Page 5 of Beyond the Red Carpet

She couldn’t admit that her biggest fear wasn’t Vanessa rejecting her, but rather it was falling for someone who would only see their relationship as a publicity stunt.

Elliot studied her. “What if you what?”

“Nothing.” Kate shook her head. “It’s not important.”

“I’m calling Vanessa tonight,” Elliot said. “But I needed to check with you first. To see if you were interested.”

The script on her coffee table caught her eye again. The role she’d been so excited about moments ago now seemed trivial compared to this opportunity.

“Are you?” Elliot pressed.

“Yes.” The word escaped before she could second-guess herself. “But Elliot, she needs to know. About me. Before anything else. I need her to be happy with me and what I stand to gain from this arrangement. I don’t want her to feel blindsided.”

“Of course.” He nodded, pulling out his phone. “I’ll make the call tonight. Set up a meeting.”

Kate’s stomach flipped. She’d have to look her in the eye and pretend this was just business, just another role to play. When really, it was everything she’d dreamed of and feared wrapped into one impossible package.

“Kate?” Elliot’s voice softened. “Are you sure about this?”

She met his eyes, channeling the confidence she wore on red carpets. “Yes. I’m sure.”

3

Vanessa stared through the window of her living room, the late afternoon sun sinking lower in the sky. Elliot’s words from last night played on repeat in her mind.

“It’s the perfect opportunity, Vanessa. You can take back the narrative. This fake romance will be a win-win for both you and Kate.”

When Vanessa hadn’t immediately agreed to this meeting, Elliot had continued.

“It’s time to take back your power, Vanessa. And I promise, Kate will be fully on board. I understand your hesitation, but this is the best move for both your career and your personal image. Trust me, Vanessa.”

Could she do it? Could she pretend to be in love again, especially with someone so different from Lauren? Kate Monroe was vibrant, full of life, and hungry for success. A young rising star, just thirty years old, agreeing to a manufactured romance with someone nearly twenty years her senior.

The concept bordered on absurd.

The money she’d offered was substantial, more than enough to entice most actresses into such an arrangement. But something about Kate’s quick acceptance nagged at her.

Why would someone like Kate Monroe, with her whole career ahead of her, willingly let the world believe she was interested in women? The publicity angle made sense, but the personal implications...

The doorbell rang, snapping her back to the present. Vanessa froze, her gaze dropping to assess her outfit for the hundredth time. She wore dark jeans and a cream silk blouse, its top buttons undone to reveal a silver pendant resting just below her collarbone. Her hair fell in loose waves, framing her face in a way that suggested effort without trying too hard.

What exactly was the dress code for meeting your arranged girlfriend? Too casual might appear dismissive, too formal could make things awkward. She’d changed four times before settling on this ensemble, aiming for that elusive balance between sophisticated and approachable.

The doorbell rang again.

Vanessa drew in a steadying breath and opened the door. Kate Monroe stood on her doorstep, her blonde hair catching the last rays of sunlight. Elliot lingered a step behind, a smile tugging at his lips, clearly impressed with himself for orchestrating this entire charade. Vanessa felt a twinge of annoyance at his smug expression, but she maintained her composure, straightening her posture and offering a warm, confident smile to her supposed new love interest.

As Elliot stepped forward to make the introductions, Vanessa’s heart raced, and her breath hitched ever so slightly. This was it. The moment when their scheme would be set in motion, for better or for worse.

“Vanessa, I’d like you to meet Kate Monroe.” Elliot stepped into the foyer, guiding Kate forward with a light touch to her shoulder. “And Kate, the incomparable Vanessa Prescott.”

Kate extended her hand. Her palm was soft and warm against Vanessa’s skin, the contact lingering a beat longer thannecessary. Up close, those blue eyes held an intensity that caught Vanessa off guard.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Ms. Prescott. I’ve admired your work for years.” Kate’s voice carried a hint of breathiness, her cheeks flushed pink.

“Please, call me Vanessa.” She released Kate’s hand and gestured toward the living room. “Come in. Make yourselves comfortable in the living room.”

“Shall we discuss the details?” Elliot asked as he took a seat, but Vanessa held up her hand.

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