Under His Protection

The car rolled to a halt outside Hall’s apartment, the engine purring quietly in the background. Vincent sat in the driver’s seat, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and anticipation. He pictured the look on Hall’s face, the surprise that would surely erupt when Vincent would pop the question: “Will you be my best man?”

The thought brought a grin to his face, the image of his best friend’s joyful reaction playing like a movie in his mind’s eye.

The sharp sound of tires against the pavement reached Hall’s ears, followed by the familiar sound of a car door slamming shut. He knew instantly that it could only be one person.

“Hey man!” Vincent’s booming voice echoed through the apartment as he strode inside. His face beamed with excitement, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“What’s got you so riled up?” Hall quipped, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “It’s not every day you come barging into my apartment with that much energy.

At first glance, one would have assumed that Hall, as a busy doctor, wouldn’t have time to consider aesthetics or artistic value in his daily life. But upon entering Hall’s apartment, one would be struck by the tasteful decor and carefully curated artwork. It was a cozy, inviting space that reflected the man’s keen eye for detail and appreciation for beauty, even amidst the chaos of his medical career.

“You know, I didn’t think you’d have time for all this,” Vincent said, gesturing around the room since Hall just renovated.

The interior decoration screams luxury giving the perfect orgasm of a playboy look.

Walking towards Vincent they did their usual handshake and sat on the sofa.

“What have you been up to?” Vincent asked, trying to get on track with what has been happening in his absence.

Hall looked suspiciously at Vincent as if he was trying to hide something. “Don’t try to skip the main discussion,” he said as he looked straight into Vincent’s eyes “Where is Isabella?” he asked.

“What about Isabella?” Vincent replied trying to feign ignorance of the obvious, he knew where Hall was driving and wanted to try his best not to engage in it.

“Damn you Vincent you quite know what I’m talking about!” Hall asserted, giving him a Stern look.

“I supported you without asking because I trust you would have your back no matter what but Man you have to let me in about everything and I think now is the best time to do that,” he continued.

Vincent gave his usual playful demeanor and remarked. “Oh that, there’s nothing to talk about,” but before he could say something else he was quickly interrupted by Hall.

“Nothing?? you married a girl you just met and you expect me to believe what you just said!” Hall argued as his voice suddenly rose up in anger.

“Come on Man,” Vincent said as he tried to calm him down, He knew Hall was getting agitated and he wouldn’t back down except he got answers.

“I married her because I love her isn’t that obvious.” Vincent said as tried to avoid his gaze, he knew Hall could see through him and quickly detect there was something else involved.

But Vincent did not want to destroy the trust he had promised Isabella, he didn’t want to let out their little secret so soon.

Hall, still not convinced with Vincent’s remark, looked at Vincent trying to read his emotions but he couldn’t quite comprehend how his best friend’s expression was reflecting.

He turned to face him and said “Vincent, don’t try to play games with me, I have known you since as far as I can remember and I have always got your back,” he assured, trying to cajole him.

But Vincent didn’t bulge as he already knew all of Hall’s tricks and he knew if he didn’t do something fast he would beat the truth out of him.

He quickly tried turning the table toward Hall. “Man I thought you would be happy for me, I finally found love after all your pestering!” he blurted out.

Hall looked at him with surprise. “Vincent, I know you and being in love is the answer that would cost you!” he said with a voice full of concern.

“Your career could be at stake! you fully know how the industry runs and marriage isn’t something you should joke with,” he continued.

“And who says I’m joking?” Vincent replied abruptly.

“There are ladies who would do anything to have you and suddenly you choose someone like….. I know she is my sister’s best friend but she is way below your standards and you know that.” he said confronting Vincent.

“Wait, what!” Audrey shouted suddenly as she appeared in front of her brother and Vincent, they could see the steam coming from her eyes.

She wasn’t one who would give closed ears to anything concerning her best friend. “What do you mean Isabella is not Vincent standard?” she barked at Hall who was surprised by his sister.

He knew he had just stepped on a lioness tail and didn’t want to do anything to hurt her as Audrey was the most important person in his life.

“Hey sis, didn’t see you coming.” he said trying to pacify her.

Audrey, who had arrived earlier to spend time with her brother, had been making herself comfortable in the living room when the conversation between the two friends caught her attention. She had been silently listening, curious about what was being discussed, but when Isabella’s name was brought up, her interest piqued.

She had been patient, quietly waiting for the conversation to come to a natural end, but as Vincent hemmed and hawed, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of protectiveness rise within her.

“Truthfully, I don’t know what standards you speak off, Isabella is my best friend and I know just how Amazing of a person she is!” Audrey asserted, her voice full of authority.

