22. Elodie

ELODIE

I love my lavender romper, the whisper-thin, sheer fabric overlaying it cascades to the floor in a flurry of ruffles at the asymmetric hem. It’s revealing but not. Whimsical and comfortable and perfect for today when I have to face down Jax for the last time in Shanghai. It’s been two weeks since the Miami concert, since Hunter told me he loved me. I’ve never felt more connected to someone as I do to him.

And I’m relieved he’s here with me today. I’m so nervous to see Jax, especially after his threat. Stella’s been reassuring me that everything will be okay and that she took care of Jax, whatever that means. I haven’t pushed too hard for information, partly because she’s hinted that whatever Jax has on her is big. I want her to tell me on her own, because she trusts me, and not because I force it out of her. But now she wants to be in my ear, feeding me lines and information from her penthouse in New York City.

It’s the first time I have to take part in an interview panel. Before, it was just small, red-carpet interviews since Stella wasn’t an actor in the movie. Apparently, Stella and Rachel couldn’t get me out of this one. The fact that Stella’s able to talk to me and hear everything should be a relief, but all it does is ratchet up my anxiety to new heights.

“You ready?” Hunter asks. We’re only here for a few hours before he has to fly back for his game tomorrow.

“Yeah…” I grip the oh-shit bar as the car screeches to a halt, avoiding a motorbike. Everywhere, horns blare in a symphony of impatience. Motorbikes weave between lanes like rogue bees, and taxis swerve in and out of traffic with impatience.

“You’ll be fine,” Stella says in my earpiece. “This time, you’ll pose for a few photos on the red carpet before heading inside for the interview panel.”

I nod and relay the information to Hunter. Hunter’s hand on my leg is the only thing keeping me together right now. Jax and the chaotic traffic aren’t helping my anxiety. But everything is better with Hunter by my side. Since Miami, I’ve spent all my spare time visiting him and Minnie. Even if it’s only for a night or a few stolen hours here and there, it’s better than waiting weeks in between our meetings.

“We’re almost there,” Brian says from the front .

I glance out the window, at the Art Deco buildings standing shoulder-to-shoulder with storefronts painted in vibrant hues. Neon signs in Chinese characters flicker above restaurants and street vendors, their carts overflowing with colorful fruits and skewered meats, adding a certain charm to the streets.

When we finally pull up in front of the cinema, a sleek modern building with a pulsating red-carpet entrance, Hunter grips my hand in his.

“Remember our code,” he murmurs.

I nod and wait for Brian to open the door for us. This time, I’m ready for the flashes, the screams, the chaos of the red carpet. Maybe it’s easier knowing I don’t have to stop for interviews. Or maybe it’s easier after doing this a few times. Or maybe it’s just because Hunter is by my side.

We pose for a few minutes before we’re ushered inside and into a room with a long table on a platform and what feels like a hundred journalists inside. There are multiple microphones, chairs, and name cards spaced out on the table.

“Can you hear me okay?” I whisper to Stella, but facing Hunter so it doesn’t look like I’m talking to myself.

“Yes,” she says.

“You’ve got this,” Hunter says, helping me up the three steps to the platform. “And remember, you don’t have to answer anything you don’t want to. ”

I nod and shake out my hands before taking a seat in front of my name card. The seat that happens to be between Jax and the lead actress.

“Doll,” Jax says, leaning into my ear. “I’m surprised.”

“Why?” I ask quietly, not wanting the mic to pick up on my response.

“You didn’t listen.” He glares at Hunter who’s still standing where I left him.

Stella says in my ear, “Tell him ‘So? You knew I wouldn’t.’”

I relay the words and Jax chuckles, trailing his fingers down my arm. “You want to play, doll? Game on.”

I shudder in disgust and move my chair a few inches away from him and closer to the actress. She gives me a strange look, but I smile back. Stella’s too silent in my ear after Jax’s declaration. Not for the first time, I wish she’d clue me in on what she’s thinking.

A minute later, a woman comes on stage and explains she’s the host for the event and that there is a translator off to the side who’ll help with the language barrier.

The first journalist asks their question, gesturing toward Jax, and we all wait for the translation. “Can you tell us about your process of creating, acting, and directing the movie? How did you manage everything?”

Jax beams at the reporter. “That's a great question, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride. Wearing all three hats definitely kept things interesting on set. But here's the secret.” He leans closer into the microphone as if he’s really telling a secret. “It involved a whole lot of coffee, a fantastic team, and a story I was truly passionate about bringing to life.”

The room hangs on his every word, and I hate to admit it, but he’s good at this. At making the reporter feel special for asking their question.

The next question comes my way. A man asks, “What was the collaboration like between you and Jax on the movie?”

Stella instantly replies in my ear, and I say the words aloud. “We were both incredibly dedicated to making the film the best it could be. He had a clear vision for the story, and that helped guide our work together on the soundtrack.”

