Stalker
1272 Words
LORRAINE'S POV
"Why did he make it look like you're his girlfriend?" Jessica asks despite the presence of a waiter at the table.
She called me early to ask if we could have breakfast together in this vintage hotel after seeing actor Ryder Sterling's viral post.
"A Beauty with big brains," was the actor's tag on the picture he posted.
It doesn't say that I am his girlfriend, neither does it say that I am not, a thing that bothers many.
"I am sure he didn't expect people assume that I am his girlfriend from that simple statement," I point and Jessica scoffs.
"He has his mascular hand draped tightly around your shoulders and his smile hints of genuine admiration," she argues.
I know it's useless to argue with her when it's her celebrity crash we are speaking about. She assumes she knows everything about him, his desires, his intentions, his upcoming movies.
"Anyway I wanted to ask if you could properly introduce me to him in a manner that he will like me instead," she confesses. "You said you will never want a s****l relationship."
"You want a s****l relationship with Ryder Sterling?" I question because I know it's a risk she shouldn't take, especially when she has to throw herself at him.
"I am obsessed, Sarah. I have fantasies of him every night. Why would anyone not want all kinds of relationships with Ryder Sterling?" she answers.
"Okay. I will do my best to make you acquaintances," I promise. "But you must understand that I am not the actor's close friend either."
"Thanks dear," she says.
I nod and we focus on finishing our expensive breakfast. We figure out that our usual restaurant will not be a suitable place for me when my face is plastered all over the Internet. It only took a few hours for Ryder Sterling's post to be featured on countless gossip articles and with massive speculation. I am no longer the new talented designer with an anonymous face.
I imagine strangers would be asking me a lot of questions if I had chosen to eat in an ordinary restaurant.
Our waiter returns with joyous smile even before we are done with the food.
"You must be having a really good day, my lady. Billionaire Lucas Ravenwood just paid for your meal and gave me a generous tip for serving you," he informs, pointing at a group of three men in sleek tuxedos and gold watches seated around a secluded table at the far head of the opulent room.
I frown at the sight of my ex-husband's gorgeous face. He is in the company of his plumb assistant and the head of LuxeVision modelling agency.
It must be a terrible coincidence that the first time I decided to eat in an elite hotel it also happens to be the same place that my ex-husband is meeting his business friend.
"It's really him! It's Billionaire Lucas Ravenwood!" Jessica exclaims in pure bliss. "Tell me, why is he paying for my breakfast?" she asks the waiter who then glances between both us with confusion.
"I believe that it was . . . her meal that he paid for," the waiter starts to point at me but Jessica has her attention fixed on my ex-husband and his group. He rises from his seat and makes his way towards our table.
"I will personally pay for my meal," I tell the waiter.
My friend's face wrinkles with annoyance. "Quit being the toxic girl that drives everyone away, Sarah. If Mr. Ravenwood paid for both of our meals it's definitely because it was inappropriate to pay for mine alone," she says.
Of course I never told her about my past life. I never told her that I was a compliant housewife of billionaire Lucas Ravenwood before starting my designing career. She thinks that I am just a toxic woman that hates relationships.
"She smiles sweetly as my ex-husband settles on the only other seat available and motions at the waiter to leave.
"Good morning dear. It's quite a surprise to find you here," he says while gazing at me.
"Hello sir. Thank you for taking care of my bill. My heart is touched by your kindness," Jessica expresses.
My ex-husband's attention remains fixed on me.
"I didn't know they let crazy people eat in here. I am considering taking a restraining order if you don't stop stalking me," I state.
Jessica appears horrified as she stares at me with disapproving eyes.
"We both know that such isn't a threat to me, Lorraine. They don't issue those orders against persons that only seek to help," my ex-husband confidently argues.
"I am not that i***t you're looking for. Stay the hell away or I will do more than warn you!" I retort.
He appears surprised by my reaction, probably because he feels certain that I am his subservient ex-wife and she never dared raise her voice at him.
Loraine never questioned his actions, she never argued with him. But I am no longer Lorraine. I am now the lady that will put a knife in his eye if that's what it will take to be rid of his stalking.
"You have every right to hate me and pretend that you're someone else. But actor Ryder Sterling is an awful choice," he speaks in a gentle tone.
I scoff, standing up from my seat to leave. "What this lady does with her life is none of your business," I state before motioning at my friend to leave with me.
She hesitates, seemingly lost in the billionaire's enchanting face. My ex-husband's attention finally shifts to her and she seems to melt under his gaze.
"Allow me to apologise on my best friend's behalf. She is clearly out of her senses," she says.
"And you are?" he questions in frigid tone.
"Miss Jessica Rooney, Stellar Style's chief designer," she quickly answers. "You can call me Jessi if you like," she offers.
I turn and walk away, feeling the pain of my friend's betrayal tearing at my heart.
Of course she is unaware of who billionaire Lucas Ravenwood truly is. She believes in the false image that he pays the media to maintain while being a lying narcissistic in real life. I expected her to take my side nevertheless. She is my best friend.
I glance back at the table to see my ex-husband hand her his card. She excitedly nods at something he says before leaving the table and making a rush to catch up with me.
"Why the hell did he call you Lorraine? Is he mistaking you for someone else?" she asks as soon as she catches up.
"Yes, he is a mad creep that you shouldn't associate with," I answer.
"He sounded sweet. And he probably is the richest man alive. I don't see how he could be insane," she responds.
I shrug my shoulders. It's impossible to convince her that the incredibly handsome billionaire Lucas Ravenwood is a jerk without confessing that I was once his housewife. And that's a thing that I am too ashamed of to ever admit.
"He gave me his card, told me to reach out to him for an exclusive deal," my friend informs and I feel my stomach churn.
"What is he offering you?" I ask.
"I don't know, yet. But it's bound to be great," she answers. "You should be happy for me."
"I am," I lie.
It doesn't really concern me if he thinks she is qualified to design for his brand. If she does well he may quit chasing me for my talent.
- Writer
