After wrapping up the photo session, Vivica and her crew climbed into the sleek black car waiting outside the studio. The vehicle hummed softly as it pulled into traffic, the city lights casting shifting patterns across the tinted windows. Bell—no, Vivica—sank into the plush leather seat, exhaustion creeping in.
Jacen broke the silence first, his voice filled with curiosity. "Alright, spill the beans. How on earth did you go from 'duck feet' to a dancing machine, huh? You couldn't even move to a rhythm, let alone dance like that."
Bell blinked, thinking quickly. "I practiced," she said, feigning nonchalance. "Wanted to shock you guys. Seems like it worked."
Jacen let out a low whistle, clearly impressed." Initially, I thought no matter of practice on earth could help you. You literally never moved to a single beat, its a surprise you sing to beat".
"I wouldn't exaggerate that much, it wasn't that bad." Vivica said defending herself.
"Trust me you wouldn't believe." He replied making Bell roll her eyes while he chuckled.
"Well, color me shocked. You nailed it! Keep it up, I'm loving these surprises." He looked over to Lisa, who had been quietly typing away on her phone. "You too, Lisa. What do you think?"
Lisa looked up, smiling. "Honestly, I'm amazed. You've really stepped it up, Vivica."
Bell couldn't help but laugh lightly. "Well, I guess I did then." The praise felt good, even though it wasn't technically for her. She looked at Lisa, something clicking in her mind. "Speaking of stepping up… Is the recording session still happening?"
Lisa shook her head, her eyes filled with concern. "No, I had them postpone it. You didn't look too good earlier, so I figured it was best to give you a breather."
Bell exhaled, relief washing over her. "Oh my Lisa, have I ever told you that you're the best?"
"Yes, numerous times," Lisa chuckled. Jacen laughed too, the tension in the car melting away. Bell allowed herself a brief moment of triumph. The first hurdle was behind her. She wasn't perfect yet, but she hadn't completely blown her cover either.
But now… the recording session. That would be the real test. I need to be ready, she thought.
---
Aislinn's POV:
Across town, Aislinn sat in her high-rise office, staring blankly at the sprawling skyline. Her world had transformed over the past month. Success was hers. The career she had once only dreamed of was flourishing, doors opening at every turn. Investors, sponsors, business opportunities—everything was lining up perfectly.
But as her career bloomed, something inside her withered. Bell's situation haunted her every waking moment. Each time her phone buzzed, a part of her tensed, expecting the worst.
Aislinn closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair, trying to push the dark thoughts away. But it was no use. The image of Bell lying motionless in that hospital bed flickered in her mind. The chances of Bell waking up were growing smaller each day. I told them not to call me unless she was dead, she reminded herself coldly, but the thought brought no comfort.
She got up, walked to the window, and gazed out at the twinkling city below. Everything was perfect on the outside, but inside, she was torn.
You're moving forward she told herself, but the words rang hollow.
Aislinn opened the window, letting her gaze linger over the city lights. The faint hum of life below did little to distract her from the weight pressing down on her chest. She had tried so hard to shake it off, but the grief of Bell's fading existence kept creeping back in. Bell had been more than a friend at one point—almost like a sister. And then… everything changed.
You did this. The thought echoed harshly in her mind. For weeks, Aislinn had tried to ignore it, to bury it under the thrill of success and the demands of her career. But the guilt had a way of sneaking in, especially in the quiet moments.
She sighed, running a hand through her hair as she grabbed her phone. Let it sink in for a minute, she thought. She allowed herself to feel the pain, just for a few moments, before she straightened her posture. Shaking off the weight, she focused on her next move—meeting Ryan.
She dialed his number, her voice steady as she spoke. "Hey, I'll meet you soon."
His voice was distant but agreeable. "Yeah, see you there."
After hanging up, she placed her phone in her bag and told her assistant, "I'm done for the day. I'll be back tomorrow morning."
Her assistant, always perceptive, gave her a knowing nod. "Have a good night, Ms. Park."
Aislinn made her way to the car, slipping into the back seat as the chauffeur closed the door. The quiet hum of the engine did little to calm the storm of thoughts swirling inside her. She leaned back, closing her eyes.
Ryan, Ryan… what's gone wrong between us? she thought. We used to be so deeply in love, connected like soulmates. But now… we're just in love. It's not deep anymore. There's no passion, no spark. We've gone from being obsessed with each other to simply coexisting, following the motions of what love should be.
Her mind wandered back to Bell's haunting words, uttered in fury the day she discovered the betrayal. "You'll never be happy. You and Ryan won't find rest with each other after what you did to me."
A shiver ran down Aislinn's spine. She tried to shake it off, but Bell's words echoed louder in the silence of the car. What if she was right?
Suddenly, the car came to a gentle halt, pulling her from her thoughts. The driver opened her door, and she stepped out onto the pavement in front of an elegant restaurant. She smoothed down her dress, straightened her posture, and entered, greeted by a host who immediately led her to a private room in the back.
As she entered the room, her breath caught. Ryan sat at the table, waiting for her. He was as dashing as ever—his golden hair gleaming under the soft lighting, his sharp features highlighted by the shadows of the dim room. There was something almost regal about the way he carried himself, his posture straight, exuding confidence with every subtle movement. His presence felt almost larger than life, like a prince in a fairy tale.
His piercing blue eyes met hers as he stood to greet her, a faint smirk playing on his lips. This is why I stole him from you, Bell, Aislinn thought with an almost bitter satisfaction. Look at him—he's perfect. He fits me. We belong together. You were never a match for him.
Ryan was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit that emphasized his athletic build. The hint of a designer watch peeked out from beneath his cuff, the golden tone complementing the glint in his hair. His smile, though subtle, was the kind that could melt hearts, and Aislinn felt the familiar tug in her chest.
She whispered under her breath, as if speaking to herself but loud enough to make her point, "Yes, indeed… this is the exact reason I stole him from you, Bell. He's mine. He only fits me. We're a match made in heaven."
Ryan, unaware of the inner conflict stirring inside her, leaned in to kiss her. "You look stunning tonight, Linn."
"Thank you," she replied, her voice smooth, masking the unease that lingered. For now, she told herself, I will enjoy this moment.