As I stroll through Central Park on this sunny Saturday, the atmosphere is buzzing with people enjoying their weekend. My sister, Eva Stone, had introduced me to this particular genre of music, and it has been keeping me company on this walk. I spend most of my days holed up in my apartment, so a little fresh air and greenery is a welcome change.
As I glance at my phone to check the time, I realise I've been out for nearly four hours. It's starting to get late, and I should probably head back. It takes me around thirty minutes to make my way back to my apartment building from the park. Once I arrive, I pause to look up at the building. It's a little too fancy and expensive for my liking, but I didn't have much of a choice in the matter. Eva's parents had emotionally blackmailed me into staying there, and I feel indebted to them.When I was just five year old, my world turned upside down when my parents got into a fatal car accident while bickering. The traumatic event left me with only a few scratches, but it cost me the only family I had. With no one else to turn to, I was on the brink of being thrown into the cold embrace of foster care. Fortunately, fate had other plans, and I was taken in by the loving and generous parents of my sister, Eva.Eva was elated to have a little sister, and from the moment I entered their lives, her parents treated me as their own. I was grateful beyond measure, but there was always a small part of me that felt guilty for imposing on their kindness.As I step inside the building, I wait patiently for the elevator to arrive. The familiar ding resonates, and I step inside. Since Eva's family owns the building, we were given the top-notch penthouse suite. I press the button for the highest floor, and the elevator ascends swiftly with only me as its passenger. Upon reaching my floor, I walk down the corridor to the door of my apartment and punch in the passcode, and the door unlocks with a soft beep."Hello?" I call out as I step inside the luxurious penthouse suite, but the only response I hear is the sound of my keys hitting the floor. It seems like she's not around. The apartment is massive, with three spacious bedrooms, giving both Eva and me enough space to call our own. I take out my phone to call her, but it goes straight to voicemail.Heading towards the kitchen, I can't help but marvel at its beauty. It's a foodie's paradise, and I'm no exception. As someone who loves to bake, the kitchen is my sanctuary. I pour myself a glass of water and make my way to my room.Although it's the smallest bedroom, I don't mind because of the breathtaking view it offers. Being a self-employed graphic artist, I have the luxury of working from home. With business booming, I find myself busy on my laptop most of the time.It wasn't always this easy for me, though. After graduating from college, I struggled to find a job. But my Aunt Ana and Uncle Steve (Eva's parents) helped me out by introducing me to a client. At first, I was hesitant to accept their help because I wanted to pave my own way. But since I had no other clients, I figured I had nothing to lose. To my surprise, the client was impressed with my work, and since then, I've been busy with work, even though I'm only 23. With a stable job and an apartment to call my own, life is good. "Avery, come here. I have something to tell you." I'm so lost in my thoughts that I don't hear Eva's arrival at first. Startled, I quickly stood up to meet her. Before leaving my room, I pause my music and drop my earbuds. I walk to the living room, but when I don't see Eva there, I assume she must be in her room. I decided to wait for her to come out.I'm currently watching a rerun of The Big Bang Theory when Eva emerges from her room. "Avery, I've got some exciting news for you" she exclaims, settling down next to me. Whenever she starts a conversation like that, I know she's about to drag me into something."I just got two VIP tickets to one of Hayden Thorne's concerts, and we even got to go backstage and meet him" Eva exclaims, beaming with excitement."How is this a surprise for me?" I ask, confused."Well, since you couldn't stop raving about how much you loved his song, I thought you'd want to meet him," Eva replies.I muted the TV show. "Out of his whole album that you got me into, only one song tickled my fancy. What makes you think I want to see him live? Plus, you know I can't stand crowded spaces," I said, hoping my reluctance was clear."Avery, please, just this once. It'll be worth it, I promise," Eva pleaded, her eyes shining with excitement.I don't know why she insists on dragging me along when she's perfectly capable of enjoying herself without me. Whenever she needs a wingman, I'm her go-to when all of her friends isn't available, even though I'm the complete opposite of a social butterfly."Did you ask your friends, Beatrice and Sophie?" I inquired, trying to buy some