The sprawling bedroom of the Hollywood Hills mansion was alive with the quiet hum of blow dryers and the chatter of Jocelyn's glam team as they put the finishing touches on her look. Jocelyn sat still in front of the vanity mirror, an elaborate piece framed with warm, glowing bulbs that made her skin look radiant even without makeup. The team worked with precision, applying the last strokes of mascara and a touch of shimmer to her cheekbones. Her hair fell in soft, effortless waves that tumbled elegantly down her back.
The annual Hollywood Film Festival was one of the most anticipated events in the industry, drawing celebrities and industry moguls from around the world. It was a spectacle of glitz and glamour, where the elite gathered to showcase their work and network with their peers. This year, Connor's latest movie, Extinction, was set to be featured. The film, a high-octane action thriller about the last surviving dinosaurs, had already created buzz among critics and fans alike. Connor was poised for another hit, and tonight was an important night for him.
But as Jocelyn prepared to step into the spotlight beside him, she couldn't shake her disdain for these events. To her, they were a parade of egos, filled with actors and directors who believed their own hype. Connor fit right in, his charm and confidence making him a natural in these circles. Jocelyn had long grown tired of the endless schmoozing and superficial conversations, and tonight felt particularly heavy as she considered her decision to end things with Connor.
Jocelyn adjusted the strapless white teacup dress she wore, its soft fabric hugging her figure perfectly. She had initially wanted to wear a stunning pink dress that Chanel had sent her personally, but Connor had insisted on the white, claiming it would stand out more against the red carpet's vivid colors. It was another reminder of his controlling tendencies that had begun to suffocate her.
Connor strode into the room, exuding the kind of confidence that came naturally to him. His tuxedo was immaculate, tailored to perfection, and his presence immediately commanded attention. He stopped in his tracks when he saw Jocelyn, his eyes lighting up with genuine admiration.
"My god, aren't you beautiful?" he said, crossing the room to her. He bent down to press a lingering kiss to her lips, his hands gently cradling her face. "You look absolutely stunning, Joce. The white dress was definitely the right choice."
Jocelyn forced a smile, her mind drifting as she tried to distance herself from his touch. His words of adoration washed over her, but she found herself feeling disconnected, almost as if she were observing the scene from a distance. The decision she had made earlier in the week weighed heavily on her, casting a shadow over the moment. Tonight, she planned to break up with him, and the thought both terrified and liberated her.
As Connor continued to shower her with compliments, Jocelyn's gaze flickered back to the mirror. She studied her reflection, trying to reconcile the image she saw with the person she felt like inside.
"You look perfect," Connor continued, oblivious to her internal struggle. "I can't wait to show you off."
Jocelyn nodded absently, her thoughts racing. She knew that ending things with Connor was the right choice, yet the timing felt impossibly complex. With his big day ahead, she wondered how her decision would impact everything.
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ENCORE (PAIGE BUECKERS X OC)
FanficIn the relentless spotlight of fame, Jocelyn West (rising pop princess) and Paige Bueckers' fiery romance ignites, but their struggle with toxic tendencies threatens to consume BOTH their careers, and each other. Who knows if they'll come out alive.