Chapter 6: CHAPTER 6- EXPOSURE
She find herself changing clothes. There's not much she could do anyways.
"Elisabth, this pair would complement your jeans better." He presented her with maroon stilettos, undoubtedly from a designer brand. Behind Vane's back, Elisabth subtly rolled her eyes but complied; She had never been well-versed in matters of fashion, leaving it to others to curate her wardrobe.
After the banter between them a while ago. He became less clingy which she was thankful about. The suggestion might have wounded him, but Elisabth couldn't summon any concern. His eyes, though void of emotion, lacked the usual spark that accompanied his gaze. Nonetheless, his caring demeanor persisted in a more subdued manner, although Elisabth knew Vane well enough to anticipate this temporary attitude.
"Beautiful," he commented as they stood together before a full-body mirror in their dressing room. Elisabth did look particularly extravagant that day—her hair pulled into a low ponytail, a white shirt with a gold belt tucked into dark skinny jeans, and maroon stilettos—all selected by Vane. He reached into a cabinet filled with accessories, a detail Elisabth initially overlooked as she was engrossed in admiring her OOTD. She only felt the cold metal on her neck.
Vane placed a gold-laced choker around her neck, adding a touch of elegance to her classic look. Elisabth's eyes focused on the intricate design—a maze-like squared pattern adorned with small crystals, featuring a woman with snake-like hair at the center. Only she remembered; It was the Medusa Greca choker from Versace. She wasn't well-aware that Vane have bought one of those.
"There." He smiled eyes turning soft, "Perfect" he said like he made a masterpiece. His demeanor turning back into a lovesick one like he used to be.
He placed his chin to her right shoulder, admiring her look. "Why can't you see how we are meant for each other. I'm so happy the world knows about us, darling. I wouldn't be dealing with motherfuckers who are after me and you." Vane's chances to curse was always low to zero, but if he ever do; It sounded like a child learning how to speak for the first time. He was too polish for something barbaric.
She scoffed, "More like all after you." She may hate him to death, yet never did she ever deny how unworldly he look. Even most now with really gorgeous with his outfit. With checkered shirt over a caramel waistcoat paired with slacks in the same color, and a dark brown coat to finish the look.
He always has a way to make anything casual classic.
He ignored her remark, and proceed to strengthen his coat. "I think you should be more in the fashion industry. Or a clothing line perhaps? I could guarantee you it will be successful."
"You know as someone who lived his whole childhood with a mom dictating her child's every move, and hated it growing up, you're one hell of a hypocrite."
What infuriates her more is Vane wasn't just a pretty face nor a man with a remarkable fashion sense. Majority of people initially known him for making music, and composing love songs before his appearance became the center of attention. To summarized everything, that set her off was Vane is everything she wished to be.
She grabbed a brown bandanna to cover her whole head and face, and a black shades. This fit was way too far from what she usually known of wearing. Petty, but if miracles do exist, somebody will speculate that he's been with an another woman and not her.
As they both exited the building, a swarm of paparazzi descended upon them like vultures, which as expected considering the new found drama that has been born last night. Their cameras flashing incessantly as they shouted questions and made snide remarks. Elisabth immediately felt the annoyance and frustration, she never really like them. She have encountered some of the nastiest critic or comment from the 'internet' people who aren't fond of her, but nothing could be much worse than these walking greeds with cameras; The lengths they would go through, even dehumanizing celebrities for some cash.
"Elisabth, over here, you useless dumb bitch!" Correction. She loathed them.
She subconsciously tighten her grip on Vane's hand. She felt the surge of blood to her head, while Vane must have sense her incoming burst as he snaked her arms around her waist and quicken their pace towards to their service.
"Who the—!" Before she can say anything that she night regret, Vane immediately shove her inside the backseat of Mercedes-Benz.
"As someone who cared more about her public image, you seem to have forgotten your media training, sweetheart," he reprimanded as he settled beside her, a little too close to her liking that made her scoot on her side.
"Shut up," she softly snapped. Elisabth couldn't stand his condescending tone, especially not after the humiliating encounter. But he was right...
That was close.
Vane raised an eyebrow, "Don't be like that. You know I'm just trying to help."
Elisabth scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Help? You call manhandling me into the backseat of a car help?"
"That's necessary." His demeanor turned frigid. "You're well aware that they throw insults just to provoke a reaction they can exploit. Yet you almost let yourself caught in the trap," he pointed out.
"Like you aren't feeding them those since day one," she whispered.
He smiled, but the tension in his expression betrayed his annoyance. "It's time to stop being a brat, sweetheart," he remarked, his tone laced with a hint of exasperation.
Elisabth bit back a retort, her mind still reeling from the confrontation outside. She hated feeling like a puppet in Vane's carefully orchestrated world, but she knew he had a point. The world of fame and fortune was unforgiving, and sometimes, sacrifices had to be made to maintain a semblance of control.
