Chapter 82

Chapter 82
Olivia's POV

The quiet hum of activity on set was a welcome distraction, but even that couldn't drown out the thoughts swirling in my head. I was flipping through my script in the corner of the room when I heard his voice.

"Olivia," Anthony called, his tone warm as he approached.

I looked up to see him standing there, his usual confident smile in place. "Hi, Anthony," I said, setting the script down on the table beside me.

"Thought I'd check in on you," he said, pulling up a chair and sitting across from me without waiting for an invitation. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm fine," I replied automatically, forcing a polite smile. "Getting back into the swing of things."

He studied me for a moment, his gaze softening. "You don't have to pretend with me, you know. I can only imagine how hard this has been for you—with Elijah, the rumors, everything."

I stiffened slightly, my fingers tightening around the edge of the table. "I'm managing," I said, my voice firmer this time.

Anthony leaned forward, his expression earnest. "You don't have to manage alone, Liv. I meant what I said before—if you need anything, I'm here. Anytime."

"Thank you," I said, glancing away. His kindness was beginning to feel suffocating, like he was trying too hard to position himself as my savior.

"I mean it," he continued, his voice lowering as if to emphasize his sincerity. "You've been through so much lately, and I hate seeing you carry it all by yourself. You deserve better than that."

The words hung in the air, heavier than I expected. I looked back at him, trying to read his expression, but it was perfectly composed—sympathetic, supportive.

"I'm not alone," I said, more to convince myself than him. "I have people around me who care."

He nodded, but there was something in his eyes that made my chest tighten. "Of course you do," he said, his tone gentle. "But sometimes... it's hard to know who you can really trust, isn't it?"

His words struck a nerve, and I swallowed hard, suddenly uncomfortable.

Anthony leaned back slightly, giving me space but keeping his voice steady. "All I'm saying is, I'm here if you need someone to talk to. Someone who doesn't have an agenda. Just a friend."

A friend. The word felt hollow, but I forced myself to smile. "Thanks, Anthony. I'll keep that in mind."

He returned the smile, standing as if sensing the conversation had reached its limit. "Good. Don't forget it," he said, his tone lightening.

I watched him walk away, my thoughts spinning. His words echoed in my mind, tugging at threads I wasn't ready to pull. It's hard to know who you can really trust.

I exhaled slowly, shaking my head. Anthony's concern felt genuine, but there was something about his timing, his tone, that left me unsettled. Still, a part of me wondered if he was right.

The sound of a knock on the door broke my train of thought. I looked up to see Ezra standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable. Behind him was Zoya, her hands stuffed in her pockets, her usual quiet demeanor betrayed by the tension in her shoulders.

"We need to talk," Ezra said, stepping into the room without waiting for an invitation.

I nodded, setting my script aside as Zoya followed him inside, closing the door behind her.

"What's going on?" I asked, glancing between them.

Ezra didn't waste time getting to the point. "I've decided we're holding a press conference to address the rumors."

His words hit me like a brick. "You're what?"

He crossed his arms, his posture firm. "We can't keep ignoring this, Olivia. The rumors are out of control, and the longer we stay silent, the worse it gets. A press conference is the best way to regain control of the narrative."

I stood, the frustration bubbling to the surface. "Control the narrative? Ezra, all this is going to do is pour gasoline on the fire."

"We've ignored it long enough," he said evenly. "If we don't address it, people will keep speculating. This is about protecting the show, Olivia, and your reputation."

"My reputation?" I repeated, incredulous. "Do you really think putting me in front of a room full of reporters is going to help that? They'll twist everything I say, no matter how careful I am."

Zoya, who had been standing quietly near the door, finally spoke. "He's right about one thing, Olivia. The rumors aren't going away on their own."

I turned to her, surprised. "You're taking his side?"

Her eyes flicked to Ezra before meeting mine. "I'm not saying it's a good idea, but ignoring this hasn't worked either. Maybe... maybe this is the only way to get ahead of it."

I shook my head, my frustration growing. "And what exactly are we supposed to say? That it's all a lie? That none of it means anything? Do you think they'll believe that?"

Ezra stepped forward, his tone softening slightly. "You don't have to handle this alone, Olivia. Zoya and I will be there too. We'll control the room, redirect the questions if necessary. It'll be fine."

I stared at him, disbelief mingling with anger. "You make it sound so easy. Do you even realize what you're asking us to do?"

"I'm asking you to trust me," he said simply.

Zoya shifted uncomfortably, her gaze darting between us. I could see the hesitation in her expression, the conflict she wasn't voicing.

"Fine," I said finally, my voice cold. "But if this blows up in our faces, that's on you, Ezra."

He nodded, unbothered by my tone. "Understood. Be ready in an hour."

He left without another word, leaving Zoya and me alone in the room.