Rise of the Billionaire actress

Aaron arrived the burial of Mrs. Black, clad in a black suit. Other than the pain that gripped his heart, and the dark circles underneath his eyes, he looked breathtaking.

Having arrived late, he slipped in the midst of the crowd and watched his grandma’s corpse get lowered to the ground. His eyes watered as they covered her with earth until he couldn’t see her anymore.

Just like that, she was gone. Forever.

Aaron turned around, hoping to slip away before they caught sight of him but was a second too late. His father’s voice stops him.

“Have lunch with me.” It wasn’t a request.

“I have to go.” He gritted, in no mood to get into another squabble with his father or his delightful family.

“News reporters are everywhere. Except you don’t want to leave this place, I’m your best shot.”

Aaron couldn’t believe the nerve of his father. “You set me up?” He let out an icy laugh, “Why am I not surprised?”

“I didn’t need to, boy. You did it yourself.” One of the guards whispered to the Elder Steele. “Get in the car.” He ordered and headed towards a group of men waiting for him.

Aaron contemplated ignoring his father but soon realized it wasn’t an option when a guard approached him and directed him towards the car. While waiting for his father, Aaron dialed Deloise for the nth time.

Ever since that dreadful night, they hadn’t spoken to each other, much less glanced at each other. Preoccupied by the loss of his grandmother, he couldn’t be bothered about whatever it was they held until the first showing.

He remembered attending the private showing-mildly inebriated, seeking opportunities to steal short glances while managing the pain that ate him alive.

He didn’t think his life could get any more shittier until the news broke. That night, he remembered calling non-stop, and sending endless messages that received no response.

As the days passed, the scandal and hate on her rose to a startling high, he worried about her general well being and its effects on her career. In retrospect, the scandal fueled the viewership of their movie and it only grew as time progressed.

Naturally, he wasn’t left unscathed. He had a fair share of reporters chasing him down for a word on the topic. The car door opened and his father joined him in the back-seat.

“Fix your face, we’ll have company.” Mr. Steele said as they hit the roads.

Aaron remained silent till they pulled up at a five star restaurant owned by his father. The eyeroll that exuded him was natural and he made way into the building, his father walking behind.

“Aaron! Over here!” A feminine voice interrupted his stroll, beckoning him over to her table- a shared table with an elderly man.

“I see we are a bit tardy.” His father said behind him, and walked to their table. “Mr. Parker,” he greeted and they took their seats. “I apologize for our lateness.”

“Nonsense! I came a bit too early myself.” Mr. Parker said with a smile. “This is my daughter, Ellen Parker.” He introduced and she smiled,

“Good day Mr. Steele,” she greeted with a bow, “Sincere condolences on your loss.”

“Thank you very much, my dear.” A waiter came around and took their orders. “I must say you have a well mannered and beautiful daughter.”

Mr. Parker smiled, “Of course, and you, a delightful son.”

Aaron dug into his meal, counting the seconds till he had to leave,

“Forgive him.” Mr. Steele let out a taut laugh, “A little sore from his mama’s passing. This one always clung to her.”

“Oh my! Pardon my insensitivity. I’m honestly sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you, Mr. Parker.” Aaron replied, shutting down the conversation once again.

Mr. Steele took over smoothly, “I was made to understand our Ellen is an actress, and a successful one,”

“Of course! My Ellen is on the way to becoming the best actress on the globe!” Mr. Parker bragged, “I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

“That’s great news!” His father said with a smile, “Aaron here is starting out in that direction, it’ll be great if you could give him some pointers from your experience.”

Ellen smiled, “I doubt he needs any help. So far, he’s doing great on his own, safe for his not so favorable image at the moment.”

That caught Aaron’s attention. For the first time ever, he took a good and long look at the woman before him. He remembered her beckoning on him, and suddenly, she seemed familiar. Too familiar.

His eyes narrowed, “Have we met?”

“I should ask you that, Aaron. Or dare I say, Junior?” Ellen tried to hide her displeasure at his poor regard for her, no one had treated her with such a level of disrespect.

“Ellen-Ellen Parker.” Aaron tested and his eyes went wide. “Senior Ellen Parker.”

“You recognize her? Good! Maybe she can help with your career.” Elder Steele said to Mr. Parker- who nodded encouragingly, loving the twist of things.

Aaron fought the urge to state his contentment of the state of his career. “I think they’d be a good fit.” Mr. Parker said, “He’s the first one she didn’t reject upon first sight.” he laughed, and Mr. Steele joined him. “That counts for something in my books.”

Ellen held up a coy smile, while Aaron’s eyes narrowed at her father’s words. Everything suddenly made sense; this wasn’t an ordinary meeting, it was a set up, the nerve of his father to set him up with some lady made his blood boil.

Mr. Parker’s phone rang and he picked it up. After a moment of listening, he ends the call and restarts the conversation. “I need to go.” He announced, and got to his feet.

Aaron and his father followed suit but he kicked against it. “Don’t let me stop you, go on with your food.” He said, and kissed his daughter’s forehead. “I’ll leave first. We can discuss the details of the deal at a later time.” He said to Elder Steele and they shared a handshake.

As soon as he got out of sight, Aaron got on his feet.

“Sit down.” The hard voice of his father came. Ellen ate quietly, watching their exchange with fascination.

“I’m done eating.”

“Do not be disrespectful. Sit down.” Aaron had other plans as he left the table to his father’s exasperation.

“One moment.” Elder Steele followed him with a hard face. On getting to the door, he caught him by the arm. “Cross that door and you might as well be dead to me.”

Aaron froze, and turned around.

“You will return to that table, apologize, and clean up your dirty image.” He ordered and left the building.

Aaron contemplated defying his father, but returned to the table.

“Not on the best terms with your father, I presume?”

“I apologize.” He said and she laughed.

“For what? Disrespecting me or your father?” She sipped from her glass, “I am in a forgiving mood so I’ll let it go.”

Aaron had nothing to say to that. He called Deloise again, but it was switched off.

“Tell me,” Ellen began, “What is your deal with her?”

“Who?” He asked, knowing who she spoke about.

“You know who.” his eyes widened, “You are yet to tell your side of the story.”

“I didn’t know you listened to gossip, Ellen.”

“It’s unfortunately a major side of our work. You’ll learn in due time.” She waved her hand, “The vultures aren’t always mistaken. I advise you to get out while you still can, take it from an experienced senior, that girl isn’t as innocent as she looks.”

“And what does that mean?” Aaron’s voice was low, dangerously low.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“I’ll make things clear.” she cleared her throat, and reached for his hand on the table. “I like you. A lot more than I anticipated,” she smiled, “But in order for this to work, you’ll need to cut ties with that thing.”

He pulled his hand away from hers, and hissed. “You will not speak of her in such a manner.”

“Protective, are we?” she leaned across the table. “We can both agree that her character is a bit questionable, but that’s besides the point. I can help you build the remains of what she’s ruined of your career. Be with me, it’s a win for you.”

“Didn’t see you as one to throw themselves at me, Ellen Parker.” he tsked, “Let me set things straight, I don’t need help with anything, and I’ll accept this as a mistake on your part.”

He got on his feet, “You dare not walk away from me, Aaron. I could set your career on flames with a snap of my fingers.” she hissed,

“I’d like to see you try. Have a great day.” he winked, “Or not.”

Aaron left the restaurant without a glance back. He called a cab and left the area while Ellen remained seated with a cynic smile. Unknown to him, photos from their meeting were taken by a news journalist.