CHAPTER 8: A Scandal Worth Making

The camera flashes had barely stopped when Killian Wright decided he had had enough. After hours of posing, changing outfits and forcing smiles for the cameras, the last thing he wanted was to spend another minute under the studio lights.

"That's it! Hold that position, Killian! Beautiful! Now turn slightly to your left. Yes, exactly like that!" The photographer called out, moving around the set to capture the perfect angle. "Give me another smile. Excellent! Honestly, you make my job so easy!"

Killian maintained the smile for another few seconds before shifting into a different pose. He had become so accustomed to the routine that he could practically predict the photographer's next instruction.

"Alright, everyone, that's enough for today!" the director eventually announced. "We've got everything we need. Let's call it a wrap!"

Killian immediately reached for his coat, which was resting on a nearby chair. He slipped his arms into it and handed his remaining accessories to Lovely before making his way towards the exit.

"Killian! Wait a minute!" the director called after him. "We need to discuss tomorrow's schedule. You have to arrive earlier than usual because the next campaign requires—"

His words were cut short when he noticed that the actor was already gone.

The director shook his head in disbelief. "That boy has absolutely no patience. One day, his good looks and talent won't be enough to save him from my hands."

Carlos, who had been standing nearby, chuckled at the director's frustration before following the others out.

By the time he caught up with Killian, the actor was already making his way towards the parking lot, with Lovely walking beside him.

"You've had quite a demanding day," Carlos remarked. "Two commercial assignments in different locations, and you still managed to finish ahead of schedule. I don't know where you get all that energy."

Killian gave him a weary glance. "Believe me, I'm running on nothing but the hope of getting back to my hotel and sleeping for twelve hours."

At twenty-six, Killian Wright had established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His remarkable looks had opened several doors for him, but his dedication and natural ability to perform were what had kept him in demand. Whether he was standing before a camera for a fashion campaign or portraying a complicated character on screen, he knew exactly how to capture people's attention.

His interest in acting had started when he was much younger. Despite his parents having different expectations for his future, they had eventually come around and allowed him to pursue the career he wanted. Over the years, he had worked tirelessly to build the reputation he now enjoyed.

"Well, you'll only have to endure one more day," Carlos reminded him. "Once tomorrow's shoot is completed, we'll head back. You can take a few days off and recover properly. I'll speak with the director about the remaining arrangements tonight. Just make sure you're ready when I pick you up in the morning."

"Alright, Carlos. I'll see you tomorrow."

After exchanging a few words with his manager, Killian continued towards the waiting vehicle with Lovely. The driver immediately opened the door for them, and Killian settled into the back seat, stretching his legs before loosening the collar of his shirt.

Lovely passed him a bottle of water, which he accepted without looking up. He drank almost half of it before placing it beside him.

"Did anything important happen while I was working?" he asked, turning towards her.

Lovely opened her notebook and checked the reminders she had written down. "Easter called earlier. She sounded rather anxious and asked me to remind you to return her call."

Killian's eyebrows drew together. "Easter? Did she say what it was about?"

"No. She only said it was important."

He reached for his phone and searched through his recent calls before finding her contact. He dialled her number, and she answered after the second ring.

"Hello, what's going on?" he asked.

"Asking as if you haven't seen what's is happening online?" Easter replied immediately. Her voice carried enough irritation to tell him that she had been waiting for his call.

Killian leaned further into his seat. "What happened ?"

"You're asking me what happened? Killian, there are photographs of us everywhere! People are making all sorts of assumptions about our relationship, and some of the things they're saying are absolutely disgusting!"

He glanced at Lovely, who was quietly arranging the documents on her lap.

"Is that why you've been calling me?"

"Of course! What else would it be?" Easter exclaimed. "You seem completely unconcerned, but this is affecting my reputation too. I haven't even had the chance to explain myself, and people have already decided what kind of person I am."

Killian released a quiet breath. He had expected the photographs to attract attention, but he hadn't imagined that the situation would become such a serious concern for her.

"Listen, you're making this bigger than it needs to be. Give it a little time. The media will eventually find something else to occupy their attention."

"That's easy for you to say!" she protested. "You're used to being surrounded by rumours. Every other week, there's another story about you and some actress. But this is different for me. I've never had to deal with anything like this before."

Her voice became noticeably softer towards the end.

Killian rubbed his forehead. He should have known that taking Easter out for a meal would eventually become a problem. She was only eighteen, and although she had already begun making a name for herself in the industry, she hadn't yet developed the thick skin that came with years of public scrutiny.

He had met her at the studio earlier that afternoon while completing his commercial assignment. Since they had previously worked together on a romantic movie, they had become quite familiar with each other. Their friendship had continued even after filming ended, and seeing her nearby had seemed like a perfectly good reason to catch up over a meal.

There had been nothing unusual about their meeting. They had simply spent some time together before going their separate ways. Unfortunately, someone had recognised them and decided that their innocent outing was worth turning into a sensational story.

The pictures had since spread across several entertainment platforms, accompanied by headlines suggesting that the two actors were secretly involved.

Killian wasn't particularly surprised. He had experienced similar situations before and knew that explaining himself to every person who misunderstood his actions would accomplish very little.

Easter, however, was different. She was still building her career, and he didn't want an unnecessary controversy to overshadow her progress.

"Alright, stop worrying," he finally said. "I'll find a way to settle this. You don't have to keep stressing yourself over something that can be handled."

"Are you sure?"

"Have I ever told you something I couldn't handle?"

There was a brief silence before she answered.

"Fine. I'll wait to hear from you."

"Good. Get some rest."

He ended the call and placed his phone beside him.

Lovely glanced at him. "Is there a problem?"

"Not exactly. Just another unnecessary headline."

"Would you like me to contact the public relations team?"

Killian considered the suggestion for a moment before shaking his head.

"No. I have a better idea."

He had spent enough years in the entertainment business to understand how quickly public attention could shift. People were rarely interested in the truth when a more exciting story was available. Rather than issue another statement denying the rumours, he would give them something entirely different to discuss.

If the current controversy needed to disappear, he simply had to make the next headline considerably more interesting.

He turned towards Lovely. "Do you remember the jewellery store we visited earlier?"

"The one where you completed that promotional appearance?"

"Exactly."

"What about it?"

"That ring the store manager presented to me as a gift. Did you keep it?"

Lovely looked at him, momentarily confused by the unexpected question. "Of course. I placed it inside the storage compartment with the other items from today's shoot. Why?"

"Could you get it for me?"

She bent down, opened the compartment and retrieved a small jewellery box. After handing it over, she watched as Killian lifted the lid.

Inside was an elegant diamond ring, its polished surface reflecting the faint light entering through the car window.

He examined it carefully, turning the box slightly before closing it.

Lovely studied his expression. "Are you planning to give it to someone?"

Killian glanced at her, a faint smile forming on his lips.

"Something like that."

"Should I make any arrangements?"

"Not yet. First, I need you to contact the publicity team and make sure they're available tomorrow morning."

Lovely nodded, immediately reaching for her phone.

Killian rested his head against the seat, the jewellery box still in his hand. He had already made up his mind about what he was going to do. If the public wanted a scandal, he would give them one they wouldn't forget anytime soon.