Page 66 of Fake Married to the Grumps

Her words spill out in a nervous stream, but they fade to the background as I sneak furtive looks in her direction.Time has been kind—she's unexpectedly alluring now. I know I should say something, but my throat is dry.

Her once-curious eyes hold a new depth that draws me in. I also can't stop looking at the curve of her lips, admiring how succulent they are.

"Small world, huh?"

I offer a nonchalant nod, trying to downplay my interest. "Yeah, tiny."

Despite my efforts to keep it casual, Marissa's persistent, undeterred by my cool demeanor.

"I mean, it's been what, eight years since we last saw each other? Time really flies."

"Yeah, it does."

The guilt of disappearing without a word wraps around melike a too-tight jacket. Avoiding this kind of situation was definitely high on my to-do list.

"So, what have you been up to all these years? Any exciting Hollywood stories?"

I let out a half-hearted chuckle. "Just the usual stuff. Movies, premieres, the whole glamorous routine."

Her eyes twinkle, genuine curiosityflickering within them. "Wow, that sounds amazing. I always knew you'd make it big."

I give a tight-lipped smile. I used to share my dreams with her, and she would encourage me to take the plunge.

"Yeah, it's been a journey."

The elevator dings. It sounds like a rescue bell to my ears. I step out, relief washing over me as I distance myself from our intense exchange. But Marissa, apparently determined to keep the conversation alive, walks alongside me.

Shecontinues to chatter animatedly, seemingly immune to my awkwardness. I try to keep my cool, but the sight of her after all these years has knocked me off balance, and I’m at a loss for words.

"I can't believe you're here. It's so surreal. So, how was life while you were away?"

"Yeah, it was good.Look, I gotta go. Maybe we could catch up later instead."

She suddenly stops, her smile falters for a moment, and she blinks rapidly as if trying to clear away an unwelcome thought. "Oh, of course. You've probably got a meeting. I don't want to keep you."

Offering her a curt nod, I turn on my heels, desperate to escape the awkwardness. The instant I step into the room where the meeting is supposed to take place, I exhale a sigh of relief.

Meeting with Marissa has left me with a mix of nostalgia and discomfort.She seemed genuinely happy to see me, despite how things ended between us. But if she was faking it, I hope she doesn't take it badly when she finds out she'll be my assistant for this movie project.

Chapter 3

Marissa

Bryce and I go way back, back to the time when we were just kids with dreams as big as the summer sky.

I'll never forget the day I stumbled upon Bryce Alston sitting alone on a secluded bench nestled in the heart of a hidden garden. I had heard whispers about him from my best friend Cindy, his sister, and the local townsfolk—a rebellious, grumpy teen who always seemed to find trouble. But something about the way he sat there, his shoulders hunched and his gaze distant, made me pause.

The hidden garden was my favorite spot to escape the pressures of high school life, and apparently, Bryce had found solace there, too.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should approach him. Cindy had always warned me about her brother's prickly demeanor, but curiosity got the better of me.

As I drew closer, Bryce's head snapped up, his piercing eyes locking with mine. "What do you want?" he grumbled, his voice a low rumble.

I gave him a small smile, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. My heart raced as I looked into his eyes. In the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, his chiseled features looked like they belonged on a magazine cover: high cheekbones, full lips, and a sharp jawline covered in dark stubble.

No wonder all the girls at school sighed dreamily whenever he walked by.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you. It's just ... I come here often to read and think. I'm Marissa, by the way. Cindy's friend."

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