1,2,3 And.. Love! (GXG)

Chapter 30

Zoya's POV

I sat on the edge of the bed, hugging my knees and fixating on the open laptop in front of me. Olivia's interview from yesterday kept replaying in my mind, her words "Zoya and I are good friends and amazing colleagues, and I am happy with my husband" echoing relentlessly.

She had denied our connection without hesitation, prioritizing her career over our relationship. Perhaps it was the practical thing to do, and my romantic ideals were naive.

Sebastian sat down next to me, placing a box of pizza on my lap. "You need to eat something," he said, looking at me with concern.

"I'm not very hungry," I sighed, closing the laptop and pushing it away.

"I know, but you need to eat regardless. I understand you're hurt, but Liv probably had no choice. You need to be strategic to come out on top," he said, helping himself to a slice of pizza.

"Who said I wanted to play games? I didn't sign up for this; she initiated the whole thing," I countered.

"I have to disagree. Don't act like you didn't have feelings for her or wish for things to go this way. Good things are often hard to attain. If you're not willing to wait for her and understand her situation, or if you prefer playing it safe, then maybe it's time to move on and be with someone else," he said, firmly urging me to eat a slice of pizza.

"Maybe she's the right person, but it's the wrong time," I murmured weakly.

"Many people say that to justify giving up. If you want her, be patient. But don't put the blame on her. She took a step because she likes you, but she has a lot at stake and needs time. Respect that," he advised.

"So you want me to watch her being happy with her husband?" I retorted, frustration clear in my voice.

"No, I want you to focus on your studies and the job you were so eager about a few months ago. Let her sort out her life," he advised. I knew deep down he was right, and perhaps I was expecting too much, too soon.

"What did you do with Ezra?" I asked, attempting to change the subject.

"He gave me a speech that if he found out it was me who leaked the information, he won't stop any legal actions the producers of the show choose to take," he said, shaking his head and laughing.

"Ava is convinced that it was me," I scoffed angrily.

"Well, it's her job to protect Liv, but that interview will calm things down a bit. There's also this charity event that Liv is attending with Elijah today," Sebastian said. "Do you know what happened between them?" he asked cautiously.

"Yeah, she can pretend to be the loving wife some more, great for her," I said sarcastically. "And no, we don't talk, just when we are doing our scenes," I added.

"Are you going to the charity event today too?" Sebastian asked casually. "I heard Ezra is going."

"You want me to go watch her with Elijah?" I retorted, my voice tinged with anger.

"No, Ezra asked me to tell you to accompany Cadence," he replied, raising his eyebrows.

"I'm not playing this game, Sebastian," I said firmly, shaking my head.

"It's for the best. She's going with Elijah. If you don't show up, it might raise questions," he explained.

"I don't care," I shook my head, taking a bite from my pizza, trying to swallow my pain with each mouthful.

"Last time she was pretty pissed to see you with another woman. Maybe this is the spark you need," Sebastian teased.

"So now you want me to play games and drag Cadence into it too? She's a nice girl; she doesn't deserve this," I asserted firmly, feeling guilty for involving Cadence in my personal turmoil.

"But imagine the look on Olivia's face," Sebastian chuckled mischievously.

"What happened to advising me to be patient and give her time?" I asked, grabbing the last slice of pizza.