That agent, Ruby Curtis, had taken advantage of the chatter, pulled some strings, and leaked the audition tapes. Elizabeth had spent the entire day meticulously arranging her apartment. By dusk, a gnawing hunger reminded her of her neglected needs. She stepped out for a meal and, on her way back, decided to pick up a few treats and necessities.
Living with Elijah had taught her an unshakeable truth: his taste in food was exacting. To avoid minor conflicts during their two-year relationship, Elizabeth avoided stocking her beloved "junk snacks" in their shared space. As she finished paying, temptation won, and she ripped open a packet of chips at the counter. Her face lit up with delight at the satisfying crunch. There was something therapeutic about savoring the simple, salty indulgence.
The shopkeeper, glued to his tablet, unknowingly provided a distraction. A headline flashing across the screen caught Elizabeth's eye: "James Group CEO seen visiting Sandra at the hospital, openly allowing paparazzi to capture moments, fueling whispers of a potential relationship announcement…"
Elizabeth froze, her gaze riveted on the screen. The footage showed Elijah hurrying into the hospital, concern etched on his features. The shopkeeper, noticing her curiosity, chuckled. "That actress ends up hospitalized every other week, and there he is, right on her trail. These rich folks really enjoy their theatrics, don't they?" This was Sandra's third admission in two weeks. The drama felt overblown, yet Elijah seemed wholly devoted to comforting Sandra during her seemingly endless ailments.
"Maybe it's genuine love," Elizabeth mused with playful sarcasm, popping another chip into her mouth. The day's news, however, dampened her shopping enthusiasm. She left the store and approached the curb to hail a cab. Before she could raise her hand, a luxurious Rolls-Royce slid to a halt beside her.
The window rolled down, revealing Elijah's sharp, impassive expression. "Did you release the audition tape?" he asked, his tone low and measured. Elizabeth's mind raced, piecing together the situation. It was always the same—Sandra would find herself in trouble, and Elijah would appear, shifting the blame onto her. The predictability was almost laughable, like a recurring plot in an old soap opera. Was she nothing more than his convenient scapegoat?