“Am I even allowed to talk to you even if we’re not on camera, or will your husband be offended again?” Daniel asked in a bitter tone while keeping his million-dollar smile for everyone inside the spacious venue to see.
Andrea was growing tired of his passive-aggressiveness during their filming and promotions, ever since that embarrassing encounter with the Elysian CEO. “Yes, Daniel, we can talk,” she said as if talking to a child. She, too, maintained her affable expression as she mouthed Hello’s and Thank you’s to the crowd. “You’re just not allowed to violate women.” A sentence that made her co-star scoff, “Whatever.”
Andrea almost lost her senses when all cameras flashed at the same time while the roar of the fans’ cheers filled the area. She knew that most of them came for Daniel, but it felt good to have a few support her. “Let’s welcome the cast and crew of False Assumptions!” The host of the press conference excitedly said from his microphone.
They were guided through the line of seats for the cast and production crew, being told to sit in the middle. A wide poster of their movie served as a backdrop while hundreds of cameras covered the front. It was no wonder why more photographers and journalists came to what was expected to be a moderate event.
After a few pleasantries and poses, the event has now gone to the main interview. “Now that those are all out of the way, we have to address the elephant in the room.” Everyone’s eyes shifted expectantly towards Andrea.
And that was when her instincts kicked in, suddenly telling her to get out of there. Her eyes roamed the area to find what it was that gave her this dark, ominous feeling, but found it hard while also having to pay attention to the interviewer.
“The sudden news of your engagement with Mr. Sebastian Adams in the middle of your filming, in addition to your exclusive wedding right after. Was it all planned?” What a loaded question. The interviewer sounded like he assumed it was all a publicity stunt to boost Andrea’s career, which was far from the truth. Andrea could already imagine Ren preparing to attack the host.
Andrea gave out a small chuckle, “I hope it was, Nate. But one thing I love about him is how spontaneous he can be, despite Sebastian being one of the most organized people I know. So no, none of it was planned” The women inside shrieked in excitement while the others gave out a collected “Aww.”
Chris added, “And we have the Adams couple to thank for offering the Elysian Center to have our press conference and maybe more promotions in the future.” He motioned to the expanse of the center, showing the grandness the Adams can give. Whatever attacking statement Nate planned to give after that was squashed by the people’s reactions. No one would now dare antagonize the billionaire’s wife, except behind their screens and keyboards.
The questions moved on, focusing more on the movie than her marriage to Sebastian. Andrea shook off the nagging feeling, chalking it up to anxiety facing many people again. She could hear Chris explain the movie he directed, “False Assumptions talk about the parasocial relationship that some people may take too far. How for example the actors with me today would sometimes have a brush with a stalker or two.” But the rest blurred as time passed until Ren had to tap her on the shoulder to inform her, “We’re done here, Andy. Time to go backstage.”
She watched as everyone on stage began to walk towards the passage going backstage, signing autographs, and taking pictures with the fans. As much as Andrea wanted to run in the comfort of her solitude, she had no choice if she didn’t want to be branded as a snob again. “Let’s go.” For the first time, she wished for Sebastian’s comforting hand around her shoulders to move forward. “Stop it, Andy. Don’t you dare depend on him,” she lectured herself.
A few selfies and professions of love with her fans made Andrea forget what she felt before. She listened as one girl droned on, “I’ve been a fan of yours since you were nine. We’re the same age so I feel like we were growing together.” These comments were so common for Andrea that she automatically knew what to say, “Aw, thank you. I’m glad you feel that way. I hope you keep supporting me until we grow old together.” How Andrea wished she had their childhood, growing out into normalcy with no one recognizing them.
The light from backstage was now closer and Andrea wanted to just run inside. But before she could take another step, a calloused hand grabbed at her wrist. All energy was drained out of her body as the thought of death crossed her mind. The hand tugged at her but she couldn’t look back, she was too frozen to do anything else. “Hey, Andy, what’s the holdup?” She heard Daniel ask from behind her.
When she got the strength to look back, both the fear and the hand grasping hers were gone. “You okay?” Ren held her back, pushing Andrea to go backstage. “Did you see someone hold my hand? Or anyone suspicious in the crowd?” The actress asked while her heart still pounded loudly. “No, I didn’t see anyone. Want me to tell your bodyguards?” Being guarded by three burly men was helpful, but even they admitted to not seeing anything disturbing.
Daniel, who had been prying in on the conversation, discredited Andrea, “I was behind you the whole time. If someone held your hand, I would have noticed.” He scoffed once more, “Or maybe the newfound fame’s gotten into your head, thinking the world wants to hold the great Andrea’s hand.” He brushed past the two women with his chest puffed out and his grin evident, satisfied with the insult.
Andrea convinced herself, “Maybe, I was just imagining it. Maybe because I was thinking of Sebastian, that’s why.”
Upon reaching her private room backstage, both Andrea and Ren plopped on the couch. “Man, that Nate was getting on my nerves. Good thing you and Chris put him in his place. Now all that’s left is that brat Preston,” Ren said passionately. “Andy, are you listening?” She raised her brow when Andrea leaned her head away. “What is it?”
