###Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7


✧✧✧✧✧

Paris**

Luciana Francisco stepped out of the limousine, in a red revealing tight gown that stopped on her thighs. She removed her sunglasses and places it on her head which was now reddish brown.

Cameras lights flashed on her the moment the limousine pulled over but increased when she stepped down.

Luciana Francisco is a model, an influencer, she even has her own fashion chain. She's the most richest model in the whole of America and she is well known for her hourglass seductíve figure.

She is extremely rude and let her fame get into her head. She walked into the building, ignoring her screaming fans.

•••••

Katherine Gardener; a reporter for Paris TVN was seated, waiting for Luciana to come.

She sighted her and stood up. " Hi, I'm Katherine Gardener and this is TVN. " She introduced herself, stretching her hand out for a handshake.

Luciana looked at her hand like it was an object infected with poison, trashy filthy with flies perching on it, she smiled and shook her hand.

" Be quick, I have an appointment at the spa by noon. " She said, sitting down on the seat in front of the reporter; Katherine.

" Sure. So, I'm going to start with a simple question. " Katherine said and paused. She tapped some buttons on her laptop. " It is the most asked questions online and it is, amongst all the guys you hang out with, which are you dating?"

Luciana looked at her manicured long fake nails. " None. " She replied.

" Really? Because the media has several photos of you and many guys together and. . . "

She gave her a shut up look and she did." You asked me a question and I answered, I'm not dating anyone. "

" Sure. Okay, the second question is, your best friend; Beatrix is deàd as we all know. . . "

Luciana's face held complete shock as she looked at the reporter with surprise. " I didn't, Beatrix is deàd? When did that happen?" She asked at the blink of tears.

" Exactly one week ago. " She replied.

Luciana closed her eyes for some seconds and opened them back. " Go ahead with the question. "

" Sure. Um, Beatrix Harrison is deàd, may her soul rest in peace, are you planning on going to America; New York to see her family?"

" Yes, I will. " Luciana said.

☆☆☆☆☆

Australia**

Stella Lew; a writer of a publishing company. She writes articles about celebrities before the public hears about it.

She is currently writing an article on Edward Jonathan; a Hollywood actor.

💻 Edward Jonathan; the most talked about handsome actor is dating his costar. Both of them has been seen together on so many occasions. 💻

She tapped the post button, exhaling then she took her coffee and drank it. " Done with that, time for another. Who is next?" She said aloud, sipping her coffee. " I'm starving. "

She headed to the cafeteria for lunch break. She ordered some burgers and fries with Pepsi.

The boss walked in, angrily. He's a man in his mid years. " Stella! You've better clear the mess you created. " He snapped.

She sprang up, looking at him. He had a white envelope with him. " What is the matter, sir?" She asked.

He had already gained everyone's attention in the cafeteria.

" Guess what just got sent to my office, can you guess?" He replied and she shook her head negatively. " Well, Edward Jonathan just sent something to our company about you. "

Stella looked at him, surprised or more like shocked. " Edward?"

" Yes, " Her boss replied, nodding his head. " And guess what this, " He said, raising the envelope to her face. " Is about. " Pausing, he looked at her expecting her to guess the content of the envelope. When she didn't talk but stare at him blankly. " Is a lawsuit, Edward sent a lawsuit to you. You want to put this company's reputation in jeopárdy, you will have to. . . "

" Hey, " She snapped. " You sent me on that assignment. I worked day and night overtime for that article to be published, you even said that I delayed in publishing it. You sent me on that assignment and you want to blame me. "

" You are over. . . "

" I'm not overstepping any boundaries, okay? You are the reason for this and you aren't going to heap the blame on me, I won't allow it. " She snapped.

" Stella, fix this. " He said, dropping the envelope on the table her food was placed and left.

Stella groaned, packing her hair up. " I'm really lucky, am I not?" She picked up the envelope and headed to her office.

She took her car key and drove to the company he works under. She stopped at the coffee shop to get milkshake for herself and she also got one for Edward too.

She walked to the receptionist and the girl gave her a cold dry look indicating that she didn't like her.

" Yes, what may I help you with?" She said, focusing on her laptop.

Stella managed to put a smile on her face though she felt like ripping out her hair from her scalp.

" I'm here to see Edward so please help me to check if he is in right now. It's urgent. " She replied.

The receptionist nodded, absentmindedly. " He is. He is in his office. "

Nodding, Stella looked at her, questioning but the foolísh girl doesn't get it. " Where's his office?"

" Fourth floor, the elevator is that way. "

" Thank you. " She said and made to go but turned back to her. " Hey, just a piece of advice, you should try to smile sometimes, it will help in your facial appearance, okay?" The receptionist frowned. " See, you aren't listening to the advice, you should smile more maybe then you'll stop being upset about your life. " Winking at her, she left.

When the elevator opened, she said some prayer while stepping out of the elevator.

She knocked on his door and he muttered a welcome in. She opened the door, entering the place.