time."No, it's Bella and Sofia, and they're not snobs. Can't you just give them a chance?" Eva said, giving me a look that was both reproachful and hopeful."Don't give me that look. You know they're mean to me just because I wasn't born with rich like they were," I grumbled. Ever since Eva introduced me to her high-society pals, they've treated me like an outsider, reminding me of the gulf between their privilege and my adopted background."They're just joking. Why can't you take a joke?" Eva retorted, her tone a mix of frustration and exasperation."Why can't you go with them, then?" I asked."I called them, but they're all busy," Eva replied, deflated."Well, can't you ask someone else to go? It's not like you're short on friends. You have plenty of buddies from work," I suggested, my voice taking on a frustrated tone.Eva is a famous actress and a permanent fixture in the glittering landscape of Hollywood. When she visits New York, she crashes with me to get a break from the spotlight. But even here, the constant thrum of paparazzi makes it difficult to lead a normal life."You're acting like actors have nothing better to do than to hang out all day. And I did ask other people, but everyone's got commitments. Please just come with me," Eva begged."I'm sorry, but I really don't want to go," I replied firmly, my eyes never leaving the screen. Eva pouted and leaned towards me, "Please just go with me." That was odd. Normally, when I refused, she would go by herself."Eva, is everything alright? You're not keeping anything from me, are you?" I probed, sensing that something was amiss."What do you mean, Avery? Everything's fine," Eva replied, sounding taken aback. But I could tell that something was bothering her."If you really want me to come, then tell me what's really going on," I insisted, hoping to get her to open up to me."I'm not going to go with you unless you tell me the truth," I said firmly, looking at Eva. She appeared surprised at my demand, but eventually nodded. "Okay, here it is. This morning, while I was on set, my manager David called me, asking me to come to his office after I was done filming. When I got there, he dropped a bombshell on me. He said I have to date Hayden Thorne for a publicity stunt," Eva confessed. I was taken aback. "But you're already famous. Why do you need a publicity stunt?" My popularity has been decreasing over the recent years, and most of the movies I've done flopped," Eva explained. I nodded, starting to understand. "Okay, but what does Hayden get out of it?" "Well, when Hayden started out, my dad gave him the extra boost he needed to become famous. So he owes him, and I guess my dad called him and asked him to do it," Eva said. "But why Hayden? Couldn't your manager find another actor to date for the publicity stunt?" I asked, still confused. "Well, I ki
As soon as I hit the floor, I felt a jolt of pain shoot up my spine, and it took a moment for me to realise that my glasses had slipped off in the chaos. The world around me suddenly became a blur, and I knew I had to find my glasses fast. As I scrambled on the ground, I heard a man's voice apologise for bumping into me. "Sorry it's my fault you fell, are you looking for something?" the man asked. Judging by the deep timber of his voice, I imagined him to be a tall, well-built man. I couldn't help but wonder where he was running to when he collided with me. I reached out and felt the man's outstretched hand. He helped me stand, and I could see a blurry outline of his figure. "I'm looking for my glasses, they fell," I explained. "Don't worry, I'll get it for you," he replied kindly. As I watched the blurry figure bend down and pick up something from the ground, I hoped it was my glasses. Luckily, it was. "Here, take them," he said, extending his hand towards me. I reached out to
Jason's face contorts into a mix of shock and disbelief when he sees me. He quickly masks his expression with a practised smile, but I can see the surprise lingering in his eyes."Your sister has been telling me all about how you're my fan," he says. I furrow my brows in confusion, turning to Eva for an explanation.She meets my gaze with a glint of mischief in her eyes, her grip on my hands almost painful. "Don't be shy," she says, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I've told him everything about how you've always had a crush on him since we were teenagers, and about his posters in your room. You used to talk about how you wanted to marry him in the future." I feel the blood rushing to my cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and anger coursing through me. I shake off Eva's grip,"I think I get the message," I mumble to Eva, my voice cold and controlled. Eva looks at me as if she feels sorry and faces Hayden. "Actually, the only reason I agreed to meet you was because Avery pestered
