Chapter 9
Chapter 9
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Tiana found herself sandwiched between Enoch’s solid chest and the counter, his deep, captivating eyes drawing her in. His features were cut like a masterpiece, and a teasing smirk played on his lips. In a voice as smooth as velvet, he murmured. “Babe, call me hubby.”
to breathe. Her
The heady scent of him, all masculine and intense, wrapped around her, and for a moment, Tiana struggled mind raced as she widened her eyes, trying to muster a glare. “Not a chance!” she retorted. ‘He took advantage of me and wanted me to play along? No way.
Enoch’s hand encircled her waist, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered. “Your grandma’s watching.”
Tiana glanced toward the doorway, catching Vivienne spying on them. With their sudden marriage, her grandma probably on the lookout for any odd behavior. She needed to keep up appearances.
Was
Balancing her hands on his chest, she cooed sweetly, “Hubby…”
Enoch’s gaze turned darker, his Adam’s apple bobbing as a shiver ran through him. He watched her, alluring as an enchanting siren and gave her waist a gentle squeeze, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “Good girl. Go spend time with your grandma; dinner will be ready soon.”
Tiana felt the tension in his grip, the veins in his arms straining–like he was holding back. They were so close she could sense the change in his energy. He was already getting worked up
Her lashes fluttered nervously, her breathing quickened. Feeling flustered and embarrassed, she pushed him away rushed out of the kitchen.
and
Vivienne caught a glimpse of Tiana and Enoch playfully exchanging glances, and a contented smile spread across her face. It appeared her concerns were unfounded, Tiana’s marriage wasn’t just a ploy to appease
her.
After their little exchange, Tiana went to check on her grandma, making sure she was doing alright, and they had a nice chat.
That evening, Tiana’s phone rang. It was her manager, Elodie Ivy. “Hey, Little Trouble, why aren’t you at Luminous Heights? Hiding out, crying your eyes out?”
Tiana gave an eye–roll to her phone, a mix of irritation and amusement flickering across her face. “Elodie, do I seem that much of a crybaby to you?”
Elodie replied, “You’re not, but with Simon, you’re a different story. He didn’t show at your engagement party, did that get to you? Come over to the bar. I can swing by with some drinks.”
Tiana hesitated at Elodie’s words. Truth be told, she was a tough cookie, but Simon had a way of getting to her. Whenever they clashed, she’d feel down and out.
Lately, though–he’d missed her engagement party, making her the butt of jokes among the high society. They’d had a major falling out. She should have been devastated, but oddly, she wasn’t. It seemed her emotions were now swayed by Enoch.
Tiana mused, “Could Enoch’s recent playful teasing be an attempt to keep me from feeling blue? Nah, he couldn’t be that thoughtful.
Elodie continued, “Just stay off social media for now. Simon’s not worth your tears. Why not focus on your career? Even outside of showbiz, with your medical skills, you could make a name for yourself!”
Tiana bit her lip, inquiring. “Is there more bad press about me?”
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Chapter 5
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At just twenty–one, Tiana was a stunner, a natural beauty. Despite being new to the entertainment scene, she’d caught the eye of a top male celeb, who visited her at midnight. Naturally, the paparazzi had been snapping away. For six months, she’d been the target of relentless online attacks from that star’s fan base.
Many people saw beauty as a cardinal sin. Tiana seduced no one. She’d clarified countless times, but every time she made the news, it was always negative.
Elodie sighed. “Did Jocelyn come to see you last night? I heard she even knelt. Someone filmed that moment and put it online now everyone’s tearing on apart.”
Tiana’s fingers flew across her phone as she opened Twitter. Her feed was filled with accusations:
[Wait, did Tiana really make Jocelyn kneel?]
[Seems like Tiana’s not just a troublemaker; she’s pure evil!]
[Feeling sad for Josie, that’s rough.]
[Tiana’s poison in the industry. Let’s get her out of the limelight!]
[Totally agree. Time to gang up on Tiana.]
When that A–lister had shown up at her place late at night, his fans had jumped to conclusions, dubbing her “Tiana the
Plotter.
A cold smirk crossed Tiana’s face. Not only had Jocelyn taken Simon from her, but now she was trying to shred her reputation to pieces.
Without a second thought, Tiana fired off a tweet. Tiana_schneider: [What a loser you are. @Jocelyn_johnson]
“She tagged Jocelyn and attached an audio file–a recording of Jocelyn instructing a reporter to tail her.
“I’m heading to the bar to apologize to Tiana. I’ll make a show of kneeling, and you better capture it,” Jocelyn’s voice was clear as day.”
The reporter’s voice cut in, “What’s your beef with Tiana that you’re pulling this stunt?”
