Chapter 24 - How To Avoid Him?

I took a break!
I stayed at home. We do not have any taping today.
I could that my heart is broken. I am so devastated.
"Eve, as Nicks grows she gets even better. She is so pretty! She can also be seen on the screen.
Let us allow her to go on an audition at television commercials." As Ella watched Nicks fall asleep on the settee.
"Yes, she is pretty indeed! Maybe her biological parents are lovely and handsome.
But I do not want her to be famous. What if her parents would get her from me?" While I was cooking a lunch dish.
I glanced at Nicks.
"You have a point. But I guess, the couple will not notice their child if she grows. They have not seen her since birth.
Hey, Eve, are you listening to me? You have been frowning the whole time. Your cooking will taste bitter." Ella said softly and went to the kitchen.
"I am listening! I am done cooking too." I shrugged.
"Remember this, when you love someone, suffering is part of it. You already knew that!
Just like you did when Aunt Leen vanished, you moved on. You managed your life and it goes on.
You made Nicks your inspiration! You have your daughter, she is more than enough for you. You said that she completed your missing pieces." she grabbed my arm.
"How can I avoid him, Ella? We are in the same company.
Why am I feeling this way for him? I told myself many times not to fall for him. But I still did!" I pressed my head against Ella's head.
Only now am I like this to a man. And I did know what to do. This emotion is too bizarre for me.
"Think about how you avoided Luigi's feelings for you! Do the same with your feelings for Sir Nikolai," she advised.
I cannot just escape my feeling for Nikolai. It is different from Luigi's situation. Luigi is like me and I know until this very moment he still feels the same.
He could sacrifice for Nicks. He will accept Nicks if only I would ratify him as well. But why can't I do that to Luigi?
I cannot recognize him as a special man in my life. I only see him as a good friend of mine.
I need time! Time to heal this broken heart.
And back to reality. I am professional! I should act professionally!
"To those asking, my lipstick shade is Intriguing Matte Magenta from Nativis.
Grab yours now!" Before the Love Hotline shoot ended.
"And cut..." Director Luis yelled.
"Bev, I do not like matte lipstick. I prefer the glossy one!
My boyfriend loves it when the smudge of my lipstick leaves on his lips." And Kisses looked at me with a sarcastic smile.
"What?" asked Bev.
"Eve, come on, let us have lunch!" Ella invited me.
I took my eyes off Kisses who had no intention of doing anything good but harassing me.
"Do not listen to her. Whatever er relationship with Sir Nikolai, let it go.
You cannot stop Sir Nikolai from his relationship with any other woman." Ella's recommendation.
"They are good together, aren't day?" I begged lazily.
"They are!" Ella smiled.
Then she pulled me to the cafeteria. When we ordered we immediately looked for a seat.
"I am not adopted to you being like that. You are the most optimistic person I have ever known. And all of a sudden, you are acting oddly because of love.
Love, love, love can move mountains. Love can make the world go around yet it can stop your world moreover." Ella spoke to me.
"Oh! That is enough! Why will I be like this? I am the only one who knows how I perceive while that man is actively flirting with his 'girlfriend'.
Everlee Legazpi can conquer it all! I will never give up my battles." I patted my chest.
Finally, Ella and I started laughing.
"Ladies, may we join you?" that voice stopped us from laughing.
Ella and I looked at each other. I signaled that she should reject the offer.
"Of course, Sir." Ella conceded.
I gazed in the other direction. Sir Nathan and Nikolai joined us at the table.
Just a moment, Eve! Just be patient.
I was stunned when Nikolai stepped aside from me.
And Sir Nathan sat beside Ella. What is his trick again?
"Earlier you were noisy, why did you suddenly fall silent?" asked Sir Nathan.
"Ella, shall we continue on our event later?" And suppose no one came.
I chatted to Ella again.
"Yes, Eve, we should go! If not, Luigi is going to be upset." Ella answered back.
