STAR STRUCK

Chapter Ten

"No, Seline. It wasn't embarrassing," Jason said calmly, his voice steady as he leaned back in his chair.

For the third time, Seline had apologized for her emotional outburst. She sat rigidly, wringing her hands, her face a mixture of guilt and frustration.

"It's not professional at all," she muttered, shaking her head. "I shouldn't have let myself get so overwhelmed."

Jason gave her a measured look, his eyes softening behind the shadow of his nose mask. "I told you, I had no problem with it. You're human, Seline. Not a machine."

His reassurance brought her a momentary sense of relief, though she still shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She hesitated before asking, her voice quieter now, "You still remember the bargain, right?"

"Five questions, Seline," Jason replied with a small nod. "Go ahead."

She straightened, trying to inject some cheer into her tone. "So, Mr. Jason, how are you feeling today?"

Jason raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharpening. "Should I count that as your first question?"

"No, no," she stammered, waving her hand dismissively. "I'm just… trying to be professional."

"Skip it, then," he said, his voice faintly amused but growing disinterested.

Seline pursed her lips and regrouped. "All right. My first question, then: Are you the son of the prestigious Mr. Schneider?"

The humor in Jason's expression faded. He sat still for a moment, his brow creasing as his gaze dropped to the floor.

"Look," he began, his voice quieter now, almost pleading, "whatever you do, don't make this feel like an interview."

He let out a small sigh, then met her gaze again. "Yes, Mr. Schneider is my father. You should've known already."

The mockery in his tone wasn't lost on her.

"I practically know nothing about you, Mr. Jason," she retorted sharply.

Jason didn't respond immediately, instead letting out a soft sigh before gesturing for her to continue. "Ask your next question."

Seline studied him for a moment before leaning forward slightly. "Why do you always wear a nose mask? Is it a personal habit, or is it just for therapy sessions?"

Jason's shoulders stiffened. When he spoke, his voice dropped to a low whisper. "Seline, you've asked this before. And I told you—my face isn't something you'd love to see."

"That's the part I don't understand," she pressed, her curiosity evident. "Why wouldn't I like to see your face? Do you have a scar?"

Jason let out a humorless chuckle. "Not a scar. Something worse."

"Worse?" Seline frowned, her brow furrowed. "Have your looks ever been insulted before?"

"Quite the opposite," Jason replied, his tone carrying a faint trace of pride.

Her frustration grew. "Then no scars, no lack of confidence. So what's wrong? Answer honestly, Jason."

His tone was blank again, almost distant. "You just wouldn't love my face."

Seline leaned back, her annoyance surfacing. "Can you be a bit clearer?"

Jason straightened in his seat, glancing at the clock on the wall. "Five questions, doc. Time's up."

"What?" Seline exclaimed, sitting forward. "But I barely got any answers!"

"You're being too repetitive for your own good," he replied with a slight shrug, a faint glimmer of humor returning to his voice.

She shot him a glare.

Jason rose smoothly, adjusting his jacket. His gaze softened slightly as he looked down at her. "Another tip, Seline. If you're really interested in seeing my face, meet me at Lake Avenue, Number 22 Valley Street. Tonight. 10:00 p.m. I'll be waiting."

Seline crossed her arms, her voice sharp with skepticism. "That's very suggestive of you, Mr. Jason Schneider. But I don't buy it."

Jason's gaze held hers for a moment longer. "That's your choice to make, Seline. But I'll still be waiting. Until we meet again."

He glanced regretfully at the untouched coffee cup on the table before turning and walking toward the door. His strides were long, almost hurried, as though eager to escape. The door closed behind him with a resounding thud.

Left alone in the quiet room, Seline's thoughts churned.

"Lake Avenue, Number 22 Valley Street," she muttered under her breath, sinking back into her seat.

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