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“Thanks, but I’m going to just go in. He’s expecting me.”
It’s almost true.
I toss my coat and purse onto the large table in the entryway and head toward the living room. I can already hear several female voices floating out into the hall.
I lean against the doorframe and watch the scene for a moment. Vadim doesn’t notice me. In profile, he looks like a movie star or fashion model, with his chiseled features, muscular build, and charming little smile. Dressed in dark raw-denim jeans and a gray, ribbed sweater, he’s sitting on the huge brown leather sofa, his arms stretched out along the backrest. He has that slightly distant look that makes him so attractive, and just a little inaccessible. If I weren’t already crazy about him, I’d fall under his spell in a second.
The three energetic women who are bustling around him don’t stop laughing and talking for a single second. One has a notepad in her hand, another a voice recorder, and the last a small camera.
“Manon, I can only give you a few more minutes,” Vadim says.
He’s speaking to a pretty brunette with a curvy figure and short hair, who must be roughly my age. Manon “Demystifies” is one of the most influential journalists around right now. Her creativity, her boldness, her contemporary style, and her informal tone have made her a social media sensation. Her movie reviews and on-camera interviews regularly attract millions of views.
“Sana, do you have all the footage you need?” she asks her videographer, who’s standing right beside her.
“Yes, we’ve got everything. Anyway, with a subject this easy on the eyes, how could I go wrong?”
That makes her coworkers chuckle, but Vadim doesn’t play along.
“Manon…” he reminds her, glancing at his watch.
“Yes, just one last question!”
Vadim looks at her patiently.
“I know you don’t wish to reveal anything about your private life, and I respect that, but I’m going to try my luck anyway with a… more personal question. Just one.”
“I make no promises, but go ahead and try.”
He smiles, and I swear everyone melts.
“After Grace Montgomery and May Sim, who will be the next leading lady to work for King Productions—and become your next girlfriend?”
“Because you can’t have one without the other?” he responds with a teasing smile, deliberately dodging the question.
“That’s exactly what I’m asking you.”
“Do you know how many young—and not-so-young—actresses I’ve worked with over the last ten years? Grace and May were exceptions, and they’ll remain so.”
“So, that’s it? No more actresses for you?”
“The interview is over, Manon,” he says, standing up.
His body language is firm and confident, but there’s still a playful gleam in his eye.
“Just answer this one last question: are you still on the market, Vadim?”
I find myself foolishly praying that he’ll tell the truth. That he’ll silence all the people who make him out to be a playboy forever on the lookout for his next conquest. That, without actually naming me, he’ll acknowledge that I have a place in his life.
“I’m still single. That hasn’t changed,” he states eventually, in his beautiful, deep voice.
That’s when he turns and sees me, recognizing the disappointment in my eyes.
“Have a good evening, ladies. Malik will see you out.” He gestures to his security guard.
Vadim’s eyes stay fixed on me for a second longer, while everyone else melts away.
“I’m sorry you had to witness all that…” he murmurs, stepping toward me.
