Lahat ng Kabanata ng Mate me at Hollywood : Kabanata 31 - Kabanata 40

LARA's POVWhile pretending to be Leonardo Knight’s girlfriend, I’ve had the honor—and I use that term loosely—of meeting all kinds of his fans. Over time, I’ve managed to sort them into three very specific categories:Casual fans, enthusiastic fans, and super psycho fans. The casual fans are chill. They like his movies, maybe follow him on Instagram, but couldn’t care less who he’s dating or what shampoo he uses. Bless their calm little hearts. Then there are the enthusiastic fans—these ones feel spiritually bonded to Leo. They’ve seen every film (thrice), camp out for premiere tickets, and probably have a fan account with "Knight" in the username. Alyssa used to be in this category. Unfortunately, enthusiastic fans usually transition to SUPER PSYCHO fans.I call them the deranged and dangerous. They're obsessive, irrational and absolutely bonkers, the kind that camp outside his house, send creepy letters, and post TikToks explaining why I’m "ruining his aura."Psychos are not just

"Sure you can walk," he rebuts. Then, with his arm around my shoulder, he takes a step with mine. "See? We'll take it one step at a time."I won't lie; I'm a bit disappointed. For some reason, I was hoping for princess treatment. When I tell him I can’t walk too far, I expect him to swoop me off my feet. Literally. Or at the very least, offer a piggyback ride like Leonardo once did.What I did not expect was to be half-limping through the cold night while he gives me these unsolicited motivational speeches."You can do this, Lara. We’re almost there. It’s the white and black house over there," he says, pointing ahead like some life coach in jogging shoes.I look up, squinting through the darkness.A large, rugged, and downright intimidating mansion towers in the distance. Its sharp angles and shadowy presence make it look more like the lair of a supervillain than someone’s actual home.I sigh. Of course this is where Professor David Norman lives.Once we get in though, everything chan

Leonardo's POVLara and I take a casual stroll through the forest. We're holding hands. Her hand usually feels warm, but today, it's ice-cold."That old man threatened me to leave you. But I told him to fuck off. That I'd rather die," I tell her."Die then."I stop walking. My brows knit in horror as I turn to her. "What did you just say?""He's mad. I said the old man is mad."Did she? I think I heard something different.But she’s already walking ahead, like nothing happened. I stare at her back for a moment, then force a chuckle and shake it off. It’s probably just in my head. "Hey, player," I tease, catching up to her. "I thought of a really cheesy pick-up line. Permission to use it on you?"She rolls her eyes. "Sure. Permission granted.""I was rehearsing lines for a movie, but every time I look at you, the only script I want to follow is the one where I tell you I’m in love."She bursts into laughter. "Aw, you're adorable," she sighs. "I wish I didn't have to kill you.""What?!

Leonardo's POVLara is staring at me like her heart and her brain are waging an all-out war."So my professor buried a fang in your skin, and that created a fake memory in you? That's the bullshit story you're going with?" she snaps."Lara, it's not bullshit. I swear on my entire career—that's exactly what happened!""You don't expect me to believe that, do you?"I pace up and down her room frantically, trying to think of what to say, how to convince her. "I'm telling you the truth, Lara."She rests one hand on the doorframe, the other on her waist. "The full truth?""The full truth would be too much for you to handle," I answer quietly and stop pacing.She throws an exasperated hand in the air. "From the moment I met you at the Oscar Ceremony, all I've been asking is for you to tell me the truth. With you, I'm always so scared, confused and unsure. I just want to—"I hate that she feels fear, confusion and uncertainty because of me. All I want is to give her peace and happiness. Lara

The charming mask David always wears is almost slipping. He's angry. Angry that I won't let him touch me, that I flinch when he wants to hug me... that I keep mentioning Leo's name. I can see it in his eyes: I can feel it: jealousy, rage, madness. He isn't a man used to being denied. "So after I expressed my feelings for you, you went to another man's house, Lara?"He pronounces my name with the same vitriol attached to the word, WHORE."I didn't go to his house. When I got home, he was already in my room.""Oh, was he? Then I guess that changes everything. I'm no longer mad that you slept with him.""I don't answer to you, David. And I didn't sleep with Leo."He makes an annoyed sound. "You're not even wearing the clothes I told you to wear. I said, wear a crop top, not that."I grip the fringes of my dress, suddenly feeling small. "Who do you think you are to criticize what I wear? I love this dress. Leo loves it too."Another my mention of Leo's name. I did that one to piss David