RAINE’S POV
I smirked at my screen. “Why? You jealous you’re missing out?”
“Not at all.” His tone was flat, like he was so done with my friends’ bickering, and rightfully so. I was their friend, and even I had reached my limit.
As she finished setting the table, the doorbell rang. Tyler immediately got to his feet, like he had been expecting it.
“I’ll get it,” he said, striding toward the door.
RAINE’S POVCyril kept staring at me, his hands still firm on my jaw. The fact that he didn’t speak right away, honestly, made me feel worse. His green eyes narrowed, not in anger, but like he was trying to figure out if he heard me right. My chest tightened. My arms crossed without thinking as if I could physically hold myself together.Then, finally, spoke, “How the hell do you know about that?”“About what?” I pretended to be clueless.“About Diane.” I swallowed a lump that had suddenly formed in my throat. I didn’t give him the chance to read me; I kept my head up, not pulling my eyes away. Even though I badly wanted to. “Raine!” He yelled. “I need fucking answers.” “I saw this coming, Cyril. You don’t need to act surprised. I knew you’d want to be with her eventually. You care about Zayne too much not to. And honestly, so do I. So I get it, okay?” I hoped my words sounded convincing. The last thing I wanted was for Cyril to find out that I knew more than I should. I took a
RAINE’S POVThe penthouse was completely silent when I arrived. There wasn’t a single staff member in sight and Cyril was nowhere to be found.The silence that engulfed me was that weird kind of stillness that came with knowing something was off. I pushed that feeling away. Cyril was probably still at work and he definitely sent the staff away because he knew I was coming.I dropped my bag by the door and kicked off my shoes, before pulling out my phone.‘Hey, I’m here.‘ I typed quickly. I hit send, and I didn’t wait for a reply. Instead, I walked through the house and out to the back where the jacuzzi was.The sky had this soft, peachy color like the sun couldn’t decide if it was done for the day or not.I tied my hair up in a messy bun style and stripped down to my underwear before sinking into the water. It was warm, just the way I liked it, and the jets bubbled softly around me like they knew I needed the comfort. I let my head fall back, and then I closed my eyes.A soft ping bro
CYRIL’S POVImmediately I ended the call with Raine, Jamie walked in holding his tablet close to his chest like it was a weapon.“Sir!” He began, and I stared at him, adjusting myself on the chair. A squeaking sound followed, which stopped after I had gotten into a comfortable position.“The production team is waiting for you in the conference room,” he positioned himself in front of me.I stood, adjusted my cuffs, and rolled the tension out of my shoulders.“Let’s get it over with,” I muttered, heading toward the glass double doors.The conference room was packed with producers, writers, and marketing executives, all clutching papers and overpriced coffees like their lives depended on it. They stood the second I walked in.I didn’t smile. Didn’t say a word. Just took my seat at the head of the table.“Talk.”Martin, the lead producer, looked like he’d swallowed glass. He fumbled through the script pages, hands shaking.“We’ve finalized the casting for Glass haven. Talia Monroe’s conf
RAINE’S POVI kept staring at Talon like he’d been possessed. “I need a proper answer, Talon.” I voiced out.Talon dropped to his chair, calm like he hadn’t just flipped my whole morning upside down. He leaned forward a little, elbows on his knees. His expression turned gentle like he’d already made peace with whatever this was. “I got the invitation to your birthday party,” he said quietly.I frowned, remembering I wanted to invite him to my launch, but I totally forgot. Was that what he was mad about? That I didn’t rope him in?“I’m sorry I didn’t invite you to the launch, it slipped my mind. I know you’re mad, I would be if I were the one, but I’m sorry, Talon.” I voiced out, hoping my apology would make a difference.He nodded. “I’m not angry at you, Raine. You had your big moment and didn’t include me, there’s no problem in that, I’m just your therapist.”I was about to speak, but he beat me to it. “I would love to go to this new party you’re throwing. But after I got the invit
RAINE’S POVThe sound of my phone buzzing like crazy pulled me out of my sleep. I thought something had happened, but after I opened my phone, I realized it was Chloe blowing up my phone and telling me to check my socials.I did as she said. Then I noticed an increase in my followers.Ten. Million. Followers.I blinked at the screen a few times, still groggy. Then I sat up fast, clutching my phone and letting out the stupidest squeal. Chloe came bursting into my room like the place was on fire.“Oh, I guess you’re just seeing it,” she asked, eyes wide, her copper locs half-braided.“I hit ten million,” I grinned, shoving my phone at her.“Wait, you’re just seeing that!” She asked. “I sent you that message hours ago!”“I was asleep, Chloe, like a normal person!” I said with a smile spreading across my face.“Are you trying to insult me?” She said, her hand falling to her waist.“No! Batty!” I replied, and she shook her head.“I feel like hitting you across the head, but I’m going to sp
RAINE’S POVI was already on edge that morning, as Tyler and I tried to work on new designs, but the moment I saw Cyril’s face as he walked into the room, I knew Chloe had told him. I mean… I understood why she did it, but still. It made me feel like I had no say in my own life. Like, I couldn’t handle things on my own.As Cyril moved closer to me, that calm-but-don’t-mess-with-me expression that took over his face grew. His dark hair was a little messy, like he’d run his fingers through it too many times.Tyler was oblivious to this, and immediately he stationed himself beside me, his gaze dropped to Tyler.“Leave!” He yelled, like literally screamed in a very thunderous voice. He looked like an animal ready to devour his prey and the instant Tyler caught hold of that look, he closed his sketchbook and all but ran out of the room.“Show me the pictures,” he said as soon as Tyler was out of sight. “Now, Raine.”His eyes were blazing balls of fire, following my movement. I dared not