Chapter 5

Olivia's POV

The camera flashes were blinding at first, but I soon became accustomed to them. They stopped bothering me and I learned how to avoid blinking. The heat from the bright lights above us was unpleasant, but it was important to maintain composure. We were on display, expected to give our best smiles. Actors were required to be friendly, always in a good mood, and not express any annoyance. We weren't allowed to appear human. As someone new to the industry, I imagine it must have been overwhelming for Zoya - especially since her first big break was working with someone as influential as Ezra. She wasn't gently eased into the spotlight.

As I glanced in her direction, she appeared terrified - like a deer caught in the headlights. I wanted to reassure her, but I wasn't sure how to go about it. So, I poured some water in the cup in front of me and slid it over to her. As she stared at the cup, then back at me, I took a deep breath and gestured for her to do the same, reminding her to remember to breathe. She gave me a nervous smile and slowly sipped on the water.

As I scanned the crowds for Elijah, I spotted him talking to a group of reporters. Elijah was no stranger to the spotlight; he worked in the industry, hosted a TV show, and had a loyal fan base. I smiled as I watched him confidently interacting with the crowd - he didn't need me to worry about him. But I noticed Zoya fidgeting nervously with her fingers.

"What now?" she whispered, momentarily forgetting that the microphones were still in front of her. Her voice echoed through the stage and everyone's attention suddenly shifted towards her. Her face flushed bright red with embarrassment and she looked to me for help, as if she was about to pass out.

"Yes, what now, Ezra?" I chuckle lightly, hoping to ease Zoya's tension, followed by a few laughs from the crowd. As she looked at me for reassurance, I took her hand and gave it a light squeeze under the table, letting her know that she did nothing wrong.

"Let's start by thanking everyone here for taking the time to attend today." Ezra followed my lead and began welcoming the guests, discussing the new project we were about to take on.

After Ezra's announcement, the curious reporters began firing questions about the TV show and its anticipated release date. They were particularly interested in the plotline and the cast, so their questions were directed mostly at me and some of the more well-known stars of the show. Watching Zoya on the sidelines, I could sense her anxiety gradually decreasing with each question that wasn't directed towards her.

"How does it feel to be working alongside such a talented cast for your first big project?" The reporter asked Zoya with a hint of excitement, causing her to fidget nervously in her seat. I noticed her looking towards me for reassurance before turning back to face the reporter.

"It feels like a dream come true. This opportunity is tremendous, and I'll give every ounce of my energy to meet and surpass everyone's expectations," she expressed, her voice brimming with confidence.

I gave her a slight nod to reassure her that she had done well. As I turned my attention back to the reporters, it was apparent that they still had innumerable questions lined up for everyone.

Once the reporters had dispersed, I asked her how she was feeling. "I'm mostly excited, but a bit overwhelmed," she chuckled nervously. She looked around everywhere except at me, and I realized that she was searching for Sebastian.

"He's with Ezra," I smiled warmly at her. I found it adorable that she was searching for him for reassurance.

"What?" she asked me, seemingly confused before she quickly shook her head and clarified, "Oh, I wasn't looking for him."

As I was about to respond, Elijah's arms wrapped around me, and he gave me a kiss on my shoulder. I leaned back in his embrace, and he whispered softly in my ear, "As always, you were great."

"Thank you, the reporters can be relentless," I remarked, giving Elijah a peck on the cheek. "Oh, let me introduce you to Zoya," I added, diverting my attention to her. She appeared flustered, with her gaze fixed on the ground.

"Zoya, this is Elijah," I gestured towards him while still holding her gaze. "He is my husband and my rock through all these press conferences and events."

"It's nice to meet you," Elijah extended his hand towards her with a charming smile. Zoya hesitated for a moment before taking his hand, her eyes flickering uncertainly.

"Nice to meet you too," she replied in a soft murmur, her voice quavering slightly.

"I must say, you did a fantastic job today," I continued when I noticed she was tense. "It's not easy to face such intense attention from the media, but you handled it with grace."

A small smile crept on Zoya's face as she looked up to me.

"Thank you," she said, flushing once again. "It means a lot coming from you."

"So tell us about yourself, Zoya," Elijah asked, and I noticed that her relaxed attitude changed once again. Was Elijah the reason she was tense, or was it the attention she was receiving?

Before Zoya could give an answer, Sebastian and Ezra joined the conversation. I noticed Zoya nudging Sebastian and pointing towards the bar with her eyes before walking away, followed by Sebastian.

Elijah gave me a questioning look, and I shrugged in confusion.

"She isn't very social," Elijah remarked, and I shook my head in denial.

