Chapter 006

Liam looks into her eyes and feels an inexplicable attraction. They both stare at each other, caught in a moment that seems to stretch time. She coughs, trying to break the spell that has engulfed them.

"I'm Remi, and you?" she asks, adjusting her hair and tucking a few loose strands behind her ear. She looks up at Liam with a hesitant smile.

"I'm Liam. Nice to meet you," he says while nursing his sore side.

"Would you like to grab a coffee?" she asks, her voice still a bit shaky from the earlier ordeal. "I could use someone to talk to right now.”

He nods. "Sure, that sounds good," he replies, trying to push aside the pain from the fight. "I could use a break."

They walk together to a nearby café. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy, with dim lighting. They find a quiet corner and order their drinks.

As they sip their coffee, Remi begins to open up. "It's been a rough few days. I was supposed to get a lead role in this big movie. I’ve worked so hard for it, and I knew I was the best fit. But then, at the last minute, they chose someone else. Her acting isn’t even close to mine. It’s just... unfair." She lets out a deep sigh, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup. "I'm sorry I'm rambling. I don't know you, and I'm just pouring my heart out because the whole damn thing sucks, and I'm stuck in a circle."

"No, not at all. I'm glad you can feel free to talk to me about what's happening," Liam says. He has a feeling he knows where this is going. "Who did they cast instead?" he asks, trying to keep his voice neutral, though a knot is forming in his stomach.

She scoffs, rolling her eyes. "Some actress named Ruby. She’s popular, but I'm sorry—I’m not trying to berate her. She’s just not that talented. I’ve seen her work. Honestly, it felt like a slap in the face when I heard the news."

Liam’s face falls as he realizes that Remi is the one who had been passed over for Ruby, his ex-wife. He remembers the conversation he had with Lilia earlier, where he had asked to cancel the role for Ruby. Unknown, he has been the cause of this woman’s disappointment.

He swallows hard, his coffee suddenly tasting bitter. "I’m sorry to hear that. It must be tough, especially when you know you’re right for the part."

She sighs again, her shoulders slumping. "Yeah, it’s been hard. But I guess that’s how this industry works, right? Sometimes, it’s not about talent, but about who you know or how famous you are.”

At that moment, both Liam and Remi receive phone calls. Liam stands up to give Remi privacy while she answers hers.

He sighs deeply when he looks at his phone and realizes it’s the director. He’s not entirely sure he wants to hear what the director has to say.

"Hey, Liam," Murphy’s voice comes through the phone. "We’re having a little get-together tonight. It’s mostly the crew and some potential leads for the new movie. Thought you might want to come by and help us select the new female lead."

Liam hesitates, thinking about Remi, his ex-wife’s rival. The last thing he wants is to be part of a process that might hurt someone else, even indirectly.

"Thanks for the invite, but I’m going to have to pass. I’ve got some other things I need to take care of tonight."

Murphy sounds surprised. "Are you sure? It could be a good opportunity to meet some of the new talent."

"I’m sure, but thanks for thinking of me."

"Alright, your call," Murphy says, sounding slightly disappointed. "Catch you later, then."

Liam ends the call and slips his phone back into his pocket. He walks back to Remi and notices that her expression has drastically changed. She looks deeply troubled, her brows furrowed as she stares at her phone screen.

"Is everything alright?"

She sighs heavily, putting her phone down on the table. "No, not really. That was my landlord. He’s asking me to move out because I’m behind on rent. I... I don’t know what to do. I have no money left, and I’m scared I won’t find a place to stay in time."

Liam looks at her stylish clothes and the expensive jewelry she’s wearing. It’s hard to believe that someone who looks as well-off as she does could be in such a dire situation. But she looks genuine.

"That’s awful," Liam says slowly, trying to make sense of it. "But... if you don’t mind me asking, you seem like someone who wouldn’t have to worry about things like rent. Are you sure you’re in financial trouble?"

She bites her lip, looking down at her coffee. "I guess it’s hard to believe, but just because I look like I have it all together doesn’t mean I do. Appearances can be deceiving, you know? Everything I have, I invested in my career—clothes, accessories, living in a decent place to maintain an image. But now that the roles aren’t coming in, I’m drowning in debt. I don’t have anything left."

Liam feels a pang of sympathy. He knows what it’s like to sacrifice everything for a dream, only to have it fall apart.

"Listen," Liam begins, hesitating slightly as he weighs his words. "I might be able to help you out. It’s the least I can do after everything you’ve been through. I have some connections... Maybe I can find you something that’ll help get you back on your feet."

She looks up at him, surprise and gratitude shining in her eyes. "You’d do that for me?" she asks, her voice trembling with emotion.

Liam nods, offering her a reassuring smile. "Yeah, I would. I’m not saying it’ll be easy, but let’s figure this out together."

For the first time since they sat down, she smiles genuinely. "Thank you, Liam," she whispers. "You have no idea how much this means to me.”

"Okay, let me make a few calls," he says, stepping away from her. He dials one of his men’s numbers. "Gabe, prepare one of the empty apartments in the building now," he instructs and hangs up. He doesn’t need to give instructions twice; his men are capable of carrying out his orders.

"Let’s get going. There’s an apartment ready for you," he says. Her face lights up with joy as she tugs along. They wave down a taxi and make their way to the building.

Liam shows her a spacious, well-furnished room. The woman’s eyes light up with relief and gratitude as she takes in the space.

"This is perfect. Thank you so much, Liam. I didn’t expect this," she says with glee as she rushes to hug Liam out of excitement.

Liam stiffens; he’s not used to such contact, not even from his ex-wife. Remi steps back, looking embarrassed. "Oops, I’m sorry. I guess I just got carried away."

Liam nods. "It’s okay. I’m just glad I can help. If you need anything else, just let me know."

"Let’s go," he says as they head to the elevator to leave the building. Remi can’t stop talking about how beautiful the apartment is and how grateful she is for Liam’s help.

Just as the elevator doors open on the main floor, they find themselves face-to-face with an unexpected and uncomfortable sight: Liam’s ex-wife, Ruby, and her new lover, Rowan.

"Shit," Liam mutters, knowing that this encounter will be an unpleasant one.