Within the next few days, I moved into Gabriel's mansion, a sense of unease settled within me. The grandeur of the estate seemed to echo the complexity of its owner.
Weeks passed, and my routine became predictable. I managed Gabriel's schedule, ensured his public appearances were flawless, and maintained his reputation. But our interactions remained stilted. I kept a distance from him as much as I could, limiting our conversations.
Gabriel would occasionally remark, "You're only here for the paycheck."
I'd retort, "I'm here to keep your reputation intact."
Erik, Gabriel's manager, became my primary contact. We'd discuss strategies to maintain Gabriel's image.
"Ayana, we need to keep Gabriel on track," Erik would caution.
"I'm trying, Erik," I'd reply, "but he's not making it easy."
Erik and Sonja carefully orchestrated meetups between Gabriel and Leah that dominated the tabloids. We'd arrive at trendy spots, and paparazzi would capture their romantic moments. The media devoured every detail of their budding romance.
One evening, at a rooftop bar, Gabriel and Leah's chemistry seemed convincing. They laughed, touched, and gazed into each other's eyes. Despite their relationship being a PR stunt, it seemed that the couple was getting closer to each other day by day.
I stood at the periphery, monitoring the couple.
Gabriel caught my eye, his gaze lingering before turning back to Leah. I ignored the flutter.
At the recording studio, Gabriel poured emotions into his music. His voice wove a tapestry of pain and redemption. I watched from the control room.
"Gabriel, that was incredible," the producer exclaimed.
Gabriel smiled, eyes sparkling.
"Thanks, man. I'm feeling this album."
During breaks, Gabriel would engage in banter with the studio staff. His quick wit and charm surfaced.
One afternoon, as Gabriel recorded an emotional track, his voice cracked. He stepped outside.
"You okay?" I asked.
He nodded.
"Just getting into character."
I nodded, recognizing vulnerability.
As the album neared completion, Gabriel's reputation healed. The media focused on his music and blooming relationship with Leah.
But one secret remained hidden. The aftermath of Jake Roberts' confrontation in the After-party, simmered. I discreetly leaked clips to fracture Jake's already broken reputation.
No one suspected.
Gabriel remained oblivious.
Six months went by in a swift motion. It was time for the world tour.
"Erik wants to discuss Gabriel's tour schedule," Kol, Gabriel's Publicist announced.
I welcomed the distraction.
Gabriel's tour preparations intensified. Rehearsals stretched into the night.
One evening, as I waited outside his dressing room, Gabriel emerged.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yes," I replied.
We walked to the car.
"You've done a good job," he said.
I raised an eyebrow.
"Thanks."
Silence filled the rest.
At the next rehearsal, Leah attended. Gabriel's energy shifted.
"Gabriel, focus," the director called.
Gabriel nodded.
Leah smiled.
After rehearsal, he and Leah left together.
I returned to the mansion and soon after Erik notified me that Henry and the team needed to discuss ideas about the tour.
"Ayana, the PR team needs you."
"I'm on it," I replied.
As I navigated Gabriel's world, I found solace in the people around him. Erik, his manager, was like a father figure—wise, kind, and genuinely invested in Gabriel's well-being.
Rachel, Leah's bubbly publicist, had become a close friend. We'd often grab coffee and discuss everything from schedule to our personal lives.
One afternoon, as we sipped lattes, Rachel asked, "Ayana, how do you handle Gabriel's mood swings?"
I chuckled. "It's an art, Rachel. You'll learn."
Rachel laughed. "You're amazing, Ayana. I don't know how you do it."
Her words warmed my heart.
As the album launch approached, tensions rose.
But my thoughts began to drift toward someone else - Ryan Kingsman, the enigmatic frontman of the rock band "Electric Heart". Gabriel's new album featured a highly anticipated collaboration with Ryan, and I couldn't help but wonder about the dynamic between these two musical giants.
Ryan's reputation preceded him - brooding, talented, and fiercely private. Our first meeting was brief, but his piercing gaze left an indelible mark.
As Gabriel and Ryan worked together, their creative energy was magnetic. The studio sessions were intense, with both artists pushing each other to new heights.
One evening, as I watched them record, Ryan's voice blended with Gabriel's in perfect harmony. The music was haunting, a reflection of their shared passions and demons.
Gabriel's eyes locked onto mine, and for an instant, I felt like I was privy to a secret world.
Ryan's gaze followed, his expression inscrutable.
"Ayana, what do you think?" Gabriel asked, breaking the spell.
"It's incredible," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
Ryan nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
As I spent more time with Ryan, I found myself drawn to his charismatic personality and exceptional talent. Despite his rugged appearance, Ryan was kind, genuine, and down-to-earth.
