Strange Feeling
923 Words
Chapter 3
Prim was perched by the car window, a slight frown etched on her face.
"Just accept these gifts, Primrose," Ian urged. But she resisted, a quiet "No" slipping from her lips.
"Yes," he persisted, trying to coax her. "It's an apology gift," he added.
"You've already fixed it, so there's no need," Ian fell silent in response to Prim's assertion. "Don't you need anything else? Any forms to sign? If not, I'm leaving. Thanks," she briskly said, preparing to exit the car. But Ian moved swiftly, rushing to the other side to open the door for her.
Primrose attempted to maintain an air of indifference, not wanting to admit to herself that at her age, she was feeling a flutter of excitement over a guy.
"Are you going somewhere? I could follow you, just to ensure you arrive safely—" Ian started, interrupted by Prim's questioning gaze.
"Why would you do that?" Ian seemed at a loss for words.
"Nothing. I just—" she began, but Ian's puzzled look halted her.
"No, I can manage. Goodbye," she said coldly, stepping into her car, slamming the door shut.
Ian stood there, unsure of how much Prim was pretending not to be affected by his presence. His fluttering emotions stopped as he tapped on the window of her car.
She composed herself before rolling down the window. Almost sarcastically, she asked, "Yes?"
"These," he gestured to the paper bags he held. "I’m serious… please accept them."
Prim raised an eyebrow, half-jokingly suggesting, "Are these part of your mom's collection that you're passing on to me?"
She noticed Ian's raised eyebrows. "Do you really think I’m using my parents’ wealth at this age to buy my wants and needs?" he chuckled.
"Well, why not? They’re loaded, and I don’t see you working at all—" Prim's words seemed to sting him.
"Oh, really..." he looked hurt.
"Why? Are you even working? How come you can come and go whenever you want?" Prim challenged him, noticing Ian's poker face.
"Are you being serious right now?" Prim nodded, almost provoking Ian into an argument.
Suddenly, Ian removed his hand resting on the roof of Prim's car and stepped back slightly. "Ian... right?"
"Yes."
"Just do your thing. Fix the mess you made and leave me alone," Prim said, about to roll her window up when Ian spoke again.
"You know what? Never mind. I’ll donate these bags somewhere where they'll be appreciated. I thought you were better than this," he said abruptly, walking away as if he hadn't been trying to convince her moments ago.
Prim was unsure of what she felt, seeing the disappointment in Ian's eyes.
She leaned against her car for a few minutes before deciding to leave for their shooting venue. As she arrived, she delved straight into work. She could sense the gossip among the staff, but she ignored it. Regardless of any rumors, her paycheck remained higher than theirs.
After finishing her work, she retrieved her phone from her assistant, Abi, who had stayed back due to some management discussions. Prim avoided facing the higher-ups in her management, knowing it would likely turn into a discussion about their family reunion.
Unfortunately, her aunt had gained ownership of the management, leading some to assume nepotism. However, before her aunt, the previous owner of Kinley Entertainment was her aunt’s spouse.
"Ate Tanya, do I have any other pending tasks?" Prim inquired, glancing at the iPad her assistant held to check if there was anything left to do.
"So far today, none," Tanya replied, prompting Prim to smile and lean back on her portable chair.
Being an actress was exhausting. People assumed it was all acting and then lavish treatment, but it was more than an 8-5 job. Every job had its struggles, requiring a resilient heart and mind.
Prim asked Tanya for permission. "Director, would it be okay if Miss Primrose leaves since she has completed all her tasks for the day?"
"It's fine as long as she can return tomorrow morning; we have a shoot scheduled in Batyawan," the director replied.
Prim packed only the essentials to take to her condo, knowing she would return. The shooting location was a three-hour drive from her condo, so frequent back-and-forth trips were both exhausting and time-consuming.
As Prim picked out a cake for her mother, she noticed the whispers around her growing louder. They lingered for ten minutes before finally leaving the cake shop.
After an hour-long drive due to heavy traffic, Prim headed straight to her room to lie down. Realizing she was sweating, she decided to take a quick shower before resting. She needed to visit her mom tomorrow, or else her mother, the queen of all queens when it came to sulking, would be upset.
Prim was accustomed to being alone; since she was young, she had often been on her own. Her parents hadn’t been there for her when she needed them. Now that she had the freedom brought by her acting career, they hovered around her like an overly clingy partner.
Prim skipped dinner, too tired from days of inadequate sleep due to their tent accommodation. They needed to wake up early each day.
Before she fell asleep, she noticed a message from Ian on i********:.
"I’m sorry if I somehow invalidated your decision not to accept gifts from me. See you around soon," Ian’s message read.
Prim couldn't help but smile before drifting off to sleep.
What is this strange feeling that I feel?
- Writer