“Just do your job, no extra questions,” Jocelyn snapped back.
The audio was a bombshell. Elodie’s jaw almost hit the floor when she saw Tiana’s tweet. “How on earth did you get that recording of Jocelyn and the reporter?” she asked, astonished.
Tiana gave a nonchalant shrug, a small smile playing on her lips. “The reporter Jocelyn hired is an old friend. I once saved his mom’s life, that’s all
“You’ve really outdone yourself this time. Saved me from a PR nightmare, but there’s something else… Elodie paused. Tiana quirked an eyebrow, irritation seeping in. “Since when did you get all mysterious? Lay it on me.”
“You agreed to the second season of “The Sweetest Match‘ with Tristan Wilder last month. Ring any bells?” Elodie asked.
Without Elodie’s jog. Tiana would’ve blanked on it completely. The director, Tristan Wilder, had shot to fame after his first season of “The Sweetest Match,” launching unknowns into stardom.
With her packed agenda and rare catch–ups with Simon, when Tristan pitched the second season, she’d envisioned doing it with Simon by her side.
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Before taking the reins at his family’s business, Simon had been the youngest to snag the top three film awards. Even after howing out of the spotlight to run his media firm, he maintained a huge following and a hefty pull in the entertainment
It had taken serious convincing to get him on board for the show. Who’d have thought a month later we’d be at each other’s throats? Tiana thought.
“Elodie, just tell Tristan I’m out,” Tiana said,
“Sweetie, if you bail, you’re looking at a breach of contract fee of 15 hundred thousand. Got that lying around?” Elodie questioned
A shiver ran down Tiana’s spine, and she slumped, deflating like a week–old balloon. “Not a chance, I’m pretty tapped out.” She’d considered a quick medical gig, but pocketing 15 hundred thousand wasn’t happening anytime soon.
“If you’re broke, you better show up. If Simon’s off the table, just pick another partner. You don’t have to win, just show your face. Elodie advised.
Tiana raked her fingers through her hair, a growl of frustration escaping her. If she was going, she needed to touch base with her bodyguard husband first.
Jocelyn was chilling in the hospital, her phone slipping from her fingers. A video of her bowing down to Tiana was going viral–right at the top of Twitter. Tiana was getting slammed, big time, while Jocelyn’s feed was flooded with love and support.
Jocelyn posted a frustrated emoji before tossing her phone aside. She smirked to herself, thinking. Tiana, just you wait. Your reputation’s in tatters, and the Fletchers won’t want you in their family. Maybe this is my big break
A soft smile touched her lips as she thought of Simon, but it vanished as she recalled another man–Enoch. His rugged good looks and that icy charisma were hard to ignore, but he was just a bodyguard. No way could he compete with Simon.
Jocelyn, you won’t believe this!” Elara, her assistant, burst in, out of breath.
Jocelyn raised an eyebrow. “What now?”
“Tiana replied to your tweet!”
Jocelyn waved it off. No way Tiana’s response would make waves. But then Elara played an audio clip Tiana had posted. Jocelyn’s face went from bored to blown away. “That reporter recorded us and gave it to Tiana?”
She knew the Schneiders weren’t Tiana’s biggest fans, so no help from them. But she couldn’t understand why would a seasoned reporter throw her under the bus like that.
Her face scrunched in fury as she saw the Twitterverse flip. Comments were flying
[This is a wild turn!]
(Where are the Tiana bashers now?
Jocelyn’s the fake saint.]
Time to apologiz
[Feels like Tiana and the reporter are in cahoots to take Jocelyn down!j
[The person above is clueless.]
16:25 Fri, 14 Feb MO
Chapter 9
Before taking the reins at his family’s business, Simon had been the youngest to snag the top three film awards. Even after bowing out of the spotlight to run his media firm, he maintained a huge following and a hefty pull in the entertainment
koene.
It had taken serious convincing to get him on board for the show. Who’d have thought a month later we’d be at each other’s throats? Tiana thought.
“Elodie, just tell Tristan I’m out,” Tiana said.
“Sweetie, if you bail, you’re looking at a breach of contract fee of 15 hundred thousand. Got that lying around?” Elodie questioned.
A shiver ran down Tiana’s spine, and she slumped, deflating like a week–old balloon. “Not a chance, I’m pretty tapped out.” She’d considered a quick medical gig, but pocketing 15 hundred thousand wasn’t happening anytime soon.
“If you’re broke, you better show up. If Simon’s off the table, just pick another partner. You don’t have to win, just show your face, Elodie advised.
Tiana raked her fingers through her hair, a growl of frustration escaping her. If she was going, she needed to touch base with her bodyguard husband first.
