The Lies We Tell Ourselves

Chapter 13

The night was long, everyone started with full drinks running down their throats. With the R&B songs lingering, everyone just couldn't help but jam. The crew started having conversations, each forming their own circles. 

Some of the film's cast were already dancing and grooving, while others, like Rebecca, were chatting. Rebecca, a close friend of Serena from the film, leaned in to talk to Serena.

"You know," Rebecca began with a playful smile, "that selfie with Laurent was genius. It's got everyone talking about the film."

Serena laughed softly, shaking her head. "Yeah, it definitely stirred things up. Laurent always knows how to make a scene."

Rebecca nodded, her curiosity piqued. "So, Laurent did that to tease you? Is there anything going on between you two? You guys were always at each other's throats. That's new."

Serena smirked, taking a sip of her drink. "Just colleagues, Bec. And what's new? That guy loves the drama. Besides, it's working for the film."

Rebecca raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Well, it is definitely working."

On the other side of the room, Laurent was lounging on a big sofa with Alen. Laurent sipped his drink, his shirt unbuttoned at the top, clearly feeling the heat. 

Alen looked over at him, concerned. "Are you sure about coming here?" he asked.

Laurent smiled, looking relaxed. "Just relax and have fun, Alen. Go talk to the crew if you want."

Alen laughed. "And who the hell would I talk to in this room?"

Laurent gave him a sly grin. "Isn't Rebecca Foursier interesting to you?"

Alen, realizing Laurent was right, agreed. 

"Fine, but you owe me for this," he said, getting up and heading toward Rebecca. 

Alen was undeniably attractive; even as just a manager, he effortlessly drew attention. He had the charm to turn heads—even those of celebrities—if he wanted to. But work kept him busy, leaving little room for casual flings. Whenever someone flirted with Laurent, they often ended up turning their interest toward Alen, assuming Laurent was out of reach. What they didn't know was that Alen, too, was picky about his ideal woman, a fact Laurent understood well. It was no surprise to him that Alen could confidently approach a woman of any status.

'That reminds me of when he dumped his last fling just because she was acting a little too... cute,' Laurent chuckled, a hint of disbelief in his voice.

Alen made his way over to Rebecca and, with his usual ease, quickly drew her into conversation, leaving Serena standing by herself. Laurent smirked at Serena, who glared at him, clearly blaming him for Alen swooping in and stealing her companion. She huffed and turned back to her drink, feeling a pang of abandonment. Meanwhile, Iso was nowhere to be seen—likely dealing with the consequences of too much alcohol.

Serena asked for another drink at the counter. Laurent secretly watched her from the side of his eye. He could see Serena minding her own business and drinking alone, yet she still managed to look relevant with all these people having their own circles. He watched her as she turned around and leaned back against the counter, watching the people around her while drinking from her glass.

Laurent studied Serena. She was wearing black pants, a black turtleneck, a black leather coat, and Louboutin heels. Of course, Laurent knew they were Louboutin heels; his mother loved those heels.

'She can dress up really well,' he mused, nodding in agreement with his own thoughts.

He hadn't noticed her outfit earlier at the parking lot and inside the car, he was too busy teasing her. Now, with the dim lights of the venue highlighting her silhouette, he couldn't help but admire how effortlessly she commanded attention.