Stages of The Heart- Ellie Morch

Chapter 9: The CEO Enters the Drama

Shawn Mellows was a man of ambition. At just 28, he had already achieved what most would spend a lifetime striving for. Rising to the position of CEO of Rise Artists Management, he had built a reputation for being sharp, calculated, and undeniably effective. His clients trusted him, and his team respected him. But beneath his composed exterior, Shawn harbored a secret—a subtle but undeniable fascination with Erica Young, one of the agency’s most promising actresses.

Erica had joined the agency two years ago, fresh-faced and bursting with potential. Her passion and raw talent were unlike anything Shawn had ever seen, and she had a natural charisma that drew people in. Watching her progress from a hopeful talent to a rising star, Shawn had admired her from afar, feeling a connection to her spirit and drive. Over time, his admiration had evolved into a quiet but genuine affection, though he kept it hidden behind the professionalism he was known for.

However, all of that was now at risk. As he scanned the headlines, his jaw clenched. The news had exploded overnight, and it was brutal: “Erica Young Caught in Scandal—Fans Outraged.” The media was painting a twisted picture, turning an incident in a club, where Erica had defended herself, into something dark and scandalous. She was portrayed as the aggressor, and the public was turning on her with frightening speed.

Shawn couldn’t ignore this. He couldn’t stand by while the person he cared about, even if secretly, was being torn apart. He knew he needed to step in, and more importantly, he needed to be there for her.

Minutes later, Shawn was seated in his office with Alison from HR and the head of PR, Jake. The air was thick with tension as they reviewed the media reports, the flood of negative comments, and the damage it could do to Erica’s career.

“What’s the best approach here?” Shawn asked, his voice low and steady.

Alison flipped through her notes. “The main issue is public perception. People are quick to judge, especially when it comes to a young woman standing up for herself. If she issues a statement, it might calm things down, but it could also look defensive.”

Jake leaned forward. “It might be worth considering a low-profile approach. We don’t have to feed the media frenzy. We could have Erica take some time away from the spotlight and let things blow over naturally.”

Shawn’s gaze hardened. “She shouldn’t have to disappear just to satisfy the public’s double standards. She deserves a chance to tell her side, but only if she’s comfortable with it. This has to be on her terms.”

Alison raised an eyebrow, a knowing look crossing her face. “You seem unusually invested in this, Shawn.”

He looked away, tightening his grip on the reports in front of him. “Erica is one of our brightest talents. It’s my job to look out for her.”

But he knew that wasn’t the full truth. She was more than a talent, more than a rising star on his roster. She was someone who had inspired him, someone he couldn’t help but care about.

That evening, after most of the team had left the office, Shawn paced his office, lost in thought. The urge to check on Erica was overwhelming, and finally, he gave in. Picking up his phone, he sent her a message.

Shawn: “Hi Erica, I wanted to check in. I know things are intense right now, but I want you to know that you’re not alone. I’m here if you need anything.”

A few minutes later, his phone buzzed, and he felt a sense of relief wash over him.

Erica: “Thank you, Shawn. This is all… a lot. I don’t even know where to start. I didn’t think something like this could get so out of hand.”

He took a breath before replying, choosing his words carefully.

Shawn: “Do you feel up for a quick talk? Sometimes it helps to step away from the chaos and see things from a different perspective. No pressure, of course.”

There was a pause, and then his phone lit up with her response.

Erica: “Actually, that would be nice. Can I come by your office?”

When Erica arrived, Shawn greeted her with a gentle smile, guiding her to the couch in his office. She looked tired, the strain of the past few days evident in her expression, but she held herself with her usual quiet strength.

“Thanks for meeting me,” she said, her voice soft.

“Of course,” he replied, settling down beside her. “I want you to know that whatever you’re feeling right now is valid. What you went through was difficult enough without all this extra attention.”

Erica nodded, looking down at her hands. “It’s just… frustrating. I tried to stand up for myself, and now I’m being painted as the villain. I didn’t think it would blow up like this.”

Shawn felt a surge of protectiveness rise within him. “You did nothing wrong. The world can be harsh, especially for someone in your position. But I want you to know that we’re all here to support you. We’ll handle this, together.”

She looked up at him, her eyes searching his face for reassurance. “It just feels like no matter what I do, I can’t win. The comments, the negativity… it’s getting to me more than I’d like to admit.”

Shawn’s expression softened, and for a moment, he allowed himself to be more open with her than he usually was. “Erica, the industry is full of people who think they have a right to judge. But I want you to remember that you’re not alone. You’re one of the strongest people I know, and you don’t have to face this by yourself.”

Erica held his gaze, her own vulnerability reflected in his eyes. “Thank you, Shawn. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t reached out.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken emotions filling the space between them. For Shawn, the urge to reach out, to offer her more than just professional support, was strong. But he knew he had to keep his feelings in check, to maintain the line between CEO and client.

But before he could retreat behind that wall again, Erica’s voice broke the silence.

“Shawn, can I ask you something?” she said, her tone tentative.

“Anything.”

“Why are you doing all of this for me?” she asked, her eyes locked onto his. “I mean, you’re always there for your clients, but this… this feels different.”

He hesitated, searching for the right words. “Because I care, Erica. More than I probably should. I’ve watched you grow as an actress, as a person, and I respect everything you stand for. And maybe… maybe that’s why it bothers me so much to see you going through this.”

Erica’s expression softened, a small smile touching her lips. “I think I needed to hear that.”

They continued talking late into the night, and for the first time, Shawn allowed himself to be more vulnerable with her. He shared stories of his own struggles in the industry, of the pressures and expectations that came with his position. Erica listened intently, her empathy and understanding evident as she took in every word. It felt easy, natural, as though they had known each other far longer than they had.

Finally, as the clock ticked past midnight, Shawn stood to walk her to the door.

“Thank you for tonight, Shawn,” Erica said quietly, looking up at him. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

He smiled, feeling a warmth he hadn’t experienced in a long time. “Anytime, Erica. Remember, you’re not alone in this.”

As she left, Shawn stood at the doorway, watching her walk down the hall, a new sense of resolve settling within him. He didn’t know where this path would lead, but one thing was certain—he was committed to standing by her side, both as her CEO and, perhaps, something more.