The recording sessions with Gabriel were intense, but Ryan's presence made them enjoyable. I admired how he and Gabriel pushed each other creatively.
After completing the recording, Ryan invited Gabriel and me to a celebratory dinner.
During the dinner, Ryan's interest in me was evident. He would find excuses to talk to me, sitting close and engaging me in conversation.
Gabriel noticed Ryan's proximity and grew uncomfortable. I sensed tension between them.
At one point, Ryan placed his hand on the back of my chair, his fingers brushing against my shoulder. Gabriel's gaze snapped to the contact, his expression darkening.
As the dinner concluded, Ryan asked me to grab coffee sometime. Gabriel's eyes narrowed, and I replied noncommittally.
As we parted ways, Ryan smiled and said, "I'll hold you to that."
During the drive back to the mansion, Gabriel asked, "what's the deal between you and Ryan?"
"Nothing....yet", I replied.
He looked away and remained silent.
I wondered about Gabriel's motivations.
Was he genuinely concerned, or did he feel threatened?
Ryan's presence was a breath of fresh air, dispelling the suffocating tension that often accompanied Gabriel. As I found myself drawn to Ryan's charming smile and effortless charisma, I couldn't help but feel free.
Gabriel's intensity, his mood swings like unpredictable storms always left me on edge. Ryan, on the other hand, was a calming influence, his gentle humor and kind eyes a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves.
We met again with Ryan shortly after to sign the split sheet agreement. This agreement shows how the profits from selling the composition are distributed among the artists.
Later on, he asked if he could walk me back to the mansion, I agreed despite Gabriel's disapproval look.
"It's pretty late why would you walk home when we have a car?", Gabriel voiced his opinion showing his displeasure of my entanglement with Ryan.
"None of your business", I replied.
As Ryan walked me back to the mansion, the cool night air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. We strolled side by side, our footsteps synchronized.
"Ryan, what draws you to music?" I asked.
He turned to me, his eyes sparkling. "The ability to touch hearts, to make a difference. What about you, Ayana? What draws you to this world?"
I smiled. "Mostly the creativity and the energy. But sometimes it feels overwhelming."
Ryan's expression softened. "You deserve a break from the chaos. Would you like to join me for a quiet dinner tomorrow night?"
My heart skipped a beat, "sure".
________________________________________
As I prepared for my dinner date with Ryan, I heard Gabriel's thunderous voice echoing from the third floor. "Ayana!" he yelled.
I ignored him, focusing on perfecting my makeup.
Gabriel's footsteps pounded down the stairs, followed by his inquiry to Eric, "Where is she?"
Then, without knocking, Gabriel burst into my room.
"Aren't you able to hear me? I've been calling for you!" he demanded.
I met his irritation with calmness. "Of course, I can. The whole city of LA heard you."
Gabriel's gaze swept across my room, taking in my elegant outfit.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"I have a date," I replied.
"With who?" Gabriel pressed.
"Ryan," I said.
Gabriel's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
I sighed, exasperated. "I'm not playing rapid-fire rounds with you, Mr. Hansen."
Gabriel's expression darkened. "Don't we have a meeting with the PR today, and you're just leaving?"
I stood, smoothing my dress. "Don't be dramatic. I've already asked Eric for a leave, and he approved. Everything about you will be handled. Don't worry."
Gabriel's voice rose. "You work for me. Shouldn't your leaves go through me?"
I smiled sweetly. "I thought you didn't need a babysitter."
Gabriel's face reddened. His look intense.
I winked, grabbing my clutch. "I'm out."
As I exited, Gabriel's furious gaze followed me.
I stepped into the cool evening air, Ryan waited by the car, his smile warming my heart. He stood tall, his 6'1" frame clad in a sleek, tailored outfit that accentuated his lean physique. His dark brown hair was styled effortlessly, with a hint of messiness that added to his charm.
His bright blue eyes sparkled as he smiled, crinkling the corners of his eyes. His sharp jawline and chiseled features were softened by a subtle stubble, giving him a rugged yet refined look.
"You look stunning," Ryan said, offering his arm.
"Thanks," I replied, taking it.
Over dinner, conversation flowed effortlessly. Ryan shared stories about his music, his passion infectious. I found myself laughing, feeling carefree for the first time in weeks.
As the night drew to a close, Ryan walked me to my door.
"Thanks for tonight," I said.
Ryan's eyes locked onto mine. "I had an amazing time."
He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine.
I melted into his kiss, my lips responding to his gentle touch. The world around us faded, leaving only the two of us, lost in the moment.
