The next day the news of Liliana leaving Donovan Entertainment became the headlines of many media outlets. A silent commotion when through the industry. Everyone had the same question, why did she leave Donovan's after releasing information on her new album.
Nobody said anything outright but assumptions and opinions flew around discussion groups and forums. Tabloids reported on the news, rather distorted the fact into whatever gossip and spice they could think of...but not for long.
Slowly all the discussions on Liliana were being removed from the web, the posts were deleted and no channel reported on it anymore. Nobody knew who did it but everybody knew not to meddle into the matter anymore.
The change of pace was sudden to many, like a gale that came all of a sudden and went away just as quickly, but it only made Liliana smirk- for she knew who was behind it. Sure he didn't say himself but she knew it was him. Who else would do something like this without even telling her.
"Is it done?" Edison asked Jeremy while selecting a cue stick from the stand. He appeared rather casual early in the morning. His suit jacket was missing, the tie was hanging loosely with a few buttons of the shirt undone and the sleeves folded to the elbow.
Jeremy tapped on his tablet and said, "Yes, it's almost done."
Edison picked up a cue stick and turned to him, "Almost? What is it?"
"There are still some private groups. The team is working on it. They will be able to shut down the groups completely after a while."
"I don't have much time, Jeremy. Be done with it by an hour," Edison walked around the table to find the best position. He stopped at one side and continued, "After it's done, keep an eye on the web for any more of such gossips about her. If it dwindles out of control, it will be bad press for the company later after the party," or at least he hoped that was the only reason he was helping out Liliana in this matter.
"Okay, sir." when Edison turned his attention back to the game without further commands for him, Jeremy left the room soundlessly.
Edison locked his target on a red ball and aimed the cue ball for that. His hand moved in fluid movements. A light tap with the stick send the cue ball to collide with the red one which hit the side rail before slipping into the pocket.
'I met him yesterday and the thought of it has been occupying me since than. He has changed so much. Or should I say he has grown so much. So tall and so much more handsome. His features are sharper now and his eyes are spellbinding- the specks of grey in them, which were almost unnoticeable before, have increased. He talks with a profound knowledge, years of knowledge. And his eyes reflect the hardwork with which he has made himself to be who he is. It feels like getting to know Ed all over again. And this time it's going to be be harder. He has wrapped himself in layers to shelter, what I know is a soft, loving heart. I have to peel these layers carefully because the long years has merged them into his soul and I don't want to hurt him; I just want to peer into his being. Now I don't know what to expect from every layer I peel but I will love to find out.
He was being courteous, a bit distant, I could tell. That's how you treat a stranger and I was nothing but that to him. I didn't tell him who I am yesterday. I don't think I will ever. He knows what happened after Ma left but he doesn't know what happened after he left. That part of my life, I want to keep locked away, far from him. I am afraid he won't look at me the same way anymore. I am afraid the fascination in his eyes will give way to repulsion after knowing that. And I won't be able to bare it.
His distance has been suffocating me inside. His disgust will kill me a thousand times over. I won't tell him and maybe he will fall in love with me soon.'
Liliana put the pen down and closed the diary, the gravity of her situation made her close her eyes. She never burdened anyone with her affairs, nor did she have the courage to do so, which in turn overweighted her. Today's entry wasn't just to clear her mind, it was to share her happiness though it came with misgivings and more secrets.
Sometimes, she wrote down about the days she thought were important and meeting Edison for the first time again was definitely one of them. She would like to read about this day whenever she thought her memories were getting hazy.
The intercom buzzed and she went to answer it.
"Yes?"
"Good evening Ma'am, you have a courier."
"Send him up, please."
"Sure ma'am."
Soon the courier boy was at her doorstep with a package in his hands.
It was a small rectangular box, she had no idea what it could possibly contained. And to find out, she ripped the paper and opened box.
It was a slick black invitation card. For the 9th anniversary party of Shooting Star Ent.
She laughed tracing the cover with her fingers. She brought the card out and read the further information. "Three days from now. Nice." she muttered while scanning the letter.
At the bottom was written in golden cursive, Sincerely by Edison George. It even had his signature, the silver ink a marvel on the black paper. "Shit," Liliana whispered softly, 'Don't overthinking, just don't! It's not a big deal!' she constantly changed in her mind though her eyes glinted with joy and hope.
This was a personal invitation from Edison. He could have given her one of the normal invitations and saved the time and effort of an extra signature, but he didn't. 'What could this mean?'
Personal invitations were extended to business partners, associates or people important enough. She didn't think she had done anything for him to consider her very important, noticing yes, but not important. That is why she didn't want to ruffle her feathers too much. It could have been a mistake or whatever. She didn't want to expect too much too soon, what he did this morning was already more than she thought he would do.
She recalled the tabloid issue he just solved for her. He could have told her what he was doing. Or he could have done nothing. That would be perfectly justified given she hadn't yet signed a contract with them. But he choose to be silent about it. Just like before. He never spoke out loud what he did for her. It had always been her finding out...