Lena walked into her company CEO's office with her assistant and sat down gracefully. Ron, the CEO and founder of the company, offered his hand in greeting, but she ignored him.
"You are becoming more arrogant now, Lena," Ron said, withdrawing his hand, trying to hide his embarrassment in front of Autumn.
"Mr. CEO, what on earth is going on in your head?" Lena asked.
"What are you talking about?" he asked, laughing nervously, having forgotten he had done something wrong.
"Don't pretend you don't understand me! I'm a model. Why would there be rumors about me acting in a movie?"
"Your manager hasn't told you yet. I really wanted to discuss it with you and let you know first, but you know how these reporters are."
"I am the one concerned with the news, so why would you tell Lola instead of me?" she said, slightly raising her voice.
Ron moved back from her in fear.
Even as CEO, he was still afraid of her when she got angry.
"And I remember I told you I am not going to be an actress," Lena snapped, getting riled up.
"Calm down, sweetheart. I did this for you and our company.
Besides, Louis's scandals caused the company to lose a lot of money.
We need to do something to regain the losses, and you were partly involved," he said, trying to make her feel guilty and force her into accepting his decision.
Although she had never complained about any work, being an actress was something she really hated to discuss.
"So you want to use me to cover that loss?" she asked, calming down a little.
"That's not what I mean. Besides, there's something for you if you do this for me."
"What is that something?" Lena asked, emphasizing "something," and crossed her legs.
"First of all, the movie director is one of the best and will help take your career to the next level. Also, I submitted your name to STARS Group as an ambassador for their new brands."
Lena listened, without interest.
"What company is that? And how is that beneficial to me?"
"Lena, I've told you to always collect information on things going on..." he started.
"Just discuss whatever it is with Lola. I will only take a minor role. I'm a little busy today, so I have to go now," she said, standing up.
Autumn, who had been silent since they entered, followed her.
Ron was greatly surprised to see that she agreed without another word or argument. He quickly saw them out before she could change her mind.
...
"Courtney, can you help me with this stuff?" Lena asked as she entered her house.
After leaving Ron's office, she had visited some junior models, who were thrilled to see one of the top models in their company.
She talked with them, gave some advice, and then went shopping for a few things she and Chris might need.
"Where did you get all this?" Courtney asked as she collected some of the items.
"I went shopping after leaving the office and decided to buy some things for all of us," Lena answered, glancing around the room for Chris.
"Where is he?"
"He's in the bathroom. Some paint accidentally got on him while I was helping him draw, so he's taking a bath by himself."
"By himself? How could you leave him alone in the bathroom," Lena asked, surprised.
"You are the only one he allows to bathe him. I just sit and watch him paint all day. Don't tell me you didn't know that? He's been bathing by himself for a long time now," Courtney replied.
Lena sat down and started sorting out the things she had bought.
"So what did you get for him?" Courtney asked, choosing not to press further.
"Just some toys, drawing materials, and clothes," Lena answered.
Just then, Chris emerged from the bathroom, wearing sweatpants and a white top.
He held his sketchpad in his hand and walked toward them, then sat down beside Lena, staring at her face, trying to communicate something.
Understanding what he meant, Lena gave him the new set of brushes she had bought.
"Your mom is here, and you are ignoring me, right?" Courtney said, a little sad.
"Of course. That's why he's my son," Lena said, hugging him.
"These are for you," she added, picking out other items she had bought for him.
"This us strange. You acting so nice and caring?" Courtney asked, suspiciously.
"What's strange about taking care of my son?" Lena replied.
Courtney shook her head in disbelief at her answer.
"This is the first time I've seen you hug him in four years!" she exclaimed.
"Don't exaggerate. And you're not here all the time," Lena countered, but Courtney quickly switched to another topic.
"I forgot to tell you... his tutor said he is improving in his studies, but he still doesn't speak at all."
Lena nodded calmly.
"I'm surprised he hasn't improved more. I thought the doctor said there was a treatment for him. Has he started yet?" Courtney continued, worried
"I was too busy and actually forgot all about it. I will take him to see the doctor tomorrow," she replied quickly.
"How can you forget something important about your son?" Courtney yelled.
"Fine. No need to nag. I will pay more attention to him, okay?" Lena said.
"You always say that. What are your plans for next week Tuesday?" Courtney asked.
"I don't know yet, but I'm sure there's something on my schedule already."
"I don't care what's already on your schedule. You have to clear it for that day."
"Why? Is there something special happening?"
"You really don't remember, do you? It's Chris's birthday."
"Oh, shit! I completely forgot. I'm sorry, dear," she said, looking at Chris, but found he was already dozing.
She carried him quietly and laid him properly on a chair.
"Why are you acting in a movie all of a sudden? I thought you hated it," Courtney finally asked, voicing the question that had been on her mind.
"You finally let your curiosity get the best of you. It's my boss's wishful thinking, and I really don't have a choice. Louis's case should really be on me," Lena said, her voice low and her guilt evident.
"Sometimes it feels like I don't know you," Courtney said, shaking her head slightly. Lena stood up.
"Even I don't know who I am," she admitted.