Trying to act normal feels so difficult. Yes, I can't stop smiling every time I recall last night's moment. His handsome face haunts me, bringing me a sense of longing. Yet, there's not a single message from him.
"Maybe he's busy," I said, putting my phone into my bag and glancing at Jenny, who sat beside me.
She was one of the toddlers yet to be picked up by her mom, while the others had already left. I stroked her blonde hair and hugged her from the side.
"If my mom doesn't pick me up, will you take me home?" she asked in her cute little voice.
I shook my head. "No, honey. Maybe I'd take you to my place. You can wait there until your mom comes," I replied.
"I want to go to your place! I bet you have lots of toys there!"
"Haha, no! I don't have anything for kids. But… if you're there, maybe we'll find something fun to do so you don't get bored."
"Hmmm…" She looked back out at the yard with her arms crossed, while I checked my white watch. It was 5 p.m. "Mom… I want to go to your place!" she said, turning to me again.
"Um…" I swallowed hard, looking at her with pity. Her innocent face showed hope, but I couldn't fulfill it because I had to meet Logan afterward.
"I really want to see your place!"
"Sweetheart, maybe another time. For now, let's just wait for your mom. She'll come for sure," I reassured her, tucking her hair behind her right ear.
"Jenny!"
A voice from the yard caught our attention. I stood up immediately when I saw Mrs. Wilson, Jenny's mom, walking toward us, carrying a red bag and a slightly large white plastic bag. She looked like she had just been shopping.
"Sorry I'm late. I had to stop by the supermarket to get some things for the house," she said.
I smiled and nodded. "It's okay, Mrs. Wilson."
"But I must've inconvenienced you, making you watch her longer."
"It's no trouble at all… I really enjoy spending time with her."
"Um…" She took a cup out of the bag and handed it to me. "I bought coffee for you."
"Um…" I furrowed my brows and gave her an awkward smile.
"Take it, please. Consider it a reward for watching my daughter a bit longer today. I don't have any extra tip money," she said.
I exhaled sharply and shook my head. "You didn't need to do this. You could've used that money to buy something more necessary for yourself."
"I've already bought everything I need. Don't worry!" she insisted, smiling as she kept offering the cup.
Reluctantly, I took it, then watched her leave with Jenny. I closed the door and headed to Logan's apartment. But suddenly, a man dressed in a black robe, with his hood up and wearing a mask, blocked my path.
I tried to step around him, to the right or left, but he kept moving to block me. His eyes clearly showed he was smiling. I realized he was teasing me.
"Sir… please!" I said.
"Hahaha!" He laughed, a familiar sound, and then pulled down his mask, revealing his face—it was Logan. "You didn't recognize me!"
"Oh…" I blushed, unsure of what to say. I suddenly felt awkward, but then he hugged me. Oh… Okay, this is normal. Couples hug when they meet. I need to get used to this. Stop being awkward, or he'll lose interest! I reminded myself.
"I missed you so much, darling!" he said, releasing the hug and looking at me again. "You know, I've prepared something at the apartment."
"What's that?"
"Um… Mark and I went shopping. I want you to cook for me," he said, biting his lower lip while holding my hand. "I'm curious about your cooking… if you don't mind."
I gave a small smile. "Of course, I don't mind."
"Don't worry… Cooking isn't the only thing I have planned for you," he said, pulling his mask back up. "Let's go now," he added.
I nodded and followed him, my curiosity growing. As we walked, he kept holding my hand, occasionally turning to smile at me. It felt like a dream—walking with a young, famous man, always holding my hand. God, is this only temporary, or did You send him to me after all my suffering?
...
When we arrived at the apartment, a girl was waiting for us alongside the man who had picked me up last night for dinner with Logan.
Is he Mark? But who is she?
"Logan…" the girl approached us, staring at us seriously. "Isn't she the girl you were with… carrying her, and someone took a photo… it went viral…"
"Yes," Logan replied briefly before turning to me. "Shasha, this is Soraya, my manager."
