We Lied

Chapter 2

"... And for our special guest tonight. Let us welcome the beautiful Cassy Adelais!"

I stepped on the stage and waved at the crowd. It's only been two days since I finished shooting. I barely get time to relax, yet I have to be on a talk show tonight. I also promised my grandma to attend the party later. My schedule is so packed.

Johnny Falcon is a fun companion. I see why this is the most popular talk show. He asked me about my previous experiences to answer common fan questions. The questions were pretty much reviewed beforehand.

"You debuted in an intense action movie at 16 that made such a big impression on the audience. Like a vicious, brave and strong young woman," Johnny said. "But just two years later, you became the lead character in 'That Summer Rain'. Everyone was like, 'Wow! How many characters can she play?' It was that feeling! You went 180° from a killing machine to a sweet little angel. Do you know how shocking it was?"

I laughed. "Well, that was very new to me too. I wasn't a fan of romance. I also have never dated yet at that time."

"What? Then, was Keith Powell your first kiss?" He asked, astonished. He then covered his mouth.

"Haha. Unfortunately, Keith wasn't my first kiss," I answered.

He smiled sheepishly. "Then, would you mind sharing the story?" He asked.

"Well... Less than a year before we started taping that movie, I fell into a pool and a guy rescued me," I said.

"Rescued? Was it CPR?! Does that count as a kiss?"

"I liked him, so I considered that my first," I replied and laughed. "He was very cool. Although we never talked again."

"He must be regretting not talking to you again. Cassy Adelais now fills every corner of the TV."

I laughed again. "I doubt that. He probably doesn't remember me."

"Who the hell would forget your face?" He asked in disbelief. "I would probably remember you for the rest of my life if I ever saw you once on the street."

I smiled, feeling a bit flattered. "Well, thank you. That's very kind of you to say."

The conversation continued, and we talked about my upcoming projects and some of my favourite moments on set. As the interview wrapped up, I thanked Johnny for having me on the show and said goodbye to the audience.

I headed back to my dressing room to grab my belongings. As I was packing up, my phone rang. It was my grandma.

"Hello, Grandma," I greeted.

"Are you going to the party? Christine told me you are still in the studio for a TV show tonight. If it's too difficult, you can skip it, my dear," she said.

"Oh, it's okay," I replied. "I'm just finishing up. We're going to head there soon."

"Really? Then that's good to hear. Keep me updated. I'll hang up now so you can get ready. I love you!"

"Bye, Grandma. Love you, too."

There were only one and a half hours before the party was set to start. I forgot to tell Christine about the party's theme, so I didn't have an appropriate outfit. We had to stop by a boutique to pick up a dress. There were a few customers inside who recognised me and took pictures.

I made a "shh" gesture and winked at them. They giggled and waved at me.

"Please show us your beige dresses," said Christine to the saleslady after we entered the VIP area.

They brought the dresses, but nothing good enough for an elite party. They were either too sexy or too plain. "You don't have any more nudes?" I asked.

The sales ladies shook their heads, "I'm sorry, these are the only ones we have now."

"Cassy, I saw this pastel blue dress. It might not match your grandma's dress, but it still has the same soft vibe," she said as she walked in. I totally look like a grandma's girl in her eyes.

I took the dress and I tried it on. The colour gives off an innocent aura, but the exposed back and mermaid fit make it sexy. It matched the white stilettos and diamond accessories I was already wearing.

"It looks stunning on you!" Christine exclaimed as I stepped out of the fitting room. "You have to get this one!"

I checked myself out in the mirror and nodded in agreement. "I like it too. Let's get it."

I had to take it off to avoid getting unnecessary attention. We purchased the dress and quickly left the boutique, knowing we were running out of time. We went to my condominium to prepare before heading to the venue.

I was a few minutes late when I arrived at the grandiose mansion of the Creeds. It looked exactly how you'd expect a castle to be. I guess you could say they are modern royals, owning the largest conglomerate in the world. Nicely dressed attendants greeted us politely. I headed to the ballroom while Christine decided to wait outside. The good thing is that events like this are very exclusive. I wouldn't have to worry about paparazzi and tabloids.

When I arrived at the ballroom, someone was already playing the piano. She must be the chairman's daughter. I scanned the room to find my grandparents. There were some influential business personalities and high-ranking officials among the guests. The only others that should be here are blood-related to those directly invited. Additionally, the chairman doesn't like 'spotlight' people, aka celebrities and media personalities.

I literally don't belong here.

The tables and food are placed on the sides, as the centre is reserved for dancing and socialization later. After a while, I found where my grandparents were.

"You're so busy. Maybe I shouldn't have asked you to come," Grandma whispered worriedly.

"It's okay, Grandma," I said. "What did I miss?"

"That chairman's son has already given a speech. He's more handsome than that actor you told me you're working with. He'll probably be back later. You shouldn't miss it."

I laughed. "Tobias is very handsome, though," I said.

She looked at me suspiciously. "Do you like him?"

"I do. He's a really good colleague," I answered truthfully.

"But as a man?" she asked. I suddenly got reminded of the interview today. It is true that I almost drowned and got CPR, but I don't remember my saviour's face at all. For all I know, that might have been a woman.

"Tobias likes men," I finally answered.

She looked shocked. "Wow. Really? But he looked so... strong in his movies. I didn't expect that at all."

"He's a good actor," I replied.

"Well, I wish him happiness," she said. "It's good that this era is more accepting of this."

"His boyfriend is very handsome, too." I'm sorry for talking behind your back, Tobias. I'll make sure to send you a gift.

She gasped. "He has a boyfriend now, too? Wow. That's nice. Being in love is amazing. Back in my day, society wasn't kind to my queer friends. What a good time to be alive."

Grandma is the most understanding and caring person I know. That is why I often wonder why her daughter even ran away.

