Chapter 4

I laughed softly, "You did amazingly well, even better than I thought you would."

"Of course! How could I let you down?" Gareth replied confidently.

"By the way, do you actually understand that Glaswegian dialect?" I asked, clearing up a nagging question in my mind.

"Yup," Gareth said, puffing out his chest with pride, "I know four languages and fifteen dialects."

He started listing off, almost like showing off a treasure, "Scottish, Irish, Gaelic... I know them all."

I sighed, "You’re really something else. Being an actor is actually an understatement."

"Nah, it’s not easy being an actor either," Gareth replied humbly.

He was also an artist signed to my company. We were college mates; I studied economics, and he went to the art school. Gareth, tall and handsome with an extroverted personality, loved performing. He had experience in theater and was pretty popular on social media, making him a minor celebrity abroad. Several talent agencies had tried to sign him, and he was keen on breaking into the domestic entertainment industry.

Hearing my family’s business was a film investment company, Gareth approached me. My company rarely signed new talent, preferring seasoned actors from prestigious acting schools. Despite his impressive resume, Gareth was still considered a rookie.

But I needed a good-looking and talented actor to deal with Kai and the gang upon my return, so we struck a deal.

Gareth said sweetly, "If you ever need me to act again, just let me know."

"Thanks, but you should focus on your career," I replied, putting on a serious face. "I treat you the same as any other employee. I hope you earn your place at the company through your own merit."

"Yes, ma'am!" Gareth gave me a playful salute.

Once home, freshly showered and ready for bed, my best friend Lily sent me a voice message:

"Hey, I heard you brought a new boyfriend?! When did that happen?"

I could practically see her eyes shining with gossip through the phone. I gave her a rundown of what happened.

Lily chuckled, "So, you hired an actor? That’s smart. He’s handsome and charming. Who knows, maybe sparks will fly for real."

I sighed, "I don't mix work with personal life. It’s just messy."

"True, power dynamics can get weird. But are you sure he doesn't have other motives?"

Lily interrupted herself, "Susan told me your 'boyfriend' roasted Kai’s friends to a crisp! Too bad I missed it!"

Susan was the long-haired girl from dinner.

"He’s quick-witted and has a sharp tongue..." I was saying when a friend request popped up on my phone: Evelyn.

Kai’s new girlfriend wanted to add me? I was puzzled. She must've gotten my contact from Finn.

After a few seconds of thought, I accepted.

Back in the chat, Lily asked, "Still there?"

"Yeah, Evelyn just added me."

"😲 What's she want?"

"No idea, maybe she has something to say?"

"Drama queen."

Evelyn soon sent a greeting, to which I politely responded with a smiley emoji. Then she sent a video.

In the dim light, I could see a shirtless Kai, snoring and sprawled on a pillow, with someone’s bare arm in the shot. Disgust hit me like a wave, making me feel sick.

Evelyn texted:

“Kai’s snoring is so loud. Was he always like this? He won’t sleep without hugging me; it gets so hot and sticky...”