Not long after meeting the publisher, Kiera's schedule was hectic. It's just the same as when she was Anna's manager. Anna's book launching post spread like wildfire among her fans. She herself didn't know she had so many fans. All of them were going crazy online saying they wanted to see their favorite author in real life but that was impossible for Annabelle. She doesn't want to be in the limelight. She wants a quiet life. Well, none wants to go around walking on the same circular path they don't want to. So, revealing her face will be a big problem for her. Also, she had her previous media reputation. So, it's better to be low-key.
Anna wrote all her short stories as 'Ai'. She thought, if her fans are loyal, they should at least respect her privacy and love her as 'Ai'. So, it was decided that Anna can't flash her face in front of the media.
All the works which were supposed to be handled by her or her manager were handled by Kiera. Anna felt sad for Kiera. But at the same time, she was glad that Kiera's the one doing these jobs. She likes Kiera as her close friend. But she is always a bit scared thinking if Kiera is not her manager anymore, she would leave Annabelle someday. Anna has only Kiera in this whole city who is always there by her side. Though Kiera never thought of leaving her in these years. What if she leaves her one day? Only the thought of it made Anna anxious.
In the evening, Kiera was busy scheduling her work for the whole week at Anna's apartment. The whole schedule was almost filled up with Anna's book's advertising-based works. But the person who is supposed to be more interested in these is just lying idly by watching TV. When she is gonna grow up?
Suddenly Kiera's stern gaze made Anna realize that she must have done something bad to make the Mighty Kiera mad. She grinned when suddenly an idea came to her mind. She looked at Kiera as if a lion found its prey which was somehow able to give Kiera shivers.
"Kiera, why not you become my manager again?"
"Nope!" Kiera cut her off instantly.
"But what's the problem with that?" Anna pouted her lips for this blatant response.
"You are gonna bind me again with you huh?"
"Yes, of course!"
"But what's the difference now? I am still kinda working for you."
"Yes, you are but you are not getting any salary from me. There's a little difference."
Kiera frowned a little.
"Anna, the money I earned from you those years was enough for me. And also, I am not unemployed. Though I transferred to finance from PR, the company still gives me the same salary, ok? Don't you dare to think that I am poor just because you are the money machine here?"
"Hey! That's rude Kiera. Shu~ you are bad! I am not gonna talk to you. I was just being a little bit good to you, but it looks like you don't need my kindness."
Anna pouted once again. How can someone call her a 'Money Machine'? Does she feel good by making fun of her like that? She shifted a little far from where she and Kiera were sitting as if she was making distance lines with Kiera. She does these childish acts whenever she is angry with Kiera.
Kiera laughed making weird sounds which was very unlike her.
"Oh, Anna! You should also think about being a comedian. It would work out somehow too. But the only thing you have to do is pouting in the corner!"
"Go away! Why did you even come here? Just vanish!"
"As you say, my lady," said Kiera with a dramatic bow before leaving Anna in her own apartment. She was planning to go out for some work anyway since her work here was done.
Money machine... Yes, it's not fully wrong. Annabelle WAS kind of a money machine before. The money she earned before was so huge that it is enough for her to live her life lavishly till death. Even she can feed a full big family at least for 10 years perfectly. Anna's plan was to live low and spend this money slowly. But then again, here she is taking another hobby of hers as a profession and working 7to9 writing.
*Oh Anna! Why can't you just quit all these and be in peace? * She thought.
Suddenly she felt hungry. Kiera had bought some kimchi rice for her earlier which she left on the dining table. Urgh! Saturday morning and kimchi, these two are the worst combination on her food chain. But there was nothing in the fridge that she could eat without cooking and she also didn't want to cook right now. So, she has to eat that thing, or else she is going to starve to death.
Anna was busy gobbling those rice when a phone call sound distracted her. The caller ID was unknown. Who the heck is disturbing her at this time? Can't she even have her dinner peacefully now?
"Hello, who is it?"
"Miss Annabelle?"
She heard a male voice from the other side. That voice sounded a little hesitant when addressing her since Anna answered the call in a totally irritated manner.
Arghh… What are you doing Anna? You are gonna scare others like that. It sounded an important call so Anna regained her composure by clearing her throat with a little cough.
"Yes, how can I help you?"
"Could you please...…."
Beep. The phone call was cut out. Strange. Who was that unknown caller?
After a few minutes, one SMS came from the same number.
"Miss Annabelle,
I apologize for the inconvenience. I am the Chief Editor of the company your recent novel is publishing from. I would like to have a chat with you about some important matters. If you are okay with it, I will surely inform you about the time and date."
What does the Chief Editor need to talk about with her? Strange.