"I don't know, I think it's just overwhelming for her," I added, and Ezra nodded in agreement.

"I agree," Ezra chimed in, his voice reassuring. "Sometimes, people just need a little time to adjust to new environments and social situations. Zoya's been working hard, and it's understandable that she might feel overwhelmed."

Elijah nodded, a look of understanding crossing his face. "You're right," he said, his tone softer. "We'll give her the space she needs. After all, we were all in her shoes at some point."

Zoya's POV

"You can't actually be uncomfortable around him; he is her husband," Sebastian said as he handed me my drink.

"I am not uncomfortable per se, it's just weird," I said, trying to explain the situation.

"Then don't make things weird. She is just your celebrity crush," Sebastian said with a warning tone.

"I just need time to adapt to everything," I quickly answered. He was right; it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

As I sipped my drink, I contemplated the surreal reality of being in the presence of Olivia and her husband. Although I admired Olivia and her work, there was an underlying sense of unease that I couldn't shake off seeing her with Elijah.

Sebastian leaned closer, his voice reassuring. "Look, Zoya, I understand it might be overwhelming for you. Try to relax and enjoy the moment."

"Let's get out of here," I whispered, my eyes fixed on Olivia and Elijah sharing a steamy kiss, the camera flashes capturing the passionate moment.

It felt weird to witness the scene unfold. I had seen similar images in magazines countless times, but they never stirred any emotions within me. Now, after meeting Olivia, everything felt undeniably real.

"Zoya, this party is meant to celebrate a turning point in your life! Come on, let's find a stunning girl and make tonight memorable," he encouraged, extending another drink towards me, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I mustered a smile, though deep down I knew he was right. This infatuation I had for Olivia was utterly ridiculous. Not only was she a married woman, but she was also a straight married woman. Even if she were single, and even if she were gay, I would still have no chance. She was simply out of my league.

Taking one last glance at them, I noticed Olivia laughing with her hand resting gently on his chest. Her smile was undeniably beautiful, and I couldn't help but wish that it was I who could bring that much joy to her.

"I will be right back," I told Sebastian.

Lost in my thoughts, I stepped out onto the balcony, relishing the cold air as it brushed against my face. The city lights illuminated the sky, and as I took a deep breath, I reminded myself to clear my mind and focus on my career. I hadn't come here to pursue Olivia; I had come to pursue my dream career.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her leaning on the balcony railing, flashing a smile that sent my heart aflutter.

"Hello," I beamed with excitement.

"What are you doing here?" she chuckled.

"I could ask you the same thing." I turned around to face her, braced with anticipation.

"Catching my breath in the same way you are here—it can be quite overwhelming at times," she whispered, her gaze fixed on the sky.

"So you're saying you never really get used to it?" I asked, hoping to keep the conversation flowing.

She responded with a smile, but it wasn't her usual radiant one. "You learn to pretend that you're used to it,"

Curiosity overcame me, and I couldn't resist asking, even if it might cross a boundary. "What's on your mind?" I inquired, eager to understand her thoughts.

Her smile wavered as she contemplated her response. "Witnessing your nervousness today served as a reminder of just how overwhelming this job can be. It made me realize that it's perfectly valid for me to need a break too," she confessed, her voice laced with weariness as she took a deep breath.

"What's holding you back from taking that break?" I asked, my voice softening as I leaned in closer to her. The pleasing fragrance of her perfume surrounded me, momentarily captivating my senses.

"I don't think it's allowed. I have to constantly maintain a certain image, talk, walk, and even smile in a specific way. It's incredibly draining," she replied, turning to face me. The weariness in her expression dissolved, replaced by her usual smile. However, I could see now that her smile wasn't genuine.

"But there's no one here right now. Why do you feel the need to hide your  feelings?" I immediately regretted my words, realizing that she was only acting around me because she didn't truly know who I was. I shouldn't have expected her to be true self so easily.

"Who said I'm hiding anything?" she responded, confusion evident in her eyes.

"Your smile just changed a moment ago. It was different," I pointed out, trying to hide my own nervousness by rubbing the back of my head.

"You're quite observant, aren't you?" she chuckled, leaning back against the railing.

"It's not hard to observe you," I whispered, relieved that my words were likely drowned out by the loud music.

"I apologize for venting. Should we head inside?" she suggested, her eyes momentarily locking with Ezra who was calling her over.

"Don't apologize for that," I couldn't help but hope that she would stay, that she would continue talking to me as she does with no one else. Yet, for now, I was grateful for this brief moment of vulnerability we shared, even if it meant nothing more to her than a fleeting moment.