The sun hadn't even risen past eight-thirty when I stepped out of the luxury ride Damian Hades oh-so-kindly provided unto the wet concrete.
My purse in hand, I looked up at the grand glass tower I was standing before.
"H-Enterprise…" I muttered before a suited man approached me and led me in.
As I observed the numerous individuals walking to and fro in the building, going about their day, I couldn't help but ask myself, 'With the backbreaking workload of running a business of this scale, how does he still have time to act in movies? And why would he even want to? He's already a billionaire…'
Shortly, the elevator doors closed in front of me, my reflection staring back.
I had on a head scarf, a simple floral dress, and sunglasses to cover my puffy eyes. But I couldn't do heels today.
Arriving at the top floor, the secretary smiled at me and greeted me, then said, "Please, this way. Mr. Hades is expecting you."
I followed her and entered a wide office, with a corporate table perched at the floor-to-ceiling glass window revealing a view of the bustling city.
Damian Hades was faced away again, simply watching the view.
'He was doing this at dinner last night. Doesn't seem natural. It's almost as if he knows I've arrived and does it so he'll seem nonchalant. Heh, men.'
He turned at my arrival and smiled faintly, clad in a pitch-black suit.
"Welcome to H-Enterprises, Miss Flores."
"Call me Hera, instead," I said and hurriedly sat down in the visitor's chair. I was so tired.
I looked to the corner, and there was a sleek black couch that looked quite comfortable… what a sweet nap that would be.
Damian Hades was about to say something when his phone suddenly went off.
"Excuse me for a moment, please," he said politely and answered the phone, facing away.
I watched as he listened to the other person on the phone, but then he breathed out lightly and said, "You already know what to do."
"Yes, boss," was what I could hear from the phone before the call ended.
Damian Hades turned around and pushed a contract lying at the side towards me.
I knew it wasn't my business, but witnessing that call, I couldn't help but think, 'Okay, what the hell just happened? Is someone somewhere going to die?'
Whereas, he just stared at me with his fingers steepled. His dark eyes were scanning me slowly. The way he looked at me wasn't flirtatious or an attempt at charming me. It seemed more aloof and calculating.
I took the pen from the corner and didn't bother reading the contract again. I just signed.
Damian Hades nodded softly and said, "Your advance has already been sent to your account."
"What? I haven't seen anything--" was what I was saying before a bank notification on my phone popped up right then.
'How does he do that? It's annoying.'
Regardless, I rested my back on the chair and relaxed the tension in my shoulders.
"So what's next?"
"Today, you will act as an extra for a movie Guy Dionysus is currently working on," he said.
My eyes widened in shock, briefly dispelling the drowsiness in them. I couldn't believe my ears.
Guy Dionysus was a renowned director. His movies were always something to look out for, and his name was comparable to the likes of Wes Anderson, Christopher Nolan, and Quentin Tarantino.
"Babyyyy!" Someone behind suddenly screamed in excitement.
And the sound of heels clicking against the floor broke the silence, and I turned to see who it was.
A young woman like me with long black hair in a slim black dress had walked in, with the perfect dark red lips. She was the kind of gothic beauty that someone like Damian Hades would love. From head to toe, she was screaming luxury.
She ignored me and went straight to Damian Hades, leaned in to him, and kissed him.
Right there, in front of me!
"Morning, babe," she said, sitting on his lap, "wanted to surprise you."
For the first time, I saw Damian Hades crack a smile, not the fake polite smirk, a genuine smile.
"Can't you see I have a visitor?" he asked playfully.
The lady looked at me, almost coldly, and gestured with a hand swipe, "Oh, she doesn't mind. Do you, honey?"
I quickly shook my head. "N-Not at all."
Hades glanced at me and introduced, "Selene, this is Hera Flores. My new actress."
The lady, Selene, lifted her brows as her eyes flashed with recognition.
"Ah. You're the scandal girl," she said in an indifferent tone.
I froze, and my stomach twisted a little. "Haha, yeah."
Selene extended a perfectly manicured hand and said, "I'm so sorry, honey. I read the headlines. Since when did a girl just havin' fun have so many consequences? Tough world out there. How are you holding up?"
I flashed a smile. "I'm managing."
"Good girl," Selene said, smiling. "Damian may have a soft spot for the fallen heroes, but he doesn't need people who can't pick 'em selves up, you know?"
Damian Hades smiled. "Babe, stop pressuring her. I just managed to get her to sign the contract."
With this, I gave up inwardly. 'What on bloody earth did I walk into this early morning? Sigh, anyway, at least this is a nice relief. I thought he wanted me to be his chick.'
Selene rested a hand on his chest and whispered, "You know you said we'll go shopping today. I'll be in the car, darling. Don't keep me waiting."
"Wouldn't dream of it," he said as they kissed one last time before she stood up from his lap.
"Be a good girl now, Hera," she said, tapping my shoulder slightly before leaving.
I smiled, but imagined myself throwing a glass cup to the wall. 'Tsk. I know these tactics. She's marking her territory. Lady, I don't want your man!'
Damian Hades smiled sheepishly and scoffed, "Heh, sorry about that—"
"No, it's fine," I quickly said. Why did I respond so quickly? Now, I looked jealous.
He didn't even mind what I was saying, busying himself with picking up the telephone.
"Come in," he said to it, and his secretary entered.
"Sir?"
"Listen," he said to her and turned to me, "I'm stepping out for now. Felicity will take over from here. She'll take you to the set, bring you breakfast, and just keep you company."
"Oh, sure."
"Yes, sir."
We both said at the same time.
Damian Hades stood up and adjusted his Rolex wrist watch before adding, "And tomorrow, the driver will be waiting for you again. I want you to do some commercials too."
I simply nodded, and with that, he left.
Felicity's gaze lingered on his back, a bit melancholic.
'Wait, don't tell me…' I thought with a mix of amusement and sadness.
Almost like a sixth sense, I knew there was something deep hidden behind her eyes. She strongly believed Damian Hades would never look her way.
I let out a smile and voiced, "Hi, I'm Hera. Your hair's really pretty. Do you style it yourself?"
Felicity snapped out of it and smiled innocently, touching her hair a little, "Y-Yes, I do. Thanks…"