26 Trapped
1002 Words
Paul noticed Cosette immediately. Peter had described her to him, but he didn't know why she had come to the entertainment industry, or what hold she had over him. If something happened to Cosette, Paul wondered what Peter would do?
When Cosette looked at Paul, something about him seemed familiar to her, as if she had met him somewhere, but she couldn't place where that might have been.
Peter called everyone together, and once they had gathered, he said, "Starting today, Paul will personally give you lessons every week. There will be four classes a week. I hope that you all recognize what a rare learning opportunity this is. How much you get out of it depends on how much effort you put into it." And after this little speech, Peter left the way he'd come.
After leaving the training room, Peter returned to his office and called Earl on the phone, and after exchanging pleasantries, Peter said, "I've done as you asked. Paul is here to teach new students. He just arrived. Is there anything else that Edward needs?"
"It sounds like you've got everything taken care of," Earl replied. "There has been a confrontation between Cosette and Maria, though. Should I do something?"
Peter: "I've got it under control, but thanks for the update."
After hanging up the phone, Earl breathed a sigh of relief. Initially, he hadn't understood why Edward asked him to hire Paul, but now he realized that it was for Cosette's benefit. Edward had said that he wanted to improve the abilities of the new artists in the company, but he hadn't believed that for a second.
Earl turned to look at Edward, who was sitting in a chair, looking at a document. He was worried about Edward. Ever since he had arrived, all he seemed to be able to think about was
Cosette. Earl knew that Edward loved Cosette, and if something happened to her, he felt that Edward would be devastated.
Earl sighed and said, "Cosette has entered the company, and I have arranged for Anna to be her agent. Because Cosette doesn't want anyone to know about her relationship with you, I didn't tell Anna about Cosette's true identity."
"Enough!" Edward shouted. "Just shut up about Cosette already!"
Earl could tell that Edward was irritated, but he was under pressure, so he continued to speak, saying, "Peter just called and said that Cosette already had a conflict with Maria. He said that he has it under control, but is there anything you want me to do?"
Edward looked up thoughtfully. His eyes met Earl's, and he said, "That's fine. I trust Peter to do his job."
Earl: "Alright, then. If there is nothing else, I will get back to work."
Edward dismissed Earl, and once he was alone, his hands clenched into fists, and his white fingertips revealed his anxiety. He looked at the document he'd been holding, but all he could see was Cosette's face.
Edward hadn't needed to take this business trip, but he'd done so to allow himself to calm his emotions, and during this time, he was deliberately trying to avoid all news about Cosette. He had thought that after three years, he could let her go easily, but he had been wrong. He still loved her very much.
**********
Three days later - Stuart's condition had stabilized, and the hospital was arranging for his transfer, which allowed Cosette to train without always having to worry about him.
Cosette had just finished two hours of training in the dance room, and she was sitting in a chair (her face covered with fine beads of sweat) when Jasmine informed her that Anna had just called for her. Cosette smiled and asked what Anna had wanted, and Jasmine said, "Anna said there is a social event tonight. It's a dinner party, and you need to attend."
Cosette frowned and asked, "Did Anna say who the host is?"
Jasmine shook her head. "I don't know the specifics," she replied, "but there are sure to be a few well-known directors in attendance. The company has arranged several other artists to go as well. Do we want to go?"
Cosette's heart began to beat fast. Everyone knew what a so-called "dinner party" in the entertainment industry entailed. However, Anna was known to protect her entertainers from any unscrupulous investors or directors. Thus, Cosette was sure that Anna would only arrange for her entertainers to attend a party hosted by people with good reputations.
After thinking for a while, Cosette said, "I will be there."
Jasmine nodded her head and immediately left to make the arrangements.
Cosette stretched her arms and turned her head absently and allowed her thoughts to stray. She smiled bitterly. Edward had been gone for five days, and she didn't know when he would be back. And even if he returned today, he would have no reason to inform her of his arrival.
**********
At the end of the day - Cosette rushed to the Hilton Hotel that Anna had mentioned, where, to show respect, she changed into a beautiful dress. It was a black, knee-length dress, and it outlined Cosette's figure perfectly. And even though her make-up was applied lightly, her face was bright and alluring.
Once she was ready, she notified Jasmine, and they went together to the front desk. Jasmine produced their invitations, and they were led to the ballroom. The room was large and well-lit, but Cosette began to feel like something was wrong almost immediately. Without a second thought, she turned around and walked towards the door, only to discover that it had been closed and locked behind them – and by now, even Jasmine realized that something was wrong.
Jasmine grabbed Cosette's hand, anxiously. "Oh my god!" she cried. "What the hell is going on?"
Cosette took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself down, but instead of getting a breath of fresh air, she ended up with a nose full of something vile. Cosette grabbed a napkin off a table and used it to cover her nose and motioned for Jasmine to do the same.
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