Chapter 8 Eight

8 He was shirtless, his six-pack and muscular body on display. His eyes were ocean blue, and his wet, curly hair added to his striking appearance. "James..." Carson mumbled, his voice filled with disdain. James emerged from the water, picked up a towel from the lounge chair, and dried his face before walking toward Carson. "Mr. Brown told me you needed help with math," he said, offering a smile, but Carson could only scowl. Why does he always have to act so perfect? Carson thought, glaring at him. "Yes," Carson replied, rolling his eyes. "I’d be happy to help, but not here. I’ll leave my address in your locker, and we can study at my place," James winked. Disgusting, Carson thought, but forced a smile. "Sure, I’ll see you later," he said. James slung the towel around his neck and walked away. The most annoying part for Carson? James was gay. He had hit on Carson's friends, and even though the girls knew about his orientation, they still swooned over him. "Thankfully, I’m not gay. I can't stand that guy," Carson muttered as he shook his head and left. GLAMOROUS DESIGN Skyler used to work here as a fashion designer before breaking up with Felix. Thinking about it now, that boy had only used her for her work. She helped him with all his projects, drawings, and designs, and he never appreciated it. She stepped out of the taxi, dressed in a button-up shirt, pencil jeans, and white canvas shoes, with just a bit of makeup on her face. Everyone stared as she walked by. She could tell the news about Felix cheating had spread, judging by the murmurs. “I feel so bad for her.” “Is she still going to work here?” “How’s she doing now?” “I heard what happened to her yesterday… It’s heartbreaking to see someone’s wedding fall apart. I hope she stays strong.” Skyler ignored the whispers and made her way to the boss’s office. After knocking twice, she opened the door and stepped in. The CEO, not too young nor too old, greeted her with a calm expression. "Skyler," he said, and she offered a small smile. "I’m sorry to hear about what happened. How are you feeling?" he asked. "I’m fine, sir, trust me," she replied. "Good. Have a seat," he gestured to the empty chair next to him. "No need, sir. I won’t take long," she said softly, placing a white envelope on the table. The boss glanced at it and then at her. "I’d like to resign, sir. I’m grateful for all the experience I’ve had here, but it’s time for me to leave," she said. He seemed ready to argue, but instead, he smiled. "I respect your decision. You can meet with the secretary for your payment," he said. Skyler shook her head. "No need. I’m fine. Thank you, sir," she smiled before leaving his office. When she stepped out, the last person she wanted to see was Felix. She tried to walk around him, but he blocked her path. "Skyler, we need to talk. I tried calling you yesterday, but you didn’t pick up," he said. Skyler fought the urge to strangle him but remained composed. "I don’t have anything to say to you, Felix. Did anything happen yesterday?" she feigned innocence. "Come on, Skyler," Felix said, trying to take her hand, but she pulled back. "What you saw yesterday isn’t what you think. I was drugged by Felicia. I didn’t even know what was going on," he pleaded. "Okay," Skyler shrugged, beginning to walk away, but he blocked her again. "You’re just going to say ‘okay’?" he asked, surprised. "What am I supposed to say? I told you I don’t know what happened yesterday. In fact, I don’t even know if anything ever existed between us. So, can you just let me be?" She rolled her eyes and tried to leave again. Felix was stunned, but he followed her. She loved him, so why wasn’t she crying? Why was she acting like she didn’t care? "Skyler, wait!" he called, grabbing her shoulders. But Skyler reached into her purse and pulled out a can of pepper spray. She sprayed it into his eyes. "Fûck!" He screamed, covering his face. "I told you not to bother me, Felix. I don’t remember anything. All I remember is wasting two and a half years of my life with you. Can you just leave me alone?" She rolled her eyes at him and walked away. "Skyler!! You’re such a fool to think that I loved you! I only needed you because you’re good at designing! Don’t get too full of yourself!!" he shouted after her. Skyler turned back and sprayed more pepper spray in his face. "Arghh!!" He screamed, shielding his eyes. Skyler walked off without another word. Once outside, she wiped her tears, pulled out her phone, and called Mason. After a few rings, he answered. "Hey," his deep voice came through the phone. "I’m done here. Please come pick me up," she said. STARBUCKS STUDIO Ivy was at Starbucks Studio, where she was shooting for her upcoming film. She was acting with Blake Andrew, a popular and handsome actor who was filling in for her original co-star, who had broken his legs in an accident. Ivy frowned as her makeup artists fixed her face. "Ivy, your dresses are here. Come try them on," Daisy called, entering with two men pushing a clothing rack. Ivy scanned the dresses and pointed to a sleeveless mini purple gown. "Good choice," Daisy smiled, taking the gown off the rack. The makeup artists left, and Ivy slipped into the dress. "You look great. Smile a little so you don’t look upset in front of the camera," Daisy said after inspecting her. "I’m trying, but I can’t. First, Blake has a girlfriend, and now my brother’s married to a woman who’s just going to take over our relationship," Ivy vented. "How does Blake’s relationship concern you?" Daisy raised an eyebrow. "I don’t know. Maybe I’m just crushing on him," Ivy muttered. Finding out Blake was in a relationship had been devastating, especially since it was with her sister’s rival, Regina Wilson. "Well, you and Blake look great together. He’s hot, and normally, you’d be into him. But it’ll pass since you’re just actors. Don’t worry, and shouldn’t you be happy for your brother?" Daisy smiled. "I know, but what if my brother loves her so much that he forgets about me, his only sibling?" Ivy pouted. "He can never forget you. You should try to get along with his wife for the sake of a healthy sister-in-law relationship. Now, let’s head to the studio. Blake and the photographer are waiting," Daisy said. Ivy nodded. She slipped on her black heels and followed Daisy out. A few minutes later, several shots of Blake and Ivy were taken for their movie Love and Bridges. "And it’s done. Have a look—it’s perfect," the photographer said, showing them the pictures. Blake looked at the pictures with a smile. "It’s perfect, right?" He faced Ivy, who nodded. A woman entered with a smile. "Miss Ivy, Mr. Blake, the van is ready to take you both to Me Time for the interview and game show," she announced. "Thanks. Let me just change quickly," Ivy smiled and left. "Me too. These clothes are too hot," Blake said, heading to his van. After changing, both of them stepped into the white van that would take them to their next destination. CARSON’S DRIVER arrived at James’ house, and Carson stepped out of the car. He glanced at his wristwatch, then at the driver. "Pick me up at 5 p.m.," he instructed. "Okay, I’ll see you later," the driver nodded and drove off. Carson rolled his eyes and walked toward the front door. He knocked twice, and the door opened. He was expecting to see James’ annoying face, but instead, his gaze landed on the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. "Oh... my... God," he muttered, his voice distant.