.”“B–but why?” Cadence stammered. “I thought it was going well for the two of you.”“I thought so, too,” Xavi said. “But I saw her true colors. I visited her last night to surprise her, but I found another guy in her bed. I really thought she was the one, but I guess the right hasn’t arrived in my life yet.”Cadence pursed her lips together. That bitch. She actually had the audacity to cheat on someone like Xavi? The guy she’s been dying to have ever si