“In fact, I really don’t know what Vincent did to convince Isabella into marrying him but if you try to hurt my friend you would have me to contend with!” Audrey snapped at Vincent with a loud voice.

“I don’t want to tell her about your relationship with Jessica and I really hope she doesn’t get to know about it,” she continued.

“Please don’t!” Vincent declared his voice rising in desperation, “I don’t want anything that would hurt Isabella,” he continued.

“Yes! I won’t tell her, I wouldn’t want to hurt my best friend either but I’m still surprised at how you got Isabella to marry you within a few days.” Audrey said as she fumed at Vincent.

“We all know how Jessica is always around you and how she wouldn’t let anyone else come close to you, I just hope your feelings for isabella are genuine and you wouldn’t dump her.” Audrey said her voice vibrating in anger, she turned to walk away.

In their bustling, vibrant city, the name Jessica Myles was synonymous with stardom and glamor. Known affectionately as “JM Diva” by her legions of fans, she was the undisputed queen of the local movie industry, an alluring figure who had captured the hearts of audiences everywhere.

From red carpets to magazine covers, JM Diva was a household name, her talent and charm impossible to ignore. She ruled Starlight Productions like a goddess, her reign seemingly untouchable and invincible.

Jessica’s talent was undeniable, her on-screen presence irresistible. It was no surprise that she was frequently cast as the female lead in the latest blockbusters. With every role she portrayed, her fan base grew exponentially, her presence dominating not just the box office, but the hearts of her admirers.

But her success had come at a cost. Envy and resentment simmered amongst her colleagues, some of whom viewed her meteoric rise to fame as undeserved. Whispers of nepotism and rumors of backstage politics followed her like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over her achievements.

For Jessica Myles, her father’s influence and wealth had paved the way for her stardom, giving her access to opportunities that would have remained out of reach for many others. In a cutthroat industry where talent alone was not always enough, her father’s connections had given her a significant advantage.

And while she was undeniably talented, her success had not come without a cost. She had used her father’s influence to secure roles that others had spent years auditioning for, her privilege allowing her to leapfrog over more experienced actors and actresses.

Jessica had become accustomed to having everything she desired, and Vincent was no exception. With a simple phone call or a coy smile, she could get him to accompany her to red carpet events and social gatherings. And while he tolerated her presence, he had never reciprocated her feelings, which only served to fuel the rumors and gossip surrounding them.

She was like a relentless terrier, her eyes always glued to his every move. Whether it was at his office or during his lunch break, she would appear, uninvited and unannounced.

“I think Audrey has a point!” Hall said, trying to get Vincent’s attention to what his sister had just stated.

“What do you mean?” Vincent asked with curiosity in his eyes.

Hall looked at Vincent with a furrowed brow, he couldn’t understand his friend’s odd behavior towards things lately.

Hall’s words hung heavy in the air, his gaze never wavering from Vincent’s. “Jessica’s been following you around like a puppy,” he said, his tone serious. “Have you told her about the engagement? Do you think she’ll take it well?”

The question was like a wake-up call, reminding Vincent of the potential consequences of his impending marriage.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

“Why should I tell Jessica about my marriage to Isabella?” Vincent’s voice was emphatic, his expression unyielding. “I don’t care about her. I’m not interested in her.”

But Hall shook his head, a look of concern on his face. “You don’t see the problem, do you?” he said, his voice patient but firm. “Jessica’s influence in this town is formidable, and she’s used to getting what she wants.

“I think there is going to be a doom, because the Jessica I know wouldn’t back down for anyone and don’t forget she is very influential. Unlike Isabella who is just an upcoming actress, Jessica already has a name in the industry!” he continued with a shrill voice.

“I don’t think Jessica is going to be much of a trouble, we just need to be worried about my mother and not Jessica,” Vincent said as he gave a cold grin.

“If I can get my mother, who is my most challenging, to agree to my marriage to Isabella, Then Jessica doesn’t matter,” he continued in his usual calm demeanor.

“I don’t think you know who Jessica is then,” Hall remarked as he furrowed his brow.

Hall’s words were like a bucket of ice-cold water, dousing Vincent’s initial confidence. “Jessica’s vicious,” he repeated, his voice sobering. “She sabotaged Christy Kyle’s career because she was getting close to you. She’s in love with you, Vincent. She’ll do anything to make sure you’re hers and hers alone.”

It was as if Hall’s words had flipped a switch in Vincent’s mind, the truth dawning on him like a sudden thunderbolt. He saw now, with chilling clarity, the real nature of Jessica’s intentions.

His expression hardened, his voice taking on a steely edge. “You’re right,” he said, his jaw set with determination. “I’ve been blind to the danger she poses. But I won’t let her ruin this for me, for Isabella.”