Are you into boys?

Chapter 3: Rumours

( Eleanor's POV)

We had a final meeting before we could finally launch our new jewellery line; Heaven's Delight. The most powerful figures of the industry came to support us at a small party we were throwing.

"Mom?" Haven called out as she walked towards me. "I brought you this" she said, handing me a tiny bottle.

"What is this?" I asked

"It is for your hangover"

"I told you, I will be fine, Hav"

"I am just worried. Please drink it." She smiled. I nodded. She hugged me and kissed me sweetly at the corner of my lips.

"Now go along, we have a long night to deal with" I said.

"Sure mom" She said walking away. I walked over to my P.A who was still busy entertaining the guests I'd left to get some air.

<<<<<<<

(Writer's POV)

The event sparkled with paparazzi flashes, Champagne glasses and models in gowns worth more than a college degree. Haven dressed in a sleek emerald-green dress that hugged her like silk, had her arm around her mother as a photographer took pictures of them. They were both smiling like queens who ruled the same empire. And maybe they did. A paparazzo zoomed in close. A little too close. Too curious. Too bitter.

"Why do they look more like lovers than mother and daughter?" someone whispered at the party. It started as a snide comment, an offhand joke made by someone who hadn't gotten invited to the red carpet.

Then came the blogs: "Too Close For Comfort? Haven and Her Mother Spark Uncomfortable Questions", by an anonymous celebrity gossip blog. No sources. No facts. Just speculation and blurred images. One photo showed Haven helping her mother fix her hair, her hands brushing the older lady's cheek. Another, from a different angle, looked like Haven had kissed her mother's cheek...but a poorly timed shadow made it look...different.

The caption under that one read: "Intimacy or Inappropriateness? The Internet Reacts."

And the Internet reacted...

Twitter lit up.

@Pinky_style

"I get being close to your mom but THIS is kinda weird"

@Billyscout101

"There's just something off about Haven and Mrs. Emerald. No way they're just mother and daughter."

@hollythebeauty

"Hollywood's getting wild again. #HavenMystery"

Even t****k jumped in, people slow-motioning the videos from the party. Overanalyzing every glance and smile between Haven and her mom. A voiceover trended for a week:

"Tell me you're in love with your mom, without telling me you're in love with your mom."

Someone even made a fan theory video titled "The Forbidden Love of the Emeralds." It got over 1.3 million views.

The worst blow came from an ex-friend turned frenemy, a model named Camila Rivers, who went on i********: drunk on champagne and envy.

"I mean, look...I love Haven, I do," Camilla slurred, flipping her hair. "But let's be real. That whole relationship with her mom is kinda sus. They act more like...like, I dunno...lovers. Not really a mother and daughter vibe. Just saying."

That was all it took. From that moment, it wasn't just gossip. It was truth in the minds of thousands. Screenshots were shared. Reels were cut. Hate spread. And somewhere in that forest of lies, the real Haven, the one who was loyal, broken, trying to heal, and trying to breathe began to disappear behind hashtags and headlines she didn't write.

***********

-School Cafeteria

(Haven's POV)

"Who does that Camilla Rivers even think she is? Talking badly about people like that. If I ever get see her anywhere, I'll treat her to a free boxing lesson for try to hitch a ride on your popularity." Ivy couldn't stop insulting the netizens after the rumours broke out.

I didn't even care about those rumours because I know none of them are true. I was just worried about my mom. I was hoping she didn't run herself into the ground, trying to clear up the rumours.

"Forget that, Ivy. Even Haven herself is not that bothered", Priscilla said.

Ivy rolled her eyes, "Who asked you? If she is not bothered, I am. Haven, what did your mother say?"

"She didn't come home last night and when I went to the company, she was in a meeting. I couldn't wait so I left for school." I said sighing.

"Everything is going to be all right. I'm sure your mom's got this" Priscilla said.

"This is all my fault. And my gut is telling me Edward is responsible for all this media drama", I said covering my face in frustration.

"I-I understand H-haven, I sometimes think I am at fault for everything" Becca said and we all fell into silence.

Ivy slapped her forehead, "You are not helping Rebecca"

"I'm sorry" Becca apologised.

Then the school bell rang.

"Haven, let's go we've got Chemistry class" Ivy said as she got up.

"Sure, see you guys after school then." I said to both Becca and Priscilla

------------

(Eleanor's POV)

"Everything's under control now', I told myself. The rumours have been taken care of. I just have to wait for things to die down". So I decided to get busy to clear my head.

There is something about pearls. They're delicate but firm,possessing a certain calmness and forged under pressure. I wore them today. A gentle reminder.

