When Lola came back to Novera, she visited the set to save the day. Heaven knew how elated Director Sarian was. After all, the director had never been satisfied with the replacement that Lola contracted to play her role.
And with Lola’s return, Director Sarian — or rather, the entire production team — treated her like a god. With Director Sarian unhappy, it was hell for everyone.
"What?" Lola asked dryly as she paused doing her makeup, sliding her eyes to the side.
On the folding chair beside her sat Cedrick. The man offered a small smile, simply watching her.
"Nothing," he said, almost giggling. "I’m just really glad to see you again, Taz."
"Goodness." She clicked her tongue, though her lips curved up. "Cedrick, can you see this ring?"
She raised her hand, and though she was clearly joking, she added, "I’m a married woman now, and you’re not allowed to date."
Cedrick’s face flushed, his breath hitching, his shoulders stiffening. His reaction only made her laugh.
"Kidding," she waved dismissively.
"You’re kidding about getting married?"
"No, I’m kidding about the part where you can’t date." She turned back to the mirror, resuming work on her disguise. "Just date when you finally find someone who gives you peace of mind and takes care of you as much as you take care of them."
Cedrick pressed his lips into a thin line, staring at her profile in silence. He lowered his head and sighed, listening to her like a child. He wasn’t one, but he couldn’t blame her for talking to him that way.
Just then, Silo’s voice came through their tent.
"Lola."
Both Lola and Cedrick turned toward the entrance and caught Silo peeking inside. He tilted his head, eyes wide.
"Huh?" Lola frowned, then she saw two people standing behind him when he opened the flap fully.
Pixie and Megan.
Ugh... what now?
*
*
*
It wasn’t that Pixie and Megan bothered her. They didn’t — but Lola knew they were currently tangled in a messy negotiation with their agency. The two had finally stood up against Manager Kang’s corruption and years of being suppressed.
Lola didn’t know any further details, and she had no intention of prying. But since the duo came to her, she couldn’t just ignore them. With Cedrick needed back on set, Silo escorted him out.
So Lola stayed in the same folding chair, working on her disguise while Megan and Pixie sat nearby.
"Whatever it is..." Lola remarked, touching up her already-thick makeup. "It’s probably a no."
Pixie and Megan exchanged looks and chuckled. After a moment, they focused back on her.
"We’re not here to ask for any favor," Megan said as Pixie nodded. "We came because... we want to apologize."
Lola paused mid-stroke and glanced at them. "For what?"
"For being a bitch to you," Pixie said bluntly, smacking her lips. "It’s a little late, but you’ve been missing in action, so we only got to do it now. Lola, sorry for being mean."
Megan nodded. "You may not forgive us immediately, but we hope you will one day."
"That’s right!" Pixie added with a small, awkward smile.
"No, nothing like that," Megan said, looking thoughtful. "It’s just... I think Pixie and I saw her last weekend."
Lola’s brows knitted. "Last weekend?"
From what she knew, Melissa had abandoned Lawrence and disappeared. No one cared enough to find out where she went.
"We had a meeting in the countryside and saw her — maybe," Pixie said, rubbing her chin. "She looked fancy. Not her usual style. Very luxurious... or maybe we saw someone who just looked like her?"
Megan let out a breath. "It was probably not her. I mean, she left because she couldn’t handle being poor or taking care of her father. How would she become wealthy that fast?"
"You’re right." Pixie chuckled, then looked at Lola. "Sorry for bringing her up."
"She’s not a taboo," Lola shrugged, unbothered. She resumed eating. "Don’t mind her. You two have more important things to worry about. Your agency will do everything to keep you."
"Even if they freeze our offers, what’s new?" Megan shrugged. "Pixie and I already decided. We won’t renew. If they push us, we’ll sue."
Pixie chuckled. "Good thing this series is paying us more than expected. We can afford a lawyer. Hehe."
Lola looked up at them, but didn’t comment. She was about to take another bite when Megan suddenly asked:
"You’re going to accept us into your agency, right?"
Lola choked and coughed, staring at them with wide eyes. "Huh?!"
"Silo already told us," Pixie giggled. "We’ve been considering it for a while. Don’t worry, Lola — Megan and I will work hard so you profit from us!"
"..." Lola blinked and blinked again. And just like the strange friendship she unexpectedly formed with this duo... 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮
Lola would soon find herself doing extracurricular work just to rescue these two from their predatory contract.

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