Chapter 4

Third POV

Ivana was shocked. She had to watch it again, over and over to be sure that it was what she was seeing. 

She looked at the date and it was exactly two days ago. She couldn't believe this, so she went to pay her sister a visit. 

“If they truly are married, that means they'll be staying together at the mansion.” She went there quickly. 

The hotel was pretty far from the mansion. While the mansion was in the center of Los Angeles, in Hollywood, the hotel was at the outskirts. She still made her way there as quickly as possible. She couldn't just believe that everything had been planned before the divorce and she didn't even have a clue. 

On getting there, however, she was told that indeed, the marriage happened, but the couples were already out of the city to celebrate their honeymoon. 

Ivana was still in disbelief. She couldn't believe this was happening. In order to completely clear her doubt, she took her phone out and dialed Alice’s number. She didn't answer, so she kept calling until the phone was finally answered. 

“What the hell with the constant ringing of my phone, do we have any business together?” Alice immediately bashed at her. 

“Tell me what I'm seeing and hearing isn't true.” Ivana asked her. 

“What are you seeing? What the hell? Aren't you off Rowley's life? Never call me again, lest I'll send the cops after you.” She barked at Ivana. She cut the call. 

The next second, a text notification appeared on her phone. “We are happily married now and living our best lives. So fuck off!”

“So it's true after all.” Ivana added a crying emoji, for real, she was crying. 

“Well, about a year ago, we started talking again and when he told me how bored he was with you and how you couldn't give him his heart desires, I pitied him. Getting to know him more, I discovered I was wrong and he was a very nice man. We've been together since then and I'm even carrying his baby!” Alice explained unapologetically. 

Her talk left Ivana's mouth wide open. She couldn't believe this. 

“If you're done, can I go now?” Alice asked rather rudely, which made Ivana mad.

“You’re so pathetic, Ivana. Grow up. No one loves you,” Alice shot the words straight to Ivana's chest. 

“You're what they call a stinking, desperate bitch. Clinging to a man who doesn't love you. He has moved on with his life, try and move on with yours.” 

This was the greatest insult Ivana has ever received. She wanted to pounce on her sister and beat her mercilessly but she couldn't. 

“Please, don't ever try this again. Don't call me to interrogate me like this, else I'll hang up on you.” Alice bashed, not caring about the things that were just said against her. Afterall, she was winning. 

After saying this, she ended the call, even before Ivana could stay the next thing. 

“Alice!” “Alice!”

As she took the phone down, it was as though the weight of the world was suddenly upon her. 

She couldn't believe what just happened. 

“How could Alice, of all people betray me like this?” She asked herself. “What did I ever do to deserve this?” 

She almost lost herself, when she heard. “Ivana! You're Ivana!” When she turned, she saw a random man walk to her excitedly. 

It was then that she realized she was on the road, one of her fans was after her. She had to fake a smile and sign an autograph for him. That was what actors did best, fake things. 

After that, she entered her car and drove away before more attention was drawn to her. 

As she drove though, she felt the pain of betrayal beyond her own imagination. 

So much that she almost got into a road accident. This was what life served her with and at this point, she didn't know how to move forward or even why. 

“Maybe I should end it all, kill myself and let the pain go away.” She thought to herself. 

Ivana took her heavy heart home. She really contemplated taking her own life, but received a call in the heart of it all. 

The number was strange and foreign. She wondered who it was and before she could bring herself to answer it, it already ended. 

Almost immediately, the party called again and she answered. 

“Hello, Miss Ivana.” The soothing male voice said to her. 

“Hello… Good afternoon.” She responded, trying to get a grip, who the person was, but not able to.

“I had to call personally because your manager and directors tried reaching you, but you never answered their call.” The caller said to her. 

Well, that wasn't exactly wrong. She had been avoiding them for like a week. 

“May I know who this is?” She asked. 

“I'm Zander Wales.” He introduced himself. He wanted to say more, but Ivana cut him short in excitement and shock. 

“Zander Wales? Current president of Hollywood?” She asked in that shock. 

“Yes, I am.” The caller replied with a grin. 

