The Lies We Tell Ourselves

Chapter 12

The morning after Serena's Instagram story went live, the buzz was unstoppable. Headlines blared across entertainment sites and social media was ablaze with speculation. Every major outlet was dissecting the selfie and analyzing what it could mean.

"Breaking News! Serena Vale and Laurent Gray: Becomes the Hollywood's Next Big Couple" read one headline.

Another site speculated, "Are sparks flying on set? Fans can't get enough of Serena and Laurent's cozy selfie! What are they working on?"

Across social media, fans weighed in:

"Did you see that story?? Serena and Laurent look so good together!" wrote one user.

"Imagine the chemistry! I've been saying for months these two would be the it couple if they ever worked together," chimed in another.

Someone else posted, "Am I the only one who thought they hated each other? Now they're posting selfies? This has to be a promo for a movie...right?"

Even in public spaces, Serena and Laurent's selfie was the topic of conversation.

A group of friends in a coffee shop couldn't stop speculating.

"Did you see that story?" one asked, barely able to contain her excitement. "I thought they couldn't stand each other!"

"I know! But honestly, they look good together. I bet they're filming some kind of romance," another replied.

MEANWHILE, in the sleek, glass-walled office of the CEO, Alen and Heinz sat across from Laurent, hands folded calmly, though his steely gaze betrayed his irritation.

"So," Alen began, his tone steady but cold, "care to explain why you thought posting that selfie was a good idea? We've been trying to let the previous rumors fade, and now you've just given everyone a reason to start speculating again."

Laurent leaned back in his chair, unfazed. "It's just a photo, Alen. The damage, if you want to call it that, is done. Besides, if anything, it's free publicity—for me, Vale, and the film. The public's talking, and that's exactly what we want."

Heinz then chimed in. "We've been trying to keep a low profile. We discussed this—"

"And it wasn't working," Laurent interrupted, his tone firm. "People were still going to talk. I just gave them something real to speculate about, rather than leaving it all to rumors and gossip columns."

Alen shot a glance toward Victor, Laurent's father, who'd been silently observing the exchange with his arms crossed.

Victor finally spoke, his voice low but firm. "Alen, Mr. Heinz, let it go."

Alen blinked, clearly taken aback. "But Mr. Gray, we've had this conversation before. The company—"

Victor raised a hand, signaling for him to stop. "Laurent will do what he wants, as he always has. And frankly, he's right. This little stunt? It keeps them both relevant. It gives the media something to chew on, keeps the spotlight on our company. People love the idea of two rivals warming up to each other. It's good for us."

Alen and Heinz couldn't help but feel defeated.

'Ugh... I can't with this father-son dynamic,' Alen thought to himself.

Victor glanced at Laurent, a small smirk playing on his lips. "And who knows? Maybe they'll all think these two have had a 'change of heart' for the better. We'll stay in the headlines longer."