Page 48 of Falling For The Billionaire Rockstar

She settled into a chair opposite me and opened the work laptop. I watched as she scrolled through various social media news feeds and comment sections. I did not say anything until she was done showing me just how much damage my recent relationship revelation had done.

“All of this, and it’s not even twenty-four hours yet,” she said, sighing out of exhaustion.

“They’ll die down eventually. Something bigger would make headlines, and I’ll be all forgotten,” I tried to assure her, but she looked even more frustrated.

“How long would that take? Do you know how many blog pages would milk this story before then? A lot of our sponsors and brand deals are already putting a temporary hold on their contracts with us as we speak,” she said, and I stayed silent for a moment.

I’ve always known that being in the spotlight came with its perks, but days like this made me hate it all. The crazy obsession the media had over my life made me suffocated. I always get the urge to leave it all behind.

Layla was still scrolling through the Internet, trying to delete as many vile comments as she could from my accounts. Whenthe comments became overwhelming and unending, she turned them off completely.

“Let’s lay low for a while, at least until we can get everything to die down a bit. Maybe reduce your public appearance with Miss Sanders for a while?” she asked, although it was clearly a subtle suggestion.

“I’m not breaking up with Olivia, so in all of our resolving, I really hope that doesn’t become one of the options,” I said, and her expression was blank for a moment. As much as I knew she was in a tight corner, what I shared with Olivia was far more important than anything else.

“Well, I’m not asking you to do that, sir, and I mean absolutely no disrespect, but Miss Sanders did make an incredible impression on the media a few months ago, and that had put her in the public’s black book since then. All I’m saying is, until the air is cleared, we should try to keep you in the clear for now,” she explained.

I sighed aloud. The conversation itself was getting quite exhausting, and I needed a break from all the noise. “All right, let’s talk about all of it later. I’m going for a drive. Please try not to call me at that time. I’m already tired of you.”

Layla was out of the office shortly after, and I picked up my keys and jacket. I contemplated leaving my phone in the studio, but the hope of getting to reach Olivia later encouraged me to take it.

I walked quickly to my car, desperate to get away from everything. Olivia being unreachable was at the top of my list of frustrations.

I dialed Samantha, hoping to reach Olivia through her. She was the only person who hadn’t called me since the media craze, and I wondered if she had no idea about what was going on.

The phone rang for a long while before she finally picked it up. “Hey there, little sis.”

“Yeah, what’s up?” she asked dryly, her tone cold. What has been happening with everyone lately?

“You okay? I don’t know, but you sound quite cold right now.” Samantha and I had been close since childhood, so I could always tell when she wasn’t in the best mood.

“I’m chill. What do you want?” she asked again, and I decided to let her be. I’m not exactly in the best state to start playing the concerned big brother anyway.

“Uh . . . I can’t reach Olivia for some reason, and I’d like to know if you can help me get through to her.”

“Sorry, bro, I can’t help,” she responded quickly. Too quickly.

“Why? What’s wrong?” I asked, getting impatient with her attitude. Regardless of her being an adult, Samantha had the tendency to be extremely childish, especially at moments when it was not needed.

“Nothing. I don’t know where she is either, so of course, I can’t help you reach her.” The passive-aggressive tone was so clear, making me almost a hundred percent sure something was up.

“Okay, can you help me get through to her on the phone? I need to discuss something with her urgently,” I said, trying my best to keep my voice calm.

“Of course, you have something todiscusswith her. Anyways, I’m not your messenger, so sort your shit out yourself!”

The phone disconnected immediately, and I sat confused as to what that was about.

I started the car afterward and drove toward the highway, blasting some old country jams on my radio. I had no destination in mind, but I was desperate to get as far away as possible if it meant I had peace for a few hours.

Two hours later, I made a stop by a park in downtown Manhattan, although I wasn’t familiar with the environment. It seemed quiet enough, so I walked in and sat on a bench right in the middle of the park.

The air was cool despite the bright sun above me, as the tree provided shade. No one else was present in the park except for a group of choristers practicing at the far end of the park.

Closing my eyes, I raised my head to breathe in the cool air, the scent of flowers filling my nostrils. If only I could stay here long enough until the world was calm again. It would be so much better with Olivia by my side. I pulled out my phone and tried to call her again.

The number you have dialed is not. . .

I hung up, resisting the urge to throw the phone across the park. I was starting to get worried now. Samantha’s attitude made me even more worried, but there wasn’t anyone else I could contact at the moment.

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