Chapter 2 The Paparazzo

• When Joachim slid his phone across the table to me with those harsh words,
• “ I should have known.”
• My heart skipped a beat. My stomach dropped. Had he found out that I was The Woodsman? If he finds out, I am doomed. This was the worst date ever. I should have objected when the idea was brought up, and now I am sitting here like a bereaved prisoner hoping it shouldn't be what I'm thinking.
• This is all your fault, Aunt Anna. I cursed under my breath as I swallowed my saliva, and then it happened before I could stop myself. My mouth refused to cooperate with my mind and I began to ramble like I was possessed m
• “It's not what you think,” I blurted out. “I'm not that kind of person. I'm a star agent, you know…” I said, swallowing hard. “Working with actors, and you see this date thing, it was completely my aunt's idea.”
• I was rambling. I could feel the words piling up before I could stop them, but I couldn’t help myself. I was dead broke and getting into another scandal wasn't something I wanted.
• “ I mean, I love reading law books, okay?" I’m not a bad person, I swear,” I continued, standing up suddenly. My legs felt shaky." I just —" I cut myself off, hands shaking as I wiped them on my dress.
• I felt the need to leave, to escape, before he could say anything.
• Good heavens, not now.
• But just as I snatched my bag and made a quick exit, I realized something that made me look stupid.
• Joachim was just staring at me. No words, nothing just staring at me.
• The silence stretched on long enough to make me second-guess everything and to my surprise, he didn’t say anything cruel.
• He simply slid his phone across the table to me, the same phone that had been brewing in the air like a bad omen.
• With shaky fingers, I hesitated before picking it up. My breath hitched when I saw the videotape on his screen.
• There, in a blog, was a clip of me in a heated argument with none other than Tessa Miller, a popular actress known for her part in that big-budget action film everyone was obsessed with last summer.
• I had no idea how that video had made it online. But then it was, in full view, with me looking ridiculously awkward and hopeless to escape the scene.
• I felt my face flush with heat as the memories of that day came rushing back, the actress had been rude, making snide reflections about the way I looked.
• And I, being the professional that I am, had snapped back, and we ended up in a public exchange of words, and she had slapped me, huge public humiliation.
• The videotape went viral, and my name was all over the tabloids. But now, on Joachim’s phone, the embarrassment was unstoppable.
• I exhaled, a mixture of shame and relief surging through me.
• Shame because the videotape had spread like a campfire, and now Joachim saw me in the worst possible light. I'm quite sure he must hate me by now, and I freaking do too.
• Such a proud lawyer with his stupid blue eyes.
• Relief, because he didn't find out that I was The Woodsman.
• And would I stop after having almost been caught?
• Hell No.
• I swallowed hard, feeling my heart beat become normal again. The weight of the moment eventually lifted, but Joachim wasn’t done with me yet.
• With a sarcastic grin, he looked at me like I was something he’d rather not deal with. He shook his head, already writing me off.
• He gave me the dirtiest look ever and a look that said a thousand words, particularly, Is- this-how- you - want - to - live-your - life?
• “ Well, well. What’s this? "The best star agent herself,” he said, his words dripping with amusement.
• I swallowed hard and started looking at the window panes like I was deaf.
• I almost shrank. I mean I was just hoping, waiting for the ground to open and swallow me, like some abracadabra should just happen.
• All of my life, every bloody second of existing, I had never felt so embarrassed before.
• Damn Tessa Miller, damn the agency and damn this wicked man posing as my date.
• I must say, I really undervalued you. I thought I was on a date with someone who at least had half a brain. But, I guess I was wrong.
• I couldn’t stop the sharp retort that slipped out of my mouth.
• “ Oh, spare me, Mr". Knight. “
• He lifted his brows, surprised.
• “You shouldn't judge me and that was none of your business,” I said, folding my arms across my chest. “You have no right to poke your nose in my private life.”
• His eyes narrowed as he smirked.
• “Private life indeed. You are already making waves with that video. You had better quit your job and focus more on being on more scandals. Who knows, one might drag you into trouble, and you will need my help.
• I didn't know why that felt like it was true. Never.
• I would rather live in the desert than accept his help.
• “If I die today, there is something I will always regret, even in my next life,” I said to him, my voice breaking.
• “Which is it?” He grinned, and I swear he looked so handsome, but who cares when he has a degree at being so annoying.
• “I know it's because you don't want me to have this meal in peace now, you won't have it to yourself, glutton.” I shot back at him. “I hope you remain single for the rest of your life.” I said and threw the serviette
• At his face and before he could remove it from his face, I did one thing. I gulped down the two glasses of wine and ran out.