The Lies We Tell Ourselves

Prologue

The atmosphere was electric on this year's Red Carpet, a vibrant clash of flashing cameras and eager fans.

Serena and Laurent had arrived at the event separately but, as fate would have it, they found themselves stepping out of their cars at the same moment.

There was an awkward pause, a fleeting moment of surprise before they both forced smiles, aware of the cameras capturing every detail.

With no other option but to walk together, they fell into stride, a façade of camaraderie crafted from necessity.

"Wow, just what I wanted. To walk the red carpet with you," Serena quipped, glancing sideways at Laurent, who strutted beside her with an air of false confidence.

Laurent chuckled, feigning innocence. "Oh, come on. That's a bit unfair. I like being with you.."

"Now that's new. Are you falling for me now, Mr. Laurent Gray?" she shot back.

Laurent smirked and rolled his eyes. "Don't flatter yourself."

The sarcastic banter continued, each jab designed to maintain their pride while masking the unease simmering just beneath the surface.

They both knew why they were here—rumors had begun to swirl and now, as they walked down the carpet, the whispers intensified.

As they approached the interview area, Laurent caught sight of Vivien standing to the side, arms crossed and a look of disdain etched across her face.

"Serena! Laurent! Is it true? Are you guys really together?!" someone from the reporters said.

An idea sparked in his mind, and without thinking, he pulled Serena's waist closer to him, flashing a grin at the nearest reporter. "Yeah, we're definitely together," he declared, his voice oozing with mock sincerity.

Serena's expression remained emotionless, but inside, her thoughts raced.

The image and video of Elias surfaced in her mind—rumors of him with a model swirled like a dark cloud. Her conversation with him last night only added to the sting. And the mere thought twisted her stomach.

Why did it sting so much?

She fought to maintain her cool demeanor, though the tension was palpable.

"Of course," she said, her voice even as she matched his tone. "Together. A match made in... absolute boredom."

The cameras flashed, capturing the tension between them, the forced smiles, the way their bodies were pressed close together yet held apart by the weight of their pasts. This was more than just a game; it was a strategic move—a ploy to make their exes jealous, to show them what they were missing.

As the interview continued, they played their parts, each word a careful balance between sarcasm and the underlying truth of their unsteady alliance.

With every question about their supposed relationship, Serena and Laurent felt the weight of their histories with Elias and Vivien bearing down on them.

But as they stood there, entwined in the spectacle, both knew this was merely a temporary truce—an arrangement born out of bitterness and the need to reclaim a sense of power.

The red carpet gleamed beneath their feet, but the path ahead was uncertain, riddled with the potential for heartbreak and unfulfilled desires.

And deep down, they both wondered how long they could keep up the charade before the truth threatened to unravel everything.

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A new chapter once again! Just keep scrolling! Haha!

Thank you! Enjoy!

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