Book one | Alexa Harvey, a celebrated actress known for her fierce independence and uncompromising nature, has always steered clear of the sports world. But when her latest film role requires her to shadow Jude Bellingham, a rising football star wit...
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Alexa had barely stepped into the training grounds the next morning when she could feel the change in the air. The usual bustle of activity was there—players warming up, coaches giving instructions—but underneath it all, there was a hum of tension, a ripple of whispers that seemed to follow her wherever she went.
She couldn't shake the feeling that every glance in her direction was loaded with judgment, that every murmur was another piece of gossip being passed along. It was suffocating, a noxious cloud of speculation that had descended over the entire team.
She didn't have to guess what they were talking about. The events of the previous day had clearly made an impact, and now it seemed like everyone had an opinion about her and Jude.
It was exactly what she had feared—a scandal brewing out of nothing, threatening to overshadow everything she had worked so hard for.
As she made her way toward the sidelines, she caught sight of Jude, surrounded by a small group of players. He was laughing at something one of them had said, but the moment he saw her, the smile slipped from his face.
Their eyes met across the field, and for a moment, everything else faded away—the whispers, the stares, the tension.
But just as quickly, Jude looked away, turning his attention back to the group. Alexa's chest tightened, a bitter taste in her mouth as she forced herself to keep moving. If they were going to survive this, they needed to stay focused. She couldn't afford to let herself get distracted, not now.
She was just about to start setting up her equipment when she heard her name being called. She turned to see one of the assistant coaches, Megan, walking toward her with a concerned expression.
"Alexa, can I have a word?" Megan asked, her voice calm but firm.
Alexa nodded, trying to keep the anxiety from showing on her face. "Of course."
Megan led her to a quieter spot near the edge of the training area, away from prying ears. Once they were out of earshot, she turned to face Alexa, her expression serious.
"I wanted to talk to you about what's been going on," Megan began, her tone gentle but direct. "There's been a lot of chatter, and it's starting to affect the team. I need to know what's really going on between you and Jude."
Alexa's stomach twisted. She had known this conversation was coming, but that didn't make it any easier to face. "Megan, I swear, there's nothing going on. We've been working together, that's all."
Megan studied her for a moment, her eyes searching for any sign of deception. "I believe you," she said finally. "But the problem is, it's not just about what's true—it's about perception. And right now, the perception is that there's something more going on between you two."
Alexa sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I know. I've been trying to keep things professional, but... it's complicated."
Megan's expression softened, and she reached out to place a reassuring hand on Alexa's arm. "I understand. Jude's a difficult person to get close to, and I can see how that might lead to misunderstandings. But you need to be careful, Alexa. The last thing you want is for this to turn into a bigger issue."
