Page 26 of You. Me. Us.

Olivia shook her head, a reassuring smile softening her features. “No, nothing like that. I just wanted to check in with you, make sure you’re being cautious.” She sighed, leaning back in her chair. “The entertainment industry can be a tricky place, Hillary. People talk, and relationships can become fodder for gossip. I found out in a unique way if I’m being honest.”

Hillary nodded, a wave of relief washing over her. Olivia wasn’t angry or disapproving; she was looking out for her. “I understand,” she said, her voice a bit steadier now. “We’ve been discreet, but I know how quickly things can spiral.”

“Just be smart about it,” Olivia advised, her hazel eyes locking with Hillary’s. “Keep your personal life separate from your work and don’t let it distract you from your goals.”

Hillary took a deep breath, letting Olivia’s words sink in. She knew her boss was right. As thrilling as it was to be caught up in the whirlwind of Julius’s world, she couldn’t lose sight of what truly mattered—her career, her dreams of making a difference through her writing.

“I won’t let you down, Olivia,” she promised, a determined glint in her eye. “I can handle this.”

Olivia smiled, a flicker of pride in her expression. “I know you can, Hillary. You’ve got a bright future ahead of you.”

“There’s something else, Hillary. A call came in for you, a special request. Consider it how I found out about your little . . . relationship.”

Hillary tilted her head, curiosity piqued. “A request? From who?”

“Julius Theon himself.” Olivia leaned forward, her voice lowering conspiratorially. “He wants you to cover the auditions for a new space opera movie he’s starring in. You know, the one you mentioned in your piece.”

Shock rippled through Hillary, her eyes widening. “Me? But why?”

Olivia shrugged, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Apparently, he was impressed by your interview skills, but I imagine it’s more like helping you out because he likes you. Wants you to bring that same depth to covering the casting process.”

Hillary’s mind raced, pieces clicking into place. The movie Julius had mentioned during their interview, the one he was so passionate about. This had to be it. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes,” Olivia urged, her tone turning serious. “This is a huge opportunity, Hillary. But remember what I said. Don’t get too distracted by the glamor of it all. Focus on the story, on your craft.”

Hillary nodded, determination settling in her chest. “I won’t let this interfere with my work, Olivia. I promise.”

“Good.” Olivia sat back, satisfied. “And be careful about being seen with Julius outside of professional settings. The last thing we need is tabloid rumors overshadowing your article.”

A flutter of nerves danced in Hillary’s stomach at the thought of navigating her burgeoning relationship with Julius under the scrutiny of Hollywood’s watchful eye. But beneath the anxiety, a thrill of excitement hummed. The chance to witness the inner workings of a major film production, to see Julius in his element...

“I understand,” Hillary said, rising from her chair. “I’ll be discreet. And I’ll make sure this piece is my best work yet.”

Olivia stood up, signaling the end of their conversation. “Now, go make those revisions. I want that article ready to print by tomorrow for next month’s edition.”

Hillary rose from her chair, a newfound sense of purpose straightening her spine. She would navigate this uncharted territory with Julius, but she wouldn’t let it consume her. Her work, her passion for journalism - that was her true north star.

As Hillary left the office, her mind buzzed with possibilities. This was uncharted territory, both professionally and personally. But she was ready to face it head-on, to prove to herself and everyone else that she had what it took to make it in this industry.

She pulled out her phone, typing out a quick message to Julius. “Looks like I’ll be seeing you at the auditions. Prepare to be dazzled by my journalistic prowess.”

His response came seconds later. A smiley face.

Hillary smiled, pocketing her phone.

With the security card clutched tightly in her hand, Hillary made her way back to her desk, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. She sank into her chair, staring at the computer screen without really seeing it. The weight of Olivia’s words hung heavy in the air - a warning and a challenge all at once.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, itching to start researching, to dive headfirst into this new assignment. But a nagging voice in the back of her mind gave her pause. Covering Julius’s auditions meant being close to him, spending time together in a professional capacity. It was a delicate balance, one that could easily tip into dangerous territory if they weren’t careful.

She thought back to their interview, the electric spark that had passed between them. It was undeniable, the chemistry they shared. But pursuing it openly could have consequences, not just for their budding relationship, but for their careers as well.

Hillary sighed, running a hand through her hair. She had to stay focused, keep her eye on the prize. This was the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to make a name for herself in the industry. She couldn’t let her personal feelings cloud her judgment.

But even as she tried to convince herself, Hillary knew it wouldn’t be that simple. Being around Julius, watching him work, seeing the passion and dedication he poured into his craft... it was bound to stir up emotions she couldn’t ignore.

She glanced at the security card again, tracing her finger over the embossed letters. This was her ticket into a world she’d only dreamed of, a front-row seat to the magic of moviemaking. And yet, it felt like so much more than that - a key that could unlock the door to her future, both professionally and personally.

“Hey, Hillary,” her coworker Sarah said, leaning against the desk with a knowing smile. “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with Olivia, thin glass and I walked by at the right moment. Congrats on landing the audition coverage.”

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