Chapter 103: Unseen Affection

Breakfast was done and after much persuasion, Ethan made Jeanne sit down to watch his movie; despite her preference for working on her laptop.

The Flix was launched on the TV screen and Ethan began searching for his movie. The film's title appeared, revealing Ethan's face alongside a well-known actress.

Jeanne's mouth fell open in surprise. She pointed to the screen and glanced at Ethan, who was seated closely beside her.

"That's you," she exclaimed.

"That's me."

"That's you," she repeated, feeling elated.

"I told you."

"This is amazing," she exclaimed.

"See here, co-producer Ethan Hale," he said as he paused the introduction credits.

"How? When?…I had no idea," Jeanne said.

"Let's watch the movie. You can ask me questions later," he said.

"Okay. I'm so proud of you, Ethan."

"Thanks," he said.

Sh wouldn't stop looking at him and smiling.

"What?" he said, laughing. "Watch the movie!"

They shared a brief laugh at her initial doubt and realization before delving into the movie. Jeanne became captivated by the plot, and Ethan's acting was truly impressive; she had never seen him in that light before.

At the movie's conclusion, Jeanne tightly clenched the throw pillow in her hand as Ethan's character chased his love interest to the airport, tears in his eyes, pleading for her to stay.

Expressing her satisfaction with the movie, Jeanne conveyed her happiness that Ethan had launched a film on The Flix.

She had numerous questions, and he did his best to address them. He informed her about how badly he was treated when he first started out trying to act.

Ethan also shared the challenges he faced when starting out and the need to make money for his own movie production.

He engaged in the work he did because he needed funds to produce his own movie; it presented the quickest means for him to generate income.

Ethan explained how the billboard and digital advert for Elite Men Underwear had thrust him into the spotlight, and with his acting skills and a great crew to produce a movie worthy of launching on The Flix.

Updating her on his current movie shoot and the aspiration to have it in cinemas, Jeanne looked at him bewildered, as if he were an entirely different person. It was as though she didn't know him at all.

Ethan also mentioned his surging social media popularity because of the movie.

But it was especially because of his ridiculous good looks. A helpful trait, a very good trait nevertheless.

"What do I owe you?" Jeanne said when Ethan finished sharing.

"Ahh my anything."

"Lay it on me, I can take it," Jeanne said.

"I'll have to think about it," he replied, despite knowing exactly what he wanted.

"Let me know when you're ready. Ahhh…it feels good not doing anything. What would you like to do? Should we go for another movie?"

"You know what I want to do, Jelly Bean," Ethan said, stroking her thigh. She quickly moved away from him, and he pulled her back, making her fall on his chest.

"I don't have energy for you. You come on strong," Jeanne said.

"Can't help it when you feel so good," he said, kissing her forehead. "Another movie it is then."

This time, he opted for an action movie, and Jeanne, initially enthusiastic, soon dozed off in Ethan's arms. Gently placing her on the sofa, he sat on the floor beside her to continue watching the movie while she slept.

***

Ethan remained quiet as Jeanne incessantly talked about Adrian. She had woken up after a couple of hours, and they had lunch and somehow, inevitably, Adrian, of course, made it into their conversation. Like always.

It was exhausting.

He sat on the sofa observing her pace back and forth. He was particularly concerned about her health because she needed a well-deserved rest; instead she was yapping about that implacable Adrian.

He tried to maintain his composure, but the look on his face gave him away.

"Are you even listening to me, Ethan?" Jeanne asked, confused about the look on his face.

"I am, Jelly Bean. Once you get married to Adrian, you guys will live happily ever after," he said, pouting his lips and rolling his eyes.

"Why are you making it sound like that? Are you not happy for me?" Jeanne asked, sitting beside him.

"Because that's how it sounds," Ethan told her truthfully.

"No, it doesn't," she defended.

"Yes, it does!" Ethan said, a bit louder, and stood up from the sofa.

Jeanne was perplexed. She couldn't fathom why she was behaving in such a manner. After all, he was compensated to be with her; there was no need for him to feign concern and pain. Or jealousy.

"What's going on, Ethan?" she demanded.

"Nothing," he said, taking a deep breath.

He struggled to muster courage. He knew it might probably be the last time he would see her, yet he felt compelled to express his feelings.

Jeanne stood up to face him.

"You don't have to keep doing that, you know," she said.

Unable to meet her eyes, he looked away.

"Doing what?" he asked in a low tone.

"Like you care!"