"I feel like they're a couple in real life; otherwise, their performance wouldn't be so authentic, with so much affection in their eyes. Only a couple in love could have that connection."
"I don't want to admit it, but it's true. Sadly, a story can end before it begins. Goodbye, my male idol."
"I strongly support his upcoming works."
"Totally agree, I support.jpg."
On social media, the comments on the latest video were clearly divided into two camps: one, composed primarily of women, praising Adrian Foster; the other, mostly men, praising Olivia Hart. However, most agreed on one thing: the two seemed destined to be a couple off camera.
Adrián, leaning back in his office while scrolling through the interactions on Twitter and Instagram, smiled as he read the comments. It was gratifying to see so much recognition. Still, he felt a slight flush of discomfort. Olivia, sitting nearby, watched wordlessly, her face trying to hide her genuine curiosity.
"Well done," Adrian coughed to hide his emotions. "The response has exceeded our expectations and strengthened the company's image."
Olivia looked at him calmly:
—We only did something small. The important thing is that you gave us your full support. You not only provided resources, but you personally set an example. That inspires everyone.
Adrian couldn't help but smile, half surprised.I didn't expect that praise...He waited a moment, wanting to hear more, but the silence stretched. Olivia's deep blue eyes bore into his with a softness that made him shudder.
Finally, Adrian turned off the video on his laptop.
"I'm satisfied. I'll give you an extra bonus this month," he announced.
Xander, one of the creative assistants, stood up excitedly:
—Thank you, Adrian! You're so wise!
Olivia smiled shyly and murmured:
—Thank you, Adrian.
Adrian answered with a friendly gesture:
—You deserve it.
He knew when to stop. He didn't want to stay in the content department too long to avoid unnecessary rumors. He returned to his office, downloaded Twitter, and began reading the thousands of comments, especially enjoying those suggesting he and Olivia were the perfect couple.It makes sense, he thought, amused.
Suddenly, firm footsteps echoed in the hallway.
-Forward.
It was Vanessa Quinn, the company's public relations director. Her heels echoed precisely, filling the office with an air of authority. Vanessa always commanded respect; her discipline was legendary.
"Working hard or slacking off?" he joked, walking in with a folder of documents.
"Neither one nor the other," Adrian replied, smiling. "Is something wrong?"
"I just wanted to see the star of the company," Vanessa replied with a sly smile.
Adrian raised an eyebrow, curious.
—Have you seen the video?
—Of course. It circulates throughout the company. As expected, your performance was impeccable. It doesn't seem like you're cut out to direct alone; you should consider continuing to act or streaming more often. You've demonstrated natural talent.
Adrian laughed softly.
—Is it a compliment or a criticism?
"A sincere compliment," Vanessa replied seriously, raising her hand as if swearing.
She came closer and whispered curiously:
—Are you and Olivia a couple?
Adrian replied with a mischievous smile:
—You have no idea.
Vanessa insisted, although with a hint of doubt:
—I have another question, but maybe I shouldn't ask it…
"Then don't ask," he replied calmly.
She stared at him, trying to read him.
—Did you buy MediaLuxe to be close to Olivia?
Adrian raised his hands, feigning indifference:
—How did you know?
Vanessa smiled, without pressure.
—It doesn't matter. Shall we have lunch together?
-Perfect.
It was just after four in the afternoon, and Manhattan was still gripping the heat of the day. The summer sun was beating down, and Adrian knew the most sensible thing to do was sit in an air-conditioned café, sipping something cold.
However, there was one task to complete: pick up little Liam Carter from Starshine Academy kindergarten. It wasn't his son, but the son of a childhood friend. The latter, busy with work, had entrusted the task to Adrian, who accepted without hesitation.
Adrian waited under an oak tree near the entrance, an ice cream cone in one hand and a bottle of iced water in the other. The heat was making him sweat, but he didn't care.
At 4:30 p.m., the crowd in front of the kindergarten was slowly dispersing. Liam appeared, guided by his teacher, amidst children's laughter. He had a round face, rosy cheeks, and an infectious smile. When he saw Adrian, he ran up to him, shouting:
—Uncle Adrian!
Adrian bent down to receive it:
—Go slow, champ. It's very hot.
Liam smiled widely as Adrian offered him an ice cream.
"Thank you, Uncle Adrian," said the boy before he began to eat enthusiastically.
They said goodbye to the teacher and some classmates as Liam approached a sweet-faced blonde girl named Riley.
"Riley, do you want some?" Liam asked, offering his ice cream.
She smiled shyly and accepted.
—Thanks, Liam.
"No problem," he replied cheerfully, before turning back to Adrian.
Adrian, observing the scene, asked:
—Who's Riley? Have you known her before?
Liam nodded:
—She's new. She just moved here and didn't have any friends. I invited her to play with me. Now she's my best friend. I teach her how to draw and I lend her my toys.
Adrian smiled at the boy's spontaneity.
—That's very good, Liam. Always remember to be kind.
Liam nodded happily, savoring his ice cream as Adrian watched him, feeling an unexpected warmth in his heart.
At that moment, Adrian knew that this seemingly trivial encounter would be the beginning of something deeper.