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Lucian’s (Luc) POV:

“I know what you are trying to do. For the millionth time Hal, Don’t try to convince me. The answer is still NO”.

Hal finally understood that my patience was wearing off. And I could see that his mind was thinking fast to trap me in other ways. I knew him very well. I could have gotten a few film offers at start of my career because of my looks and acting ability. But it was Hal and his brain made me this successful in media industry. No one could negotiate and win this man. I sighed again anticipating his next move to manipulate me.

Everyone knew me as Lucian Alastair, a famous movie star. I had been blessed and cursed with that are dreamt for and envied by both men and women. Looks, fame, money, success, you name it, I had it. But those made me lost one thing I treasure in my life - my family.

I shook my head. No, I would not succumb in self-pity any more. Hal’s words penetrated my ears somehow.

“Have you checked these tabloids?” Hal threw down the Nation’s top weekly magazines. I narrowed my eyes seeing those sections.

‘Luc is always alone on parties? Who is Luc’s special friend?’

‘Will you be coming out Mr. Lucian?’

“The celebrity sections are hinting that you are gay. All because you are refusing to take any female along with to parties.” Hal whispered shouts at me. “It is not only about you. The sequel is due and your attitude is going to affect that. Think of all the people’s future involved in that.”

Shit! I never expected him to blackmail me using this. My movie “The Medieval Prince” Part II was currently on pre-production and would be starting with shoot any time soon. I was locked in that contract for another two years. It was a mega budget movie with lots of expectations as the first part is a terrific hit. And my contract clearly said that I should not create any big ripples in my social life which may affect the film.

“Hal, No. Don’t bring that in our conversation.”

“Luc, I am not black mailing you. But I am requesting you to rethink. I am not asking you to jump abruptly into any relationship. But I want you to appear in public with a female companion just for media sake. I will take care of your dates so that they will not bother you after the parties.” Hal looked as if he would hit my head with something, if I didn't accept.

I did not have any valid point to reject this. So I had no other option but to accept. But not fully. “I will think about it”

Hal chuckled at my grudging response. “Fine, I will leave now. Oh! Let me tell you before I forget. Mary wants to know if you can join for dinner sometime next week. She thinks that you are too fried up and need some relaxation.”

“Oh No Hal! I don’t want to barge in...”

Hal lifted his finger to threaten me. “Don’t you dare? You are family to me and Mary. So will Wednesday suits you?”

I sighed at my dear friend. “Yes Wednesday is fine. How about 7?”

“Perfect. I will leave now. Mary wants to do some shopping and I have to take her.”

After Hal left, I glanced the magazines he left back. I wanted to shred them all. Why the heck these people wanted to barge in other people’s life. I almost swept them away and suddenly stopped as a minuscule details caught my eyes. This did not look like some sudden lime light on me. It looked as if it was a deliberate attack.

Narrowing my eyes in anger, I snapped open my phone and called the only person whom I could trust on this. James was my second in Command in my Office. He was a good friend and also became my body guard literally after the recent events.

“James, I need to discuss an issue. Yes, I am still in Masa. Come in 10 minutes.”

I went through the articles again and by the time James arrived my suspicions were confirmed. Who and why they want to target me out of blue? Was it because of my latest hit movie or because I took over the CEO position in Alastair Corporation recently. But both reasons looked very weak for such an action.

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Hal’s POV:

Entering my car, I buckled my seat belt and took out the phone. I waited with impatience for the other end to get connected. Once connected, I spoke up not waiting for the other side to talk. “I have done my part. Now it is in your hands.”

I uttered a sorry to Luc for doing this to him, but I had no other options. I sighed before losing myself in the traffic.

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Luc’s POV:

I lifted my hands to let James, who was searching for me to see me.

“So, what is the matter which made you freak out?” James asked me while sitting opposite to me.

“What made you think that I freaked out?”

“Luc, I know you for the past 15 years. You will never order me to see you in 10 minutes as long as it is an emergency. So shoot.” James switched to serious mode while telling this.

“Take a look at these. Tell me what you think about it.” I passed the glossy magazines to James.

I observed other tables while James was checking out the articles. I was not sure what I was looking for, but my eyes wandered the entire place as if searching for something. My thoughts got interrupted by James’s voice.

“Interesting articles...” He chuckled to my annoyance. “But why this sudden attack on you. What is the intention?”

I knew James would hit the target right away. And that’s why I always relied on him.

“And check the dates. As if all the magazines woke up the same day and decided to write about you. That is something we need to dig about.”

“James, I want to know who is behind this and...” I stopped as my phone started ringing.

I frowned seeing the screen. It was a private call with no number. I mouthed James to trace my call and hit the answer button.

“Hi Lucian Baby, did you see the articles. I hope you loved it.”

I frowned at the female voice on the other end. It was familiar but I was not able to identify it.

“Who are you?”

“Oh poor baby, do you think I will reveal myself that easily.”

“What the hell do you want?” I grated back with irritation.

“Darling” the voice drawled “You are not in a position to shout at me, let alone lift your finger. Say, what will you do if I tell that I have some interesting evidences on Jake’s death?”

“Who the hell are you? Why are you involving my late brother here?” I shouted back.

“Hey man, cool down. The whole restaurant is watching us.” I sighed relizing that James was hinting the truth.

“That’s right. Be a good boy and listen.” the voice mocked me.

I spitted the words through my clenched teeth, “What do you want?”

“This is easy to answer. I want you” I felt an urge to gag when I heared the throaty response.

“What do you mean?”

“Oh my Naughty boy, do you want all the details on the phone. No baby, you have to wait...” I am not able to hold anymore hearing the laugh. But I have to ensure something first.

“What evidences are you talking about? How can I believe you?”

“Right. I will send a picture to your email. Check it out. I will call you tomorrow morning at 10. Meanwhile dream about me darling....”

I looked at James. “No luck, I could not trace the caller. But let us check the email to make sure.” He looked very grave at the seriousness of the situation.

I felt like smashing the laptop at seeing the picture. It was a picture of me, Jake and Diaz. Jake was so carefree. I still remembered the day. It was the day Jake took over the position as CEO of Alastair Enterprise. As the elder son, my dad wanted to me to follow his steps. But I was not interested in taking over family business and decided to pursue in media industry, Jake took up the position.

And seeing Diaz in the picture made me look red. How Jake did not find that she was a gold digger? Because of her, Jake was no more. I could not believe someone so happy was no more. Who was this women? How did she have this picture?

“This shit is getting more serious.” James words brought me to present.

“Find who is behind this.” James stood up indicating that he was already on the mission.

“And James, find about Diaz. Where and what is she doing? I suspect she might be behind this.” James nod and left.

I looked aimlessly across as old memories raise up. I shook my head and now was not the time to get distracted. Something fell into my attention. I saw two guys intentionally disturbing the waitress. I watched without any emotion, with my general hatred towards female population.

And the man purposefully stretched his leg and waitress tripped the glasses on a lady’s lap. I got amused as I expect a big scene with an outburst on the waitress. I was surprised to see the lady scooping down and helping the waitress to collect the glasses. Even the smile was not wavered, when she dismissed the manager defending the worker.

She looked beautiful. The long hair bounced till her waist and the dress hugged her curves in beautiful manner. The dress flowed till her ankles but will pique any man to imagine what’s within the fabric. But what attracted more was her laugh. As if nothing could be wrong in the world. Sure that laughter was contagious.