Jocelyn was chilling in the hospital, her phone slipping from her fingers. A video of her bowing down to Tiana was going viral–right at the top of Twitter. Tiana was getting slammed, big time, while Jocelyn’s feed was flooded with love and support.
Jocelyn posted a frustrated emoji before tossing her phone aside. She smirked to herself, thinking, Tiana, just you reputation’s in tatters, and the Fletchers won’t want you in their family. Maybe this is my big break!
wait. Your
A soft smile touched her lips as she thought of Simon, but it vanished as she recalled another man–Enoch. His rugged good looks and that icy charisma were hard to ignore, but he was just a bodyguard. No way could he compete with Simon
Jocelyn, you won’t believe this!” Elara, her assistant, burst in, out of breath.
Jocelyn raised an eyebrow. “What now?”
“Tiana replied to your tweet!”
Jocelyn waved it off. No way Tiana’s response would make waves. But then Elara played an audio clip Tiana had posted. Jocelyn’s face went from bored to blown away. “That reporter recorded us and gave it to Tiana?”
She knew the Schneiders weren’t Tiana’s biggest fans, so no help from them. But she couldn’t understand why would a seasoned reporter throw her under the bus like that.
Her face scrunched in fury as she saw the Twitterverse flip. Comments were flying:
[This is a wild turn!]
[Where are the Tiana bashers now? Time to apologize!]
Jocelyn’s the fake saint.]
[Feels like Tiana and the reporter are in cahoots to take Jocelyn down!]
The person above is clueless.]
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Chapter 9
הדל
[Whether Tiana made Jocelyn kneel or not is not the point; she was hitting on my idol in the dead of night!]
Jocelyn was fuming, her phone meeting the floor with a crash. This was not how it was supposed to go down. Simon strode into Jocelyn’s hospital room, his face clouded with concern. “Jocelyn, was that whole kneeling thing last night on purpose?”
I was
At the sight of Simon, tears welled up in Jocelyn’s eyes. “Simon, I’m so sorry!” she blurted, her voice shaky. I was just…. envious of Tiana. She’s got it all–wealth, a great guy like you. I’ve got a bodyguard for a fiancé who barely notices me. I’m terrified of losing you. I’ve had a crush on you for ages, ever since I saved you back in the day. But I’m just a regular girl, and I don’t think I’m your type.
Simon’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’ve got feelings for me?”
She nodded, her cheeks flushing. “Ever since we were kids, I’ve had a thing for you. But I’m scared I’m not enough for someone like you.”
I
A hint of pride flashed in Simon’s eyes. He was used to women falling for him; his charm was hard to resist. He let out a sigh, his tone gentler, Jocelyn, I see you as my hero, not my love interest. I’m into Tiana, and I messed up with the engagement. need to make things right with her, so let’s not make this more complicated, okay?”
Jocelyn reached for Simon’s arm, her head shaking slightly. “I promise, at the premiere of The Sweetest Match, I’ll apologize to Tiana. I’ll even help you two get back together if I can. But could you help me with the backlash online?”
Simon gave a firm nod. “Of course.”
As a Starlight Entertainment artist, Jocelyn’s tarnished image could hurt the company’s reputation too.
about another Wasting no time, Simon got his team on it. They scrubbed the web of the hate comments aimed at Jocelyn and brought in a crew of online influencers to spin a positive narrative. He also buried her bad press by pushing a juicy story company artist’s secret marriage and baby to the top of the headlines.
Tiana’s heart ached as she observed Starlight Entertainment’s swift response. When the heat was on her, Simon had been nowhere to be seen. But the moment Jocelyn faced backlash, he was all over it. It was a stark reminder of how little she meant to him.
Wiping away a tear, she steeled herself. No more moping over someone who didn’t deserve her tears. Echoing Enoch’s words, she resolved he wasn’t worth it.
A sudden realization struck her–she was about to dive into a dating reality show. The idea stirred a mix of excitement and nerves. She pondered, ‘Should I tell my bodyguard fiance? Maybe I’ll just give him a heads–up. It’s not like his approval matters; I’m not backing out for any reason.”
With a determined step. Tiana headed to the guest room where Enoch was. She rapped lightly on the door, and it creaked
open.
Enoch, fresh from the shower, answered the door, his T–shirt hanging half–off, revealing a physique that was hard not to stare at. His abs were a masterpiece, and the sight of them sent a shiver down Tiana’s spine.
Her gaze lingered a little too long. She swallowed hard, the temptation to touch the rippling muscles almost too much to
resist.
16:25 Fri, 14 Feb 05
Chapter 10
