Taming the Wild Star

Avarie's Realization

“Damn woman, what a stubborn creature” Nikolai exclaimed while looking at the drunk Avarie. She doesn’t want to go home yet so Nikolai just watches her and listens to her unstoppable rant. Nikolai shakes his head as this is not in the job’s description anymore, ever wonder why he seems like a bodyguard now.

“Hey, you, I hate you HAHAHAHAHA” Avarie pointed his finger to Nikolai while laughing and crying like a crazy woman who needs to be in some rehabilitation center as it seems like she has lost her mind. Although she looks crazy, she still looks beautiful, her French braided her is now a mess but that didn’t stop her from looking pretty. This girl must be a pain in every man she encountered and surely, they can’t tolerate a girl like this.

Avarie was going to order another drink when Nikolai stopped her since she was already quite drunk and looked so wasted and wretched that she no longer resembled the haughty Estelle Avarie Diamandes. Nikolai carries her since she is unable to stand owing to her inebriation and her weight-like feather enables Nikolai to carry her smoothly towards the car and call Lexie to get Avarie’s car.

Avarie moans upon placing her in the backseat and acted as if she was about to puke.

“Get a hold of yourself lady, you’re not allowed to puke in my car” Nikolai stated while putting a seatbelt to Avarie and handed her some candy to buy time.

“Next time I won’t allow you to get drunk anymore, such a pain in the ass” he utters while going to the driver seat.

“Am I not worth it?” a sudden question from behind make Nikolai fidgeted, he looks at her through the front mirror and saw a sad expression of Avarie, her face looks so red and her eyes become watery.

“My mother didn’t look out for me and my father disown me…and just when I thought I find someone whom I can consider a family just left me that instant. I hate faking everything and acting like it doesn’t hurt at all….I know you’ll give up on me as well so don’t bother getting close” tears coming down her cheeks as she let a small sob, like a baby. Nikolai realizes that Averie seeks affection which her family failed to do so.

When Nikolai came upon a convenience store, he pulled over and purchased some hot beverages to aid Avarie's inebriation. After all, she's not always a nasty person; she's simply misunderstood. Nikolai remembered a time when he promised someone he'd protect her but didn't, and he realized he should make that commitment now.

“Thanks” a whisper-like voice stopped Nikolai a bit and turns to face Averie who’s now closing her eyes.

“Don’t worry, from now on, I’ll protect you, agápi mou” he said while staring at Avarie, who was now sleeping.  

Avarie was jolted awake by the alarm clock, and a small movement in her bed had her gripping her head in anguish. She switches it off and notices a bowl of porridge and a box of medicine on the side table.

“Argh, damn hangover” she uttered while picking up the notes beside the porridge.

'Eat the porridge and drink the medicine. Get ready at 10 am the Director wants to talk to you'

-Nikolai, your manager

“Tssk whatever, for sure he’s gonna lectures me again. Shitty old man” and throw the notes in the trash bin.

Avarie took a spoonful of porridge and discovered that it was tasty, so she was able to finish it right away. Even though she dislikes taking medicine, but she had no choice because her head was in excruciating pain. After eating and drinking the medicine, she took a quick bath since it’s almost 10:00 am.

“AVARIE DIAMANDES! You’re such a disappointment. The investors expected you to be present at that party and yet you acted like a brat. You’re an A-list star but you’re so unprofessional” Director Wang's angry voice echoed in the four corners of the room as he slammed the folder his holding a while ago.

“I was just having fun,” I said while shrugging my shoulder but deep inside I was a bit nervous. Although I can always get out of such conversation, I know that right now the Director is really furious.

“That’s a very unreasonable excuse coming from you. One of the investors canceled our partnership because of you. Do not forget that you are the face of CK Entertainment and your attitude will reflect the company and may taint its reputation”

“Then why won’t you get Amara as my new manager again”

“The decision has been done. It’s either you accept Stavros as your new manager or I will be forced to strip you off from your title”

“You can’t do that, I am the moneymaker of this company. I know that without me this company will fall short” I said proudly

“Don’t be so full of yourself Avarie. The company has many thriving artists and some are already rising to popularity as well. If we can make you an A-list star we can also do that to anyone. Remember this Avarie if I can make you rise to popularity, I can make you as well return to where you firstly belong. You are smart, think of it, dismiss!” his cold expression means that he’s not bluffing.

My mind is occupied as I leave the office. I know that the Director is correct; without them, I am nothing. After that heated argument with the Director, I went straight to my condominium. I still have two weeks off until the start of filming on my new drama, and I intend to travel to Greece after a 15-year absence. At the very least, I should have known if Mom was still alive so that I would have someone to rely on when I withdrew from the industry. It took me 15 years sulking but she never even once contacted me. I wonder if my mother even knew that I had become a star now just like how she named me Estelle which means star. Mom, I did fulfill your lost dream and I hope you’re proud.