He was reading his script for the movie he is currently starring in. She gulped down and cleared her throat, gaining his attention.

When his gaze landed on her, his eyes twinkled. He looked like he was hypnotized by her.

She was standing there on a spot while he scanned her from head to toes.

Her ash blonde long hair fell over her shoulders. Her pretty face is like the sun, so bright. She was dressed in a amber gown with a black coat over it and a black boot to accompany it.

" Hi, " She muttered to his hearing and drawing him out of his trance.

Her voice was like a song to his ear. It was tiny, soft and sweet.

" I am Stella Lew, " She added, walking forward.

He stood up from his seat and came to her side. The urge to pick her up and put her on the table while devouríng her lips was so strong but he managed to resistit.

" You're that reporter that wrote something about me, right?" He asked.

She nodded, her hair bouncing. " Actually, I'm a writer but yes, I'm the one who wrote that about you. "

" Why are you here?" He asked, sitting on the table. " Look at me when talking to me. "

She raised her head from bowing down and their eyes met. " I want to beg you to please cancel the lawsuit filed against me. "

" Why?"

" Because, I'm sorry for what happened and I assure you that it won't happen again. If this lawsuit continues, I might get fired and then no job for me again. Please cancel it. "

He scanned her one more time. " Sit down. "

" Thanks. " She said and sat down, dropping the cups of milk shakes on the table. " I got you a cup of milkshake. "

" Hmm. " He hummed, softly. " Are you trying to poíson me?" He asked, teasingly.

" No, of course not. Why would I do that?"

He shrugged. " That article you published was a rumor and it shouldn't be encouraged. I'm not dating her and would never do that, I do not have any relationships with my costars and I've told the medias time and time again. "

" I know, I know but it isn't my fault. My boss. . . "

He took one cup from her and sipped it. " I do not care if your boss did anything or not, Stella. It isn't right to go around promoting rumours. "

" Right, I understand. It won't happen again please cancel the lawsuit. " She pleaded, holding her hands together in a praying manner and closing her eyes.

The action only made her more beautiful in his eyes as he heaved a sigh.

" I will do that. " He said.

She opened her eyes. " Thank you, thank you so much. "

" On one condition, " He added. The smile on her face fell.

" And, what is the condition?" She asked.

" Go on a date with me. " He replied, shocking the living daylight out of her.

Her eyes widened till it húrt, her pulse beat faster, her heartbeat palpitations increased. Goosebumps rose on her skin.

'This must be a dream, I'm still sleeping. How can Edward Jonathan; a Hollywood actor, the most handsome actor in the whole of America ask me on a date? This is more reason, that this is most definitely a dream' She thought.

" C'mon, Stella. Decided now. "

" Don't you think this is absurd?" She asked, trying to change his mind but he shook his head, negatively.

" What's absurd about asking the girl I like out on a date?" He asked, rhetorically.

She stood up from the seat, looking at him like he is making the most biggest mistake in his life.

" You can't be serious. " She said.

" Why?" He asked, standing up on his feet.

" Because you're Edward Jonathan. "

" And you're Stella Lew. " He said.

" No, this can't happen. The public will definitely not agree to our relationship.." She said, backing away while he moved forward.

" I don't care. I want you not the public. " He responded.

" But, I care. " She snapped.

" And, I like you. "

" I don't. " Her phone rang, drawing both of their attention to it.

He was the lockscreen wallpaper and he smirked.

" You were saying?" He asked, rhetorically, smiling.

He caged her on the wall with his hands blocking her both ways. They locked eyes as he gradually leans in, she closed her eyes slowly.

His lips slightly brushed against hers before he placed his lips on hers. It felt like he was still drinking his favorite strawberry banana smoothie, her lips was so soft and sweet.

He pulled out and she was breathing hard to calm her breaths. He tucked her loose hair behind her ears.

" So, you said you didn't like me, right?" He asked, playfully.

" We shouldn't have done that and you know that. "

" Or maybe I don't. Look, Stella, this might be too fast for you but I need your answer, I really do like you a lot."

" You literally just met me minutes ago. " She replied.

" You know that there is a sentence, Love at first sight, right?" He asked, playing with her hair.

She pushed him away and moved away from him.

" I'll be going back to the US next week so please think about it. " He tucked his hand inside his pocket. " Here is my card, call me or text, whichever one you prefer, I totally don't mind at all. "

She reluctantly took it. " What about the lawsuit?"

" It will be cancelled. "

" Really? Thanks. "

He smiled. " It is fine. So, please think about it, okay?"

She didn't respond so he walked to her and held her hands in his.

" You know something? I know, this is way too fast for you but when you walk into my office, I fell in love with you and I can't help but just say how I feel about you instead of hiding it and having it slowly kíll or depréss me. " He said.

" I think about it. " She replied, removing her hands from his hands. " I will like to leave now, thank you. "

He smiled. " You're welcome, Stella. "

She nodded and left.