Andrea sighed, “It’s mom, she had been nagging me to get Becca signed as a talent in Elysian Pictures.” She hear Ren laugh hard that she had to gasp for air only to continue. “Your step-sister? God knows that girl is not meant for show business. You’ve seen her audition tapes, right?” It was bold for Laura to audition her second daughter for shows and movies Andrea was auditioning for, knowing that Becca didn’t have the least talent or even experience that Andrea had.
“I have. That’s why I kept explaining that I don’t have the power to do that, even if the CEO is my husband. She never understands.” Andrea sighed. Now that she chose to stop their connection, Laura decided to use her other child to live her dreams for her.
“I need some cheering up.” She looked at the stacks of letters and gifts in the corner of the room. Flowers and fruit arrangements were carefully placed on the opposite end. While choosing which side she’ll indulge in first, a dark red-tinted paper caught her attention.
Andrea reached for the letter with peaked curiosity. It looked unique and When she took it out, a gasp left her lips. “What, is it Laura bothering you again?” Ren looked at her friend’s quivering back and grew concerned. “Andy, what’s wrong?” The assistant asked when her friend didn’t reply.
“I-I, this-, I don’t-, what-,” Andrea’s words struggled to come out coherently. Ren, quick as lightning, sat by the actress’ side, snatching the paper from her. Ren’s eyes widened and slowly breathed to calm down. She may be a strong woman, but even this would shake her to the core. The crimson letter smelled horrible with metallic rust. It appeared to be white paper painted dry with the red liquid. Faded white, erratic letters made up what the author was trying to tell Andrea.
“Dear Andy,” it started. Only the people close to her called her that nickname and for this person to casually throw it there was already terrifying.
“As you well know, I love you. A sentiment I am very sure you share. So imagine my surprise when I saw pictures of that fucking bastard, Adams, parading you around like he owned you. Only I own you, remember that. Lover, I got tired of everyone talking about the 'new power couple' and you smiling about it. That is why I made the decision to approach you this way. I know you are being forced to say all those things and smile in front of the camera because I know the real you, Darling. You two were never in a relationship. I know because I've watched almost every second of your life. Hopefully soon, I'm able to take you away from that man and we'll be together forever.”
Ren almost dropped the letter and it took all her courage to continue.
“Yours truly, Lover,” she felt like vomiting after the last sentence.
“P.S. I left another gift with this letter, but I know you’re more than satisfied with this.” She looked in horror at a box with the matching colors, too scared to even get close to it.
It finally dawned on her that it wasn’t paint but blood used to cover the sheet and possibly cum for the ink, Ren threw the paper and took Andrea, who never moved an inch, to the restroom. “Quick Andy! Wash your hands.” She squeezed everything she can from the liquid soap container and poured it on both their arms.
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“Sir, we’re looking into who might’ve sent the letter and the other ‘stuff’ to Miss Andrea, “ Robert reported to his boss. Even he wasn’t able to stomach it when Ren told him about it and what was contained in the box. What they presumed to be a bomb or dangerous item turned out to be a sex toy, an obviously homemade dildo that they assumed were molded by the stalker himself.
“Alright,” Sebastian nonchalantly replied.
Robert bit his tongue before he could even say, “How could you not be worried about this?” But his boss continued, “From now on, check every single thing that she receives.”
But his disappointment lingered when Sebastian said, “I’ve told Andy it’s normal to have a stalker for someone like her. Hell, I’ve received worse gifts than that. She shouldn’t worry about those because they can’t really do anything in the end.”
Hopefully, he wasn’t wrong.
The smile on Andrea’s lips that lingered from last night’s passionate lovemaking quickly turned into a pout after reaching her hand out to her husband’s side of the bed, only to be welcomed by the cold emptiness of the sheets.Eyes still heavy, she called out for him, “Seb?” The bright sunlight that seeped through the curtains, almost blinding her, informed Andrea that it may have been late morning already. “He must have gone to work hours before,” she said in a raspy voice and decided to get back to sleep.But much to her surprise, a deep voice grumbled from behind the door, “Andy, breakfast.” This made her abruptly get up, all her desire to doze off gone. To make sure she wasn’t just imagining her husband's presence, she asks, “Sebastian? Why are you still here?”The door was opened wider to reveal Sebastian, already dressed in his usual formal black suit. The burgundy tie, which Andrea picked out for him last night, was neatly strapped to his collar. A normal morning in the Adams h
Sebastian continuously drummed his fingers on his executive desk, creating an inconsistent beat. He can’t work like this. Buzzing Robert’s office, he talked, “Robert, are you sure the flowers were already ordered?” He knew his assistant was the most reliable person but these concerns about the anniversary made him illogically doubt the man.A reply came out from the intercom, “Yes Sir, I scouted for the best shop that had Miss Andrea’s favorite flowers.” It was an unusual task for the assistant, but one he gladly accepted. If keeping Miss Andrea happy was what made his boss more tolerable at work, then he’d do more of it.“White roses, forget-me-nots, and most especially, purple peonies. They got all of it?” Andrea had humble choices even when it came to her favorites. So it was stuck on Sebastian’s mind when one day, she said, “I know lavender peonies are so rare and expensive, but I’d love to have even just a stem of it on my nightstand.”The CEO smiled at the thought. Getting into
