The Lies We Tell Ourselves

Chapter 15

Serena's life had been a whirlwind lately, a flurry of interviews, magazine covers, red carpet fittings, and collaborations that had taken her to new heights of fame. Every day seemed like a new headline: "Serena and Laurent: New Duo Taking Hollywood by Storm" or "Serena Vale and Laurent Gray: Breaking Barriers On and Off the Screen"

Laurent was basking in the limelight as well, and their past projects together had reshaped what audiences expected from Hollywood icons. The media ate up their chemistry on screen, speculating endlessly on what might lie beneath it. 

It seemed like everyone had an opinion on their relationship—except for Serena and Laurent themselves, who had drifted apart, each too busy with their own projects to find a moment to truly reconnect.

The past week had been especially relentless for Serena. With the Oscars approaching, she was under intense scrutiny, her face on every magazine and her name in every headline. 

ONE MORNING, she was a guest on a live talk show where the host, ever the charming interrogator, turned the conversation to her Oscars preparations.

"Serena, the Oscars are just days away! This is huge. Tell us, how are you preparing?"

Serena flashed a well-practiced smile, concealing the fatigue that tugged at her. "It's been exciting, definitely. I've had my fair share of dress fittings, rehearsals, and all the behind-the-scenes prep. But mostly, I'm just trying to take it all in and enjoy it."

The host leaned forward with a smirk. "And, more importantly, who will be on your arm that night? Any special someone?"

The audience chuckled, and Serena kept her cool, maintaining her smile even as she felt the weight of the question. "No date, actually. It'll just be me and my dress."

The host wasn't satisfied with that answer and leaned in, eyes gleaming. "No date, huh? Not even a certain 'friend' named Laurent?" he teased, causing the crowd to react, buzzing with curiosity.

Serena's laughter was light but distant, the kind of laugh that kept people guessing. "Yes, no date. Laurent and I haven't been in touch for days, and we haven't talked about the Oscars before. I think he has his own plan for the event. So, meaning to say... I have no plan to come to the event with Laurent as my date. Laurent may have a date already so, that's that."

"Really? There's a rumor that Laurent will also be attending the Oscars alone. Maybe there will be a surprise?" the host still trying to dig in.

 Serena remained collected and calm, "Then Laurent must really have decided to go alone. And I'll be going solo also."

The host raised his eyebrows, clearly wanting more, but Serena was practiced in redirecting. She gave a graceful smile, signaling that was all she'd say on the matter. But then came the inevitable question about her past with Elias.

"Now, I have to ask, since we're on the topic of your dating life—fans remember the beautiful relationship you shared with Elias. You two were such a beloved couple. Have you two stayed in touch, or..."

She paused briefly, but her smile didn't falter. "Elias and I shared something really special, and I'll always be grateful for that. We're both in different places now, growing in our own ways, and I think that's natural."

 "So, no hard feelings between you two?"

She shook her head with a gentle laugh. "Not at all. Me and Elias chose to become friends. There's no bitterness, just a lot of respect and appreciation for what we had."