A few days later....
I'm sooooo tired. I flop myself down on the couch and heave a heavy sigh. I don't want to go on the set anymore.
If I knew that the actress I was doing my scenes with was going so touchy-feely, I would've never signed up for that drama!
Ugh, what a b*tch. I had to be all smiles because I was in public or I would've just shoved her away. Maintaining that "angelic facade" is really bothersome.
I fake so many personalities depending on who I'm with throughout the day, sometimes I even forget which one of them I really am or did I lose myself along the way?
Just recalling this afternoon gives me the chills. As I'm busy whining about my day, I feel someone's breath near my ear.
???: Tired?
Ashton: !!! Ack!
Wh-Wh-Who was that?! I glance towards my side to see Kate holding a glass in her hands. Jeez!! What is with this girl and jump scares?!
I really am going to die young, aren't I. She places the glass on the coffee table in front of me and takes a seat beside me.
Kate: Why so jumpy? I brought you something to energize you.
As soon as she says this, the memory of Leah's "special energy drink" crosses my mind. No, no, no. Kate wouldn't do that me.... would she?!
Kate: It's a smoothie, not poison.
Says Kate after seeing my hesitation. Gotta work more on the poker face, huh.
Ashton:.. I know.
Kate rolls her eyes. Then after a little self debate, she opens her mouth.
Kate:.... You know, the TV drama you're starring in was written by Brooke Norris.
Ashton: Uh huh, what about it?
I ask her as I take a sip of the smoothie. Mmm, this is actually good. What did she put in this?
Kate: Does she come on the set often?
Ashton: Yeah, almost everyday. She's quite strict too.
Although I haven't been a victim to her harsh.... , apparently, "criticism" yet, I have witnessed other actors go almost down to tears because of her.
She is a scary woman indeed. I mean, even the director is not that intimidating. However, I guess it's because of her strictness that her films and dramas are top-notch.
Kate: Okay, I know this might be too much to ask, but..... Can you PLEASE get us acquainted?
Hm? What's this about?
Ashton: I guess that it won't be a problem.
Kate: Really?!
Her eyes instantly light up on hearing my response. I didn't expect her to be this excited. Ah, now I remember!
Kate wanted to become a screenwriter back in the day, but had to give up her dream because her family called her back. She must really admire Ms. Norris.
Ashton: I'm sure that she's going to be there tomorrow so you can come along.
Kate: Thank you!
A happy smile spreads across her face, it's almost childish.
Kate:..... Do you mind if I ask you another favor?
She timidly speaks up again.
Ashton:..? As long as it's something I can do.
Kate: I-It is! You see, my father has kept a... let's say, "birthday party" for me next month. Well it's actually a formal event and he insisted that I.... bring you along.
Ashton: Oh?
Her birthday is approaching.... which I totally didn't forget.
Kate: I know it may be too much to ask since the marriage is all secret and all, but you can just introduce me as a date or friend! This might create a bit of-
Kate keeps going on and on nervously. Blabbering stuff when you're anxious, I kinda have the same habit too.
Ashton: Okay.
Regarding this matter, although the agency wasn't really pleased when I told them that I was going to get married, they did give me a greenlight.
As long as I don't bombard the news to the public directly, there should be no problem in introducing her as someone I'm involved with/ dating.
Ashton: Will do.
Kate: That's right, it's not-... Wait, did you just say yes?!
She blinks at me in disbelief. Hey, I may be a jerk sometimes but I'm not going to deny her something like this. I can't make her keep compromising all the time now, can I?
Ashton: Uh huh. I'll get my schedule cleared. Oh yeah, is there anything that you want as a present?
I put the now empty glass of smoothie down on the table. Kate gets lost in thought for a moment before turning to face me again.
Kate: I don't want a "gift" per se, I just have three wishes.
So, I'm a genie now?
Ashton: Go ahead.
Kate: First, I don't expect you to come out with it directly or tell them my name, but I want you to at least acknowledge my existence in front of others.
I was planning to do just that actually.
Ashton: Granted.
Kate: Okay, second, I want to go on a honeymoon, you know, before you leave for a year.
Huh, that might be tricky considering work, but.... Since I'm going to away for so long, I guess I owe her this.
Ashton: I can do that.
There's still one left, I wonder what it is. They seem to get more and more difficult. Her expression suddenly turns serious.
Kate: The last one.... I'm not doubting you or anything however, considering all the scandals you had overseas, I want you to promise your utmost loyalty.
Ashton:..!
Why did my heart just skip a beat just now? Those piercing eyes, it's almost like she knew what I was doing earlier today. Th-That's not possible.... is it?
It's not like I cheated, but I shouldn't be meeting up with Claire just like that especially, since my feelings for her rekindled. I... feel guilty.
Although I don't let the panic show on my face, I've obviously lost composure. She really did catch me off-guard.
Ashton: You have my word....