Chapter 6 Photography

• When Chris set foot in that photography studio, he had a plan to irritate Sophia. It was meant to be a provocation. He knew she would resist until the end, so he didn't expect her to give in so easily.
• Although satisfied with the outcome, he was also curious. That spontaneous kiss was a desperate and thoughtless act from Soph. She wanted to get rid of the idiotic producer who was all over her. That had never happened to her before. A man who was known and respected hitting on one of the actresses from his own project?
• Come to think of it, it's more common than people imagine. This industry has a lot of that. She just wasn't as impulsive or desperate to accept such a thing. Since she started in the business, she avoided trouble and wasn't seen with anyone. The few boyfriends she had during that time were as private as she was. And Soph hated being the subject of gossip or being featured in magazines that exposed the ups and downs of someone's life.
• However, everyone in that studio thought they were together. A fight in front of everyone, probably due to jealousy, and then a kiss?
• Soph felt an immense urge to hit herself the moment she moved away from all those people. Of course, after what happened, they had to end that torture. Donald was there, witnessing it all, staring at her like a piece of meat.
• What did I get myself into?
• "Despite liking your decision to accept my proposal, I'm confused," Christian wouldn't let it go. Of course, he would rush to her and pull her into some dark, empty place to question her. And Sophia knew he would use this to rub in her face every time she had rejected him. "What made you change your mind?" He narrowed his eyes, thoughtful, staring at her face. She didn't want to have that conversation, but she couldn't escape it. "Did you get jealous and decide to mark your territory?"
• "Don't go there, Christian. I just used you," she nervously replied. It wasn't bad; in fact, she liked it. She liked it a lot.
• Everything they did together felt good, hence the caution. When she saw that exchange of glances, she did feel jealous, even though she fought against that reality. However, her fear of seeming like a liar and, as a bonus, having to endure the advances of her "boss," led her to this decision.
• Sophia had been touched, looked at, and even received advances from some jerks she worked with, but it was the first time she felt frightened. He grabbed her and started kissing her neck, thinking it was normal, as if she were one of the others who had accepted that situation.
• "So keep using me, because I liked it," he naturally took it lightheartedly. "But if we're going to do this, we have to trust each other. You know my reasons, but I don't know yours."
• He had a nagging feeling. He wasn't a fool. He noticed her fearful gaze toward Donald. And right when he arrived, she decided to accept the deal?
• "Is that really necessary?"
• The murmurs in the studio, where people were still talking, made her nervous. She didn't want anyone to overhear. She tried to get out of an embarrassing situation by getting into another.
• How was she going to lie to everyone that she was dating a sleazy movie star?
• "I accepted, period. But of course, this still needs to be agreed upon. I won't get into a mess because of you."
• "Of course, a partnership is necessary. Or do you want to keep secrets? Because that doesn't work for me," he insisted, crossing his arms. "Come clean, Sophia."
• Soph took a deep breath and looked at the man she had just kissed. He was so serious that she thought he was someone else.
• What? Is he going to scold me?
• "You can't tell anyone," she whispered, pointing her finger at him, furious.
• "It's kind of obvious. People can't even dream that this is an arrangement."
• True.
• So, everything that happens between us will be a secret?
• She found this thought strange because she believed that's how friendships began.
• "Donald has interests beyond working with me," she approached him and looked around for anyone eavesdropping. But there was no one.
• Everyone in Hollywood has heard conversations like this before. The woman is harassed and complains or reports it, but she ends up being portrayed as the wrongdoer, loses jobs, and is ignored by the producers, who practically live in their own private group.
• That's what Sophia's assistant thought. If she complained, she wouldn't be allowed on the film set, and who knows what else she would lose because of it. That's why her idea of saying she had a boyfriend came up, to keep Donald away.
• "I expressed my refusal when it happened, but he just laughed and said it was normal. He asked if I was committed. He certainly didn't believe me. I had in mind to say that I was dating you, but I panicked."
• "You're not the first one to accuse Donald," Chris thought, looking at the people in the distance. "He has ruined the careers of many women who rejected him or accused him. He is one of the big names in the industry, his films make waves worldwide. And everyone turns a blind eye to not lose the jerk." Keilly was right. If Sophia spoke up, she would be condemned. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. It's our little secret," he extended his hand as if sealing the deal. "And, as a bonus, I can keep him away."
• "How are you going to do that?" She furrowed her brow, almost ignoring the handshake.
• "By being my girl, no one will lay a finger on you."
• Suspicious, but cornered, she accepted the handshake, knowing that this was just the beginning of her headache.
• "I'm not your girl," she pulled him closer, coming face to face with him.
• She remembered that moments ago they had kissed for real. No acting, even though it was acting. It was good, and she wanted to do it again, but she reminded herself that she was actually in danger. A man like Christian wasn't someone to trust.
• Chris knew it would be difficult, that she would resist him, but he was determined to win the girl over. Regardless of the fake relationship, they would have to play their roles well. Kisses would be allowed, and holding hands, they would stroll through places where cameras would be waiting for them. At parties, she would be irresistible, and he would drool over her, because he had to admit it: Sophia Thompson was beautiful.
• "From now on, you're completely mine, sweetheart," he laughed, thinking of various ways to tease her. "Your kisses, your scent, your eyes, and everything that I'm entitled to."
• "It's a fake relationship," she reminded him.
• "We may be lying when we say we love each other, but I won't deny there's a passion. And you can't claim to be dating someone if they don't see us getting intimate."
• "I can see I have to be careful with you too," she looked at his lips and felt her heart pounding, she was so eager.
• "It's an insult to compare me to Donald, but despite everything and despite your denial, there's a spark that can ignite a fire here."
• "At most, a kiss," she warned him.
• "At the very least, I'll push you against the wall and kiss you for real; none of those gentle things from movies."
• She shook her head, but she liked what he said. In fact, she looked at those charming lips and wished he would do just that at that moment.
• "We'll have to establish some rules," she pretended, and he smiled, knowing he would win this game.
• "I love rules," of course, he did.
• "Great," she felt even more nervous with that mischievous smile on his face.
• "Breaking them excites me," he added.
• "Can you be less of a flirt and take this seriously?" She got annoyed.
• "Who said I'm not taking it seriously?" When her dark brown eyes got angry, she became even more beautiful. And the blush on her face added to the fun. "Soph, you love me for who I am, and I love you for who you are. That's why we're perfect. You being the grumpy one in the relationship, and me being the fun one who will make your life more exciting."
• "Are you already writing the script?" She narrowed her eyes.
• "It doesn't have to be a lie, it can be reality."
• Damn Christian. He seemed to read her thoughts. Of course, he annoyed her all the time, but that's what she liked the most. That's why she couldn't stop thinking about him.
• "I think we should get going. We have a lot to do," he said.
• "We do?" She furrowed her brow.
• "Well... Now phase two begins." Of course, he would be the mastermind. He always had a plan for everything. "There were already rumors that we were together, and you just kissed me in front of everyone for no reason. We've also been seen together several times."
• "For different reasons," she emphasized.
• "They don't know that." He laughed. "I think I'm going to enjoy making our role real. Of course, with some modifications. Like... I'll have to grab you for no reason, hold hands with you, and..."
• "Rules!" she interrupted him. "It will only work if there are rules."
• "I've made it clear that I love rules, but to break them."
• "Christian!"
• "Sophia!" He stared at her again. He saw fire in her eyes and... fear. He had never provoked that in her before. "Alright, I'll try to behave. Besides, it will be you who will beg me for it. I have nothing to worry about."
• "Show-off! Egocentric!"
• "Feisty!"