The monthly Emerald inspection was routine. My board of directors insisted I didn't need to come in person, but I liked walking the marble floors, seeing the sparkle in the eyes of clients admiring our display. It reminded me why I stayed. Why I didn't crumble after he left. This is more than enough distractions to stop thinking about him, or the rumours.

I was discussing some minor lighting changes in the main lobby when I felt the air shift like a storm approaching.

"Eleanor?"

I turned. And there she was.

Lovely Reed.

The very picture of what the media called "flawless". All six feet of smug perfection in a gold body hugging dress, her signature red lipstick, and cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass.

She was standing with two friends, loud enough for the store to hear. And she was smiling that venomous smile.

"Oh my God, Eleanor Emerald. I almost didn't recognize you. You're so...grounded these days. Especially with the rumours going around."

I kept my back straight and smiled politely. "Lovely"

Her eyes scanned me from head to toe. I wore a cream pantsuit, simple and classic. She, of course, dressed like she was walking the Met Gala.

"Wow," she said, fake-gasping. "You really do the working woman look so well. Heard you've been getting hands dirty lately. Inventory or maybe busy using them to f**k your daughter. So admirable." She tilted her head. "Some of us prefer not to age."

Her voice was sugary, but the crowd already smelled blood. I could see people pause. Phones twitching in hesitant hands. Employees stood awkwardly by the diamond counters, unsure whether to step in or stay invisible. I didn't respond. Just gave her a pleasant smile and turned to resume my conversation with the store manager.

But she wasn't done.

"Isn't it funny," she said louder, "...how some women build empires and still end up with no man to share it with?"

A low chuckle escaped from her friend. "Maybe the men can't accept the relationship she has with her daughter."

A few gasps. A few chuckles. The crowd was growing. She wanted a spectacle. But i wouldn't give her one. Then...

"Mommy!" A tiny voice pierced the air. I looked down, startled, just as a little boy with soft curls and big brown eyes came dashing towards me and wrapping his arms around my legs.

"Mommy!" he beamed, tilting his head up. "You said you were going to pick me up!"

My hands instinctively touched his shoulders, unsure, frozen. A wave of confusion washed over the room. Phones definitely came out now.

Lovely's face twisted in confusion. "What...the hell?"

Before I could even blink, a tall man strode confidently through the parted crowd. In a fitted navy suit, he looked every inch a movie lead walking onto set. He approached with ease, took the little boy's hand, and then slipped his other arm around my waist with startling familiarity.

"There you are," he said, kissing my cheek like we'd done it a thousand times. "Willy couldn't stop asking about you"

I blinked "You..."

He whispered quickly, "play along. I got you"

I nodded slowly, instinctively. His confidence was magnetic. Lovely's mouth hung open.

"Wait...what is this?"

The man turned, his smile cool and sharp. "Jeremy Miles, Journalist. Hollywood producer. And Eleanor's partner."

"Partner?" she snorted. "Since when?"

Jeremy tightened his grip, still smiling. "Since the day she stopped entertaining certain...parasites,in her life."

The room went dead silent.

Lovely scoffed, but her voice cracked slightly. "This is ridiculous"

"No", he said calmly. "What you did was ridiculous. And now you're going to apologize."

She laughed again. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me. Apologize to Eleanor. For your rude remarks. Or I'll make sure your face never graces a cover again."

"You can't...!"

"I can," he said, deadpan. "And I will. I've buried bigger names than you, sweetheart"

She faltered, visibly shaken.

People were filming. Murmurs swirled like storm clouds. One of Jeremy's assistants, a young man in black, appeared at his side with two security officers.

Jeremy held up a hand.

"Everyone here, delete your photos and videos. Now. Anyone who doesn't will be personally contacted by my lawyers. This is a private matter."

His men moved through the crowd efficiently. No one dared argue.

Lovely's face flushed deep red. She clenched her fists.

"I'm...sorry," she said between her teeth.

Jeremy gave a polite nod. "There you go".

She turned on her heels almost immediately, heels clacking furiously as she pushed through the crowd and disappeared with her friends.

Once the chaos died down, I finally turned to him. "Why did you do that?"

He smiled gently. "I've seen so many good women stay silent while others poison the room with their bitterness. Plus I've never liked bullies.."

Willy tugged at my hand. "Can we get ice cream now, Mommy?"

Jeremy laughed. "Someone's impatient".

I chuckled. "Well, I guess I owe you more than just thanks"

He extended his hand. "Dinner, maybe?"

I took his card. "Tomorrow night. On me", he nodded.

As I watched them walk away,Willy skipping ahead as he swung Jeremy's hand, I felt something I hadn't felt in years. Maybe I wasn't alone after all.