Chapter 3: Secrets, Lies, and Late-Night Calls

Self-care interrupted. That night, I was soaking in the tub with a face mask when Julian called.

Me: ???

Here we go. “Savannah, I don’t think this is right.”

“What do you mean? What’s wrong?”

Julian took a deep breath and asked a soul-crushing question:

“I looked into it. He’s married, has kids, only got into showbiz investing for the thrill. Whatever he can give you, I can too. Savannah, tell him you’re dropping all upcoming movies. He’s too arrogant, not acting like a real investor.”

Me: …

Headache incoming. I rubbed my aching temples. “Julian, Mr. Monroe and I are just business partners now.”

Seriously, Julian. That’s my dad—my actual dad.

He was freaking out. I could hear his ragged breathing through the phone. “Savannah Monroe! I’m serious. I’ll pay any breach fees. I’ll even set up a studio for you. Break the contract—I’ll take care of you from now on.”

Make up your mind, Julian. I couldn’t help feeling both touched and frustrated. I honestly wanted to crack open Julian’s head to see what nonsense he was thinking.

Maybe I should just say it. “Julian, actually—”

Please don’t. “Don’t talk yet. I’m afraid I’ll go challenge that Monroe guy to a fight.”

Honestly? I’m a little excited. Okay, fine! I was going to tell him the truth, but he won’t let me get a word in and now he wants to fight my dad.

Worth a shot. Given my dad’s order tonight—absolutely against Julian—I figured, maybe if I keep quiet, my dad will see how good Julian is to me and change his mind!

No rest for the wicked. The rose-scented bath bubbles floated in the air as my phone buzzed again. It was my agent calling.

“Uh, my agent’s calling. Gotta go.”

Julian: “Mm, think about what I said.”

“Got it!”

She was loving this. I picked up my agent’s call. She was practically bouncing off the walls.

“This is huge!”

“Are you doing a comedy routine? Just say it!”

“You’re trending again!”

Me: …

Ever since I was spotted with my dad in his Tesla, any little thing I did would land me on the trending list. Haters even joked I must have bought a permanent trending slot. It’s so unfair—I never spent a cent on those trends! Some even said I was going for the ‘controversial’ route.

Honestly, before I debuted, my image was supposed to be down-to-earth. Never thought I’d veer so far off course.

My agent continued, “This time, it’s with Julian.”

Well, I saw that coming.

She asked carefully, “What’s your plan? Are you going to explain?”

Explain? Like anyone would believe me!

Might as well not bother.

“Uh—Savannah, just stay calm.”

Actually, I was totally zen about it. “Bring on the storm, I say!”

She clicked her tongue. “Someone’s already explained for you.”

Oh no. My heart dropped. I had a bad feeling.

“It wasn’t Julian, was it?”

Of course. She gave a sheepish laugh. “Congrats, you guessed it!”

Figures. Could this get any messier?

Thanks a lot, Julian. Seriously?! Now the rumors about me sleeping my way to the top were basically confirmed. Oh, and I’d earned a new ‘fake innocent’ label too.

He was going to hear about this. I couldn’t help but call Julian. “What’s your problem?”

Like he did nothing wrong. Julian sounded righteous. “Nothing. I just think you should acknowledge me!”

He even sounded aggrieved.

“Didn’t we agree not to go public until things were stable?”

Julian was being stubborn. “So I changed my mind. Is that not allowed?”

Was I missing something? I suddenly wondered if I’d been blind. I used to think Julian was handsome, gentlemanly, mature, and steady. Turns out, it was all an act.

Back in the spotlight. With Julian’s grand announcement, the news that was dying down exploded all over again.

Here we go again. Even my dad called. “Savvy, what happened? Weren’t you keeping it private?”

“Dad, plans changed!”

Didn’t work this time. My dad had become immune to my sweet talk. “Don’t tell me this was supposed to be a surprise for me—it’s more like a shock!”

“Dad, stop stealing my lines.”

Just another day. Online, people were roasting me, and my agent was putting out fires everywhere. Of course, Julian—the main culprit—wasn’t having an easy time either. He kept apologizing.

“Savannah, don’t be mad. I really didn’t think it through.”

“How about I post another Instagram story to clarify?”

“No, just stop!” I glared at him, exasperated. “Julian, did I owe you money in a past life?”

He replied, “No, I owe you.”

Then he leaned in for a hug. I pushed him away.

Not again. My phone buzzed in my bag. Julian, trying to be helpful, handed it over. But when he saw the caller ID, his face turned dark.

You’ve got to be kidding. What now?

He was not hiding it well. He frowned, trying to keep his anger in check. “Why are you still in touch with him?”

Seriously? I looked at the caller—‘Mr. Monroe’—and was speechless. Is this my fault? I tried to explain the other day, but he wouldn’t listen. Now he’s mad again.

Whatever. I rolled my eyes and answered the call.

He was worried. “Savvy, come home. Your mom’s crying.”

“Okay, I’ll be right there.”

No time to argue. I grabbed my bag and got ready to leave.

Seriously? Julian blocked my way, looking at me in disbelief.

Drama king. “Savannah Monroe, do you even care about what I say?”

I put my hand on my heart and said sincerely, “I really do. Whether you believe me or not.”

Not letting go. Julian stared at me, eyes dark. “I want to believe you, but the moment Mr. Monroe calls, you run. How am I supposed to feel?”

He was really on one.

“Julian, you’ve changed! We agreed before we started dating not to interfere in each other’s private lives. Look at you now!”

He grabbed my hand, frustrated. “I’m just trying to save you from disaster! Savannah, tell me the truth—does that old man have something on you? Is he blackmailing you?”

If only he knew. I nearly laughed out loud at his cluelessness.

I decided not to argue. “You’ve got quite the imagination. Ever thought about being a novelist? I’ll explain everything later.”

He’ll get over it. Leaving Julian in shock, I walked away. Right now, nothing mattered more than my mom crying.