The Lies We Tell Ourselves

Chapter 23: Part I

The set of Meals for Stars was alive with the hum of excitement and anticipation, with cameras and production crew buzzing around, prepping for the star-studded lineup of guests. As the team finalized the set, the whole studio felt electric; everyone knew this episode would be unforgettable. After all, they were celebrating the recent Oscar wins of some of the industry's most talented actors—and the sensational announcement Laurent and Serena had made on the big night.

Backstage, Serena adjusted her jacket and checked her reflection, aware of the quiet tension lingering in the room. She knew Elias would be here, and Iso had asked—several times—if she was sure she wanted to accept the invitation to this particular show.

"You don't have to be here, you know?" Iso had reminded her earlier, his tone cautious. "Elias will be on, too."

Serena shrugged, meeting his gaze evenly. "I'm fine, Iso. Why would I turn down work just because he's there? It's a job. Personal things don't interfere with that."

Iso nodded, though he still looked wary. This was, after all, the first time she and Elias would be seen together in an official capacity since their days at Rising Studios, where they'd been careful to stay out of the spotlight as a couple before. They'd avoided interviews and any talk-show appearances back then, wary of the media frenzy their agency had wanted to avoid.

Iso sighed, glancing around the bustling set. "Alright. Just... don't feel pressured to do this because anyone else expects it, okay?"

Serena offered him a small smile. "I'm here because I want to be. Really."

He nodded, though he looked ready to ask one more question when his phone buzzed. 

BUZZ BUZZ !~

"I'll be back in a sec," he murmured, giving her a last, concerned look before stepping aside to take the call.

Meanwhile, across the set, Laurent sat in his chair, half-listening to Alen's lecture while casually scrolling through his phone. Alen's voice was tight with frustration, clearly annoyed about the whole "relationship" situation with Serena.

"If it weren't for the publicity and promotions, you'd be out of this arrangement in a heartbeat," Alen muttered, crossing his arms. "This 'fake relationship' stunt isn't exactly subtle, and you're already stirring up enough headlines as it is."

Laurent barely reacted, though his mind drifted to the memory of a few days ago—Serena's hand resting on his head, ruffling his hair in a way that had felt... unexpected. That moment had thrown him off, lingering more than he'd like to admit. He could almost feel the weight of her hand again, the way it'd surprised him, like a silent reassurance or an unexpected comfort.

"Laurent," Alen said, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Are you even listening?"

Laurent looked up, finally refocusing. "Relax, Alen. I know the drill," he replied.

Laurent leaned back, arms crossed, his gaze following Serena from a distance. He could see how her calm, steady presence drew people in, even backstage amidst the usual chaos of the show. Just then, a young, bright-eyed performer made her way to Serena: Ulaine Myles, the latest rising idol in the industry. 

Laurent watched with mild curiosity as the young idol approached, looking thrilled to be in Serena's presence.

"Serena! I can't believe it," Ulaine said, practically glowing with excitement. "I've been watching your films since... forever. You're practically my inspiration for everything I do!"

Serena smiled, a restrained but genuine warmth in her gaze. "Thank you, Ulaine. You're making a name for yourself too," she replied. "I've seen some of your performances—you bring something special to the stage."