Chapter 2

2 After the interview, the sky darkened, a fine rain falling. Mark patted his pockets. "Anna, I left my memory card inside. Grab it for me, would ya?"

I hurried back inside, my shoes squelching on the wet floor. The elevator reached the first floor. The doors opened, and I bumped into Ethan and Chloe. Chloe was talking to Ethan about filming, and he, despite his aloof expression, listened patiently. They looked intimate.

Seeing me, Chloe's face hardened. "...Sorry," I mumbled, turning to take the stairs.

"Stop," Ethan said. I froze. "Aren't you taking the elevator? Go ahead."

I slowly turned, lowering my voice. "Thank you, Mr. Hayes."

He told me to use the elevator, yet blocked the way, staring. "You were a reporter at the interview? I didn't hear any questions from you."

I lowered my gaze. "Mr. Hayes, I just graduated and returned to the States. I’m an intern. I don't have the privilege to ask questions."

"I see." He replied flatly, lost in thought.

Chloe glared at me. "Let's go, Ethan. We’re meeting Director Lucas and the others tonight."

Ethan finally looked away. "Let's go."

Alone in the elevator, I was lost in thought. After my parents' divorce, my dad took Chloe and became Mr. Williams, marrying into her mother's family. I hadn't seen Chloe since I could remember. Five years ago, she’d suddenly contacted me. "I’ll give you $50,000 to pretend to be me and take care of someone." My mom had just passed, leaving a mountain of debt. I had no choice but to agree.

I later learned the "someone" was Ethan Hayes, her fiancé who'd had his accident shortly after their engagement. "A blind guy, a discarded heir… who’d want to take care of him?" she scoffed. "If it wasn't for my reputation, I'd have broken it off already." Chloe's acting career was taking off. Afraid of being labeled heartless, she’d dumped this burden on me.

Used to a privileged life, Ethan was bitter after the accident. In the beginning, he was constantly sarcastic. I was getting paid, so I didn't argue back. Until one day, I visited my mom's grave and returned late. He lashed out: "Chloe, stop the act! You think I don't know you're disgusted by me? You’re just staying for appearances―"

He stopped mid-sentence. I’d leaned down and kissed him. It was my first kiss, clumsy and angry, more like a bite. Ethan went silent, his ears red. "You―!" I nipped at his lip again, then pulled back slightly, bracing myself on his shoulders, breathing hard. "Feel that? Still think I'm disgusted?"

I returned to Mark with the memory card. He grinned. "Good work, Anna. You’re quick! Perfect timing �C there's a dinner tonight. I’ll introduce you to some people. Networking is key in this business." I thanked him.

When we arrived, I froze. In the parking lot was a familiar black Rolls Royce. "Mr. Hayes… is he here tonight, too?"

Mark winked. "That’s the dinner I’m taking you to! Don’t underestimate your old pal Mark’s connections." Too late for regrets. I followed him inside.

Thankfully, the room was huge. Small-time reporters like us weren't even at the same table as Ethan. Mark introduced me to several senior reporters. “This is Anna Taylor, our newest recruit. Smart kid. Anna, say hi to everyone.” Being the newbie, I had to make the rounds with toasts. By the end, I was dizzy. Muttering an apology, I rushed to the restroom.

I rinsed my mouth, splashed cold water on my face, and stepped out. The hallway lights were dim. A familiar figure stood by the window in the shadows. My heart pounded. I tried to slip past unnoticed.

"Anna. Taylor." Ethan’s low voice stopped me.

I froze, swallowing hard, hearing his footsteps approach. I closed my eyes. The footsteps stopped in front of me, a familiar scent drawing closer. I opened my eyes to his deep, dark gaze. "...Mr. Hayes." My throat was tight. "How do you know my name?"

He was silent for a moment, then straightened. "Your mentor was introducing you while you were making toasts. The whole room knows your name." Thinking of Mark’s booming voice, I blushed. "I'm sorry. He's very… enthusiastic. If we disturbed you, Mr. Hayes, I apologize." I stammered, afraid of getting Mark in trouble.

Ethan remained silent, studying me with a faint smile. "Do you think I'm someone who holds grudges, Ms. Taylor?"

I mumbled, "That's not what I meant."

A gold-embossed business card was offered. "You're still an intern, right? Interested in a job opportunity?"