Chapter 7: Their odd rules

HAVEN'S P.O.V
When the chairwoman of the Lavelle Group gives me this chance to have my first ever leading role, I wanted to runaway. How can I handle such pressure? I am happy being a 3rd rate actress. But now? I'm doomed!
"Director Dana, I can't. Even if I have attended acting workshop, I am afraid that no one can accept such a 3rd rate actress who became a leading lady of Steven Harolds."-I said.
"I know Simone. When she told you to do something, she knew that her investment won't fail her. She has a keen observation. I have watch your scenes in series and movies your in to. I think, I understand her reasons."-she said.
"But I am worried about Hazel. What if she'll ruin Ms. Lavelle? She seems to be a good person. I don't want to drag her into a problems."-I said. She smiled.
"Then prove to her that you can do it. That she is not wrong when she judge you."-she said.
"Okay. If that is your advice, director."
All I can do now is to live up in their expectations and maybe this is the plot twist that I am waiting for to my career.
"You can do this, Haven."-I mumbled to myself.
I am about to get inside my apartment when a woman arrived and stop me from walking.
"You are Ms. Haven Aniston, right?"
"Yes. May I know who you are?"
"I am Zyril, Ms. Lavelle's secretary. She told me to inform you that you should move out in the condo unit she bought for you."
"Wait what? Condo unit? But I didn't ask about it. I didn't even start filming. I wish to have a cash instead. I am planning to buy a certain restaurant for my parents."-I mumbled.
"Don't worry, this is free. Let's just say that this is her way of compensating to what Hazel did to you at the set. She is hoping that you won't be like her as well, Ms. Aniston."
"Me? I will try and I don't want to be like her as well. But this is too much."
"Just take it. I hope you won't let her down."
"O-okay. Thank you anyway. I will give my thanks to her when I see her again on Saturday."
"Okay then. I have to go. Have a nice day."
"You too!"-I said. She smiled and leave me. When I saw the address, I am surprised. This place is expensive! Am I dreaming?!
SIMONE'S P.O.V
I open my laptop and start typing for our rules and we will also signed it. Just for fun actually.
"What is the first greatest rule?"-he ask.
"Rule #1: Mandatory date every Friday night. Rule #2: Mandatory health check-up every month. This is for our plans of having a baby. Rule #3: Eating breakfast together everyday is mandatory. Dinner will depend in our work relations. We can be both busy at those times. Rule #4: Don't dare to deny your marital status or take off your wedding ring to impress others. Rule #5: Don't dare lying about everything. I hate liars, Russell. Those are my rules. You can add if you want to."-I said. He pauses and seems to be thinking about something as well.
"I don't have any odd rules like yours. Just respect my private space and my decisions and we're okay."-he said. I nod and shrug my shoulder. I knew he would say that.
"Well, I am not expecting anything. After all you're a simpleton."-I said. That changes his face expression. What I like about him is the fact that he is easy to play with.
"Ohh? Simpleton, huh?"-he said.
"Yes. You're easy to persuade and much easier to drag in everything. Asking a model to endorse our company's product is much harder to deal with than convincing you into marriage with me. That's why you're a simpleton."
"Wow. That's what I got after helping you in your own mess, missy."-he said. He even cross his shoulder in his chest. That made me laugh.
"Mister, don't get pissed. Let's just say that I like you more than anyone else. You're easy to talk to and I don't have to pull dirtier tricks to have you by my side."-I said.
"I am taking back what I said. I will have my own rules as well."-he said. His face darkens as if he is ready to give me horror.
"Okay. I have no problem with that."
"Good. Rule #6: Pissing me off for more than 3 times a day is equivalent of a single command. Rule #7: Don't boast your achievement in my face especially to my dad. You'll get punished if you do. You won't like that to happen, right? Rule #8: Don't try to manipulate me in front of the others. I'll file divorce right away, Simone. Rule#9: Whoever gets jealous have the power to be a master for the whole day. Which means that whatever we wish to do will be fulfilled. Rule #10: Follow all the rules."-he said. He really gives his own odd rules with a touch of disappointed and madness. I walk on the stairs and stop halfway. I forgot to say something.