I phoned Lexie to get an airline ticket to Greece, and perhaps I'll be able to go by tomorrow. I don't want to spend any more time; I need to reclaim the things I've lost, which I can achieve by humbling myself and refusing to linger in misery, resentment, or revenge. I've realized that I need to learn to accept things as they are rather than allowing my pride to govern me.

I despised my mother for giving up her parental rights to me and allowing my dad to take control. I loathed her for allowing me to live a miserable existence with my dad and for failing to contact me when I was disowned by my own father. I had so many questions, so many what-if scenarios that only she knows about. But I guess I've had enough of hating her for so long, and I've wasted enough time wallowing in my misery. Perhaps, as a daughter, I should've known better and that she has no choice but to let our father raise us because she doesn't have the power to object. Perhaps she is unaware of how I was disowned for a small reason like obtaining a B+ grade, and maybe she hasn't contacted me because she believes dad treated me well.

A beep on my phone waken up my senses, I opened it and saw Lexie’s message

“Ms. Avarie, your manager was the one who gets the ticket because I have some work to do prior to the Director’s command”

Oh, that damn Nikolai. I almost forgot what happened last night or if I did something dumb as I remember he was the one who accompanies me to the bar.

“Lexie, why didn’t you meet me in the bar last night?” I texted back

“I was about to, but your manager suddenly shows up and ask me if where you are because you lost him”

“Traitor! so you’re the one who tells him where I’m at”

“You didn’t say that I’m not allowed to tell anyone about your location so I did, sorry Ms, Avarie”

I didn’t reply back. Although I don’t like Nikolai’s presence especially him being my manager but I’m still thankful that he brings me to my place safely. After that conversation with Lexie, I went to f*******: to check for updates and typed Aria's name into the search bar. She updated her account two days ago, uploading a slew of photos, including some with the devil. I almost forgot the demon's birthday was two days ago. Even though I had forgiven my mother, I still despised my father. Unless I get an answer from him, I've accepted the truth that the wound he left on me will continue to bleed indefinitely. I'm screwed after a few more scrolls when I mistakenly touch the like button. I quickly push it back and keep my cool, believing she won't notice because we're not friends. I don't want her to think I'm stalking her or that I haven't moved on because, yes, I still have issues with her. I turn off my phone and wait for Nikolai’s message regarding the plane ticket.

It's almost 4:00 pm but Nikolai didn’t call nor text for an update so I decided to ready my luggage and all the things needed for my flight. I finished everything at 6:15 pm and just when I was about to order something for dinner Nikolai entered my condo bringing 2 plastic bags which she believed are food.

“You’re late, where’s the plane ticket?”

“Let’s eat first before anything else”

“What the heck, you’re acting weird. Who told you that you are allowed to eat with me” I asked while raising my brow.

“Just because you’ve helped me last night doesn’t mean we’re close already, thick face” I added

“I am the one who bought this food and you won’t allow me to eat? Who’s thick-faced now lady?” He replied while smirking.

D*mn

“Whatever, eat your goddamn food, just so you know I can order my food as well. Now, where’s my plane ticket?” I asked while opening my hand.

“I said let’s eat first and I’ll give it to you” Nikolai’s voice thunder as his cold eyes meet mine.

“Fine, whatever Nikolai” I shouted while marching on the table, I’m so hungry already so I concede and nothing else.

“Tssk, peismatára gynaíka” Nikolai utter while placing the plastic on the table“Just so you know Nikolai, I can understand what you’re saying” I replied after hearing his whisper-like comment, how dare he call me stubborn.“Omg, these are all my favorite food, some are pricey though. Where did you buy this?” I asked curiously while scanning the food.“It doesn’t matter where. Just eat” I raised my brows with his very informative response, to the point that I don’t get any information. Hm, what a mysterious man. I didn’t bother asking him again as it’s not my style, so instead, I started eating. These foods remind me of someone from my childhood back in Greece. Every time they visit us, my mother, always prepares these dishes and he would be very happy, I wonder where he is now.

“Btw, you speak Greek, where did you learn it?"

“I live in Greece” he answered, oh that explains why.

“Where in Greece?”

“Thessaloniki” I wonder how he was able to work here, far from where he lived.

“Oh, you know I’ll be going to Greece, tomorrow right?” I asked

“Yes, and I’m coming with you” he stated as he took the last bite of his tomato keftedes

“WHAAAT?” just wth, I can’t believe this

“That’s the director order” he shrugs

“Hey, what are you? my bodyguard?”

“I was just following orders lady, the Director told me to treat you casually so I’m gonna do it. After all, he’s the one paying me” Nikolai replied while smiling mischievously

“It’s basically my money that they used to pay you though. Besides, what are you? a puppet?” I said while showing my annoyed expression.

“Wash the plates and clean the table. That’s your punishment for annoying me” I exclaimed while rolling my eyes before storming out the kitchen.

“Whatever you say, my lady”