For The Stars Have Sinned

I called his number but when someone answered on the other line, I was left speechless for a minute. I don’t know what to say to him after I realized that it would be a big scandal if I were to admit that a man took my first that night. I bit my lower lip.

“Rishel,” he called after a few minutes of silence. “You called?”

Where should I start? I stood up as I remembered what happened earlier. My two eyebrows met as I told Lyndon about Rei trying to destroy my honor, even though I knew someone else had done it in that night.

After that, silence prevailed between the two of us before he cleared a throat. “Does your parents know this?” he asked.

My lips formed a line and I looked out the window where it was starting to mist. “I didn’t let them know. I don’t want them to worry so this matter must end sooner.” I breathed deeply. “Mr. Davies, I know I’ve hurt your cousin and I really regret playing with his feelings but please know that there’s no one I could run to now except you for this matter.” I looked down. “I will surely repay you for this favor.”

“I heard the vocalist of the band is your boyfriend?”

I was stunned by what he said and then I squinted my eyes. “Where did you hear that news?” I asked.

As far as I know, the manager did not inform the public that Levi and I had a relationship. Even the staffs don’t know anything and only Maingey, Vine, and I know. So how did he know?

“I have my ways,” he only said after a few minutes.

My teeth clenched but I didn’t ask him about it. “It doesn’t concern you, Mr. Davies.”

“Rishel, we didn’t talk for a long time so you forgot that you’re my fiancee.”

That’s when I remembered what he said before. He said he will marry me and ask for my parents’ permission. I didn’t take what he said seriously because I thought he was joking but he wasn’t. My fist clenched.

“I’ve talked to your parents and they agreed. Didn’t your parents inform you?” he asked after a minute.

I bit my lower lip and took a deep breath. “Let’s talk about that next time, shall we?”

“As you wish.”

Even though I can’t see him, I know that he has a big smile on his lips. I frowned but I swallowed my annoyance because he was the only one who could help me at this time.

“I want Rei to pay for what he tried to do to me.”

He was silent for a few minutes before asking, “Do you have any evidence that can be used in the case?”

Unfortunately, I got no evidence. I know that Topzan Entertainment will not release a statement and will do everything to cover up what Rei did. My eyes squinted. “So… he’ll get away with it?” I whispered annoyed.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

“Not a chance.”

From the tone of his voice, it looks like he is planning something against Rei. I don’t know what his plan is but I’m willing to wait. I sighed. “Okay, I trust you.”

Silence passed between us again and he seemed unable to bear it. He asked again, “Is something bothering you?”

I looked up at the dark sky I could see from the open window. Gusty winds increased with rain. I reached for the button on the side to close the window. “Yes.”

“You tell me.”

“A shameless bastard bedded me the other night,” I admitted.

Even though he’s not around, I feel the temperature around me dropped suddenly. He was silent for a few minutes before asking again. “Did he force himself on you?”

“I don’t know. But I want to know who he is.” I heard Lyndon’s low voice on the other line, muttering a curse. I raised my eyebrows. “So… Do you still want to marry me?” I asked him sarcastically.

I did tell him what happened so he wound stop his madness if he found out but I was surprised by what he said. “I won’t change my mind, Rishel. I will still marry you.”

My lips parted. I wanted to speak and reprimand him but no voice came out of my mouth. I honestly don’t want to be in a relationship with another man now that I know someone bedded me without my knowledge.

I felt disgusted and felt unworthy of being someone’s bride. Especially when I found out the kind of relationship Levi and Nicole have. I believe no sane man would marry someone like me and I can’t stomach sleeping next to a man. Levi’s shameless action is enough for me to realize those jerks don’t deserve my time and affection.

I’m still not clear what kind of relationship Levi and I have now. He can’t leave Nicole but he doesn’t want to let me go. I thought I love him enough that I can fight for my love for him but it turns out not to be.

My heart felt cold and empty after I saw him and Nicole having fun. Maybe it’s really wrong to assume and hope for Levi’s love. I just realized that Levi didn’t love me in the first place. But I still wonder why he pursued me in the first place if he didn’t love me?

