Chapter 6 Rumors

Agreeing to have a relationship with Dean, this strange man who likes to boss around sometimes worries Louisa. She checked the headlines on several social media back and forth, afraid that someone would post a photo of Coronado when Dean grabbed her arm and bit her lips. She was worried that people would think that Louisa was dating Dean because she was looking for an outlet after her romance with Troy was revealed and ended sadly.

Besides that, last night, her mother, Karoline, called via video and said that Louisa didn't need to cry over a bastard like Troy. She remembered that Louisa had left the SDCC stage when she received a question from one of the fans. Karoline believes that this is not the character of a public figure that the child should show, especially to fans who attended the fan meeting. After all, Louisa has entered the world of entertainment, and any news that hits her will automatically spread from all directions. As a mother, Karoline didn't want the Bahr family's proud youngest daughter to be in endless turmoil. She added that women can still live without a man.

"Focus on your career first, Lou. I know that Troy won't think about your feelings, right?" asked Karoline. "I'm disappointed in him."

"I'm much more disappointed," replied Louisa, biting her lower lip to hold back the sobs about to break out again.

"Wipe your tears, Lou. Don't cry over a man who even betrayed your relationship!" Karoline exclaimed, strengthening her lovely girl's heart.

Unfortunately, Cory, who sometimes can't filter conversations, spills the beans that Louisa will never be heartbroken again because she is dating Dean Cross. Karoline widened her eyes at her daughter's manager's statement, shocked beyond belief. She understood what was typical of Louisa very well, that she didn't find it easy to attract men again during the heartbreak phase. However, Karoline also cannot forbid it and can only remind you not to enter into a relationship too quickly when your heart has not united to cover the pain of the past.

"I'll take care of her, Karoline," said Cory, "but on the plus side, she's dating a damn rich and handsome man. Louisa won't have to work hard to maintain her prestige anymore, right?"

Flashes of the conversation with her mother faded into her head when the image of Dean kissing Louisa's lips suddenly flashed. An intoxicating kiss that can't be forgotten even in a dream. This incident happened several days ago, but she could still feel Dean's lips gently brushing Louisa's lips, greeting her with spoiled seduction until Dean's ocean-blue gaze sedated her again. She was waking up the goosebumps all over Louisa's body, making her heart explode, which had been beating normally.

Without realising it, the girl's cheeks turned red until the makeup artist applying blush frowned and said,

"You seem to be thinking about something, Louisa."

Louisa stuttered, clearing her throat to hide the dirty thoughts that had previously occupied her brain. "N-no. I wondered whether I would be nervous at the talk show later."

"You can read the material provided by the committee. But... who wouldn't be nervous when people admire you as Cecilia in the film From the End? I like it." The make-up artist again blended the coral pink blush on Louisa's cheekbones.

"Oh, thanks!"

"When I read your news, many of your fans wanted you to be with Tony," said the make-up artist.

"Oh, no... Tony is a partner for me. We don't have any relationship other than friends," replied Louisa when the make-up artist sprayed setting spray on her face. "Besides, it's not my type to love the location."

"I see."

"Hey! Get ready in ten minutes, okay?" said someone with blonde hair, opening the door to the dressing room with a tense face. "You're so beautiful, Ms. Bahr!" he praised, spreading a smile on Louisa's lips.

###

Wearing a red mini dress and a pale pink blazer, Louisa looked charming on a talk show broadcast at a television company. Her shoulder-length brown hair is tied and braided to the right side, while the hair on the left flows sweetly so that Louisa looks like a Frozen character. Don't forget the bold finish on the lips with a bright red colour that adds to the allure. She blushed when the host--Lexi--in a pixie cut and formal suit, introduced Louisa as an artist who had reached the peak of popularity for several weeks.

Not only that, but Tony Bowman was also present as a male actor who succeeded in attracting women's hearts. He sat next to Louisa after greeting her and warmly hugged her. For a moment, Tony paid attention to the lines on Louisa's face when his ears heard Lexi asking several questions regarding behind-the-scenes from the making of the film.

"How did you get chemistry as Cecilia and Steve?" Lexi asked enthusiastically.

"We got along quickly even though Louisa was initially timid," answered Tony. "But he's talented."

"Yes, that's right. This is the first time I've had a big role since entering the acting world. And you know that Tony is a great actor, and he's amazing," said Louisa, glancing at Tony's irises. "He often tells me things like, 'You have to express your emotions in this dialogue, Lou; think of me as the most asshole in the world.' So, we often discuss deepening each other's roles during filming breaks."

"But the world is watching you, Lou," Tony said meaningfully. Implying a veiled admiration that Lexi could catch, she asked another question.

"I read on social media when behind-the-scenes footage of you guys appeared on YouTube. There were many comments that you were adorable and hoped you could have a romance. What do you think, Lou?" Lexi asked.

For a few moments, Louisa was silent and then smiled faintly. "Well... I often read it on Instagram or Twitter, but I don't want to tarnish this friendship. Yes... you know that failed romance can damage communication with someone?"

"As for you, Tony? What do you think?" Lexi threw a question at Tony.

"I'm not sure, but... Louisa is a charming girl, and who wouldn't want to be her boyfriend?" Tony's joke made the studio audience laugh out loud. He threw a glance at Louisa.

"If I were a man, maybe I would say the same thing as you, Tony," said Lexi. "Next, this is what audiences in the studio or at home might be looking forward to regarding some of the hot scenes in the film. What do you think when some people comment that what you did was out of character for Louisa Bahr?"

"Yes... one of the risks is because people know that I usually play the character of a good, innocent girl, not a character like Cecilia, a mature woman full of passion who dares to explore when making love with Steven. When the director cut the film, Tony immediately covered my body with a blanket," explained Louisa, laughing. "Besides, I believe Tony can be professional outside of that context." She turned to Tony, who nodded in agreement.

"Amazing opinion!" Lexi praised, clapping along with the audience. "You guys are suitable to join in on other projects."

"Yes, hopefully!" Tony said excitedly.

###

After attending the talk show, Louisa was greeted by Cory, who gave her a bottle of mineral water while reminding her that after this, they had to come to the location of the photo shoot and an exclusive interview for the spring edition of the fashion magazine. Driving a black Audi shining in the sunlight, they passed luxurious buildings painted in matching white to faded brown along West Hollywood, shaded by lush trees and towering coconut trees and streetlights stretching from corner to corner. Towards evening, the lights will light up like holding a festival without feeling tired. Billboards decorate every section of the district, displaying products and cinema films that will be shown.

For Louisa, West Hollywood is a centre for the entertainment industry and a celebration of culture and trendsetters. They feature world-class luxuries like shopping, historic restaurants with classic American cuisine, or a concert at Whiskey A Go Go or the Roxy Theatre. At the Pacific Design Center at Sunset Trip, where Louisa will hold a photo session, there is a creative community, exhibitions, and educational opportunities in the fashion sector. Apart from that, in this design district, various famous boutique shops such as Samira 13 and shops from well-known brands are a treat for the eyes. Even nightclubs are always busy with visitors, partying happily, enjoying a glass of cocktail, and mingling with each other on the dance floor.

The ringing of message notifications on Louisa's cell phone interrupted the girl's long thoughts when the car she was travelling in entered the three-coloured area of the Pacific Design Center: blue, green, and red. Instantly, she frowned, reading word for word written by the organiser, Dean. This made Cory, who was driving the car, curious, and then asked,

"What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"Dean asked me to meet him tonight because there was something he wanted to talk about," answered Louisa. "I'm sure his brain is forming many new rules again."

"Oh man ... how bastard he is, right?" joked Cory parked the car. "So what?"

"He saw my interview with Tony and objected," said Louisa as if chained by Dean's charm. "I never wanted a date like Dean. Jealous."

"But he wants you." Cory opened the door, followed by Louisa. "Technically. But let's see how far he'll go with his drama, Lou."

"I can't stand it because we are just friends who share each other's profits where I haven't felt the benefits. After all, in my account, the digits are still the same. Our apartment didn't get mysterious packages containing diamonds or rubies either, right?" Louisa protested, then laughed as she walked quickly to meet her colleague. "Oh, Fuck! Dean!" she shouted when she saw Dean's tall figure standing not far from Louisa's position.

Is he a psychic with a solid signal to know where I am?

"The drama is about to start; here we go," whispered Cory, following Louisa, who was told to approach Dean faster.

"Hey, Babe, do you miss me?" Dean greeted Louisa.

"Not at all," answered Louisa, rolling her eyes. "Why are you here?"

"I want to keep an eye on whether you will be tempted like in the studio," said Dean, grabbing Louisa's waist.

"You think I'm your fucking lover?" Louisa sneered, not accepting it. "Ah, yes... indeed," she continued before Dean grumbled and made threats like some time ago.

"Can't you see Tony is interested in you?" Dean asked. "I was annoyed to hear what he said about you, Lou. It sounded hypocritical."

"Just say you're jealous," teased Louisa. "Ah, is this a first for you too, Mr. Cross?"

"Jealous? Yes, it could be. I don't like the women I'm dating sharing attention with other men. It hurts. Honestly."

"Lou!" Cory shouted behind the lovebirds.

"What?" Louisa almost gasped in surprise.

"Sorry, Mr. Cross, I needed it for a moment." Cory pulled Louisa's arm slightly away from the man's position while showing his cell phone screen.

Louisa's heart seemed to have stopped beating for the umpteenth time. Her eyeballs might have rolled away and were hiding somewhere while Louisa's mouth was wide open, almost touching the tiles of this magnificent building. She doesn't know where the photo came from, but the picture was taken when she was making out so hotly with Dean in Coronado. He quickly checked the reactions of fans and haters who might appear to make matters worse.

Shit!

'Didn't she just break up with that French model?'

'Dating her boss? Take the self-righteous Louisa Bahr, for example!'

"Where did they get this photo, Cory?" Louisa grumbled when Cory started receiving lots of calls. "Cory!"

The questioner couldn't reply, but his right index finger told Louisa to ask Dean directly, who gave her a sly smile and an attitude as calm as water.

"I told you, right?" Dean's voice and sparkling eyes caused anger to creep up to the top of Louisa's head.