NEW BOOK COVER!!! What do we think? I feel like this story is getting a little sad and dark, but brighter chapters coming soon! (I hope) As always, thank you for the support and don't forget to vote, share and comment!
"How are you feeling?" Adrian's voice cut through the tense air, his arms still wrapped around Edvin as they sat on the floor.
"I'll live," Edvin replied, his heart racing as he suddenly became acutely aware of their close proximity. "Sorry... I don't usually..." His words trailed off, leaving his unspoken emotions hanging in the air.
Adrian, understanding the unspoken turmoil, finished his sentence for him. "Usually don't show emotions?"
Edvin managed a wry smile as he got up from the floor, a sense of relief washing over him after baring his soul. "Blame my Eastern European roots," he quipped. "Is there ever going to be a day when I don't have to save this fucking movie?" He attempted to lighten the mood, though the tension still lingered.
"Probably not," Adrian replied with a sad smile.
"I'm sorry there's so much 'noise' around me all the time," Edvin apologized, his sincerity evident. "I promise it's not on purpose... Most of the time. Oh, and I'm sorry I called you a 'spoiled brat.'"
Adrian chuckled, breaking the heavy atmosphere. "Who even calls people 'brats'?"
"The British."
"But you are not 'The British,'" Adrian retorted playfully.
"I actually lived there for a few years. And my mate Katy is British. I picked up quite a few phrases from her," Edvin explained, complete with a comically bad British accent.
"Charming," Adrian replied, adopting a flawless British accent himself.
"Oh, shut up." Edvin reached out to help Adrian to his feet.
"I'm dropping out of the movie," Adrian announced, standing up, and the weight of his decision hung in the air. "It's only fair if you hear it from me."
"You're what?" Edvin's attempt to remain calm wavered. "Can we PLEASE have one crisis at a time?"
Adrian slumped back to the floor. "I broke up with Andrew last night," he confessed. "I'm sorry, it's my fault he shared those pictures."
"Okay, TWO crises at a time?" Edvin joined him on the floor, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions.
"I'm so, so sorry. I had no idea he would react like this," Adrian admitted, his face buried in his hands.
"Exactly. You didn't know how he was going to react. It's not your fault. Don't take responsibility for something you didn't do," Edvin reassured him. "Why are you dropping out?"
"Last night when the pictures of us came out, Andrew went absolutely ballistic. He said I had to choose between him or the movie. I couldn't believe that he didn't trust me," Adrian confessed, his voice barely above a whisper, betraying the pain he felt.
"But you said you broke up with him? So why are you quitting the movie too?" Edvin asked, his concern genuine.
"Yeah, we broke up. I told him I can't be in a relationship with someone who doesn't trust me," Adrian explained. "It just wouldn't be fair on him if I continued with the movie. I don't want to hurt him."
Edvin, trying his best to offer comfort, spoke firmly, "I don't mean to sound like an asshole, but sometimes you need to be selfish and put yourself first. I know you don't want to hurt him, but if the price of that is hurting yourself? I don't think that's worth it. And if he actually loves you, he should understand how much this movie means to you and not ask you to choose between him or the movie."
Adrian didn't say anything, his eyes locked on Edvin's. Then, unexpectedly, he wrapped his arms around Edvin, seeking comfort. Edvin, unaccustomed to such intimacy, felt grateful that he could be there for Adrian, even though he didn't quite know how.
There they were again, sitting on the floor, with Adrian embracing Edvin. Even though Edvin couldn't see Adrian's face, it seemed like he had calmed down. 'I could get used to this,' Edvin thought to himself.
"Adrian, are you there?" A sudden knock on the door disrupted their moment.
"Hi, yes, come in," Adrian replied, quickly straightening his shirt.
"The car is ready whenever you are," the driver informed them.
"Right, I'll be out in a sec, thank you."
"Umm... Thank you. And again, I'm so sorry. Let me know if there's anything I can do," Adrian apologized again, his guilt still lingering.
"Actually, there's something you can do. Please reconsider staying and shooting this movie. I can't imagine anyone else being my Elias. I'm not going to force you, but please tell me you will think about it," Edvin implored his co-star.
"I promise I will. Goodbye, Edvin," Adrian said, using his name, which sent a shiver down Edvin's spine.
"Goodbye, Adrian. I will hopefully see you tomorrow on set," Edvin waved as Adrian left, his heart still racing.
Now it was time to find Jess and get a debrief of what had been happening today. Edvin hadn't touched his phone the whole day, and he wasn't sure he was ready to see what had transpired. At least he hadn't been fired from the movie, right? It couldn't be that bad.
It took them around an hour to get home, and once they did, Edvin had to face reality.
"Okay, let's do this. Hit me," Edvin said to his assistant.
"There's been some mixed views from the US and UK press," Jess began, scrolling through her iPad and showing a few articles to Edvin. "Some publications focus on the fact that you were portrayed like a selfish jerk, while others support you, saying it's a violation of your personal life."
"Okay, that's not too bad. I can live with that," Edvin said, trying to stay positive. It wasn't all negative, at least.
"Before I give you the phone back, I think there's something you should hear from me," Jess's expression turned serious. "A few hours ago, Serbia's national news reported that the president is considering revoking your 'Order of the Karadjordje*.'"
Edvin's heart dropped. He knew his country wouldn't react well, but he didn't expect it to be this bad. The medal he had received a few years ago for his contributions to the country was his most prized possession.
"The president said that you are no longer fit for the honor and should return it voluntarily, or he will have no other choice but to revoke it," Jess continued.
Edvin couldn't help but feel immense shame. He felt like he had disappointed his whole nation. He had been fighting a war his whole life, and now it felt like he had lost it.
*Order of the Karadjordje - highest civilian award given by the Republic of Serbia.
YOU ARE READING
Invisible String (BoyxBoy)
Romance"Invisible String," a heartwarming tale that will have you laughing, crying, and swooning with every chapter. Join Edvin, a 26-year-old mega popstar hailing from the middle of nowhere, his country's hero, as he finds himself cast in the role of a li...