“Suit yourself then,” I said indifferently and said goodbye. I hung up and looked at the door.

Someone was knocking there a while ago but I didn’t open it. I know it’s Levi and I’m not ready to face him yet. And now the knocking was so calm that I knew it wasn’t Levi standing behind the closed door.

I stepped towards it and opened the door. A woman I am not familiar with. She smiled when he saw me and bowed slightly. “Miss Rishel, the general manager wants to talk to you.” Then she said goodbye and walked away.

I just looked at her retreating back. The corner of my lips twitched. I’m still in the company. There are dedicated private rooms for each artist at HQ. After the incident earlier in the presidential office, I went straight here to talk privately with Lyndon over the phone.

I decided to look for the general manager in his office. I was surprised to see Levi sitting behind the big table, but oh well, he’s the co-owner.

“Miss Rishel!” greeted the general manager and stood up then stepped closer to me and led me to sit in the visitor lair. “You’ve been a member of Anew for a few days and Mister Yushen has decided to find you a new manager. Mister Ratunil hasn’t returned from his long leave and since your fanbase is gradually increasing, you need a manager to guide you in the industry.”

I hadn’t uttered a single word yet when Levi spoke. “Choose from the list,” he said then handed me a folder containing a portfolio of available managers under Anew.

I stared at him and he stared at me. There was still no emotion in his eyes so I felt even worse. It was as if nothing had happened earlier and he was still able to look me straight in the eyes.

My teeth gritted in annoyance.

I chose the names and immediately said goodbye to leave the office but Levi called me. “Stay, Miss Larica,” he said.

I saw out of the corner of my eye the general manager’s look at Levi and me and he smiled raw and said goodbye. Now only Levi and I were left inside.

I took a deep breath and looked at him. “What do you want?” I asked.

He stood up and walked towards me. I took a step back as he advanced until my back was against the wall. I swallowed and looked up at him. “What are you doing, L-Levi?”

His eyes narrowed and his face came closer to mine. “Are you testing my patience, Rishel?”

“W-What?”

Levi raised his hand and caressed my cheek with his index finger. The edge of his lips curved and his gaze grew colder towards me. “You’re about to marry that Davies?”

Was he referring to Lyndon? I swallowed. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re all mine, Rishel.” He brought his mouth to my ear and whispered. “I don’t share what’s mine, woman. Don’t test me or I’ll rip you apart!”

I was startled by his scream and stopped in my tracks. He smiled broadly at me. “Go back to Boljoon and tell them you will not marry that man.”

“But my parents didn’t say anything that I’m engaged —”

“Don’t lie to me.” He took out his phone and showed me the trending post on social media.

My eyes widened. It was about my engagement to a non-showbiz guy.

“We’ve traced the person who posted it and it’s your parents who paid him to post this.” Levi laughed. “Now you’re lying through your teeth, huh?”

I glared at him. “It’s not their fault! If only the gossip about my supposed relationship with Rei hadn’t come out, my parents wouldn’t have released a statement. So don’t push the blame on them!”

Levi raised his eyebrows. “Gossip about you and Rei?”

“Why? Isn’t it true? Prior to this post, there was gossip that I had a secret relationship with Rei and it’s not hard to guess who initiated that gossip! That person even had a stolen picture from the night party the other night showing me and Rei chatting with each other! And from that angle, I know Nicole took that picture!”

Levi was silent for a few seconds before he turned and walked out of the office. I could only breathe properly there.

Before he could get out, he stopped for a moment and turned to me. “Your interview with Elise has been canceled due to this issue.” Then he completely left the office and I was left alone.

I don’t know how many minutes I sat on the floor when my phone rang. I shakily reached for the phone and answered the call without looking at the caller ID.

“Hello, Miss Rishel?”

“I am. Who are they?”

“Ah, ma’am. You have a friend who fell asleep here at the bar. He called you by your name so I looked for your number in his contact list. The bar is closing early tonight so I need to pick up Sir Tiden.”

What? Tiden? I frowned and stood up quickly.