The Lies We Tell Ourselves

Chapter 11

As the days went by, the set buzzed with activity as both Serena and Laurent dove into their filming schedules. Their routines were filled with shooting scenes, and in between takes, the air often crackled with their sarcastic exchanges.

"Nice move out there, Serena," Laurent called out, a smirk playing on his lips as he walked past her during a break. "I didn't know we were shooting a comedy today."

Serena looked up, her expression unbothered. "Maybe if you paid more attention to the script instead of your own reflection, you'd know."

He laughed, crossing his arms. "Hey, I'm just trying to keep things entertaining around here. Besides, it's hard to focus when you're busy causing a mess."

"A mess?" she shot back, adjusting her glasses. "At least I didn't trip over the prop for the third time."

Laurent feigned shock. "Hey. That was one time."

Their banter had become a familiar backdrop to the crew, who often exchanged amused glances. Robert, the producer, leaned against a nearby wall, chuckling to the director. "These two could make a reality show with all the drama."

"Right? It's like watching a sitcom," the director replied, shaking his head. "And they still haven't addressed those dating rumors. It's hilarious."

Despite their constant bickering, it was clear to everyone that the rumors about them dating had become a topic of both amusement and curiosity. Their PR team had advised them to keep a low profile, leaving the public and the media to speculate while Serena and Laurent continued to poke fun at each other.

During a break in filming, Serena found herself lost in thought, her mind still lingering on Elias. She hadn't heard from him in days, no texts or calls. She didn't want to seem clingy, so she waited, hoping he would reach out. But the silence was growing louder.

Unable to resist, Serena found herself once again scrolling through Elias's social media. Her finger hovered over his profile before she tapped it, knowing full well what she was doing to herself but unable to stop. There it was—a new post.

A photo of Elias backstage, standing with his manager and crew, all of them smiling, looking victorious. The caption read,

"Almost done with the tour! One more stop. Thank you to everyone who's made this journey unforgettable!"

Serena's heart sank. They were nearly finished with the concert tour, and still, she hadn't received any update from him.

No texts, no calls. Not even a casual "hey" to check in. She tried to tell herself that he was just busy, that managing an international tour could be exhausting, but it didn't soothe the uneasy feeling growing inside her.

Her mind raced, jumping between possibilities. Maybe he hadn't seen the need to reach out. Or maybe... something had changed. After all, the tabloids had been buzzing with rumors—rumors of Elias.

Serena had tried to ignore it, convincing herself it was all part of the celebrity life. But now, with the silence stretching on, doubt crept in.

She scrolled down, her eyes lingering on the photo of Elias and his team.

The smile on his face, the ease in his posture—it all looked so effortless. He seemed fine. More than fine. And here she was, anxiously waiting for any sign of life from him, feeling more out of the loop with each passing day.

Laurent, who had been lounging nearby, caught a glimpse of her scrolling.

He leaned over, his curiosity piqued. "Still stalking the ex, huh?" His tone was light, teasing, but there was an edge to it.