Page 67 of Fake Married to the Grumps

Recognition flickered in his eyes, followed by a flash of annoyance. "So, you're Cindy's friend, huh? Figured she'd send someone to check up on me. Just perfect."

But I refused to be deterred by his gruff attitude. I had a feeling that, underneath, there was a kindred spirit longing for connection.

So, I sat down on the nearby bench, pulling out my worn copy of "To Kill a Mockingbird."

To my surprise, Bryce remained where he was, his gaze fixed on me, brows furrowed. He studied me intently, as if trying to figure out what I was doing there.

And so began our unlikely friendship.

Still a bit shaken from our sudden meeting at the elevator,I'm engrossed in my routine tasks when a message from my boss, Amanda, jolts me. "Marissa, can you come to my office?" it reads.

Releasing a soft sigh, I steer throughthe familiar maze of cubicles to Amanda's office, my mind racing with a thousand possibilitiesof what she might want. Is it a spontaneous brainstorming session?Praise for my latest project? Or worse, maybe she's finally noticed my habit of sneaking out early on Fridays and wants to call me out on it in front of the entire team.

When I step in, she looks up from her desk with a smile that doesn't entirely reach her eyes. "Marissa, have a seat. I've got something important to discuss with you."

My stomach churns with ablendof excitement and trepidation. Don't know why I'm on edge, but it feels like what I'm about to hear is something big.

"Sure, Amanda. What's up?"

Amanda leans back, her expression unreadable for a moment, before she gets straight to the point. "We've got a unique project coming up, and I've decided to assign you a special role."

My eyebrows arch in curiosity. "Special role? What's the project?"

She smirks, "Ever heard of Bryce Alston?"

The mention of his name sends a jolt through me, and my eyes widen. I shift to the edge of my seat, my hands turning slick with sweat. What has Bryce got to do with this?

"The actor? Yeah, of course."

Amanda nods. "Well, Marissa, you're going to be Bryce Alston's assistant for the duration of his new film project. Congratulations!"

For a moment, Isit frozen, my mind a whirlpool of confusion. Seriously, did that just happen? It's like a scene from one of those cheesy romance novels, except it's playing out in real life. Bryce Alston, the same guy who turned me down back in high school, and now I'm going to be his assistant?

"Wait, what?" I manage to stammer, trying to process the news.

"I know, right? It's an enormous opportunity for you. Bryce is filming in our city, and I believe you're the perfect person for the job."

"Why me? There are other assistants who have more experience and would probably kill for this chance."

Amanda leans forward, her tone serious. "Marissa, you have a unique perspective on things, and your organizational skills are top-notch. Plus, Bryce specifically asked for you."

A nervous chuckle escapes my lips.

"Bryce Alston requested me? Are you sure you're not pranking me right now?"

With how frigid he acted when we ran into each other earlier, it's hard to believe he asked for me. And if he did, why didn't he tell me? I guess Bryce will always be Bryce.

Amanda rolls her eyes."I'm not that creative. This is a real opportunity. Now, I need you to handle this professionally. Nothing shouldinterferewith your work, okay?"

I nod, though my mind is still reeling. "Yeah, of course. Professionalism all the way."

She hands me a folder with details about the project, including a schedule that makes my head spin.

"Bryce is a big star, Marissa. You've got to be on top of things. This is a chance to show your skills and maybe even climb the career ladder."

I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the nerves.This is not a big responsibility at all.

"I'll do my best, Amanda. Thanks for trusting me with this."

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