Paparazzi (Actor Mark and Damien x Harmony OC)

Chapter 2: Headlines and Head-lies

Damien and Mark exchanged a knowing look. Mark understood.

Benjamin had finished pouring refills of tea when Mark seized the moment, saying, "Thank you, dear Ben! Nothing quite like a refreshing cup of tea. However, I was feeling rather nostalgic and wondered if perhaps you and Harmony would kindly go retrieve my old photo album from the attic?"

"Certainly, Master Mark. Which album do you require?" Ben asked, ever ready to deliver dutifully.

Mark noticed the confusion on Harmony's face regarding his sudden request.

With a confident grin, Mark gave Harmony a dashing smile and said, "Harmony will know which it is, won't you, Harmony?"

And not a moment later, the girl returned a smile, standing up and replying, "Of course, Mark. We won't be long. Let's go, Ben."

"Oh do take your time love~ No need to rush. Wouldn't want you to hurt yourself," Mark replied with a wave of his hand.

Harmony giggled and shook her head as she exited the room with Ben.

The group waited in silence for a few moments after Harmony had left with Ben before anyone dared say anything.

"Is she gone then?" Damien asked, his voice hushed.

William cautiously peered out the doorway and nodded, returning to sit back down with the others.

Damien sighed heavily, now showing his visible distress as he revealed a satchel beside him and reached inside. Pulling out the contents within, he tossed some newspapers onto the table before the other three. On nearly every front cover for the past few papers, it was the same deal...

'Famous Actor's Secret Sweetheart' 'Star Actor's Romantic Rendezvous' 'Mark Iplier possibly in love with Mysterious Girl. Who is she?' 'Average girl makes her moves with local famous Actor.'

"Have you seen these preposterous headlines!? The way they depict Harmony! As if she was some.. some.. argh!" Damien growled, glaring daggers at the blasted papers he so loathed.

"Well it's not like I've had anything to do with this," Mark countered.

It was true Mark was innocent, but it wasn't like he was quite as appalled as Damien. He couldn't help feeling something small ignite deep within him anytime he opened the papers, something contrary to anger. But even so, after seeing all these headlines recently, he too was worried what it could mean for Harmony. People loved a good story, no matter what the truth of the matter may be. And any story involving him would have folks eating it up. Especially one involving him in a potential relationship. He was somewhat the heartthrob for most women these days, after all.

"Has she seen any of these? Has she said anything?" William asked, gesturing to the papers.

"No. As far as I know, not a one. She isn't one to read the papers as usually I discuss anything of importance I read with her," Damien stated.

"So you thought the best course of action was to keep this all from her?" Mark asked.

"Well what would you have done? Told her? Could you imagine what she'd think?" Damien stated.

"It's not just stories they're writing, Mark. They've taken pictures of you two as well," Celine pointed out before looking Mark dead in the eyes. "It's clear they're not beneath keeping close watch of you and of her. With all this photographic evidence over such a span of time, she'd no doubt grow paranoid."

Mark shook his head and his voice took an edge higher, "But they're all taken out of context! See that one? That day I took Harmony to the cinema and then we had lunch. And then that one over there. I was merely giving her a lift. And the one there, ha! She asked if I'd like to accompany her to the shops for groceries. Groceries! They're all so far from the truth!"