The Lies We Tell Ourselves

Chapter 18

Two days later, Laurent landed in Los Angeles. The city bustled with its usual energy, but his mind was singularly focused on the tasks ahead. His family's hotel in LA had a reserved suite waiting for him, and he headed straight there with Alen before his Oscars fitting.

At the YSL studio, Laurent was in for a final fitting for his red carpet-look. This time, he opted for a sharp, elegant suit from Saint Laurent's Men's Winter 2023 collection. Usually, he preferred custom pieces, but he'd been too preoccupied to arrange one this time. Mr. Vacialero, one of the most prominent designers at YSL, looked him over with a curious smile.

"Laurent, I'm surprised. Normally you go for custom designs for events like these," he remarked, inspecting the fit.

Laurent shrugged, a hint of weariness in his expression. "It's been a busy season. I barely have time to sleep, let alone plan a custom look."

Mr. Vacialero chuckled, understanding the demands of his schedule. "Well, if anyone can pull it off, it's you."

Alen had noticed a shift in Laurent's behavior for some time now. It was as if he was no longer the same person he'd known for years. First, there was the unexpected decision to join a night out with the film crew—a rare move for someone who typically hate big crowd. Then, he surprised everyone by agreeing to multiple international projects without hesitation, especially the one that will be held in Cuba next week. And then came the smoking habit. Laurent, who'd always hate smoke and the smell of cigarette, now seemed to be indulging in habits that went against everything he stood for.

As they returned to the hotel after the fitting, Alen couldn't shake the unease growing inside him. Laurent's choices felt erratic, uncharacteristic. And as they neared the suite, the sight of Vivien waiting by the door only intensified that feeling.

'What the hell is she doing here?' Alen thought to himself.

Laurent's expression shifted, his face hardening slightly as he gestured to Alen. "Head inside. I'll be in shortly."

Alen hesitated, glancing warily at Vivien. He could see trouble brewing, and every instinct told him to intervene, to pull Laurent away before Vivien stirred up more drama. But he knew Laurent's stubbornness. The last thing Laurent would want was someone meddling in his affairs.

Reluctantly, Alen nodded, giving Laurent a final, cautionary glance before entering the suite, leaving him alone with Vivien. The door clicked shut, and Laurent approached her, his steps cautious, his gaze guarded.

He took in her relaxed stance, that too-familiar smirk on her lips as though she held some unspoken power over him.

A passerby appeared in the hallway, and without thinking, Laurent instinctively positioned himself between Vivien and the stranger's line of sight, blocking her from view. Vivien's lips curled into a smirk as she noticed his reflex.

"Some things never change, huh?" she said, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Still protective."

Laurent, unimpressed, shot her a glare. "Not here."

He grabbed her arm and led her to the parking lot, opening the door of his car and motioning for her to get in. She obliged without protest, though she wore a small, satisfied smile. Once they were both inside, he started the car, setting course for her hotel.

As they drove in silence, Vivien's eyes lingered on him, clearly savoring the moment. "You know," she began softly, "it's nice to see that you still care. All those years... you've always looked out for me, shielding me from any scandal or gossip." She sighed, her voice tinged with a hint of regret. "I took it for granted back then, I guess. I was so caught up in chasing fame... I couldn't see what I had."