I fiddle with my bracelet under the table. I’m not sure if I came off naturally or if there was too much of a delay of me relaying the information from Stella. It’s more difficult than I originally thought to repeat the answers at a natural pace.

When the next question goes to the actress next to me, I relax for a moment. The question after is for me. They ask, “Were there specific scenes where the music takes on storytelling itself?”

I again relay Stella’s answer, talking slowly, trying to copy it word for word as she tells me. “For me, the music was another character in the film. It wasn't just background noise; it helped to tell the story. There are scenes where?—”

Stella cuts off and I don’t know where she was going with this.

I clear my throat. “Where…” What the hell was she going to say?

The lights beat down on me, causing my lower back to drip with sweat. This can’t be happening right now. Technical difficulties at a time like this?

Stella shouts “dialogue minimal” in my ear and I say, “The dialogue was minimal… But the music carries the weight of the characters’ feelings.”

I finish in a rush, piecing together what Stella’s trying to tell me through the unstable connection. Fuck, that was horrible. I sounded like an idiot and not at all like the poised and polished woman Stella is. Jax gives me a strange look, but I ignore him and stare straight ahead. Even so, I can feel his gaze drilling a hole into the side of my head.

I don’t get a break, and the next question goes to me.

“Hunter and you seem to have a perfect connection. Do you have any advice for fans hoping to find a love like yours?”

Stella says in my ear, “Answer honestly if you want.”

I smile at the reporter, comfortable with this question since Hunter and I have answered something similar to it in Rome. “Aw, thank you. The best advice I can give is to be yourself and prioritize finding someone who makes you laugh and supports your dreams. Don’t settle for anything less than someone who brings out the best in you.” I cut a glare to Jax, and his face reddens at my subtle diss.

The next question goes to Jax, and the interpreter asks, “What was your inspiration behind making this movie?”

“Easy,” Jax says, “my wife, Stella, was the inspiration.”

The audience gasps and I whip my head to face him, my jaw hanging open. Stella inhales sharply in my ear, and that’s confirmation enough. They were married ? How the hell could she leave out a detail like that ?

Jax’s smile is the opposite of friendly, as if saying checkmate, motherfucker to me. I don’t know how to respond, and Stella’s unhelpfully silent. Normally, Hunter would step in and help me in a situation like this. It’s what he’s perfected on the red carpet. But he can’t do anything right now.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I’m alone in this and I’m going to have to be the one to get myself out of this mess. Insinuating that they’re married is one of the most damaging things Jax could say about Stella. She has a reputation of being America’s sweetheart, and America’s sweetheart doesn’t cheat. I can already picture the headlines calling Hunter a homewrecker and calling her a whore.

Responsibility falls onto my shoulders, stifling and crushing. Responsibility for Stella, but also responsibility for Hunter. Hunter’s done nothing but support me, and it’s time I repay that favor. I’ve got to find a way to fix this. Jax is the one in the wrong here, not Stella or Hunter. And I refuse to have their names dragged through the mud because of this smug asshole next to me.

“Bless your heart,” I say, glaring at Jax. “You must have me confused with another ex of yours. Probably the one you cheated on me with.” More gasps sound in the room and I stand up and say, “Thank you all for having me. I hope you enjoy the soundtrack more than the movie.”

With a flip of my long hair, I stride confidently across the platform to Hunter. My heels click against the wooden platform, the only sound in the room. Hunter holds his hand out for me and helps me down the stairs.

Even then, no one says anything.

He places his hand on my lower back and guides me out of the cinema and back into a car. I rip the earpiece out of my ear and the only thing holding me together is Hunter’s hand gripping mine. We don’t talk. We can’t, not in front of the bodyguards. Only Kai knows I’m not Stella from the team.

The second the door closes behind us to the hotel room, I whip out the phone and video call Stella.

“What the fuck?” I explode. “That was the secret?”

“I’m sorry,” she says, worry bracketing her lips. “No one knew. Not even Rachel. ”

“Shit.” I squeeze my eyes shut for a beat, hurt and shocked. “How could you put me in a situation like that?”

“I tried to help, by being in your ear.”

“Little good that did,” I seethe. “You were quiet the moment I actually needed you.”

“Well, if it helps, I think your response was amazing and it’s going to go viral.”

“That doesn’t help. Not at all,” I say, rubbing my temples. “Rachel’s going to blow a gasket. All our asses are on the line right now.”

She glances down at her phone. “Speaking of Rachel… Give me a second and let me add her to the call.”

That’s the last thing I want right now. I’m really not in the mood to be lectured by Rachel for not handling the situation to her satisfaction while Stella and Hunter sit by and watch. But I can’t do anything to stop Stella from calling her. Or from Rachel answering on the first ring, wearing all black and a severe expression.

