As Nuala's birthday got closer, Rassel threw herself into work. She stayed busy, checking every little detail to make sure her friend's big day would be perfect. Even though she was tired, that kept her distracted.
Noah had been busy too shoots, meetings, and events, but somehow, he always found time to check on her. A short call. A sweet text. A soft smile when their eyes met.
But Rassel had no idea that everything was about to change.
That morning at the hotel, whispers filled the lobby. Staff were gathered near the TV, eyes glued to the screen. Rassel didn't think much of it until she heard a name that stopped her cold.
"Noah Matthew."
Her heart skipped. Curious, she stepped closer. And then she saw it. Noah. Melissa Austine. Smiling. Together.
The headline flashed across the screen: "Noah Matthew and Melissa Austine: A Love Story Born on Set?"
Her stomach dropped.
Her ears rang as the screen switched to a live interview. Noah was there, right next to Melissa, his arm resting on her shoulders like it belonged there. He looked relaxed, charming like the man Rassel thought she was starting to know.
The interviewer smiled. "So, are you two dating?"
Noah laughed. "We're just excited about our upcoming project. We hope fans will support us."
Melissa nodded sweetly beside him.
Then came the real question.
"Noah, can you tell us—are you seeing anyone?"
He smiled, calm as ever. "I'm single. Not seeing anyone right now."
Rassel's chest tightened. Her heart ached like it had been punched.
Without thinking, she walked away from the lobby and slipped into a quiet hallway behind the staff lounge. The walls were cold. Her breath came fast. She leaned against the wall and slowly slid to the floor, holding her chest like it would keep her together.
"What did I expect?" she whispered. "To be the girl he'd risk everything for?"
Tears blurred her vision, but she blinked them away. She didn't want anyone to see her like this.
But someone did.
Footsteps. A cough.
She looked up to see Jim, a bellboy, standing a few feet away with a tray in his hand. He didn't speak at first, just stared at her with quiet eyes.
"You okay?" he finally asked, voice soft.
Rassel wiped her eyes quickly. "Yeah. Just... allergies."
And then her phone rang.
Noah.
Her hand trembled as she picked it up.
"You saw the news, right?" His voice was low, almost careful.
"It's everywhere," Rassel said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Everyone here's talking about it. They're happy for you."
Noah was quiet for a moment. "I'll pick you up tonight," he said simply. "Later."
Click.
No explanation. No apology.
Rassel stared at the screen for a long second, then tucked her phone away.
She tried to shake it off and focus. Nuala had been messaging her all day, sending excited texts and pictures of dresses. Rassel let herself smile, getting caught up in the back-and-forth. They picked out two dresses, and Nuala promised to have Rassel's deliver the next day.
That night, Rassel's heart fluttered when she saw Noah's car parked just outside her building. She wasn't expecting him so soon, but something about the way he always showed up without warning was becoming familiar.
She quietly made her way to the car. Noah was leaning against his car, arms crossed, watching her with that unreadable look in his eyes.
He didn't say much just opened the passenger door, and she slid in.
The city lights passed by in silence as they drove. Noah didn't take her anywhere fancy. It was just a quiet drive. She was calm, something inside her found her smiling, laughing a little. He teased her, gently like he always did, making her forget, for a while, what she'd seen on the TV.
But as they pulled up in front of her apartment, the mood shifted.
Noah turned to her, his voice softer than usual.
"I know what's been going around," he said. "Online. About me and Melissa."
Rassel looked out the window, keeping her expression calm. "Yeah. It's all over the place."
Noah sighed. "Just wanted you to hear it from me. There's nothing between us. It's all for the cameras, fans, and the show."
Rassel nodded, but she didn't say anything. After all, what was she supposed to say?
They weren't official yet.
He didn't owe her explanations.
Still, part of her wanted to ask, Then what are we?
Noah ran a hand through his hair and added, "I don't expect you to believe everything I say. But I like being with you. I want this... whatever it is between us. I'm not ready to make it loud, but I'm not playing either. Just... give me time."
Rassel looks at him. Saw something honest in his eyes, not dramatic, not desperate. Just real. She gave a small nod and told him I need to go. Nuala is waiting for me. Goodnight, Noah. Just watched her walk inside.
Back in the apartment, Nuala was curled up on the couch, scrolling on her phone with a bowl of chips in her lap. She looked up with a grin as Rassel stepped inside.
"You went out?" she teased. "I heard a car. Don't tell me it was your mystery boss again."
Rassel gave a short laugh, pulling off her shoes. "Yeah. Just talked for a bit."
Nuala raised an eyebrow. "Must be nice. I need one of those, someone who shows up outside my door looking like a whole romance novel."
Rassel smiled but didn't say anything. Her heart was still tangled in Noah's words, in that soft look he'd given her in the car.
"I've been meaning to tell you something," Nuala said, suddenly sitting up straighter. "It's kind of exciting. And also... personal."
Rassel looked over, curious. "What's up?"
Nuala bit her lip like she was debating whether to say it. "Okay, don't laugh. But... I have a crush. Like, a real one. And he's going to be at my birthday."
Rassel blinked. "Really? That's new. Who?"
Nuala giggled and hugged a pillow to her chest. "I've never told anyone. I didn't want to jinx it or seem silly."
"You? Silly about a guy? Now I'm curious."
There was a beat of silence before Nuala said, voice quieter now, "My dad and his father are planning something together. A business deal. Maybe even a merger. And if that happens... they're considering a marriage contract."
Rassel stared. "Wait, you and him?"
Nuala nodded, face warm with excitement. "Isn't that wild? But honestly, I wouldn't mind. I like him."
Rassel leaned in slightly, heart thudding. "Okay, you're killing me here. Who is it?"
Nuala smiled, shy but proud.
"Noah Matthew."
The words hit like a slap.
Rassel's breath caught. She felt the air shift, like the walls had tilted without warning. Everything inside her went still.
Nuala didn't notice. She kept talking, eyes bright. "Can you imagine? I mean, he's so charming, and our families already get along. I know it sounds crazy, but maybe this birthday will be the start of something."
Rassel forced a small smile. "Yeah… maybe."
But inside, her thoughts were spinning.
No one knows about us, she reminded herself.
And we're not even together.
Still, her chest tightened with a quiet ache she didn't have words for.