Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Leah glanced at me and she nodded excitedly, happy that she get to have a conversation with him, “Uhm…yes..”

Ajax’s jaw clenched at that, “I know you are not close with her so don’t push yourself. I’m warning you.”

I blinked at that, my eyes instanlty snapping to Ajax who was dead serious. Leah on the other hand seemed too shocked to even react. It took her a few seconds to process it before clearing her throat, “Uhm..excuse me?”

Ajax raised his eyebrows, “Yes?”

She gulped, “You’re rude. I am just trying to-”

“You’re wasting every second I get to have a date with Ellaina.” Ajax said firmly, his tone saying he does not really want to tolerate Leah any further. “Don’t bother finishing your sentence. Leave.”

And watching Ajax defend me like that made my heart skip a beat.

No, wait a minute…no….just no, Ellaina. You are just getting yourself in trouble.

Leah, who was too stunned to reply now, glanced at me as if asking for my help.

I shrugged, “You heard him. Leave us alone.”

“So you’re really going to make your relationship public? this will affect your reputation as a top model.” Leah mocked, “What do you even like about her other than her body?”

I gasped, did she just say that straight in front of me?

The sound of the chair getting dragged was instantly present and I felt Ajax standing but I instanlty stood up before him and I stopped him.

“No, let me handle this,” I said, seeing how he was looking blankly at Leah as he clenched his sharp jaw.

I faced Leah and smirked, “Are you too bored with your sugar daddies? Why not cry to your rich sugar daddies? Maybe he’ll bring you a new diamond ring or a new limited edition Birkin bag,“ I had already dealt with bitches like Leah in my whole modeling career. People like her are not new to me. In fact, I am too immune that I know how to handle the whole thing.

Leah looked at me up and down, sizing me up. Since I was taller than her, thanks to my modeling physique, she was looking up at me a bit, “You say it like that as if you aren’t one kissing your manager’s ass.” She said as if that was an insult already and then added, “The press will know your true self, Ellaina. And when that time comes, people won’t love you anymore.”

She gave me one last final look before turning away and leaving us with silence.

I wanted to fight back and yell but I have to maintain my appearance, plus I am in public. you’ll never know when your pictures will get scattered and misinterpreted by the media.

I have to learn that the hard way. Or wait, Maybe it was Leah’s way of making me fight with her so that it would be up in the news.

I sat back down and I couldn't help but wonder about what Leah said.

I felt a chair dragging beside me and saw Ajax coming to my right, pulling me from my trance.

“Oh, I just want to sit beside you, babe.”

I cringed at his words, “Stop calling me that.”

“What? Aren’t you gonna be one in the future?”

I sighed, not wanting him to tease me further, and returned back to the topic, “You hear what she said. What if that time comes?’

“Abut what?”

“People knowing the real me and hating me,” I trailed off, biting my lip as I waited for his answer.

He shook his head, as if disliking the idea, “That won’t happen, who would even hate you, babe? In fact, if that happens, I’m certain they will love you more.”

“But what if they really will…indeed…know my true self?” Why am I even asking this to him? I feel like this is myself’s way of comforting my own, overthinking the possibilities.

Ajax, who was silently thinking, suddenly reached out and softly tucked my hair behind my ear as his lips curved in a gentle smile, “Then that will make me have more chance of being alone with you. I could court you more. It’s their loss.”

I sighed, he’s really good at his words. And damn me for almost believing that.

“No, you can’t. No one is as sane to do that.” I said in defense, denying the idea that someone is willing to do that.

“Then I can be insane for you…And don’t ever think that will happen because I promise you, it won’t happen. I won’t let people hurt you. This entertainment industry is toxic. That is why I am here to help you cement your good reputation. You’ve worked hard this far.”

I nodded, biting my lip, “Thank you.”

His eyes glanced down at my lips for a split second before looking back at my eyes, “Okay, now shall we eat?” Our lunch just got spoiled. don't make friends like that.”

I chuckled, “You don’t need to remind me. I don't even have friends, to begin with.” I answered.

He paused, “What about me?”

I just lightly hit his arm playfully and couldn't help but ask, “How did you even know I wasn’t friends with her?”

“Your face says it all. And your uncomfortable.” He simply answered.

His answer made me think how considerate and thoughtful he is. No one even thought of that, and even Manager Smith, who I’ve known for years now still didn’t master that.

With Ajax, he seemed to know me for a long time…

“Why are you so shocked? Didn’t I tell you I've been watching you my whole life?”Oh not that kind of watch, not in a stalker way, I meant in a gentlemanly way. “

I nodded, not letting his reason pass for now.

The food arrived instanlty and we ate lunch. It was delicious but expensive. I knew I would; even eat at this kind of place if I was; to any events for free or with Ajax just like now….

Just then, I felt cameras flashing from the window.

Shit.

Ajax paused and cursed under his breath, “Another disturbance I see, can’t I just have a nice date with you?”

“You signed for it. Now let’s go.” I said as he stood up and guided me to a passage. I made sure to wear my shades and mask to cover my face. Ajax also wore his and tightly grabbed my hand.

I tried to pull away but he was persistent, and I just let him guide me. Holding him was a good idea as the moment we arrived outside, we were warmed by a few crowds. Well, atleast it was lesser people here and we instanlty got to his car waiting for us.

He made sure to open the passenger door for me and I hopped in before he hopped in the driver’s side.

“I’ll take you to your condo.” He said as he turned on the engine but I shook my head.

“Let’s go somewhere else.” I simply said, feeling a bit suffocated from the media’s cameras. Really, I have to be used to them. I mean, I am already used to them…

“But I thought you are tired?” He asked.

I shrugged, “Aren’t I going to take you on a tour around the city?”

His eyes instanlty sparkled at that, “Really?” He looked like a little boy that was just given candy and I wanted to just pinch his cheek right there and then but I held still.

“Yes. Now start driving or I’ll change my mind.”

I wasn’t even finished saying that as he was quick to maneuver the car. He was humming a tune happily. “No, no, I won’t let you change your mind! Let’s go now!” He exclaimed and I chuckled at his enthusiasm.