A bead of blood appeared on Andrea’s finger as she picked up the broken ceramics and wasted food. She continued to stare at it, wondering why she didn’t feel the pain, until it trickled down.But then, why did her chest start to tighten? Why were the tears that threatened to spill now racing down her cheeks? Andrea couldn’t help but replay what happened earlier.“It’s better if you don’t wait for him tonight.” Robert’s advice would have been enough for her to put everything she prepared away and try surprising Sebastian again tomorrow. “Oh, okay.”But the assistant just had to break her heart.“He’s now-” Robert sighed, looking for words to soften the blow, “Lilith is back, Miss Andrea.” They both knew no words can lessen the impact it had on her.After almost accidentally cutting herself for the second time, Andrea let out a frustrated groan. “God, Andy! Why are you doing this to yourself?” She sat on the cold floor and leaned her back on the kitchen island, letting the mess stay as
Andrea was conflicted. She was pretty sure Sebastian carried her up their bedroom last night. And she was absolutely positive that he saw the awful and disheveled state she was in. “Maybe I should pretend nothing happened? That could save me a bit of the embarrassment,” Andrea convinced herself. The clatter from the kitchen downstairs hurried her to make a decision. The sounds were without question from Sebastian’s attempt to make breakfast. She had to get in there before he could burn the house down. “Andy, you’re awake,” he greeted her, “Good morning.” Despite what happened last night, she can’t help but smile back at her husband. The scene before her was enough to make Andrea laugh anyway. Utensils that had no business being used to bake bread, tens of dirty bowls stacked on top of each other, and flour dusting the whole place including Sebastian’s face. She giggled at the sight. “Maybe it is better that we pretend. But I will still enjoy these moments as much as I can,” she tho
“Hey Andy, are you listening?” Ren waved her hand in front of Andrea’s face.Her friend finally woke from her stupor. “Huh?” And all Ren could do was sigh, “You’ve been out of it lately. Is something wrong?” Yes, it was irritating but it was more concerning to see the actress lose focus. Even when being mistreated by her mother before, Andrea always put her best foot forward when it came to her job.“No, nothing at all. What were you saying?” Andrea leaned her body to show that she was listening now. But it was obvious that behind those brown eyes were turmoil and confusion.Ren caved. It might do her friend good to have some distractions. “I was saying, Darren Harris, the youngest director to ever win an Oscar, is making a new movie.” The manager’s face began to light up as she continued, “And there are rumors that he’s going around the world, looking for the perfect actress that fits his description to lead in it.”Andrea’s interest was piqued. Darren Harris indeed rose to fame when
Unsurprising to the actress, Andrea’s team including Ren wholly agreed with Quinn’s Couture offer for the Paris Fashion Week. “We’d be crazy to pass this opportunity up!”And when she brought it up to her husband, all Sebastian talked about was how generous Lilith was. “It’s in her nature to be this helpful,” as if implying that Andrea was chosen not because of her talent, but because the company heiress pitied her.After signing a new deal as the second female lead for an action movie, Andrea left the Elysian building without as much as a “Hello” from the CEO. Some were discouraged with her choice of role since she had the ability to get the first lead. But as her rule when looking at scripts, “I prefer playing characters that are beautifully written. And I resonated more with the second lead, a police officer struggling to choose between two things without losing herself.”Robert did show up to congratulate her with a bouquet of roses, claiming it was Sebastian who ordered him to gi
Andrea had seen how scarily angry Sebastian could get, but it was never directed at her.A few weeks and this was the longest statement he had ever told her, but it had to be a hurtful one. “For someone who says she’s scared of people, it sure is easy for you to drink with random men at night. It’s like you’re asking for it.” His usual patient grin and affectionate gaze were replaced by something Andrea has never witnessed before.This, added to her pounding hangover may have tipped her over the edge. No matter how sincerely she explained the matter, her husband was just too stubborn to listen. “You’re just proving how much of an attention-seeker you really are. Now I’m starting to see your true colors,” he spat.The one-sided argument ended after Andrea’s slew of sorry’s and promise that she’ll never do it again.Sebastian knew what he did was not fair. After he slammed the front door, he heard a pained sob coming from inside their house. There was just something different that hit h
The rest of the fashion week went on without so much as a hitch. Andrea didn’t even feel the time pass as the flurry of congratulations and praises surrounded her.Even the greatest designers from other brands begged for her to model for them next time. “I would like to focus on my acting career,” was all she had to say about that, knowing that more modeling projects meant more time away from Sebastian.But why was it that when she approached the small stage for her interview, the people there didn’t meet her eyes and spoke in hushed tones around? “Ren? Did something happen?” She asked her manager who also appeared ill at ease looking at her phone.“What?” Ren whipped her head up to her and stiffly shook her head. Andrea was about to get into a live interview so it was up to the manager to make sure she was at her best. Hiding her phone in her back pocket, Ren said, “Nope. Right now, what’s happening is us getting you on stage.”The host announced her arrival with is energetic French