Talk Of The Town ✔️

17

During lunch break, Anya sat at the same table as Noah. Crossing her arms, she stared at the grey skies covering the city instead of eating. Her appetite has pretty much died since yesterday. Concern roamed her mind.

Out of the blue, she asked, "How was Manchester?"

Eyebrows furrowing, he put his fork down and replied, "I didn't inform anyone about Manchester."

Anya's face grew ashen. Love Venom is keeping a very close eye on Noah.

Recollecting herself, she confessed, "One of your fans posted a picture of you walking on Instagram, location included. It popped on my home feed."

"Oh, is the algorithm exposing you as a stalker?" He teased, chuckling.

"Maybe, what will you do about it?"

"Nothing, you are my well-wisher. I appreciate it."

A wave of pain rippled across her heart. Noah risked his life for her. Ruining her reputation to protect him will ensure his disappointment in her.

"Are you not hungry or avoiding crumbs on the suit?"

"I've had a heavy breakfast," she replied, sipping on the juice and leaving her sandwich untouched.

When they returned to the set, the videographer instructed her to tilt her neck while holding the perfume bottle. Noah did the same, except he wore no shirt beneath the black blazer.

Stepping onto the bright white platform, Anya performed as told.

"Hold still and look to your left," he ordered, bringing the camera close to her body and walking backwards.

Anya held her breath, blinking slowly. The bottle began slipping from her clammy hand.

"SPRAY," the videographer shouted at the wrong moment, and the glass bottle shattered into tiny pieces.

"What the hell," the owner barked as she strode toward her. "What did you do?"

"I'm very sorry. It slipped from my hand."

"You're sorry. First, I had to reschedule because of your sickness. Then, you showed up late today. Now, you broke a limited-edition perfume. Are you professional, Miss Anya Sheriff, or are you a beauty with no brain?"

Anya gawked at her. Her face reddened as she became the centre of attention. A wave of acid rose in her belly, churning the little food she had eaten.

"Answer me. I don't have all day to waste with you."

Her voice croaked on the verge of tears. "It was an accident."

"Why do I get the impression that I'm wasting my time and money on you? I could have selected someone who has years of experience instead of days. My team assured you and Noah make a good duo. The public loves you together. But you are not serious about this. Your fifteen minutes of fame has gotten over your head, right?"

Her lips trembled as she looked away, wiping the corner of her eye.

"That's enough," Noah shouted, joining her side.

"Have you paid attention to what-"

"You're intending to fire her, don't you? Well, guess what? If she walks out, I walk out, too. She may not have the power to damage a business like yours, but I do. So, don't tempt me."