Quickly, I pulled my hand from his grasp and smiled awkwardly at Soraya.
"Oh… You're his manager. Sorry, I didn't know," I said.
She remained silent, her sharp gaze studying me intently.
"Um… I'm the housekeeper here, and I was just hurrying to clean the apartment since Logan was coming," I stammered, trying to dismiss any suspicions about our relationship. Yes, I had to do this. I didn't want Logan to get into trouble.
"Soraya…" Logan approached her, guiding her toward the sofa. "I think we're done for the day. You didn't need to come here. I really just want to rest."
"There's still much to discuss, especially the project from Mr. Waltz."
"I already told you I'm not interested. It would mean shooting a commercial with another woman… I don't like that," Logan said, sounding uninterested as he sat and glanced at me.
Feeling out of place, I decided to leave and head to the kitchen. I placed my bag on the counter, scanning the clean, shiny space before deciding to start cooking. I opened the fridge, grabbed eggs, scallions, and chicken breast fillet, and began preparing the meal.
While cooking, my thoughts kept drifting to Logan and Soraya's discussion. Soraya seemed like a very firm manager, evident in how she spoke to Logan. It made me wonder if Logan would always follow her instructions, including agreeing to star in commercials with other women.
Why am I feeling sad? It's just a commercial… It's his right… for his career, I tried to console myself as I cooked.
I plated the scallion omelet, grilled the chicken breast with barbecue sauce, and prepared it all neatly.
"Hmmm… It's only been a few minutes, and the kitchen already smells amazing."
A voice from the doorway caught my attention. It was Logan, smiling warmly as he walked toward me. I blushed and turned my focus back to the stove.
"Don't worry. They're gone," he whispered softly, so close I could feel his hand gently wrap around my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder.
I froze, feeling nervous, awkward in this position, but I didn't dare push him away.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
"For what?"
"You shouldn't have to lie about yourself in front of Soraya."
"I only did it because I didn't want you to get into trouble. I didn't want her to question why I was here…"
"I know." He interrupted me, releasing the hug and stepping to my side. "I know you did it to protect my career, but I don't like it. I don't like having a hidden relationship."
I turned off the stove and faced him.
"I thought you remembered our agreement last night," I said.
He nodded, then quickly sat down.
I placed the chicken steak and omelet on a plate, served it in front of him, and poured water into a glass. Sitting beside him, I noticed the somber expression on his face.
"Is something wrong?" I asked.
"I have to go," he said softly, glancing at me with sadness in his eyes. "Soraya gave me two options: accept the contract with Mr. Waltz, which means shooting a commercial with a female model, or go to London for Fashion Week to model for Isaac Garcia."
I froze, processing his words. It seemed clear that he wanted to avoid the commercial and was opting for Fashion Week instead.
"I love my career," he continued, holding my hand across the table. "But I hate having to do intimate scenes with other women… especially since I already have you."
"Really?" I was stunned, unable to believe that his decision was based on his respect for me as his partner.
"I want to keep myself pure, only for you," he added.
"But… it's just a commercial. You don't need to worry about me being upset. I'll understand," I said nervously. "You shouldn't compromise your career for me…"
"Shasha, I've already made my decision." He cut me off. "There are many ways to build my reputation. Not by being close or intimate with any woman other than my girlfriend."
I sighed, unsure of how to respond. His explanation reassured me of his seriousness about our relationship. How could I doubt him? He's young but mature… I know he's not playing with my feelings.
"When I leave, I hope you'll miss me," he said.
"Of course I'll miss you!" I immediately hugged him, already imagining how hard it would be without him when I was so deeply in love. "I'll miss you so much…"
He pulled back, holding my arms and gazing into my eyes. Slowly, he leaned in closer. I kissed him, and somehow the awkwardness melted away. I slid onto his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck, and kept kissing him, didn't want this moment to end.