Love or Lust?

Chapter Four: The Uninvited Visitor

"How is Jared? We met two months ago in Paris, and I have not seen him physically since then." David asked.

"He is coming to the city next week," Richard replied then added. "Let's discuss in the bar."

Ivy cleared her throat, alerting them to her presence.

"Please, do not tell me you're jealous that I'm stealing your man. We won't take long." Richard teased but Ivy didn't find it funny.

"We will talk later, Ivy. Mr. Walker and I will just grab a drink and have a brief discussion." David assured.

"Alright. Take care." Ivy replied and then walked into the building.

"How are you coping with her?" Richard questioned as he walked towards the small aesthetic hut in the distance.

"Ivy? She's fun to be with, sincerely. I guess you must have made her angry." David replied as he slid his hands into his trousers. "I hope you both get along."

Richard gave no reply.

Meanwhile, Ivy had just freshened up. Her day had been ruined and now, there's a viral clip of her entering Richard's car. Although no one had recognized that it was his car. Rumors have started flying that she might be in a relationship with the owner of the car.

Edward had just finished lecturing her about her recent behaviors and how they could affect her career. Of course, he's only interested and concerned in her career, not in what she likes.

She picked up her phone and scrolled through the screen lazily. Bloggers had shared the news, videos, and pictures of her. She was used to it, it was like a daily routine in her life and she was not bothered by the things they post or say.

Aria came forward and began applying natural skin care to her face. Most of the things she disliked had become her daily routine and she had no choice. The skincare includes aloe vera, cucumber, and other fruits that Edward claimed would make her skin look like glass.

She had been applying them on her face for years and she could swear they worked for her face but the process is somewhat tough. The itching and wetness of the vegetables made her anxious and uneasy at first but she had gotten used to it.

"Close your eyes, ma'am," Aria instructed.

Ivy obeyed, and then she felt the wetness of thin sliced cucumber on her eyes. While Aria continued applying skincare on her face, they heard a knock at the door.

"I will be back, ma'am."

Ivy nodded slightly while Aria walked to the door. As she arrived in front of the door, she opened it and stared at the man in front of her.

"Who is it?" Ivy questioned, her tone laced with curiosity.

"Mr...Mr David," Aria replied, her voice slightly trembling.

"Really? Is David here? Let him in!" Richard smirked as he entered, then motioned Aria to leave, which she did.

After Aria left, Rochard closed the door behind her and then walked up to Ivy. He stared down at the face mask on the clean tray then placed it on her face carefully.

"I see you are done talking to that bossy man," Ivy said as she folded her arms. "I just hope I don't get to see him again because he has gotten on my nerves enough."

Richard gave no response, he only stood before her, a slight grin curled up in the corner of his lips.

"Aria...would you mind helping me up? I need to show David something." Ivy continued.

Richard reached his hand to hers and helped her up but Ivy's brow curled.

"Your hand...it is quite strong."

Richard withdrew his hand from hers immediately. Ivy removed the cucumber slices from her eyes and glared at him.

"What! You?." She said, her tone laced with disbelief as she looked around. Aria was not in the room, but why would she leave her with this arrogant man without telling her?

"If you're looking for your...skin treatment lady. I told her to leave." Richard let out, his expression remained the same.

"Why would you tell her to leave? And...what do you want?"

Richard hesitated. This was not the right time to speak to her about something that transpired between the two of them.

"Never mind. I'll take my leave now. Take care."

Ivy watched helplessly as he walked out in majestic strides. Unsure of what to do, she sat back down in her chair. The door opened and Aria walked in holding a cup of water.

"Where were you?" Ivy inquired, her tone stern.

"Mr Richard...

"What!" Ivy cut in, her eyes gleaming with anger. "What if it was an assassin or someone sent to take my life or injure me? You'd leave them in their care and just walk out without informing me?"

"But he said you asked him to come and..

"He told you all that and I could not hear?"

"He whispered."

Ivy shook her head and then placed her hand on her temple gently.

"Get out."

Aria placed the cup on the table then left without saying a word.

Shortly after, Ivy prepared for the new scenes that needed to be shot in the swimming pool of the hotel. Clothed in a bikini, Ivy made her way to the pool while her personal assistant followed her.

As she got to the location, she curtseyed to everyone and they all replied politely. The director instructed her and the upcoming actor on what to do and the shooting started.

Soon, they were done with the shooting and Stewart came forward. Stewart is a famous director, who has won multiple awards for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He approached Ivy who was engrossed in a conversation with her assistant.

"Our own beautiful actress." He declared and Ivy embraced him instantly.

"Nice to see you, Stewart." She replied as she withdrew from him gently.

"Same here. I don't know how busy your schedule is, but I have a brief job for you."

Ivy looked at him thoughtfully. "You know I'd free my schedule for you, Stewart. You have an important place in my heart."