Déja Vú

Reunions and Rumors

Leora

"Ugh," I groan as I step off the jet in Los Angeles.

It's been a long day. I just wrapped filming one of my latest projects, and now I'm back in LA for the premiere of How To Love Again, where I play the lead. My body aches, my head throbs, and somewhere in the back of my mind, I know I still have a press conference in two hours—followed by the premiere.

I glance at my outfit: a nude-pink bodysuit, oversized black button-up, matching nude-pink baseball cap, black purse, and black Jordans—all from my lifestyle brand, Aiko. Diamond studs, a delicate silver necklace, and a stack of bracelets complete the look. Comfortable. Polished. Ready for the world to see me survive.

"Hey, you."

Kathani's voice cuts through the airport hum. My manager. My best friend. My human shield against chaos. She drops her bag, then lunges at me with a hug that almost knocks the wind out of me.

"Please tell me this crowd isn't here for me," I mutter into her shoulder.

She pulls back, guilt written on her face. "I wish I could. But... they're here."

"Who told the paparazzi I was coming today?"

"That would be me," Mr. Walker says, appearing from behind with his sunglasses removed. Calm. Calculated. Always aware.

I exhale slowly. "You promised this would be quiet."

"And it would have been," he says evenly. "If quiet were good for your image. But today? Today is perfect."

I bite back a groan. Exhaustion wins over irritation.

"Where's Londyn?" I ask Kathani, needing a lifeline.

Her lips press into a thin line for a moment. "Her flight got canceled because of the weather, but she'll be here soon."

My chest tightens. Londyn—my big sister—who, along with her parents, Jonathan and Sayuri Wilson, took me in after my accident years ago. I'd been in a coma for two weeks. When I woke up, I barely remembered anything. Sayuri had cared for me at the hospital like I was her own, and the Wilsons welcomed me into their home, loved me like family. Stability after everything I had lost.

"Alright, ladies, let's go," Mr. Walker says, finishing immigration formalities. "And remember—smile."

He gestures with his hands to make a goofy smiley face. Kathani chuckles, and I tug my baseball cap lower, hiding my expression from the flashing cameras. Showtime.

Questions rain down as we make our way through the throng.

"Miss Kohen, what should we expect from your latest movie?"
"Who are you wearing tonight?"
"How was Rome?"
"Do you have a new love interest?"
"Miss Kohen, are you and Jake Miller getting back together?"

That last one stops me mid-step. Jake. My ex—the one who cheated on me shortly after I refused him. My refusal wasn't rejection; it was me setting boundaries, and apparently, that's all it took to fuel his betrayal.

I force my smile in place and keep walking, letting my bodyguards guide me to the press conference at the Carter building. Relief washes over me when we enter the conference room, away from the main swarm.

Inside, everything is polished. Cameras, microphones, and the buzz of reporters filling the room. I greet Tessa Thompson, who played my sister Marci in the movie, and Jake, who plays her fiancé.

We exchange pleasantries, the press conference rolls smoothly, and I start feeling that tiny spark of pride. This project has been close to my heart. Seeing it come together makes all the stress worthwhile.