“How did they get our address?” Marley’s voice shook. “Does Nikhil know about this?”
“Keep reading,” Shayne said.
We received an anonymous tip that Nik Sharma has been cavorting with his stylist, Marley Kamal, for some time. A source from her employer confirmed that Marley is a stylist at Reid’s Department Store, and she was contracted to style Nik Sharma for all his pre- and post-production appearances. Another tipster confirms that these pictures were taken in a plastic surgery office after the stylist had some complications from the breast enlargement surgery Nik paid for.
The timing of this scoop is certainly unfortunate for Nik. Not two hours ago, his co-star inIronis 3, Serena Vox, finally confirmed rumors that the two have been in a relationship for months.Serena and Nik were expected to be a major Hollywood power couple.
“Fuck,” Marley said.
“My sentiments exactly,” Shayne said. “I can’t believe a bloody paparazzi was outside my house. Vultures. They are a stain on my profession.”
“Why does it say Serena confirmed their relationship?” Marley asked.
“Look at her Instagram,” Shayne said.
Marley opened the app and searched for Serena’s account. Her most recent post was from early this morning. The caption was simple, just two sentences:Monumentally happy to have this guy in my life for the last few months. They say you shouldn’t mix business and pleasure, but I’ve got a good feeling about this one.The picture was clearly taken in Los Angeles. Nikhil was laughing at something Serena was saying. His superhero arms were on full display, and Serena was as gorgeous and radiant as ever in a simple gray tank with her wavy hair down. In another shot, Serena looked fresh, a little flushed, and her eyes were downcast in a shy, pleased expression while Nikhil was gazing at her… and yeah. If Marley didn’t know the man so well, it would look like he was looking at her with affection. Like he was about to kiss her.
But he wasn’t. That wasn’t the look he gave Marley every day. His eyes were always so intense before he kissed Marley.
“Why is she saying this?” Marley said, her voice cracking.
“Is it possible this is true? Maybe heisdating Serena and you.”
Marley shook her head. “He’s not. I trust him.” There wasn’ta doubt in her mind. A sharp pain under her breast reminded Marley that this was a terrible time for a crisis.
“Well then, honey,” Shayne said, giving her a sympathetic look, “someone’s sabotaging y’all. You need to talk to him.”
Marley nodded, then exhaled. “Painkillers first, please.”
Shayne helped her get her pills. “I have to be downtown for a shoot in an hour. You okay, or you need me to cancel? If you’d like, I could do some naked gardening in case we’re still being watched. Fucking paparazzi.” He shook his head with disgust.
Marley tried to smile. “You go to work. I’m going to call Nikhil.” She had to believe that Nikhil hadn’t seen this—or he would have called her. She picked up her phone. He answered on the first ring.
“Nikhil, can you talk? Are you alone?”
“Yeah, I’m in the changing room. What’s wrong?” he asked. He sounded out of breath.
Marley blinked away a tear. “Shayne sent me… Did you see the piece inPop Hollywood?”
“What? No. What piece? We’ve been practicing a fight scene all morning.”
Marley sent him the link to the article. How could she have taken him out in public now, when he was being watched like a hawk? This was her fault.
“Fuck,” Nikhil said.
“I’m sorry,” Marley said. “I should never have called you yesterday. I could have taken an Uber to the doctor—”
“Marley,no. This is what I was talking about. If my girlfriend needs me to take her to the doctor after surgery, then I want to be able to do that. Ineedto be able to do that. Otherwise, what’s the point of any of this?”
Marley frowned. “Girlfriend?”
He sighed. “Whatever. I should probably call Esther.” He paused. “Shit. She’s been calling me all morning. I wonder if Serena and Caroline have seen this.”
“There’s more, Nikhil. Did you see Serena’s Instagram post?”
“What? No… let me check.” He paused, clearly looking up his co-star’s Instagram. “What the hell? Honestly, there is nothing going on between me and Serena.”
“I know. Why is she lying?”