“Wow.” This was the biggest deal for her. She was called by the president of the industry. Not many actors were, even the A list ones. She had never even seen him before in real life but on journals, the TV and the internet, he was the most gorgeous man she has ever seen, among the top ten of World's Most Handsome Men. Zander is the former Mr. World, a young billionaire and world's most eligible bachelor. Millions of top-class ladies send him love proposals daily according to his statement on his interview at Good Morning America yet he was calling her. 

“Honestly, it looks like a dream!” She muttered, trying hard to control her blush. 

Zander chuckled briefly. 

“I am calling because when I return to the US next week, we will be having a hollywood hall of fame awards and induction and you're one of the actresses that will be celebrated specially by me.” 

On hearing this, Ivana's phone fell to the ground. She immediately picked it up and tried to behave normal, as if she wasn't the most excited person in the world at that point.  

Zander smiled softly. He knew how excited she must be. “Sorry, that was nothing. My phone just fell from my hands while I was trying to hold it properly. It's nothing, really.” She said, trying to defend herself. 

“You know what? It's alright. Just be ready for next week. It's gonna be a moment mapped out for history.” He said before ending the call. 

Ivana leapt up, jumping over and over again while squealing. She has never been this happy and part of her was happy Rowley left her, perhaps if he was still in her life, someone like Zander wouldn't be talking with her. 

“Well, let me not think too far,” she muttered to herself even though she couldn't stop the lofty thoughts. 

Second to the Oscars, it was the most prestigious award you could ever get in the film industry. It wasn't given for any specific movie, but for once overall contribution. More than that, it increased the chance of her getting an Oscar that year because everyone who got inducted would surely get an Oscar if they didn't have one already. 

She was literally jumping on her feet. So much that her tummy even began to hurt. She had to go to the hospital to check for complications. 

There's nothing wrong with you ma'am. You just have to limit the way you stress yourself. The babies are fine.” The doctor assured her.  

“I have to look my best on that day.” She said to herself. 

Days passed swiftly and the award day approached. Ivana had already gotten her best dress, a silvery white prom dress, all her accessories were intact, unique and gorgeous. She looked like a real life queen after being styled. It was a Hollywood event and she knew she'd have to dress exceptionally if she wanted to stand out. 

“Are you here?” Zander asked her on the phone when she answered his call. 

“I am almost there.” She said to him. She was on the road, about to enter the building. 

“Why don't you come over to my villa so we could go together.” He requested. 

“Really?” 

“I don't have a significant half and I'm guessing you don't either presently?” He asked her. Ivana’s heart stopped for that very moment, for a while she couldn't answer him, she was just thinking about what Zander just said. 

“Is he indirectly asking me to be his girl for the event? Wouldn't this set tongues wagging especially after my divorce?” 

“Yess,” she muttered and immediately turned her car around and drove to his villa. He had sent the directions to her, so it was easy for her to navigate. 

When she reached, she was directed to his reception, where she would sit and wait for him. She waited for a while before hearing calm footsteps. 

As he stepped out,  her gaze met his lingering on the striking features that seemed to command attention. His eyes, a deep, piercing blue, sparkled with a hint of warmth, while his chiseled jawline and angular cheekbones spoke of a strength that was both captivating and intimidating. 

A gentle, enigmatic smile played on his lips, softening the rugged edges and making her heart skip a beat. As she stood there, frozen in the moment, she felt an inexplicable pull, as if drawn to him by an invisible force.

He couldn't take her eye off his beauty. The pictures and videos never did justice to his handsomeness. He was far more charming and gorgeous in real life. For a while, Ivana thought she was seeing an angel. 

“Ivana!” He said with a smile as he entered. “You look astonishing.” He said to her. 

“You're the most handsome man I've ever met!” She let the words slip out before she could even think about it, once said, she was now left with a shy blush. 

He was a billionaire film maker, richer than Rowley. Rowley would pale in comparison to him. She couldn't believe she was in his presence. 

“We're already late. Let's make our way to my limo.” He said to her, grabbing her hand in the softest, most romantic way. Ivana clutched tighter. 

“Really wondering if this feeling is just for today or will it extend beyond it? Is it because of my diligence he's doing this or something other than this?” Ivana kept on thinking within herself, time after time raising her eyes to adore this Greek demi-god. 

Then from nowhere, a thrilling idea came to mind. She giggled. “Rowley is gonna watch me from the TV, can you please pretend to be my–” 

“I'm not pretending, I'm being real.” Zander replied, sending Ivana into a shocking state.