Behind The Spotlight Chapter 78
Lawrence found a remote place at the far end of the island where palm trees stretched around. He slammed his fists against his chest like a brokenhearted fool, desperate to feel something, anything, other than the pain eating him from the inside.
His heart was crushed under the weight of everything that happened earlier.
A grunt escaped his lips, followed by a shaky breath as he sank onto the beach sand. Tears fell from his eyes without warning, hot and fast.
He actually loved Ellie more than he ever thought possible. They had spent almost half a year working together every day, sharing scenes and laughter, acting in a romantic movie. It was impossible not to get attracted to her.
Especially during those moments when they acted together and their eyes met in every take, Lawrence found himself slowly falling for the actress behind the character.
"Now I know why so many couples end up together while filming romance movies. This whole genre is a curse... a trap that forces us to fall in love. We're basically acting like we're in love until it becomes real." Lawrence let out a pitiful laugh as he stared at the endless horizon.
Maybe Director Summerbelt also understood that truth deep inside. But he didn't warn them about the emotional confusion because he wanted the movie to feel authentic and raw.
Lawrence stood up and wiped his face with the back of his hand. It was fortunate that yesterday had been their last day filming on the island. There were no more scenes left for him. In fact, he had already booked a flight back to the United States, just in time to escape the emotional chaos. The flight was scheduled for tomorrow morning.
"I'm lucky I don't have any scenes after this. I don't want to see Ellie again, not now, not anytime soon."
He didn't know how he would react if he saw her again. He didn't even know what to say.
That entire day, Lawrence stayed inside his apartment with the curtains closed and the lights off. Even his personal assistant was puzzled by his behavior, wondering why Lawrence was sulking in his room in silence. The assistant thought he'd at least spend his last day in Bora Bora on the beach, soaking in the sun and waves.
...
...
...
Collin parked his car in the crowded airport parking lot, struggling a bit to find a space. He didn't know why parking fees were so expensive at the airport. Maybe that was just Los Angeles, where everything cost more than it should.
He stepped out of the car, adjusted his sunglasses, and received a message from an unknown number just as he locked the vehicle.
-- Hello, this is Jennifer Randon. I decided to change my number because I was getting harassed by a pathetic dipshit motherfucker who apparently doesn't understand the word 'no'. Please add this number to your contacts as this will be my contact number from now on.
"Really, Jennifer?" Collin muttered in disbelief.
Still unsure, Collin decided to call the number to confirm it was actually her.
"Hello, this is Jennifer Randon." Her voice came through clearly.
"Hey, it's me, Collin. Why did you change your phone number?" he asked while walking toward the terminal.
"So it's you, Collin. It's a long story, I'll tell you about it when we meet. Anyway, I have to go. My phone's blowing up, more people are calling. See you."
"..."
Collin was more confused than ever but decided not to overthink it for now.
He knew changing your number was a hassle, especially for someone with a lot of contacts. Not to mention the time it took to message everyone with the update.
"I should talk to her later about why she changed her number."
If this issue had anything to do with Jennifer's safety or mental health or even her career, Collin would make sure she was protected no matter what.
Inside the waiting area of the airport, he checked the arrival screens and confirmed Lawrence's flight was arriving on time, any minute now.
Instead of visiting his parents like he usually did, Lawrence had booked a ticket to Los Angeles. Maybe he had something to do in California... or maybe he just needed a friend nearby.
Collin waited by the railing, scanning the crowd until Lawrence and his personal assistant, Kennedy, appeared. They looked exhausted with luggage in tow.
Collin raised his arm and waved.
It didn't take long for them to spot him. Collin stood out. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and with a commanding posture. He was hard to miss. Even when he wasn't trying, he gave off a model-like presence that turned heads.
People around him stole glances, either with admiration or curiosity, but Collin didn't notice or care.
Lawrence looked relieved to see him. For the first time that day, a faint smile appeared on his face, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.
The two shared a brief hug.
"Are you okay? You don't look alright," Collin said casually. He assumed Lawrence was suffering from jet lag or just worn out from the trip.
"Well," Lawrence glanced at Kennedy before letting out a deep sigh. "It's a long story."
"Kennedy, you can head home now. Take your time and rest. Lawrence will contact you if he needs anything or if there's a schedule update."
Kennedy nodded, left the baggage, and gave a polite goodbye.
Lawrence and Collin carried the suitcases to the car in silence.
"So, what do you want to talk about? I can tell something's bothering you. Like I said last time, if there's a problem, let me know so I can help."
"That's why I'm here... to talk to you right away."
Lawrence explained what happened the day before, every painful detail, while Collin listened quietly without interrupting. By the time they reached Lawrence's apartment, the two decided to stay in the parked car, continuing the conversation there.
"I see... so you're worried a scandal might break out. You don't have to stress too much. If I'm right, Ellie won't say a word, not if she wants to protect her own image. A lot of people saw what happened at the party, and they can testify that you're innocent if things go south. It's not your fault, it's Ellie's. She cheated, and she made the first move. I'll contact her agent to make sure this doesn't get out of hand."
"Thank you, Collin." The actor said sincerely.
"And? That's not the whole story, is it? Why do you look like you've lost someone you loved?"
Collin recognized that expression immediately. He had worn it once, too.
Lawrence let out a bitter smile and leaned his head back on the seat. His eyes were dry now, he had cried all he could the day before, but his face still looked hollow.
"I love Ellie... I thought she felt something too. At least a little. But now I realize it was just a mistake to her."
"I've got a few tips for you. Simple, but important. Don't drink. Don't do drugs. No matter how tempting it is, don't let your emotions push you off the edge. That's how people spiral. If you must drink, don't do it alone."
"So it's okay to drink if someone's with me?" Lawrence asked, half-joking.
"It depends. Do you do dumb stuff when you're drunk?" Collin raised an eyebrow.
"Not that I know of."
"Then don't push your luck. Alcohol won't fix your heartbreak. It won't erase your memories, it'll just romanticize them. Find something else. Pick up a hobby. Do something physical. Wear yourself out."
Honestly, Collin didn't have a magic cure for heartbreak. In his own case, he just took it one day at a time until the pain dulled into something distant.
"...Should I call a psychiatrist?" Lawrence muttered, unsure of the answer and unsure of himself.
The two talked seriously, like brothers comforting each other. In the end, they decided to distract themselves with something light.
Collin had no choice but to play Immortal Combat with Lawrence and let him win most of the time, even though he didn't want to.
Apparently, Lawrence had bought a Ninetendo 64 as a gift to himself with his first paycheck.
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