“What in the ever-loving fuck is going on?” she asks the two of us before glaring at Stella. “First, you married Jax and didn’t tell me? And you.” She turns her glare on me. “What part of don’t cause a scene do you not understand?”

“Now wait one moment,” Hunter says, coming to my side and appearing in the video. “Jax was the one who caused a scene, not Elodie. She did what she could in a tough situation. You should be thanking her for putting Jax in his place.”

“No one asked you,” Rachel dismisses Hunter with a flick of her hand.

He stiffens, and I grit my teeth and say, “You don’t get to talk to him like that. And he’s right. You keep blaming me but, news flash, I’m not responsible for Jax’s actions or the secrets he shares with Stella. At least I didn’t confirm anything and instead turned the tables on him and left before it could turn into a bigger story.”

“Do you really think you know how to manage a PR crisis?” Rachel lets out a humorless laugh.

“Don’t you dare disrespect her like that,” Hunter says. “Elodie’s the only one here trying to save the situation. What have you done to help? Scold her at every moment? Tear her down? Is that how you treat Stella, too?”

Rachel opens and closes her mouth multiple times in shock.

“You’ve been extra harsh on Elodie since the beginning,” Stella says. “You should be angry with me, not her. She handled the situation better than I would’ve. Over the years, I’ve given you too much control. And it’s time I take it back. We’re doing things my way from now on, and if you’re not okay with that, then I suggest you look for another job.”

“I see,” Rachel says evenly. “Well, I can’t stand by and follow all of you down the wrong direction. ”

“That’s fine,” Stella says. “Then I wish you all the best in your next endeavor.”

Rachel nods. “Same to you.”

Stella drops Rachel from the call in the next instant and I stare at her in shock. Stella’s hand shakes as she lifts it to her forehead. “Oh my God,” she whispers. “I just did that, didn’t I?”

“About fucking time,” Hunter seethes.

She sighs. “I’m sorry Rachel’s been treating you so poorly and that I didn’t do anything about it. Thank you for saving me during the interview. I know I’ve done many things to not deserve your loyalty, but thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” I say. “I just don’t understand why you didn’t tell me about Jax. I thought we were close.”

Hunter leans his shoulder against mine, offering his support.

“I was embarrassed,” Stella says, face crumpling. “How stupid could I be to marry someone who’d cheat on me a few days after swapping vows? I guess part of me thought if I didn’t say it aloud, then maybe it wasn’t real, you know? It wasn’t even public record; we got married on an island in the Pacific. I got it annulled, not wanting to be tied to him in any way, but I was too shocked to say that in your ear when he told everyone. I just…” Stella trails off and looks so lost. Jax’s reveal is too convenient, too personal to be anything but a way to hurt Stella .

“It’s okay,” I say softly. “I get it.” The part of me that was starting to believe Stella and I didn’t have a real friendship relaxes. It’s unfair to expect a Nina-level friendship from Stella so soon after meeting her, or to learn everything there is to know about someone in a few months, even if we are sisters. “And I’m sorry if my response is going to cause us issues.”

“It is what it is. We’ll get through it together.” Stella chews on her lip. “I guess I should get started on damage control and find a new manager.”

“Okay, I’ll fly out in a few hours, and we’ll figure something out.”

Stella gives me a strained smile. “Sure. See you soon.”

We disconnect and I collapse onto the couch.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“Yeah, just overwhelmed.”

“Never in a million years would I have expected for them to be married.”

“Right? But I guess his confidence that they’d end up together and obsession with her makes sense now.”

“Yeah…” Hunter rubs my back.

“That was such a close call. Jax could’ve said anything in that press conference, and I could’ve fucked it up and accidently revealed that I’m not really Stella.”

“True, but it didn’t happen.”

“I guess,” I say more to placate him than anything else. I can’t help but think in what-ifs. What happened was scary, made more so by the severity of the consequences if this gets out. I also feel guilty that I let the world know that Jax cheated on Stella. That wasn’t public knowledge, and I exposed her secret in retaliation to Jax’s secret.

I have no idea what the plan is now, but I’m hoping we can figure it all out when I get back to New York.

My phone pings, and it’s a message from Nina.

Nina: SLAY, babes. I just saw your video putting Jax in his place and I’m proud to be your best friend.

Me: I’m glad someone thinks what I did was good.

Nina: Everyone’s already on your side. You handled that like the badass boss babe you are. No man required.

I laugh and show Hunter the text. He kisses the side of my head. “I guess you’re living up to putting powerful men in their place. First Evren and now Jax. That skill should shoot to the top of your résumé.”

I lean into his side. “You want to watch a movie or something while we wait for the plane to be ready?”

“Sure. One day, I’ll bring you back here so we can enjoy the city. ”

“Yeah? That sounds amazing.”

“I aim to please.”

I snort. “You’re accomplishing that.”

And Hunter’s just showing me that there’s more to my life than being Stella. That when this is all over with, I still get to keep him.