54

After having joked for a moment about the friendship that was just beginning to emerge between Armand and Robert, Alex had told his cousin everything about Alexei and Amber, two people who undoubtedly represented a danger to the happy couple in love, Robert was quick to become furious, and cursed under his breath, because just when it seemed that things were taking their course, people who were the worst had to appear. Alex, faced with his cousin's unexpected reaction, had to quickly change the subject, because the last thing he wanted was for war to break out, because if it were up to Robert, he would have already gone to find Alexei, to confront him and warn him not to go near Juliet again. After having managed to reassure his cousin, both resumed the subject of the remodeling of the room that would be for his future nephew, Robert did not take long to get into a better mood and start talking about how happy he was about the birth of the new baby, whom he would undoubtedly love very much and who he would certainly spoil. Both, were giving the best of themselves, because what they wished is that everything was perfectly conditioned, without doubt that little boy or girl, was very desired and expected, because it was predicted, fill the family residence with happiness, so while they, were planning everything, in the company Stanford, a handsome brown alone in his dressing room, looked carefully around him, it was incredible the time that had already passed, with some nostalgia evoked that first time that floor the company, he was just a young inexperienced boy and full of many dreams.

He never imagined that he would become the most acclaimed actor of the moment, because although since he was very small he began to feel a certain passion for acting, now that he thought about it, maybe he had inherited it from his mother, who had managed to position herself not only as one of the most beautiful actresses in the world of acting, but one of the best, because her work was impeccable, and her acting, worthy of a standing ovation, because she simply managed to connect with the public, She was impeccable in her work, and her acting was worthy of a standing ovation, because she simply managed to connect with the public, who despite the fact that she was no longer acting, still remembered her with affection and respect. Now, that standing ovation, and that popularity, belonged to him, the son of that prestigious actress. One thing he was sure of, was that he was never going to forget all that he had fought to see his dream come true, because when he had set foot on American soil, he only had a suitcase with his few clothes and twenty dollars in his trouser pocket, but with a clear goal... to become the best actor in the country. He was grateful to Maxwell, because that man, was the first to believe in him and give him his first role, he remembered, his first audition, and how nervous he felt, because he was afraid to make a mistake and lose his only chance, he even remembered how the night before the audition, he was not even able to sleep, that was one of the sensations that reminded him that he was alive, and that what he was about to do, no doubt was something that he was really passionate about.

With a smile on his face, he picked up the newspaper that was on the table in his dressing room, and when he opened it, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction for something that was published about him. Those sapphires rested on the photo that was on the front page, because it was about him and his beloved, both kissing and giving each other loving looks, it was incredible how their love could be demonstrated in a simple photograph, because their eyes shone intensely when sapphires and emeralds met, he would never deny it, he was madly in love with Juliet, that little woman drove him crazy, he felt co-dependent to her, he definitely couldn't live without his beloved. There wasn't a day that went by that he didn't remember the first time he saw her, on that boat, because he thought she was the most beautiful creature in the world, with those beautiful green eyes, that blonde and curly hair that seemed to shine like the sun's rays, those full lips in the shape of a heart and that angelic face, everything about her was perfect, Just when he thought he was never going to see her again, he got the biggest surprise when he found her in the same school where he studied, even when he was taciturn and reluctant to approach her, she didn't hesitate for a second to approach him, with her casual and peculiar way of being, with her simplicity and nobility, little by little he fell in love. At first he was afraid to express his true feelings, for fear of rejection, because all his life he had had to deal with it, and if they approached him, it had only been out of interest, that is why he was very sullen, because he could no longer trust anyone, until she appeared, to demolish that wall that he himself had dedicated himself to build, so that he would not be hurt.

He was so lost in thought and staring at that newspaper photograph that he didn't even notice Amber enter his dressing room until he heard her squeaky, honeyed voice close by.

Hello, Armand,’ she greeted seductively, coming closer than she should have, causing him to startle.

Amber, what are you doing here? he asked incredulously, backing away. Didn't they teach you how to play before you came in,’ he muttered in annoyance.

Armand, why are you being like this with me? I ask innocently. I just want you to let me be by your side,’ she said in a pleading tone, leaning closer to him again.

Understand, I'm not interested in you,’ he said angrily, backing away again. I only tolerate you because you are my companion, for if it were up to me, believe me, I would never even speak to you.

Don't go on, I pity you,’ he said in a voice feigning pain.

I honestly don't care, because I've only been honest with you. Do yourself a favour and give yourself respect.

I only ask you to give me a chance, she said pleadingly, clinging to his arms. Understand that I love you, I don't care if I'm your lover, I just want to be by your side.

What are you saying? he asked incredulously. Have you gone mad? he mused in bewilderment, holding her tightly by the arms. Get it into your head that the only thing I feel for you is repulsion and pity. I would need to be really crazy to leave my fiancée just to be with you.

The redhead annoyed by the words of contempt of the handsome brown, threw herself on him and kissed him, that action had caught Armand off guard, who tried to push her away, but she had managed to cling to his neck, which made it impossible for him to remove her. Although Armand, at first, remained static, for it was something he had not expected, he took enough courage and, as best he could, pushed her away. For the first time in a long time, he behaved rudely with a woman, for he was a gentleman first of all, and to be frank, he detested men who hit women, he always called them cowards, and now he was acting like one, but he had resorted to it, for survival, although inwardly he regretted his wrongdoing.

