A Dirty Scandalous

✨Chapter Three

It's not the situation that bothers me, it's my own powerlessness to comprehend it.

***

As the sunlight streamed through the open window, Vanesa's skin glowed with a radiant, porcelain-like quality. Her complexion was smooth and unblemished, a testament to her meticulous skincare routine. The dark-haired beauty's features were perfectly proportioned, with plump, pink lips and a delicate, button nose. Her rich, brown eyes sparkled with warmth, making her look stunning even without a hint of makeup.

As she turned away from the breathtaking view of the Italian cityscape outside her luxurious apartment, her slender figure was silhouetted against the light. Clad in a thin, diaphanous garment, her curves were accentuated, showcasing the toned physique that she worked hard to maintain. A framed photo of herself on the nearby dresser, posing seductively in a red dress, served as a reminder of her dedication to fitness and her appreciation for her own beauty. Whether driven by the demands of her profession or her own personal vanity, Vanesa was undoubtedly a woman who took great care to cultivate her physical appearance.

The sound of running water echoed from the bathroom, and Vanesa knew that Nolan was inside. She decided to sit on the bed and picked up her phone from the bedside table. Her slender fingers touched the screen, navigating to the Instagram app, where she was bombarded with a multitude of notifications. Her eyes widened in shock as she scrolled through the comments, her face growing pale as she stumbled upon a breaking news article from a reputable media outlet.

Nolan emerged from the bathroom, wrapping a towel around his waist, and approached Vanesa with a concerned expression. "Hey, what's wrong, sweetheart?" he asked, noticing the look of distress on her face.

Vanesa turned to Nolan, who was gazing at her with a puzzled expression. Normally, the sight of his chiseled physique would have left her weak in the knees, but she was too consumed by panic to notice. Her hands were shaking, and Nolan's keen eyes caught the tremor instantly.

"Is something wrong?" Nolan asked, grabbing a shirt from the closet - he kept some of his clothes in Vanesa's wardrobe.

"I need to take a shower," Vanesa said, quickly getting up and putting her phone down.

"Can I record it?" Nolan asked, having just put on his shirt.

"No," Vanesa replied, hurrying towards the bathroom.

"Or can I join you?" Nolan asked again, a hint of playfulness in his voice. "I don't mind taking another shower."

Vanesa didn't respond.

"I should have waited to take a shower," Nolan said, shaking his head as he put on his pants.

He then began searching for his phone, trying to remember where he had left it. When he spotted Vanesa's phone, he quickly picked it up to call his own phone and locate it. However, as he opened Vanesa's phone, he was met with a news article that seemed to be the last thing she had read before heading to the bathroom.

The headline read: "Explicit Video of Actress Vanesa Fransisca Spreads Online"

Nolan's eyes widened in disbelief. He had never recorded their intimate moments, as Vanesa had always forbidden him from doing so. The thought of a sex video of Vanesa circulating online made him feel a wave of panic. After finally finding his own phone, Nolan quickly searched for the source of the news and soon discovered it on an adult website.

The video was grainy and unclear, making it impossible to identify the female participant's face with certainty, although Nolan couldn't deny that it bore a resemblance to Vanesa. The male participant's face was also not visible. The recording device seemed to have been placed on a pillow, which was moving back and forth, causing the video to be shaky and unclear. However, Nolan managed to spot a clue - a tattoo on the man's arm, depicting two intertwined rings.

Nolan's eyes narrowed as he realized that he might know who the man in the video was. But if the video was genuine, Vanesa was in big trouble. The implications were alarming, and Nolan's mind was racing with questions and concerns. He felt a surge of anxiety and protectiveness towards Vanesa, and he knew he had to get to the bottom of this situation.

***

A woman in her mid-thirties stood by the window, lost in thought. Her curly blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing a face that exuded elegance and poise. Her features were those of a mature woman, with a subtle intensity that suggested she was grappling with something weighty. She was dressed in a formal yet fashionable outfit, consisting of a short skirt and a fitted light blue blouse that accentuated her curves, giving off a distinctly adult vibe.

"We need to dig up any news related to Vanesa, she's about to become the focal point of every media outlet," Milan said to someone behind her, her voice firm and resolute.

"I know this news also has a significant impact on you, Milan. I hope this huge scandal doesn't affect your professionalism," the woman behind Milan said, moving closer to stand beside her. "Generasi Magazine only publishes positive and uplifting news that benefits the younger generation. So, I disagree with mixing it with uneducational gossip."

Milan turned to face her, her eyes sharp and intense. "I don't care about that, Mona! We need to be at the forefront of the media, uncovering more information about this case."

Mona, with her short hair and youthful appearance, looked concerned about her boss's emotions. As Milan's direct subordinate and close friend, she was well aware of how Milan felt as a sister whose sibling had been hurt.

"I'll make sure Vanesa is hated by everyone in this country," Milan said, her voice filled with ambition and determination.

***

Vanesa now looked nervous, sitting and observing the people bustling around the filming location. There were lights, cameras, umbrellas, and various equipment scattered about.

"You're doing great, Nes. Don't worry too much about the mistake earlier," said a stout woman, handing Vanesa a drink.

Vanesa didn't respond, instead gazing at the woman who had been by her side for a long time in her acting career. To Vanesa, Della was more than just a manager - she was like a sister.

"I'm just nervous because Rendra is my co-star," Vanesa said, taking a sip of water from the glass in her hand.

"He's very handsome," Della whispered back, a hint of a smile on her face.

Vanesa let out a small laugh before falling silent again, lost in thought. She seemed weighed down by a multitude of concerns, her mind preoccupied with worries

***

The news on the internet only fueled Nolan's anger, and he clenched his fists to restrain his emotions. He had been avoiding the numerous questions people had been asking him, not wanting to discuss the video that seemed to prove Vanesa had slept with another man besides him.

"Do you want to eat something? I can order something," asked a curly-haired man sitting next to Nolan on a long sofa in the apartment.

Nolan didn't respond to Gerry's question, having remained silent since arriving at his friend's apartment. Gerry seemed to sense what was going on, and it was likely he had already heard the disturbing news.

"Are you sure it's Vanesa?" Gerry asked cautiously. "I've seen some comments from her fans saying it might not be her, just someone who looks similar. You should talk to Vanesa before jumping to conclusions."

"We're leaving at midnight," Nolan said, glancing at his watch.

"That's an hour from now," Gerry replied, looking at the wall clock above the TV. "Where are we going?" he asked Nolan.

"The club. I want to drink as much as I can," Nolan said, turning to Gerry.

Gerry took in Nolan's appearance, noticing the actor's red eyes and disheveled face. Nolan, who usually kept his hair neatly styled, now looked like he had just rolled out of bed. Gerry couldn't help but agree to his friend's suggestion, despite his concerns.

"Just drink, okay? I won't let you hook up with anyone tonight," Gerry said, showing genuine concern for Nolan's well-being.