Chapter 4

I was energetic and ready to face the world as I walked to the stage full of life and enthusiasm.

Everybody kept taking a glance at me and wondered what had been done this time around, throwing smiles at everyone on set as I used my eyes to search for Lily.

I was becoming uneasy and uncomfortable at the atmosphere but I just couldn't leave, as the director was addressing some crew members. I still wondered what could be keeping Lily and why she wasn't picking up my calls or answering any of my texts.

“What did Fvck are you doing here? Sitting so comfortable”. Lily screamed out as she crapped my hands walking us to a corner.

“What's going on? What have I done again”.I asked staring blankly at Lily as my mind raced in thoughts.

“Sophia lost three different roles play. Rumors as it that Sunny Media called in and commanded her dismissed. Everybody believes Gray did it for you, but we don't understand why he had to release a sex tape of her with different producers.” Sophia explained giving a smile of satisfaction.

Why would Gray do such a thing? This is so childish of him, Sophia didn't do anything to him, why would he attack her like that? I said feeling bad and guilty for Sophia.

“Why are you so worked up? She deserves it and I believe Gray is actually doing it to please you. You are a lucky girl! we should be celebrating you right now.” Sophia rejoined giving a loud laughter.

“ This is not what I want, this is not the best way to retaliate and besides, I didn't beg or ask Gray to fight for me. I don't like Sophia, doesn't mean that I will punish her like this. This will be too much for her to handle”. I said in despair.

I really need to meet up with Gray. I quickly rushed to the director begging him to allow me to leave, I wasn't surprised when he agreed without asking for my reasons. I was beginning to gain more respect which was becoming wired and I was uncomfortable.

I boarded a taxi heading to Sunny Media, I wasn't sure if I stood a chance to meet with Gray but I was going to try. He needs to take down the post about Sophia.

As I walked into the building, I felt a mix of shyness about going to see someone that claimed I raped him and nervousness.

Reaching the receptionist, I took a deep breath and asked to see Gray, a girl with blonde hair, elegant skin, and a sweet voice, calmly said I should wait as she reached out to Gray first.

She walked back to me raising her eyebrows as she pointed to Gray's office. I walked in the direction giving a “thank you smile.

I stumbled upon my words as I met Gray sitting in his office, busy opening some files. His towering figure, broad shoulders raven black hair, and piercing eyes met mine.

“Why do you need to see me?” Gray asked adjusting from his seat.

Sophia didn't deserve that, I know she has been mean to me, but dismissing her off her roles and posting her sex tapes is the height of it and childishness.” I said as I fumed in despair.

“What! Sex tape? Gray asked with his eyes wide open.

“Yes, got dismissed and her sex tapes got leaked. How could you do such a thing.”I bantered.

“You don't walk into my office and accuse me. I did dismiss her but never asked for her tapes to be posted. What makes you think you can question me? I need you to leave my office this minute. Gray eyes blazed with anger as he directed me out using his finger.

I stumbled on my words, not able to figure out what I had just said wrong that would make him react this coldly.

“Alright, I will leave but stop spreading the rumors that I am engaged to you. I know you only did that to protect me but this is going way too far and it might damage my image.” I interjoin as I walk out of his office with no sadness, no anger, no regret. Just numbness.

I boarded a taxi home, I sat quietly as I took a glance at my face from the phone, I wasn't sure of what was happening to me.

What does he want from me, why is he fighting for me? He has a boyfriend, what more could he possibly want? How can a person be so cold and cruel? I haven't been able to think since the incident and the whole thing is just happening so fast.

I walked to my door and reached out for my keys, gently struck it in, and Opened the door.

I sat on my couch, staring blankly at the wall as I raced with the thoughts of tomorrow's uncertainty. The constant pressure to perform, to provide, and to please has taken its toll. Every decision felt like a gamble.

As I nervously fidgeted with my hands, my thoughts drifted to my family. My mother had left my mother and me to marry her rich boyfriend who later left her with their son, my father also left after after he had used our home to place a bet. We lost the only asset we had to gamblers, he never stopped. He just appears when he needs money to settle a loan.

I felt the weight of responsibility bearing down on me. I was the rock, the problem solver but what if I fail?

I rose from the couch and began pacing. I tried to shake off the anxiety, but it clung to me like a shroud.

I went silent as I heard a knock on the door. I wasn’t expecting anyone and Lily didn’t say she was coming.

I opened the door and my world turned upside down in an instant.

I was dragged into a van by three masked men.

I struggled and kicked, but they were too strong. A cloth covered my mouth, muffling my screams. Panic set in as the van sped away.