Chapter Four

"It's time for you to meet with the director, madam," Jerry's announced as he walked into the bedroom.

It has been three days of rest, and I was starting to enjoy the true comfort this bed held. The bunks in the prison have quite a nature, as they were more sulky and uncomfortable to sleep in.

"Can't it wait for later?" I rolled over, covering myself more with the sheets.

His voice grew louder, hushing me out of my beauty sleep. "You're to be appointed a new manager today. Your fans would be utterly disappointed if they don't get to see this malevolent change on the Internet."

"What do I need a director for again?" I groaned, fighting my urge to get out of bed.

"You need to meet your director as an actress. His crew would definitely be waiting for you in the next hours of the day. It wouldn't be nice if you missed it, he stood next to the door, waiting for me to get my ass off the bed.

… The drive to Michelle Danner's acting studio was not one I'd like to experience any further. It was silent, so silent my thoughts took over.

Raymond's picture kept lingering in my head. A clear view of his pink lips and his broad chest kept glancing at me, or so I thought. He was typically my enemy, the one who shut off my freedom for three good years, but here I am attracted to his physique.

I'll have to stay far away from him if I want this mission completed successfully.

"Miss Annabel." Jerry's voice disrupted my thoughts, bringing me back to reality.

"Yes…Yes… I'm listening," I stammered.

"Master Raymond has booked a dinner date for the both of you after your session at the studio. Should I come pick you up after?".

I wouldn't be able to face him next time. Not after that nights encounter.

"There's no need for that. I wouldn't be attending the dinner date," reluctance overshadowing my tone.

"You don't have to feel bad about what you did that night.".

"What night?" I let out. My hands were suddenly trembling, inviting my breath to join as it became shallow.

"The night you arrived in Los Angeles, at the door.".

"You were watching?" my heart began beating rapidly.

"Yeah. You dealt quite a bit of damage to his face."

"It was an accident. My hand moved on its own, I defended.

"Who am I to say it wasn't?"

The sight of several actors and actresses at the studio entrance made me feel a little bit awkward. They were all stunned to see me, and for some reason they kept staring at my dress. It was a spaghetti top that revealed my pierced belly button and a sexy trouser that made my curves show their true potential.

"Mrs. Annabel, look over here!" a young news reporter yelled, her camera positioned just right.

"Miss Annabel, Miss Annabel..." reporters began to troop in, reaching out to me from different sides.

My breath came in short, rapid bursts, my pulse racing like a trapped bird. Memories of my past playing in my head, my eyes darting around as I seeked a way out.

"Don't just stand here; we have to go on inside," a voice reached out to me. A sudden volt of comfort bolted in me as his arm found my waistline.

It was him; that wicked smirk proved it really well. The billionaire I had so much hate for.

He lifted me off the floor, carrying me in his arms. "You shouldn't have come without me; even though we fight, I'm still the one for you.".

Don't look into his eyes. Mirabel, you can do this. This is someone else's life, not yours. It's not real; this is all just acting.

The sweet fragrance of the studio swept my anxiety away. I never thought I would still have photography PTSD.

"I'm surprised to see you arrived early for the press conference, Miss Annabel," a fair lady dressed in a red channel gown called my attention.

"Press conference?" I veered around looking for Jerry, who had somehow disappeared.

"Me and my fiancé are glad to face the numerous reporters about our love, right darling." He gazed at me, urging me to confirm his words.

This is my chance to plot my revenge on him.

We stood on stage with hundreds of reporters and journalists waiting for the conference to begin. Pictures weren't allowed until the close of the program. Till then, I was safe.

"So, Miss Annabel, how long have you and Sir Raymond here been in a relationship?"

"Isn't this supposed to be a business conference?".

"The media has questions. It would be nice if you answered them politely, Raymond let out a smile, holding my hand in his.

"It's been two years now. The perfect two years of my life, if I must say.".

"Apart from his money, what else do you love about him?" A female reporter threw the billion-dollar question. The silence in the hall was golden, everyone waiting for my response.

This is the perfect time to up my game and get my revenge on him.

"I don't know, I just love him."

"Now, now, that's not the answer. What do you love about me apart from the money I hold?" Raymond's voice creeped in.

"So, Miss Annabel, what exactly do you love about him?"

"I love his physique. His dark eyes give me the impression to keep gazing, and his muscles are damn attractive, if I must say. "

That came out wrong.

"He's a kind but ruthless gentleman. He might be a handsome and attractive billionaire in the eyes of the public, but to me he's just a man."

Murmurs could be heard as the entire room became rowdy in the blink of an eye. Raymond, on the other hand, was trying to act strong during the reveal.

"If he's just a man, then he must have bad habits. Can you reveal that to us?"

"I have zero bad habits," Raymond responded.

"He's not a gentleman. He's a savage, not like Mafia. He doesn't know how to treat a woman; he's always working all the time, and he can barely tie his lace."

"I can tie my..." He looked down to see his laces lying flat on the floor, disorganized. He gazed at me, speechless.

"Also..." I halted as my heels twisted a bit, failing to hit the ground. I could picture myself crying on the floor with reporters taking shots of my disgraced reputation.

Someone catch me.