As we broke apart, Ryan's eyes sparkled.
"I've wanted to do that for a while," he said.
I smiled, feeling a connection I couldn't ignore.
"I'm glad we went out," I said.
Ryan's expression softened. "I'm glad I could be here."
As Ryan prepared to leave, he pulled me close.
"I want to see you again," he whispered.
"soon" I asked.
With a final kiss, he departed.
I felt giddy and went to the kitchen to get a bottle of water before I slept.
I gasped, my heart racing. Gabriel's figure loomed in the darkness, the faint glow of the fridge light illuminating his intense gaze.
"Sorry," he said, his deep voice low. "Didn't mean to scare you."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "It's okay. I just... wasn't expecting you."
Gabriel closed the fridge door, his eyes never leaving mine. The darkness seemed to amplify the tension between us.
"What are you doing up?" I asked.
Gabriel leaned against the counter. "Couldn't sleep."
His eyes narrowed slightly, as if scrutinizing me.
"You're... glowing," he said.
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. "Just got back from dinner."
Gabriel's gaze lingered, his expression unreadable.
"I see". His jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with emotion.
"So you like him?", he added, curiosity in his eyes.
"Sorta, yes. He's kind and...really sweet", I smiled remembering our kiss.
Gabriel's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. For a moment, I thought I saw, hurt, flicker across his face.
"Sweet?" he repeated, his tone laced with skepticism.
I nodded, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks.
Gabriel's jaw clenched tighter. "And what about me?"
My heart skipped a beat. "What about you?"
Gabriel's eyes locked onto mine, burning with intensity. "Am I not kind to you?"
A pause
Silence hung between us, heavy with unspoken tension.
"what about you and Leah? I see you guys are getting along well.", I asked turning the conversation on him.
"Umm...yeah. Leah's fine. She is a funny girl.", he chuckled.
"Just 'fine' ",I teased.
"What can I say, Leah's persistent." His eyes darted away, avoiding mine.
"Does she like you?", I asked.
"Sorta yes.... She asked me out on a date.", he shrugged.
"Date? Like a real date date?", I asked shockingly.
He nodded.
"Just the two of you?", I pressed.
"Gabriel's eyes narrowed slightly.
"What's with the interrogation, Ana?"
I held up my hands. "Curious that's all".
"Right", His eyes held mine for a moment.
I teased Gabriel, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, well, well. Looks like PR relationships can turn into real ones after all."
Gabriel rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Maybe... I should take Leah on her offer too, since you're dating Ryan."
I shot Gabriel a playful glance. "Oh, you're finally giving in to Leah's charms?"
Gabriel chuckled, shaking his head. "Just considering my options."
His eyes locked onto mine, a hint of mischief sparkling within.
"Wouldn't want to be left out of the dating pool, right?"
I raised an eyebrow, teasing. "You're worried about being left behind?"
Gabriel's grin faltered for a fraction of a second before he recovered.
"Hardly. Just keeping my options open."
The tension between us was suffocating.
"I saw you kissing Ryan, outside." He stated after a pause.
Gabriel's gaze drifted off, his voice taking on a casual tone.
"I didn't know you two were that close... so soon"
I shrugged, playing it down.
"We're just friends."
Gabriel's eyes snapped back to mine, his smile returning, but slightly tighter.
"Friends with benefits", he joked imitating kissing faces.
I playfully hit him, "stop". Both of us, giggling.
I chuckled. "Ryan's too nice for me to use him like that."
Gabriel grinned mischievously. "Well, you could do worse."
I raised an eyebrow, teasing. "You mean someone like you, for instance?"
Gabriel's eyes sparkled with amusement. He stood up, his face inches from mine, held my chin up and whispered, "I'd rock your world, Ayana. You'd never survive me."
My cheeks flushed, and I pushed him away, laughing nervously.
Gabriel chuckled, his expression playful. "Don't worry. I'm just messing with you."
He stepped back, his gaze lingering on mine.
Gabriel's expression turned neutral.
"Well, I'll let you get some rest. Late night."
He headed toward the stairs.
"Night, Gabriel," I said.
"Night, Ana."
Our eyes met briefly before Gabriel disappeared upstairs.
The tension lingered, even after he was gone.
As I climbed into bed, my mind replayed the evening's events. Ryan's gentle kiss still lingered on my lips, but Gabriel's whispered words sent shivers down my spine.
I couldn't shake off the feeling that Gabriel was testing me, pushing boundaries, even with his sudden interest in Leah seems to be a response to my budding romance with Ryan. His eyes sparkled with mischief, but I detected a hint of intensity...jealousy.