The Lies We Tell Ourselves

Chapter 8

Laurent arrived at the rehearsal studio with his manager, Alen, walking a step behind him. The moment they stepped inside, Alen's surprise was palpable. Laurent had never been one to show up early, especially for a rehearsal. His usual reputation? Fashionably late, nonchalant, and never in a hurry. Yet today, he was not just on time—he was early.

Alen raised an eyebrow, folding his arms across his chest. "This is new," he remarked, half amused. "You're not usually this excited for rehearsals. What's got you all worked up?"

Laurent flashed a smirk, feigning disinterest. "Just wanted to get this over with," he muttered, though the way his eyes gleamed betrayed his casual tone.

Alen wasn't convinced but let it slide. He had known Laurent long enough to recognize when something was off. Maybe it had something to do with Serena—this project had become far more intriguing ever since the two of them were cast opposite each other. Their dynamic on set was... complicated, to say the least.

As they waited, Iso, Serena's manager, strolled into the studio. Laurent straightened up slightly, his gaze darting behind him as if expecting Serena to walk in at any moment. But she didn't.

"Where is she?" Laurent asked, his curiosity getting the best of him.

Iso smiled, shaking his head. "She's finishing up a phone call with a friend. She'll be here soon."

Laurent raised an eyebrow. A friend? He couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance. Was she late because of some personal conversation?

"The director and Robert wanted to see us. And give the two of them some time alone." Iso said to Alen then looked at Laurent. "They want you guys to rehearse the scenes without too many eyes on you. They think it'll help build... chemistry."

Alen shot Laurent a warning look, clearly aware of the potential pitfalls. "You heard him. Keep it professional. Don't do anything stupid," he muttered under his breath before gathering his things and heading out with Iso.

Left alone, Laurent's mind was already spinning. The mention of Serena on a phone call had piqued his curiosity. Was it just a friend? Or was it something more?

He slipped out of the studio and wandered down the hallway, following the faint sound of Serena's voice. 

He didn't know why he was doing this—maybe he was bored, maybe he was curious—but something about the way she was speaking caught his attention. She sounded... different. Softer, almost concerned.

His feet carried him closer to where she stood, half-hidden in the corner of the hallway. Her voice was gentle, her words intimate, and for a moment, Laurent hesitated, unsure if he should intrude.

"Don't be nervous, Elias. I know you can do this," Serena murmured into the phone, her voice warm and reassuring, softer than Laurent had ever heard her speak to anyone—especially him.

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and then Elias's voice came through, muffled but unmistakably appreciative. "What? Oh, yeah, thanks... so, Iso told you? Yeah, I've got a new film coming up," Serena replied, her voice casual but tinged with affection. "But don't worry about me. You've got this," she continued, her tone calm yet encouraging. "I have to go now though, my co-star's waiting for me."

Elias. 

The name hit Laurent like a cold shock of electricity, spreading through his body in an instant. His heart pounded harder in his chest, the word echoing over and over in his mind. 

Elias?  Why was she talking to him? Laurent thought that was over, a chapter long closed in her life. But there she was, talking to Elias with a tone Laurent had never heard directed toward him—gentle, caring, intimate.