10 A Surprising Gift
1072 Words
Cosette hesitated for a while and then accepted his invitation.
He was right. She did want to progress as an actress and he was also right in that she did need to expand her connections. She wasn’t keen on attending social functions, but she was just going to have to get used to it!
Elvin was surprised at what Ethan had just said and looked at him with his mouth slightly open. He was aware that Ethan never attended society parties. Yet now, here he was inviting Cosette to accompany him to such an event. It seemed that Ethan really cared about Cosette!
Elvin couldn't help wondering if it was a good thing for Ethan to be so single-minded about Cosette.
Cosette only had a few shots in the next scene and as soon as these were completed, she returned to her hotel to rest.
Elliot was also in low spirits, so he called an early finish to film.
Back in their office, Elliot gazed at Gordon.
"Err, why are you looking at me like that?" Gordon asked, hesitantly.
Elliot didn’t mince his words, but asked directly, "What's your relationship with Leyla?"
"What? Nothing. Nothing’s ever happened between us,” Gordon lowered his head to hide the hint of worry and guilt clouding his eyes.
"Gordon, you had better think twice before ever having any involvement with Leyla. Leyla is not an ordinary woman in the street. You must know her family background! I’m warning you, be careful, otherwise I’m afraid you may find your career suffering a sudden setback one day," Elliot warned him.
"Okay, I get it. Elliot, don't worry."
"You better keep my words in mind," added Elliot as he left the office.
Gordon sat down on the couch, trying to hold back his anger. How dare Elliot speak to him like that! Elliot had only become a well-known director on the back of Leyla’s popularity. No, he would not allow himself to be treated in this way!
Suddenly, he heard footsteps outside. Gordon was not in the mood to face anyone and called out in a loud voice, “Go away. Leave me alone.”
“Gordon, are you serious?”
Startled by the sweet voice, Gordon looked up and saw Leyla’s beautiful face.
“Leyla, it’s you. Come in,” said Gordon.
He soon calmed down as he gazed at Leyla.
Leyla leaned seductively against the couch, fiddling with her fingers. Gordon was mesmerized by this beautiful woman. But for her notable family background, Gordon would have done everything in his power to take this woman for himself.
However, Leyla was no ordinary woman and Gordon didn’t dare act rashly towards her.
What had happened that night was merely due to the influence of alcohol. Had he not been drinking, he would never have taken the initiative to become intimate with her.
Leyla was fully aware of this repulsive man’s ardent gaze, but she was here for a purpose and fought to overcome her aversion.
“Gordon, I have to apologize to you for what happened the other night,” she told him in a breathless voice.
Gordon gave an embarrassed smile and replied, “Leyla, it was my fault. I was drunk that night. I hope I didn’t hurt you.”
“Gordon, I am speaking from the heart and have a gift for you to show my appreciation,” Leyla purred seductively.
****
At the Coton Group Headquarters….
Earl knocked on the office door and walked in.
The man sitting at the desk looked up at him.
“Sir, you have an invitation from Matt Phillips to a charity dinner. Will you be attending?” Earl asked.
Earl only asked as a formality since Edward never attended social events.
As expected, Edmund frowned, but his reply shocked Earl.
“Hmm, there’ll be lots of stars attending this party .…” Edward murmured to himself.
“Yes Earl, I think I will go. Matt is the CEO of the Warner Film Group, so there will be many popular film stars at dinner.”
Earl was confused.
“Just leave the invitation on my desk,” Edward told him.
Changing the subject, Edward suddenly asked, “How’s she been doing recently?”
This time Earl knew exactly what Edward meant.
“Cosette has been given the supporting role in Elliot Shadnik’s new film, Beauty, but….” Earl stopped mid-sentence.
“Well, go on…. Tell me what you were about to say.”
“Cosette had a quarrel with Leyla today, but everything’s sorted now.” Earl concluded.
“Okay, I get it. Go back to your work,” Edward told him, obviously thinking through this new information.
“Yes, sir.” As Earl left Edward’s office he realized why Edward had decided to attend the charity dinner.
It seemed that Edward was hoping to meet Cosette there by chance.
Earl sighed and went back to his work.
However, Edward was unable to concentrate on his tasks. He couldn't get this woman out of his mind….
****
The day of the charity dinner soon arrived.
Virtually the entire cast of Beauty was attending and Elliot knocked off early since he knew that everyone would want to get ready for the party.
As soon as they finished, Ethan whisked Cosette off in his car.
The young female actresses watched in envy.
“She is really lucky. Ethan is so considerate towards her,” one commented.
“Lucky?” Neveah sneered. “Don’t you know that she’s only gained favor by selling her body?”
The girls were speechless….
They were all aware that many actors and actresses moved in murky circles, but surely not Cosette….
And of course, it was always difficult for anyone to prove their innocence once a rumor had been started without evidence….
Ethan took Cosette to an upmarket private club.
She looked out the window in surprise and asked, “Why have you brought me here?”
She had been there many times prior to her family’s downfall, but now everything had changed.
“Are you going to attend the party in this dress?” Ethan replied looking into her eyes.
Cosette looked down at her plain dress and had to agree that it was hardly suitable for a society dinner.
“I…” Cosette hesitated.
“Don’t worry. I have arranged everything for you. You will be the most eye-catching lady tonight,” said Ethan, then led her into the club.
Ethan was a VIP member and they were led straight to the top floor by the uniformed staff member who greeted them.
“Sir, please take a seat. Johanson will be here soon..”
“Ask him to be quick,” ordered Ethan.
“Ethan, I am here. Take it easy,” A man’s voice was heard and a handsome, dark skinned Latino walked into the room.
Cosette recognized him instantly. It was Ferdinand Johanson, the famous stylist.
He eyed Cosette up and down, then turned to Ethan, “Well, well Ethan, this is the first time you’ve brought a woman here.”
“Stop talking nonsense. Are you insinuating I only bring men?”
Cosette smiled at herself listening to their conversation. Ethan always acted like a big kid. He never had cared about what others thought!
Johanson grinned at Ethan.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Hurry up. She needs a complete, and eye-catching makeover.”
“Ethan, please be a gentleman to me,” joked Johanson.
- Writer
