Fated Love

Chapter 38

After a couple more series of cameras flashing and changing outfits, the photoshoot finally came to an end. As Ian finished up and stepped off the stage, I could see the exhaustion mixed with relief on his face. It had been a long day, and I knew he was eager to get some rest.

"Well done," I said as I approached him, handing him a bottle of water.

He sighed heavily. "Thank you. I'm glad it's over," he said, running his fingers through his hair after taking a large gulp of water.

I nodded sympathetically. "I can relate. Are you ready to head out?"

"Definitely." He answered, scanning the area. "Where is Rosa and her cousin?"

"They're waiting outside." I answered. "Let's get you changed."

We made our way to his dressing room together with his makeup artist in tow, where he quickly changed out of his photoshoot outfit into his regular clothes. When he emerged, he looked refreshed, and we headed out of the set together only to be joined by the magazine editor in charge of today's shoot. They talked for a good while about the shoot and an impending interview before leaving.

"Is Adrian here yet?" He asked once she had left.

"Nah." I replied, hiking my bag up my shoulder. "Did he say he was coming today?"

He gave a noncommittal sound, nodding.

"He did say so, but now I don't think so."

As we walked outside, we were joined by Max. He had a friendly smile on his face.

"Hey, how was the shoot?" He asked, clapping Ian on the back.

"It was good." Ian replied. "You did well."

He shrugged and turned to me with a wide smile.

"Hey, Kiara." He greeted, pulling me in a side hug. "How are you doing?"

"Good, good." I smiled. "I assume you've seen Rosa, yeah?"

A small smile pulled on his lips as he saw her talking with Reece.

"Yeah," he answered. "I met her earlier, she was with her cousin then. And I was invited for lunch."

"Mhm." I arced my brow at him, a smug smile on my face. "You don't say."

"With whom?" Ian interrupted, shoving his phone into his pocket. "Rosa?"

Max's brows were furrowed as he gave a slow nod. "Yeah," he answered. :She invited me."

"I'm rescinding that invite." Ian glanced at him, putting on his bucket hat. "Eat alone."

"That's not fair." Max whined.

"Nothing is fair," he countered. "I invited Rosa for lunch, not you and so I have every right to uninvite you."

Max gave him a look, snorting a quiet laugh.

"You're being petty."

"Yes, I am." Ian replied and turned to look at me. "He's not joining us."

"Yes, sir." I laughed as we joined Rosa and Reece. Together, the four of us made our way to the restaurant Rosa had booked.

As we entered the restaurant, I couldn't help but feel relieved. It was the perfect spot for a casual lunch with friends. Rosa had done a great job booking this place. The place was cozy and welcoming with minimalistic decor and dim lighting. The soft music playing in the background made the atmosphere relaxed. I knew Ian appreciated places like this, where he could blend in with the crowd and not be recognized.