Everyone applauded when the piano performance ended. The chairman stepped onto the stage. I can't believe he's in his 60s. But then again, my grandparents are in their late 70s and still attending parties. Wealth is health?

"Welcome to this intimate gathering of some of our society's most prominent and successful individuals. Tonight, we honour those who have excelled in their industries. Our achievements are a testament to the strength of our individual aspirations and group efforts. Ladies and gents, let us make the most of this evening. Raise your glasses!" the chairman raised his glass, and so did everyone. He continued, "To more success. To new friendships. And to the opportunities that lie ahead. Cheers!"

The glasses made wonderful clinking sounds as we toasted with one another. I looked around the room and saw people smiling, laughing, and enjoying themselves.

The chairman's son walked up to the stage and took the microphone. I couldn't see his face clearly from this distance, but I could tell he had an amazing build. "Good evening, everyone. I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful night," he said, looking around the room. "As my father mentioned earlier, we are here to celebrate success and new opportunities. But tonight, I want to talk about something a little different. I want to talk about giving back."

He went on to explain how the Creed family had started a foundation to help underprivileged children get an education. He spoke passionately about the importance of education and how it had changed his life. I could see the sincerity in his eyes and felt moved by his words. Maybe that's the power of a natural-born leader.

After his speech, the guests were invited to make donations to the foundation. My grandparents were quick to donate a large sum of money, and I followed suit.

My grandparents and I toasted the occasion. We chatted for a while about their friends and the current state of the world. I was enjoying myself, but I felt a little out of place.

"Madam Ophelia Adelais, is this your granddaughter, Cassy?" asked Madam Viginia Creed, who had just arrived. She is Chairman Luis Creed's wife. She handles herself like a queen. So elegant.

"The one and only," said Grandma proudly. She shared cheek kisses with Madam Virginia.

"You look beautiful tonight, Mrs Creed. And the party is wonderful," I greeted her when she faced me.

She tapped me with her fan, which looked just as glamorous as herself. "You are more beautiful! Darling, I love you in That Summer Rain," she said matter-of-factly. Why am I hearing that title so many times today?

Grandma looked very proud as she said, "Oh, she won an Oscar for that."

"I know! I wanted to see her, but she hasn't been attending parties since then," Madam Virginia said. It feels awkward when someone richer and more influential than you fangirls like this.

I smiled and said, "The taping for City Lights started around that time, so I was really busy. Forgive me for not meeting you, madam."

"I knew you were always a hard worker," she said sweetly. "Seb--- S-Sabrina. My daughter. Yes. She was two years your junior in high school. She told me you were always studying at school."

I raised my brows. "I'm flattered she told you about me," I replied. I wasn't close to anyone in high school because of my frequent absences. I don't even remember interacting with Sabrina. I don't know why she would lie, but it sounded like one. Observation by an expert liar.

"Haha. My daughter's very shy," she said.

After a few more chats between Madam Creed and us, a familiar figure arrived.

I found a man I'm rather confident would spark the creative sense of any human. His deep green eyes framed by long, dark lashes hold a depth of intensity. He has a strong posture and carries himself with a sense of grace. His neatly combed hair displays a classic and sophisticated look. But I think he would look more handsome with wet hair and---

Gasp. I snapped myself back to reality.

"Cassy, this is my eldest son, Sebastian. He's just five years older than you. I would leave the other details for you to get to know each other," Mrs Creed introduced him to me. She grinned and turned to my grandma. "Madam Ophelia, there is something I'd love to show you."

They left us alone without a chance to stop them.

"Your name is Cassy," he said, his deep voice too intimidating. Am I gonna get questioned or something?

Somehow, I feel like putting on a fake smile for him would be a mistake. So I just broke our eye contact and said, "It's only my stage name. Please call me Cassandra." Cassy was a nickname to match my good-girl image. It feels uncomfortable to hear him say it. I'd rather he would only call me Cassandra.

"Do you feel uncomfortable with me?" He asked such a straightforward question that I couldn't think of a reply fast. He said, "I guess that's a yes."

Maybe if he bothered to give a smile, I would feel less nervous. This is worse than getting interviewed live, at least I would know what to expect.

"I'm sorry, it's not that. It's just that I'm not used to being in such a... high-profile setting. And I don't know you very well," I explained, trying to ease the tension.

I could see a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, and I felt a small sense of relief. "Fair enough. I'm not great with formal settings either," he admitted.

I looked at him oddly and said, "Didn't seem like it when you were on the stage, though. Perhaps you should try--"

"Cassy? Wow. I didn't expect I'd meet you here." I turned around to see a contemptuous look from a very annoying woman.

I smiled. "Good to see you Pau--"

"You must be Sebastian Creed! I'm Pauline Matthew. I play Mirabeth in the Kratos Series. It's such a great honour to meet you," she said to Sebastian enthusiastically. I guess she has a blood relative here.

I decided it was time for me to go, so I wanted to say bye. "Then I will be--"

"I heard so much about you from my friends. I've been dying to meet you," Pauline continued, completely ignoring me. "You look even more dashing up close."

I just sighed.

Sebastian glanced at me briefly before turning back to Pauline. "Well, I'm glad to finally meet you as well," he said, his tone polite but distant.

Pauline looked very interested in him. I decided I didn't want to stand there awkwardly. That brat Pauline never lets me speak anyway, so I slipped away while they spared me no attention.

I have replaced Pauline in the lead role for two movies. I can understand why she does not like me, but it wasn't exactly my fault that she was kicked out.

I left the party and went outdoors, which was enormous, by the way. While walking outside the mansion, I remember a place where I once wandered off to. I traced the path in my memory and found the beautiful gazebo inside the large garden. It was not far from the mansion, but no one was there.