"I miss Luigi too. It has been a few days when he started being occupied at work." I shrugged.
"I miss Luigi too!" And Ella still giggled.
"Wait, Ella, you also miss that Luigi?" Sir Nathan suddenly turned to Ella.
"Of course, Sir Nathan!" Ella replied.
"I told you to call me in my name, it is Nathan, Ella.
Then why do you miss Luigi?" Sir Nathan begged.
I smiled at the two of them. They are cute to watch. It is obvious to Sir Nathan that he likes my friend. I just hope he is sincere to Ella.
I was caught on my lip. I remembered I am wearing matte lipstick. Even though I ate and drank, it will not be wiped out easily.
So glossy lipstick is what Nikolai wants. He prefers a smudge left on his lips if he kisses a woman. Especially when Kisses would kiss him.
I sloped deeply.
"Are you okay?" Nikolai suddenly asked.
Oh my gosh! I am mentally absent. I have forgotten that he is here beside me.
I just nodded in response.
"Something wrong? Why can't you look at me?" He begged again.
"I am suffering from a stiff neck! Yes, that is my problem." I said lying.
I was startled when he abruptly clasped my neck. Unexpectedly, I stood up. And slightly move away from my seat.
"Sir Nikolai, no need! I already went to the company doctor and have it checked." I weaned him.
I glanced at Ella and Sir Nathan. They are busy talking as if Nikolai and I do not exist.
I thought I could prevent him. I am wrong. Nikolai unawares reached for my right hand.
I would have taken it back but he held on to it tight.
"Just sit down and relax. How can you lose that stiff neck if you keep moving?" And he pulled me slightly.
I sat down in front of Nikolai. Here we go again! He is trifling with me.
"If you are feeling bad, all you need to do is rest tonight and do not go anywhere." He was still holding my hand.
I tried to snatch it but he would not let go of my hand. I widened my eyes on him.
Then I squint angrily at him.
"Excuse us, Sir Nathan, Sir Nikolai!" I let out.
I invited Ella back to the office.
"Nathan, see you later!" Ella told him.
"See you!" Sir Natha waved.
"Oh you are not allowed to leave later. You are not authorized to date with Luigi!" Ella sneered.
"Why? Who is he to restrict me?" I was disgusted by the question.
"Your modern-day Prince Charming told you," Ella replied.
"Ella, do not tease me again with that man. Please!" I pleaded.
"All right! He is acting sincerely when he is talking to you. He looked at you differently! In his eyes, you seem to be the most lovely woman ever existed." she clarified.
"It is just a tactic! And I will not fall into his trap ever again!
I thought of that before and I failed." I clenched my fist.
"Just get involved with your love affair!" I added.
"Hey! What love affair are you referring to?" Ella begged.
"Your coquetry with Sir Nathan! Yours could come true. Yours could have a happy ending. Yours is apparent." I mumbled.
"Come on, Eve! We better stop babbling about them." Ella refused.
The next day...
"Your new endorsement has been signed. The Juvenility Elegance. You have a pictorial tomorrow." Ella changed the topic and reminded me.
"Alright, Juvenility Elegance is a beauty product, right?" I recalled.
"Yes! And an actor will be with you on the pictorial. Jarvis Diaz, do you know him?" Ella added.
"Jarvis Diaz? What? The popular actor. We watched his movie, didn't we?" As I could still remember.
"There is also an advantage of you being famous. We have seen a lot of artists and celebrities.
Before we just saw them in cinemas or on social media. Now, we could meet them face-to-face!" Ella said excitedly.
"Yes! I hope he is kind." And I smiled.
Most of us admire the actors and actresses we see on the television.
Jarvis Diaz is one of my favorite leading men. He is good and talented.
Whoever he partners with, he carries it well and he could blend with his leading lady perfectly.
Am I that popular? I will be joining a prominent actor in a photoshoot!
Is this for real?