"Russell, are we going to have sex tonight?"
"Go to sleep already!"-he said. I pouted.
"The sooner we do it, the sooner I'll get pregnant. My...my...what a buzz killer."
"Shut up!"-he said and threw the couch pillow on me. I catch it perfectly. I give him a flying kiss and went off. His expression is genuinely as if he is surprised nor disgusted. But as soon as I hit the bed and stare at the white ceiling. I felt empty and cold. I smiled bitterly.
"I wonder if my decision is right or I'm being decisive again. I have been putting myself in more problems. What should I do mom...?"
I keep thinking of that until I can't even find a good answer myself. This might be a bad choice. What if he is right? What if I'll messed up just because I wanted to runaway?
"Urgh! Stop thinking Simone. Go to sleep!"
When morning comes, I let the maid make the food for breakfast. When I woke up, he is on the couch hugging the pillows and himself.
"I thought you froze to death."-I said. I put a hint of tease and sarcasm. His face sours.
"Don't start the morning. You already had one, Simone. Remember my rules?"-he said.
"We had a bed. You can sleep there. For an athlete like you, a good sleep is needed. Don't worry, I won't invade your space."-I said.
"And how could you be that sure?"-he ask.
"Come. I'll show you."-I said. He followed me on the second floor of the room which our bed lies down. He look at this customize bed that I ordered. It is bigger than a king size bed.
"Is this customize?"-he ask.
"Yes. I ask a furniture house to make this bed. Just pinch this button to activate the divider between us. It is made of glass and I choose and they even did the art that I wanted. Technically we can't see even our faces here. Don't worry, I don't snore and even if you do, I don't mind it at all. So, don't sleep on the couch tonight."
"Tell me Simone. How did you think practically without making yourself stressed out? Your making problems like a simple trouble."-he ask. I smiled.
"Maybe its how my dad raise me. To be logical and practical. After all, I am just his daughter."
RUSSELL'S P.O.V
I didn't sleep beside her because I am afraid that I can't sleep soundly. Last night should be the first time that I'll sleep with a stranger. Especially with a woman like her.
"Don't be afraid to ask any help from me. It can be money or other favors. Get ready and let's eat breakfast together. Make sure to appear before the press conference today. I hate late people and I hope you knew the importance of punctuality because you're an athlete yourself."
"Don't worry, I'll be there 30 minutes early."
"Good."-she said. She is about to leave when I stop her. She look at my hand that grabs her shoulder. I take it back and cough.
"Uhm, do I have to follow any script?"
"Nope. Just tell them what you have in my mind. That will be good. Scripted press conference brings more trouble."
"Okay."-I said. She nod and leave me. I took a quick shower and join her for breakfast. She left the house first and I m suppose to drove my car off the house when mom called me.
"Hello mom. Why did you call me all of a sudden? I hope it's not a bad one."
(No son. I just wanted to know how's everything. I mean last night is your first night together. Did you two do it?)
"No mom. We are both tired last night. We just sleep. Mom, don't rush us up. We are still strangers who live in the same house. Give us time of our own. We will be there anytime soon. Tell that to dad either."-I said.
(Okay. But I hope that you guys are not faking everything. How about the press conference?)
"It will be held in Lavelle Global headquarters. Just watch any channel and you will surely see how we mess up, I mean how the presscon went on. Just relax, okay?"-I said.
(Alright. I have to go then. Bye, son.)
"Bye mom."-I said. That was close. I knew that is having hesitations and he will try to use tricks for his desire to control my marriage.
"I hope we can work things out, Simone."
I drove my car out of our house and went off the gym for my daily practice. I bump Edzen along the way. I still have bad feelings against him and I don't get it at all. It's weird.
"Good morning, Russell."-he said.
"Good morning."-I just answered.
"A ring? Are you married, Maxwell?"-coach.