REBIRTH : Chasing The Limelight-Chapter 27: A sneaky mistress...

After Elara left her room in order to give Ziva some privacy, she had stepped into the corridor and kept walking, thinking of Adrian Vale again. Strangely, his request no longer made her uneasy. She didn’t even feel nervous or cautious in anyway. She just felt curious.

She still couldn’t quite believe what happened last night. Maybe he was just testing her. That had to be it. Men like him didn’t act without purpose. And men like him certainly didn’t act on impulse. She convinced herself of that fact.

She headed toward the exit of the building, hoping that the cool air outside Voice would cool her brain.

As she walked, her mind drifted back to that morning. She was quite thrilled that they had made changes to the systems at Voice. She couldn’t help but think that she was quite fortunate in this life. Unlike her past life where bad luck kept following her anywhere she went.

She was still thinking of this when her steps slowed. Then she stopped.

The new trainer, Mr Kain was walking toward her. He held a stack of files against his chest, some of the papers looked misaligned, the corner of one threatening to slip free. He is looking elsewhere, yet to notice her.

Elara clicked her tongue softly. She wasn’t particularly respectful by nature, but she felt it wasn’t bad if she helped him carry those files. After all,he seems to be a good hearted person.

She walked up to him and, without a word, reached out and took some of the files from his arms.

Mr Kain stopped. He stared at her for a long moment, as if processing the situation, then handed the rest over with a quiet, "Thank you."

Elara nodded once and followed behind him.

They climbed the stairs to the second floor. Mr Kain stopped in front of an office door and opened it. Then he stepped aside, gesturing to her to enter first.

When she had entered,the door clicked shut behind her.

Elara walked forward and placed the files neatly on the desk. After doing this, she turned. But she walked straight into something solid.Elara froze. Then she slowly lifted her gaze, meeting Mr Kain’s. Her eyes narrowed.

Mr Kain didn’t move. He stood too close. Irritation washed through her. She cleared her throat deliberately, a clear signal that she wanted to pass.

He didn’t move right away. Instead, he leaned forward closer to her, one hand bracing against the desk beside her. He reached past her and picked up a pen from the table casually.

Elara held her breath. Anger burned in her chest, but her face remained perfectly still.

After he straightened and stepped back, Elara didn’t hesitate. She slipped past him and headed for the door. She was almost there when his voice followed her.

"If you ever need guidance, or support, you’re welcome to come to my office anytime."he said with a warm tone.

Elara’s fingers tightened around the door handle. She didn’t turn around around before she replied.

"No need,"

The words were forced through clenched teeth, and she regretted them the instant they left her mouth. It sounded rude. Barely restrained. But she didn’t care.

She opened the door and walked out, leaving the office behind without another glance.

–

Later that evening, Ziva had already gone home. Elara sat on her bed, her back against the wall, eyes fixed on the clock hanging opposite her. Rehearsal hours were long over, and yet no one had come.

"Hmph." she scoffed softly.

Of course she knew it. Bluff. Empty words. She had really been foolish to think about it the whole day. Adrian probably never meant it. Or worse, he had forgotten completely. Maybe he had been drunk last night. That had to be it. She felt a bit stupid.

Elara reclined against the bed and let her head rest on the pillow, closing her eyes. Too tired to wait anymore.

She had barely drifted off when a series of knocks sounded on her door. Elara shot up immediately, her heart jumping straight into her throat. Her eyes flew to the clock. A few minutes to nine.

"...No way," she muttered. It couldn’t possibly be what she’s thinking. She got off the bed and walked to the door carefully. She unlocked it and pulled it open.

And as she had thought. Harris stood outside, hands neatly clasped behind his back. His eyes looked a bit tired. He opened his mouth and yawned so wide it looked like his jaw might fall off. Then he spoke.

"Good evening, Miss Veyne," he began, nodding seriously. "I am here on behalf of Mr Adrian Vale, who is very busy, extremely busy actually, so busy that he could not come himself, and therefore, very kindly, generously, and with great trust, he has sent me to politely, respectfully, and carefully pick you up."

He paused and took a breath.

"Also," he added, lifting one finger, "this request is urgent but not rushed, important but not dangerous, and you are in no trouble at all. Absolutely none." 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Elara stared at him as he mumbled on. Then she finally sighed at the end of his narration.

"Please wait a bit," she said.

Harris nodded at once. "Of course. I have been standing all day anyway. What is a little more standing."

Elara closed the door and went back into her room. She had already bathed before lying on the bed, just in case. She pulled on a simple T-shirt and plain pants, dressing like she was going for a short walk, nothing more.

When she came out again, Harris looked at her from head to toe. His eyes widened and he inhaled sharply.

"Oh, you’ve dressed so simply. But still, you look dangerous." he said with a wide grin.

Elara ignored him. She was already used to his nonsense.

"Go first. I’ll meet you at the car." she said in order not to attract too much attention.

Harris nodded immediately. "Understood"

He turned and walked away without another question.

Elara lingered at the door for a moment. She glanced down the hallway, hoping she wouldn’t run into Relanie. The thought made her feel a bit guilty. Like she was doing something wrong. Like a small, sneaky mistress trying not to be seen. She sighed at herself.

"This is stupid," she murmured.

Then she walked on. Thankfully, the hallway was mostly empty. Most trainees were already in their rooms. Only a few people sat in the main hall, but no one paid her any attention.

She walked out of the building and kept going until she reached the edge of the Voice premises. A sleek black car waited near a streetlight, cold and quiet. She recognized it almost immediately she set her eyes on it.

Harris stood beside the car. When he saw her, he opened the door for her with a small bow. Elara walked up to him and stepped into the car, fastening her seatbelt. The door closing beside her.

–

Relanie sat in front of the mirror in her room, calmly applying her night skincare. Her movements were slow and practiced, as if nothing in the world could disturb her. After placing the last bottle back on the table, she paused. She thought for a while... then picked up her phone.

A few taps. The screen lit up and she brought it to her ear.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The sound echoed in the quiet room. She frowned when the call was not picked up.

She hated moments like this. Moments where she felt like she was waiting. Like she was the one reaching out. It made her feel exposed, almost desperate, and she did not like that feeling at all.

She lowered the phone and stared at her reflection. Since morning, she had called him several times. But he hadn’t picked up her calls. No message. Nothing.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. Was this man’s heart really made of stone?

Just as she was about to put the phone down, it vibrated lightly in her hand. The call had connected.

"Adrian," she said softly, her voice smooth and controlled.

There was a short pause on the other end before his voice came through.

"Yes?"

Just one word. Flat and distant.

Relanie’s fingers tightened around the phone. "I was wondering if you were busy today," she said, trying to sound casual. "You didn’t return my calls."

There was another pause at the other end.

"I was," Adrian replied.

Silence returned again. Relanie smiled at her reflection, but the smile did not reach her eyes. "I see," she said. "I only wanted to check on you."

"Mm."

That cold sound again. She almost hate it. Relanie’s gaze darkened slightly.

"Well, I hope I didn’t disturb you." she said again.

"No." The call ended immediately after that. The screen went black.

Relanie slowly lowered the phone. She stared at herself in the mirror for a long time. Her expression was calm, beautiful. But her eyes were no longer warm...