Winning My Ex-Crush

Fenella’s POV

The ringing of the phone has now ceased. Only silence remains, weighing heavily on my chest. Alan sent me a short message. Just a few words, but it swiftly made my guilt surge.

“What did he say?” Laird asked softly.Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

“He wants me to pick up the phone,” I answered honestly, showing Alan’s message to Laird.

Laird glanced at the message briefly. “Just answer it; it seems like it’s work-related,” he muttered under his breath.

I knew, despite Laird acting nonchalant, that his subdued tone was enough to make me realize he was annoyed and had been since earlier.

Oh, come on. I just finished making up with him!

I wanted to curse Alan, but it seemed my boss insisted I hear what he wanted to say over the phone. Finally, when Alan called me back, I answered.

“Yes, Alan,” I replied quickly.

“Where are you?” he asked, with a noisy background.

“I just finished dinner in the Juarez area.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to miss Jemima’s after party,” he scoffed.

“I thought it wasn’t mandatory,” I concluded.

“Of course it is mandatory. It’s part of Jemima’s events, and she’s waiting for you to come. Even Mallory West is waiting for you.” His voice was firm and commanding.

“Really? Hello, Mallory West, the famous pop diva? Why is she waiting for me?” My heart suddenly raced with excitement.

“Yes. She’s curious about you. Who wouldn’t be? Jemima keeps praising you. So, come now; Juarez isn’t too far from the club.”

I glanced at Laird’s face and saw a look of annoyance. He sipped his whisky and chewed on an ice cube for a while. Ugh, what should I do? I don’t want to interrupt our date tonight for work, but this is about Jemima Hors and Mallory West!

“Uh, I don’t know, Alan. I already have plans of my own tonight.” I bit my lip.

“Hey, Fenella, darling. Listen to me. You can go on dates any time after this event is over; there are plenty of opportunities. But your chance to meet and talk directly with Mallory West is once in a lifetime.”

“I know, but-”

“No more ‘buts’, Fenella. Mallory wants to find a new friend, and she’s also offering a music video project for her next album. I think you’re perfect for it.” Alan continued to persuade me, but I remained silent.

“I…” My heart pounded, and I never expected to get such a big opportunity just when I had to calm Laird.

“Here’s the thing, Fenella. You said on the plane yesterday that I had a special ticket to pay off your guilt, right? I’ll use it tonight.” Alan’s words felt like a cold shower over my head.

“Are you really going to use my guilt card tonight?” I asked, almost disbelievingly.

“Yes, darling. I need you to come to the after party right now and charm Mallory into becoming your best friend starting tonight.”

Alan sounded desperate and panicked, but I really didn’t expect him to use the ticket I offered yesterday. Ugh, I regret promising him that. Now, I feel like I have to comply with Alan, even if it means making Laird angry again for the umpteenth time.

“I’ll let you know,” I stammered.

I hung up the phone and took a deep breath. My eyes were fixed on the phone screen, showing Alan’s urgent messages.

Yes, I understand what Alan wants. Mallory West is an international diva; she doesn’t wait for anyone because people beg her to pass on a bit of fame and work with them. That applies to me too, and Mallory won’t wait for me any longer than tonight.

“Uh…, Laird,” I called softly and swallowed.

“So you’re going to follow Alan?” he asked.

“I really don’t want to mess up our date. Tonight is still young, and there are still many places I want to visit with you that can only be done at night.”

I dragged on the conversation, trying to find justification for the decision I was about to make. My voice started to fade, and suddenly Laird snorted in annoyance.

“Stop your nonsense,” he said bluntly.

“I said from the beginning that our schedules wouldn’t match. For me to chase after you tonight is futile. I would only hinder your work,” Laird muttered lowly and stood up.

“Forgive me, Laird. I thought it was just another afterparty, but Mallory West is waiting for me.” I hurriedly got up and explained as much as I could.

“Mallory West? Wow, yeah, I forgot you’re a celebrity now. Silly me,” he gritted his teeth.

“Laird, forgive me for ruining our night. Please, however, I still want you to accompany me. I need you,” I pleaded.

“No, Fenella. What you need is Alan. He can give you many things that I can’t.” After saying that, Laird walked away to the cashier and paid all our bills.

***

I entered the club where the afterparty was being held. I was not alone; I came with Laird, who was still reluctant to hold my hand. He seemed to distance himself from me and refused even to put his hand on my waist as a sign of possession.

The atmosphere between us felt grim and heavy. Though I really wanted to cry in this situation, I strengthened myself and stepped into the club area. The bouncer crossed my name off the guest list, and I went straight in.

At the door, the paparazzi photographed me freely. Laird, as usual, distanced himself from me as if we were strangers. At least the red cocktail dress by Jemima saved me instead of my usual casual turtleneck. I widened a thin smile in front of the camera and hurriedly entered the club.

At least Laird still agreed to accompany me to the afterparty, even though he still refused to talk or even look at me.

“Hey, Alan,” I said, greeting Alan, who stood behind one of the high tables.

“Hey, Fenella! Finally! Thank goodness you still have the sanity to come here,” Alan breathed out with exaggerated relief.

“Hi, Laird. Are you accompanying her?” Alan turned to Laird and displayed a fake smile that was clearly visible with pursed lips.

“No, I’m kidnapping her,” Laird replied curtly.

“Well, that won’t happen under my watch.” Alan grinned.

“Whatever,” Laird concluded.

“This will only take a little time,” I reassured Laird once again, also convincing myself.

“Yes. Come on, Mallory has been curious about you since the runway show.” Alan directed me to follow him.

Several times, I turned to Laird to ask for his understanding. The man sneered, but he nodded, trying to encourage me. The man then turned to the bar, while I followed Alan’s steps into the VIP area.

“Hola! Look who’s finally here!”

“Oh God! You really brought her!”

Mallory West, wearing a twinkling Oscar tank top and her hair tied high in a ponytail, rose from her seat and shrieked when she saw us.

Was I mistaken? Shouldn’t I feel starstruck and scream out loud? It was the opposite; Mallory stretched out her arms and hugged me. I laughed wide, with a blush on my cheeks, and returned her hug.

Oh my, the pop diva really waited for my arrival! What dream did I have last night?