Ash’s POV ;
When Elijah and I arrived at Ryder’s new theatre for the inauguration party, I was struck by the opulence. The entrance had grand columns draped in gold and silver fabric, with a long red carpet leading inside. I was glad there were no reporters, which allowed to stay close to Elijah without the pressure of flashing caras.
The inside was no less extravagant. An enormous chandelier hung above a circular staircase lined with marble. The floor was covered in a lush carpet, and the walls were decorated with ornate tapestries.
I spotted a few celebrities and familiar faces in the crowd, but none of them were as eye-catching as the man next to .
He was dressed in a sleek black suit, his hair slicked back. His presence commanded attention, and the people around him instinctively gave him space.
Even in a room full of the rich and famous, he stood out efficiently.
I was wearing a dark blue velvet tuxedo and a black bow tie. Elijah and I entered together but I was walking slightly ahead of him so it didn’t seem like we ca here together.
I could feel his eyes on , his gaze burning into my back. When we reached the main hall, I glanced back at him, and my heart nearly jumped out of my chest.
The lights shone on his face, illuminating his sharp features. His lips were curled into a half-smile. My mouth went dry at the sight, and I quickly averted my gaze.
Get a grip, Ash.
I took a deep breath and composed myself, trying not to think about his intense stare. Catching staring at him, he raised an amusing brow.
"What are you looking at?" he asked but sothing tells he was already aware of the effect he had on .
I tried to hide my blush. "Nothing."
"Are you sure? Because I just saw you admiring a few seconds ago." His smile widened, and I could see the amusent dancing in his eyes.
"No, I wasn’t," I lied, my face growing hotter.
"It’s okay. You can admire all you want."
"Shut up," I snorted at his shalessness, unable to stop the smile from forming on my face. "I’d rather admire a blank wall---it’s more interesting than you."
He laughed softly. "You’re quite the tease."
I rolled my eyes. "Whatever, old man."
We continued our walk through the crowd, and I felt his hand brush against mine. I stiffened, my heartbeat quickening at the sudden contact.
"Elijah..." He ignored my protest, linking our fingers together. I nervously looked at him, but he only smirked, a playful look in his eyes.
"Elijah, soone might see us," I hissed, my heart pounding wildly.
"Let them see then," he replied casually, his tone nonchalant.
"No, I don’t want the rumors to start again," I roughly pulled my hand back. He gave a questioning and slightly confused look but didn’t press any further.
"If you say so," he relented, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
A waiter passed by, and Elijah reached out, grabbing a glass of champagne for himself, turning to the other side so I was facing his back. I could feel the tension in his shoulders, and it made uneasy.
"Are you mad at ?" I asked nervously, unsure of how to deal with his silence. Was he serious about holding hands? I thought he was just teasing and wanted to make fun of .
I didn’t get any answer, so I poked his shoulder, "Elijah, I’m talking to you."
He glanced at over his shoulder, his eyes narrowed and brows furrowed. "Why would I be mad at you? Don’t just assu things on your own."
I couldn’t answer because probably I’m wrong. Why would he want to hold my hand publicly? Does he not care about his reputation because currently, I’m soone who can ruin anyone’s career and image just simply standing with ?
"Because I rejected your hand," I finally replied, looking down at my feet.
He let out a hard breath which made flinch. "Bold of you to think you could reject . I was just playing around. Do you really think I wanted to hold your hand? So, don’t go around thinking you’re sothing worthy of rejecting . You’re just an annoying actor."
Ouch, that hurts. I just stared at my shoes, biting my lip to suck up the pain I felt in my chest.
I wanted to fight back and give him a snarky reply, but I was too overwheld by the sudden rush of emotions. A lump ford in my throat, and it felt really difficult to just open my mouth.
I’m really pathetic, I just have to ruin his mood. If I just let him hold my hand, he could have his fun, and I wouldn’t have had to face this awkward atmosphere.
"Elijah, there you are!" A voice suddenly cut through the silence.
I looked up and saw Ryder walking towards us. He had a bright smile on his face, and his eyes were shining with excitent.
"Congratulations on the opening of your theatre," Elijah let out simply.
"Thanks, bestie." Ryder chuckled and hugged Elijah making him grimace but Ryder didn’t give a damn and crushed Elijah.
Then, he turned to with a wide silly beaming face. "Aww, you ca too!"
"Of course, I did," I forced a smile.
"Co here, cutie," He was about to hug too when we heard a loud groan coming from behind. We both turned and found a pissed-off-looking Elijah. He glared at Ryder.
Ryder rolled his eyes and raised a brow at . Leaning forward and whispering. "Why does he look angrier than a cat in a bathtub?"
I gave him a guilty look but chuckled at his choice of words. "We kind of had a fight."
