The Royal Contract

“Are you sure you will be fine in here, Serena?” Her manager asked as she helped her move into the apartment she would be renting for the remainder of her stay in this city, at least until her case finished.

She looked around at the middle-sized room. Well, at least by their standard, the people who lived in this area. But the entire flat was barely the size of her bedroom alone.

Still, she liked her new temporary home despite its size and location. She doubted that Elliot would ever think to look for her in this place. First, it was not where she would imagine herself living. And second, Elliot would never want to step into a pest-infested area like this.

“I am sure. This apartment is perfect.” She enthusiastically answered her manager as she dropped her bag on the floor near the couch in the middle of the room.

“And besides, Adam leaves just next door. He assures me that this neighborhood is safe.” As long as no one recognized her as the famous actress, she added subconsciously.

“I still think it would be safer if I get you a more appropriate apartment and hire a bodyguard to follow you around,” Nora recommended as her eyes roamed around the room, extending her movements to the window to check the outside.

.....

“I understand your concern, but I am fine here. I don’t need someone following me around.” Serena stretched her body, feeling the fatigue of her sleepless nights as she stayed in the different hotels.

She did not feel comfortable knowing people knew who she was. Any one of those staff could inform her situation to the paparazzi or her ex. Suddenly, she remembered the bystander taking pictures of them by the door.

Luckily, those pictures had not roamed the internet or the tabloids yet. Hopefully, the guy had a change of heart and deleted those pictures. For now, she wanted her anonymity. Hopefully, no one would identify her with her star character.

“Ok. I give up.” Nora raised her hands in the air as a sign of surrender. “But if anything goes wrong, please call me immediately.” Like a mother hen, she would come running to save her.

“I will. I promise.” She stood from the couch and hugged her manager. “Now, you can stay and watch a movie with me or leave and let me have some peace.” Giving her an option.

“I wish I could, but I still have worked to be done,” Nora said goodbye and left her in her new dwelling while she lazed around in her living room, planting her feet on the center table as she grabbed the remote.

As planned, she dozed off automatically, unaware of someone knocking on her door. For an unknown reason, she felt more comfortable in this place than the hotel she had stayed in, with their complete security running around the establishment.

Finally, several more knocks woke her up, making her aware of a visitor outside her door. She quickly stood from the couch and strode towards the door but suddenly stopped.

“Whose there?” She remembered she was new here and did not know her neighbors except Adam. It could be anyone giving her a friendly welcome to the area or someone who might have recognized her earlier.

“Adam.” He answered her with that distinctive voice. “I just want to check on you.” He added behind the door.

Somehow, she had finally memorized his tone, recognizing him effortlessly even if she did not see his face. Hurriedly, she opened the door, glad he had come by to see her.

“Hi!” She slightly waved her fingers at him, showing him a friendly smile.

“Can I come inside? I brought dinner since I figured you might still be adjusting to the place and had not time to cook or order food.” He lifted the paper bags in his hand, indicating his takeout food.

“Thanks. That is very thoughtful of you. You did not have to do that, but I truly appreciate it.” She mumbled as she opened the door wider to let him pass. “Please make yourself comfortable.”

She was thankful that he thought of food. Honestly, eating had never crossed her mind. Now, she realized she was starving, and there was nothing in this apartment she could eat.

She had been living in hotel rooms where room service was easy. She failed to remember that she had to change her ways in her new living condition. She mentally took note of buying food the next day.

Who knew? Maybe she would not be a famous star after a few months. Then, she would have to start living a modest lifestyle. Her situation was a perfect way to prepare herself for such an eventuality.

“What are you watching?” He asked as he settled on the couch and arranged the food on the small table.

“I forgot.” She responded as she joined him on the couch and helped take the food out of the packaging. “I fell asleep.” She admitted that she had no idea what was playing on the screen.

Then, she raised her brows at him when she saw his reaction to her statement. “What?” She asked as he looked at her funnily with a slight smirk on his lips.

“That explains this new look.” He pointed at her and made a circular motion at her current appearance. “I almost did not recognize you.” He teased her.

“No...” Then, it dawned on her what he implied as she jumped on her feet, suddenly feeling conscious about her looks. Then, she ran toward the bathroom to check on herself.

“Hey! I was only joking. You still look great.” She could hear him saying, but she also caught a slight chuckle from his voice.

“Wow! You look great.” She mumbled to herself once she faced her reflection in the bathroom mirror.

Her hair was a little out of sorts, then her face had a pillow mark on her cheeks, probably from the uncomfortable position she ended up in on the couch. But the worse was the dry saliva that was sticking down her chin.

In her defense, she was exhausted, too tired to even think of being comfortable or how she would look. Besides, she was startled when she suddenly had a visitor without notice.

“And why does it matter?” She asked herself if she looked like a piece of crap.

She believed she liked him. Did she want him to like her too? Yes, maybe.