Neptune

Chapter 22 | The Ex-Boyfriend

I can't believe that I'm doing this.

In the afternoon, while I wait for my car in the driveway of the house, it arrives with Mike sitting in the front passenger seat, beside the driver. That's the package I get.

I get into the car and greet my bodyguard cheerfully—it's been a long time since I saw a familiar face. "Hi, Mike."

"Hey," he says as the car pulls out. "How's it going? How's your new life?"

I need a moment to answer that question—it's a tough one. I can't say that I love every bit of it, but it's not as bad as I initially thought.

"Is there someone I need to knock out?" another question comes out from Mike's mouth, a hint of irritation in his voice.

I laugh a little. "Surprisingly, not yet."

Mike doesn't respond to my answer—he sounds disappointed. Perhaps, he's waiting for me to instruct him to kick Luke's ass.

"How's your new apartment?" I ask.

"I live with my mama here," he says, surprising me. "It feels good to be back in my hometown. The house can't be more lively, 'cause I just got a new nephew. Everyone is excited."

Right. I forgot that Mike was born in New York. I'm happy that he can be closer with his family now that we've moved here. We spend the rest of the ride talking about his family.

Once we arrive at Jamie Cohen's studio, I become more restless. Is Jude really here?

Oscar told me to show the world that Jude and I have no hard feelings toward each other—I remember saying it once when I was on Ella's show.

But now that Jude is here too, I start to question if I can admit that. It's not easy to forgive and forget your ex-lover who cheated on you. We were together for two years—that's an achievement for people like us in Hollywood, especially when both of us are superstars who encounter temptations everywhere we go.

Despite our hectic schedules of tours, performances and practice, we still managed to survive those two years.

I can't say that Jude isn't someone important in my life—he is. I've also learned a lot of things from him, since he's been in the music industry longer than I have.

Our relationship—everything that we'd built with love, patience and loyalty—crumbled in an instant when I caught him cheating with his backup dancer.

Don't ask me how I broke up with him—it was overly dramatic, with me yelling at him, slamming doors and tears streaming down my face.

I step into Jamie's studio with Mike trailing behind me, my hands sweaty because I'm nervous to meet Jude. My eyes travel around the place, which screams Jamie—the studio looks lively and fun, just like his personality.

"Cassie!" a cheerful voice startles me. Jamie totters toward me with a big grin on his face.

He looks chubby as always, his black hair fashionably styled in a slicked-back.

He gives me a hug. "Thanks for coming. You look fabulous as always."

A burst of small laughter leaves my mouth as I hug him back. "It's always been my pleasure, Jamie."

He pulls away, his eyes glinting with excitement. "This is the most anticipated car ride ever. It's gonna be fun. You've read the script I sent you, haven't you?"

I nod. Right. There won't be any problem with this. The script is fine. We're just going to have a fun car ride while Jamie drives us around New York.