"Oh no, I feel sorry for you."
"Are you done whispering?" Elijah snapped, and we both flinched.
Ryder laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry, buddy. But, anyway, why don’t we go check out the stage? There’s an amazing performance going on."
Elijah nodded and they walked ahead of .
I watched them with a sad expression and Elijah didn’t spare even a glance. I decided not to follow them, if he wanted so space then I should respect that. Since he’s not obligated to be with all the ti.
I’m such an idiot. I shouldn’t have agreed to co. I thought maybe he had softened a bit and we could have so fun together.
But no, he’s still the sa. The sa grumpy and arrogant asshole.
"Sir, would you like a drink?" a waiter suddenly asked, holding a tray of drinks in front of .
I looked up at him and nodded, taking a glass of juice instead of champagne. "Thank you."
"You’re welco," he smiled and left.
I leaned back against the wall and sipped on the drink, watching the people around . I miss Noah at tis like this, he’s the only one I can talk to when I’m upset. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him.
Suddenly, the music changed to a more upbeat tempo, and everyone began dancing. I watched as couples whirled around the room, their faces glowing with happiness. I sat at an empty table and took another sip of my drink, watching the dancers spin across the dance floor.
Everyone seed to be having a good ti except . But I don’t mind it. I don’t pity myself, everyone struggles and sotis things go bad. It’s life.
The song changed to a slow dance and all the couples were now swaying together in each other’s arms. I looked at the dance floor longingly.
I’m curious how it would feel like to dance with soone. I’ve never danced before. Maybe if Elijah was a little kinder and had fun with , I would have asked him to dance. But would that be okay?
Can two n dance together? Or is it considered improper?
I wonder how would it feel to have his arms wrapped around , holding close, as we swayed together. He’s taller than so probably I have to tip toe a bit.
Would he hold close like these n are holding these won? Would his hand also be held on my waist, our chests touching? Or would we be awkward?
And what if I made a mistake and stepped on his feet? Will he scold and call an annoying actor like a mont ago?
I chuckled at the thought. Of course, he would.
But there was also a small part of that wished it could happen. That he could be more gentle and caring towards . And I have noticed those changes in him. He doesn’t look with hatred and resentnt at anymore.
I shook my head and pushed those thoughts aside. There’s no use thinking about it because things like this would never happen.
"Isn’t he Ash?"
"Yes. Did you see him standing and smiling with the CEO?" I heard a woman’s voice behind . "It’s obvious he’s sleeping with him for the role."
"Shaless," another voice chid in. "Roaming around freely like he owns the place. His show will be a flop for sure."
"He’s just a talentless pretty face," soone else added. "No wonder the rumours are flying."
"I heard he didn’t even deserve the role. There were better actors who got rejected because of him."
"It’s disgusting," soone else muttered. "Using his looks and charm to climb the ladder. Doesn’t he have any self-respect?"
"And the way he clings to Elijah. Pathetic. Does he really think that’s going to secure his place in the industry?"
I stared at my glass, trying to block out their voices, but it was impossible.
I glanced back, deciding to confront the whispers head-on. Locking eyes with the group of won, I gave them my best smile, one that I knew could disarm even the most critical onlookers.
They paused, their harsh expressions softening into embarrassed blushes. The whispers halted imdiately, replaced by awkward silence.
"Enjoying the party?" I asked lightly, my voice carrying just enough confidence to make them squirm.
They exchanged flustered glances, clearly not expecting to acknowledge them, let alone speak so directly. "Y-yes, it’s lovely," one of them stamred.
"Good to hear," I replied smoothly, maintaining my smile. I turned back to my seat, feeling a small but satisfying victory over their petty comnts.
I cast a glance around and saw Elijah talking to so older people. I considered telling him I was leaving since the party wasn’t as enjoyable as I had hoped. The whispers of those won had soured my mood even more.
But just as I was about to approach him, a lady in a red elegant gown rested her hand on his shoulder. Elijah turned and smiled at her brightly, a smile I hadn’t seen in a while. It made my stomach churn.
I hesitated, feeling a sharp pang of jealousy. Who was she? And why did Elijah seem so genuinely happy to see her? The way he interacted with her, the ease and warmth in his smile, made feel even more out of place.
I stood there for a mont, grappling with my emotions. Part of wanted to storm over and interrupt, to demand an explanation. But another part of , the part that felt small and insecure, held back. What right did I have to interfere?
So, I stayed rooted to the spot, my hands clenched at my sides, watching them from a distance.
My eyes blurred for a mont making my eyes burn as I blinked back the unshed tears.
W-Why....are you smiling at her? No...don’t do that p-please. It’s hurting .
I want to go ho.
The sourc𝗲 of this content is free(w)𝒆bnov(𝒆)l
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