They arrived at the what seems to be a five star hotel, their footsteps echoing in the opulent lobby adorned with crystal chandeliers and exquisite artwork. The ceiling featured recessed panels with intricate designs and patterns, adding to the visual appeal and elegance of the space, which Elisabth find kind of prehistoric. They were also greeted too with a soft instrumental music playing in the background. A place would definitely Vane would spent his time and fortune on. That's one of the things you could never take away from him.
He has an exceptional taste.
As they approached the check-in counter, a courteous hotel staff member greeted them with a warm smile. "Welcome to the Grand Royale Hotel. How may I assist you today?"
Vane stepped forward, demeanor poised, calculative, and confident. "We have a reservation under the name of Vane Whitlock."
The staff seem to have an epiphany as he slightly lowered his head. "Ah, yes, Mr. Whitlock. I apologize. Please feel free to ease as you give us a minute." Then he hurried away to the counter. Elisabth almost let out a snicker. So there are still people that didn't know him after all, huh?
She heard Vane sighed and led her to the plush velvet sofas place in the lobby area, till she suddenly felt the need to empty her bladder that made her halt midway.
"I can't wait any longer. I need to go to the restroom now." This would also be the perfect moment to get a time off from him.
"Do you want me to accompany you?"
"Are you serious?"
"Alright. I was just kidding. Carry on, darling." Fucking finally. She immediately scurried off.
It took her some time but with plenty of sign boards she finally get the hang of directions in this place. She find herself in a hallway with soft, ambient lighting strategically positioned to accentuate the beauty of each paintings that line up, casting a gentle glow that highlights the intricate brushwork and delicate palletes. They were beautiful but she wasn't given enough time to stare. She still need to accomplish her goal.
She finally found the door she spent decades looking for, she sighed in relief as she entered.
While she was washing her hands, she couldn't help but notice her wear-off appearance. The foundation had started to fade in some areas, revealing the natural imperfections of her skin. Some hair strands and fly-away are free from her bun too. She couldn't help but feel a pang of self-consciousness as she noticed these, reminders of her humanity amidst the glamour and scrutiny of Hollywood. Elisabth cursed as she rummage through her mini bag.
Being too occupied, she haven't noticed a woman just came out from a cubicle and headed towards the mirror. Her eyes quickly scanned Elisabth from head to toe, a subtle but unmistakable judgment in her gaze. It was as if she had already formed an opinion based solely on Elisabth's appearance, and it wasn't a favorable one.
Elisabth, the ever competitive she is, scrutinize the woman too. She took in the woman's attire—a sleek black dress with intricate lace detailing, paired with elegant heels that accentuated her slender legs. She has a blonde hair that she adorned with mini crystals that glimmered when hit by the ambient light.
With a raised eyebrow and a subtle shift in posture, the woman finally glanced now at her reflection shortly, and exited.
Elisabth sighed, and rolled her eyes. It wasn't new for her to encounter people like that.
She lingered for a few moments longer before deciding to head back to the lobby. To her surprise, she spotted the woman from earlier engaged in conversation with Vane.
"God, Vane, still so gentle as before!" She heard the high-pitched voice from the woman. Raising her eyebrow in intrigued, she walked towards them. She saw Vane's face lit up.
"Are you feeling better now?" She nodded.
"Aren't you... going to properly introduce her to me?" The woman spoke once again.
Vane forced a smile as he tightened his hold in her waist. "This is Elisabth, the love of my life."
Elisabth, too, forced a slight smile. "Nice to meet you," she shortly respond out of respect. She wouldn't waste a breath to a pretentious person like her.
Just as quick as that, they fell into a short silence with Vane fondling with her hand with his free hand but the woman kept her expectant stare at Vane.
The latter released a sighed, with a hint of exasperation to it. "Darling, this is Talliah—"
"Oh, we've already seen each other," she butted in. "In the restroom a while ago."
Before the woman, named Talliah could have her turn to speak, the staff from a while ago appeared and gave an apologizing bow. "Thank you for waiting, ladies and gentleman. Mr. Whitlock, here are the keycards. You're booked in our deluxe suite on the top floor. I'm sure you'll find it to your liking. And if you need anything, give us an immediate call."
Vane thanked the staff member with a nod before turning to Elisabth. "Shall we, darling?"
"Yes—" Talliah cut her off.
"I see now you have to go. So, I'll see you again? Since we're staying in the same place." Then she turned to Elisabth, and gave her a tight-lipped smile. "You too, Elisabth."
"We'll definitely run into each other again," Elisabth quickly responded. Hopefully, not. Not wanting to be around her any longer, plus feeling her feet getting sore, Vane must have picked up the signs.
"We'll see if we can make a time for it," he added, clasping his hand with hers to lead her towards the elevator. But what happened next rendered both speechless.
Without warning, Talliah leaned in and planted a kiss on the side of Vane's lips!
Talliah grinned, eyes glinting in mischief. "You should."
Elisabth's eyes widened in shock as she watched the scene unfold before her. Her hand instinctively pulled away from Vane's grasp, a mix of confusion and disbelief washing over her. She swore, she even heard some shutters from camera.
What. The. Fuck.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone