Chapter 7 First meeting

(Grayson's POV)

Sophie gave me the whole schedule once we arrived in New York and checked into our hotel. Based on that, I can only depart for the event tomorrow. The event takes place in a hall with my fans in attendance, and a special trailer showing for my next film is planned just for them. I chose to go to bed early because I had a lengthy flight but had trouble falling asleep the entire night, feeling as though there was something nearby that I couldn't reach.

The following morning, I opened my eyes to see Sophie waiting for me at my door after I heard a knock. I got ready and had a shower after that before leaving the hotel. My head and emotions had been telling me something since I arrived in New York, but I couldn't quite put my mind to it during the trip to the event.

"Grayson!...Grayson, I love you!... You are very handsome, Grayson!... You are amazing!" People began calling out my name and expressing their affection for me as soon as I got out of the car. There were several hundred people there, as well as members of the media. I was able to make it through the mob to the venue with the assistance of my bodyguards and team after giving them a flying kiss and waving hands.

"Sir, the event will start in 20 mins. Until then you can rest in this room... My assistant will inform you when the event starts" The event coordinator shook hands with me and grinned excitedly before showing me to a room and explaining the itinerary. Sophie came in with Robin after he departed, and they sat on the couch across from me.

"I have checked everything myself, you don't have to worry. The event will be over in 3 hours, after that you are free... But, I want all your energy in tomorrow's event" She said with a serious expression, and I relaxed thinking that I would be getting out early. Nonetheless, as soon as she finished the last line, all of my happiness vanished.

I closed my eyes and didn't answer her. I estimate that it was only five minutes later that the door opened and the assistant of the organiser entered, informing us that the event would begin in two minutes. With Robin's assistance, I completed my touch-up and then left the room to enter the main hallway. The lights were off until this moment, but they turned back on the minute I walked inside.

"Grayson- Grayson- Grayson- Grayson!" When I walked onto the stage with a microphone, people began to chant my name. It was admirable how thrilled and excited everyone was to see me in front of them. They kept chanting my name for at least five minutes until they stopped. However, this is the moment I have spent my entire life working towards; the joy and love these individuals give me makes the effort worthwhile.

"This is the moment I always wait for, whenever I complete a movie. The love and smile that you all show me is what my best achievement is...I love each and every fan of mine. Thank you so much for being there with me... And I hope this time also I can show my love to you all through my upcoming movie 'The Monster: Part 1'". I remarked, and as soon as I concluded my statement, people began screaming the name of my movie.

I sat down in the centre on the couch that was kept in front, and the next second the lights were off and my movie's trailer started. The only thing that gave my fans more energy was a three-minute trailer, and their yelling once it concluded signalled their support for my film.

"I hope you all go and watch my movie in cinemas with your family and loved ones...Thank you so much guys for coming here...I love you all" I got up and showed them how much I cared by taking pictures with my admirers and receiving their gifts as well as their congratulations. For me, our interactions have always been overwhelming.

Sophie led me to another hall after we left the venue, where the sponsors, event organiser, and every other member of my film's crew were enjoying some snacks. I was finally at ease after spending time with them, so I headed straight to my car, stopping along the way to take some photos with my fans.

"Grayson, just go and take rest. We'll meet tomorrow, ok?" I nodded, and Sophie went to her room and Robin went to his, while I went to the opposite side to seek some quiet and fresh air.

I was propped up against the railing of a sizable balcony at the end of the hall. I was feeling comforted by the calm and silence until I heard someone cry out. Then I turned to look in the corridor and saw a tiny boy crying uncontrollably and desperately looking for someone.

"Kid...Don't worry, I will not harm you...Shh-Shh, calm down...Now, tell me why are you crying?" I was hesitant to approach him, but I simply stood there while he roughened his eyes, not even realising when my legs had carried me there. He flinched the moment I called him, backing away and staring at me with eyes the exact colour of mine.

When he told me he was lost, I took his hands and walked him to the reception area after calming him down and earning his trust. However, for the entire time I was simply staring at him, he was quite shy and would only respond with a single word. However, something about his features-which were strikingly similar to mine, or perhaps I was just thinking a lot-made me feel something.

"Good evening sir, what can I help you with?" The receptionist asked with a polite smile on her face, but it was obvious from her body language that she was excited to see me infront of her.

"Good evening, actually this kid is lost. So, can you help me get him back to his family?" Even though she was ecstatic to see me, I made an official request to her. However, she began phoning someone about the situation because her work comes first and her affection for me as a fan comes second while firmly grasping the child's hand, who had already stopped sobbing and was only looking downward.

They will find his family, she told me after setting down her phone. My phone rang as soon as I started questioning her about how, so I had to move away from them for a little while before giving the child to the girl. I turned around to see the child was gone after answering the call. I then proceeded to the reception.

"Where is the kid?" I questioned in a panic, but she gestured with her fingers to a woman who was holding the child and explained that her mother had taken him and told me to give her gratitude.

I sighed in response to her words and returned to my room, but not before taking a picture with the receptionist. I went directly to my bed and closed my eyes as soon as I got inside my room, but this time, the image of the child was still floating about in my head, his face, hair, eyes-everything. I had never spent so much time with a youngster before, and I felt an immediate bond with him. Even though I don't know his name, I had the impression that we were connected in some way.