I'm awoken by a loud clatter in the kitchen. I sluggishly get out of bed, slip on my glasses, and check the time on my phone. It's around 9 am, so I figure Eva must be here. As I head to the living room, I catch a glimpse of Eva foraging through the fridge. Still peeved with her, I retreat to my room, freshen up with a quick shower and teeth brushing. After donning a comfy hoodie and yoga pants, and slipping on my favourite fuzzy slippers, I start working on my project. Just as I'm about to hit send, my belly grumbles, making me realise it's already 1 pm. Time does fly when you're doing something you enjoy. I decide to take a break and whip up some pancakes, as the thought of my stomach devouring itself is unbearable. I head to the kitchen, wondering if Eva is still lurking about. I quickly get to mixing the pancake batter and in no time, the fluffy stacks are ready. I serve myself and grab a cup of OJ. Sitting on the couch, I turn on the TV and am thrilled to see Modern Family pl
"Eva, what are you doing here with a suitcase?" I asked."Well, remember how I said I was going to make it up to you?" Eva replied."Yes," I said, still a bit confused."Remember how you told me you've always wanted to travel to Toronto? I booked a ticket for us to go there," Eva explained. I've always wanted to travel, and Toronto is one of the places I've been dying to visit. But I've always been so busy studying during high school and college. After I graduated, I was just focused on starting up my graphic design business, so I put travelling on the back burner. I'm really excited about this surprise. I didn't even think she could do something like this for me. Eva and I are close, but not that closeWith a smile on my face, I said, "Thanks so much, Eva. That's a wonderful surprise." I walked over to the couch, and Eva looked at me, still smiling. "See, I told you I'd make it up to you."As I sat down beside her, she reached out for a hug. "So, does that mean I'm forgiven now?" Eva s
When I realize Eva's screaming I bolt from the bed and run immediately to the living room when I get there I see Eva looking at something on her phone."Eva what happened,are you okay,why were you screaming",I asked worriedly."I'm just really excited",Eva said as she put her phone directly in my face"See,I'm currently one of the most searched actress right now on Google and it's all because of that article".I remove Eva phone from my face and look at the article on her phone,that's when i see the headline"A budding romance between Singer Hayden Thorne and Actress Eva stone"I mumble, seeing the headline I can't help but feel a little jealous and I don't even know why. I don't bother reading the rest cause I don't want to strain my eyes so I just focus on the pictures,I see the picture of Eva with Jason and her hands on her chest after the concert,Jason dropping me off at my apartment in his car but I can't be seen so it's only his face showing,Eva hugging him in front of my apartment w
"What are you doing here, Jason?" I asked, taken aback by his sudden appearance."Wait, let me help you up first," Jason said, extending his hand to me. As I took it, he pulled me up with such force that I had to close my eyes."Are you okay?" Jason asked, concern etched on his face."I'm okay," I said, opening my eyes. I couldn't help but notice how close we were. Normally, I would have backed away, but for some reason, I found myself wanting to stay close to him. I looked into Jason's eyes, and to my surprise, he seemed to be getting closer. Was he about to kiss me? My heart raced with anticipation, and before I could push him away, a man's voice interrupted."Get a room!" the man shouted, causing us to awkwardly step apart.Jason cleared his throat. "So, what are you doing here?" he asked."Didn't I ask you that first?" I replied with a smile, trying to shake off the strange tension that had just passed between us.Jason lifts his hand to tousle his hair, flashing a sheepish smile
I walked over to the shelf where Jason was trying to hide from me. He must have sensed that something was off, but I wasn't about to let him slip away. I positioned myself directly opposite him, casting a shadow on his hiding spot."I wonder where Jason is," I said loudly enough for him to hear. "I'm not sticking around if he doesn't show up in the next five minutes." I heard some shuffling from behind the shelf, so I knew he was still there. "Finally decided to show yourself, huh?" I mumbled under my breath.As I was about to leave the store , I heard Jason call out my name. "Avery," he said, "took you long enough"I mumble. I spun around to face him, and I could finally make out his face now that he'd removed his sunglasses and nose mask."Were you about to leave?" he asked, trying to play it cool. But I knew exactly what he'd done, and I wasn't about to let him off the hook that easily."Yeah, I was looking for you, but I couldn't find you," I said, flashing him a smile "And to make