Don't you ever kiss me again! he shouted in annoyance, wiping his mouth. Now get out of my dressing room! he demanded, pulling her by the arm and dragging her out of the room. Once he was alone in his dressing room, he leaned against the door, letting out a long and tired sigh of frustration, his hands were shaking, due to the anger that had caused him such an unpleasant action on the part of the redhead, he prayed deep inside that what had happened seconds before, would not happen again, in the presence of reporters or his fiancée, Although he was certainly more worried about the reporters, because there were some who, in order to get high sales, were capable of inventing anything low, and that was something he didn't want, not now that Juliet was pregnant, because he had heard that the first few months were the most complicated, so much so that even the mother ran the risk of losing the baby, at the thought of that, he felt his heart squeeze. If there was another thing that he wished so fervently, that was to have the joy of being a father, he loved every time he touched the belly of his beloved, because it made him feel that he had that special connection with his baby, remembering those moments, he could not help but smile and forget that bad time that Amber had made him spend because of his recklessness, Meanwhile, Amber felt humiliated and annoyed by the grotesque action of that brown man, she locked herself in her dressing room swearing to take revenge on him and what better than playing her last card, when she thought about it, a malicious smile appeared on her face, her revenge was closer and closer and she was going to enjoy it.

During the afternoons, Juliet, as was her custom, used to bring something to eat to the handsome brown-haired man and, incidentally, to the other actors, since sometimes the long and exhausting rehearsals did not allow them to have a bite to eat. Before that good deed, Armand's companions were grateful for the noble gesture of the blonde, some of them even envied their partner on the stage, because without a doubt he had taken a woman not only beautiful, but also wonderful, a unique and different woman from the rest of the other young women of society.

When she entered the theatre, she was greeted by Richardson, who was quick to praise her beauty, especially when she was pregnant, as usual, she only thanked him in a friendly manner and hurried to meet her beloved, as she felt somewhat uncomfortable with that man, as soon as she stepped on the stage, she greeted Maxwell and the other actors, who upon seeing her enter, stopped everything and approached to greet her.

How are my two little monkeys,’ asked Armand, who was quick to approach her and caress his beloved's belly.

You're rude,’ she reprimanded him and punched him in the arm.

Why are you hitting me, she asked innocently. I'm just being affectionate, with you, he defended himself. I guess it must be the hormones,’ he said with a shrug.

We're not your little monkeys,’ the blonde clarified a little annoyed. I'm your fiancée and he is,’ she said caressing her belly. He's your baby.

You know I'm joking,’ she defended herself, smiling slyly. You've been very sensitive lately and my mother had already warned me. Anyway, I guess I'll be a battered man for eight months, he said with high drama.

Just don't provoke me and you'll see that you won't be,’ he replied with a wink.

You two don't stop, huh?’ said Karen as she approached them.

Hi, Karen,’ greeted Juliet, with a big smile.

Jul, let me tell you that you look really beautiful, without a doubt, pregnancy is doing you a lot of good,’ said the brunette sincerely, as she hugged her and caressed the blonde's belly.

You're very kind, Karen,’ said the blonde sincerely. In a few more months I won't even be able to move.

It's natural, but you'll still be just as beautiful,’ the brunette assured her.

Why are you lying, Kleiss? asked Armand in a serious voice, as he was trying to contain his laughter.

I'm not lying, Hamilton,’ said the brunette seriously. I'm telling the truth.

My freckled one, pregnant or not, has always been beautiful and I am more than sure that my baby will inherit her beauty,’ he said with pride and his characteristic arrogance.

God help us,’ exclaimed Karen with great drama, rolling her eyes.

Very funny,’ she said indignantly. Now that my wife is here, Jul, won't you let Karen take care of our little monkey,’ she asked, turning to the blonde.

Of course I'll let Karen take care of him, she assured him. Well, I'm sure she'll be a very good aunt, with our baby.

I told you, Hamilton,’ she said victoriously, tapping him lightly on the right arm. I knew Jul would let me, because she knows I'll be a good example to the little boy or girl.

Women, she said wryly. They take advantage of a defenceless gentleman, he said dramatically. Only because they know I sin of nobility.

Even you didn't believe that, Karen scoffed.

I am telling the truth. I am such a good and gentle gentleman.

Aha, whatever you say, Hamilton.

While you two are still fighting I'll go to the powder room,’ the blonde hurried to say, for she felt an immense desire to vomit.

I'll go with you, freckles, I don't want you to get lost.

I'll be fine. Besides, you have to finish eating. The last thing she wanted was for him to see her in such an embarrassing state.

All right, freckles, she replied with resignation. Just don't take too long, I don't want to get paranoid.

Don't worry, I promise I won't be long,’ she mused, giving him a reassuring smile.

Don't be a pain, Armand,’ Karen interjected. Poor Juliet, you don't even let her breathe.

I don't get like that either, the brown-haired man defended himself. When you get married...

If I ever get married, right?

I think you'll be next,’ he assured, winking at her.

Are you psychic now? he asked wryly.

Sort of, he replied mockingly.