The Royal Contract

The fundraising event was what she had expected it to be. It was full of wealthy, powerful, and influential people who pledged to help for various reasons.

She knew some of them, meeting them in other charitable organizations, while the others were familiar faces she had seen at social events.

"Ms. Serena, do you mind if you join us for some photos?" The official photographer circling the crowd approached her, asking her to join a group of people.

However, there was one thing in common among all these prestigious guests. They were the cream of the crop of whatever world they represented. Whoever organized this event knew the people to contact.

"Of course," Serena immediately complied, acting as the ambassadress of the kid's cause.

She was used to this kind of life. She had been an endorser of many clothing brands. She had represented several charity parties. She could mingle with these people even with her eyes closed.

She would admit. She used to love this life, the attention she got from all her fans, the people who wanted her to represent their companies. It was the reason she wanted to be an actress.

"I heard that you are thinking of retiring. Is this true?" One of the men, standing beside her, asked as they posted for the official cameras.

"I think that is either a gossip or a publicity stunt." The woman, who appeared to have too much Botox done on her face, butted in.

She could only smile at their presumptions. But she was not surprised by these questions anymore. She was used to people telling stories about her.

Unfortunately, she admitted some were true. But dismally, many were lies or twisted truths that had painted her character in a terrible light.

"I think I am too young to retire." She finally answered when the group seemed to be waiting for a response. "But I am taking a sabbatical leave."

That was what they usually called it after getting burnt out from the job. Many stars took a break from the pressure of the industry.

Regrettably, many great artists had not returned from such a vacation, either opting for an indefinite break or leaving the entertainment industry altogether.

"Take as much time as you need, my dear. We all need a break." An older lady voiced her kind opinion as she looked at her after the photoshoot.

"But I hope you return because you know what you are doing compared to half of those clowns pretending to be a star." She added with a little attitude.

She believed the woman was a retired owner and editor of a famous fashion magazine. Now, she devoted her time to doing her charity works.

"That is very kind of you to say." She appreciated the vote of confidence coming from someone who knew what she was talking about.

However, at the moment, she did not feel the need to rush into things. She liked how things were progressing in her life. At that moment, she wanted to see where it would go.

"Someday, I do intend to act again." But it would probably take some time before she returned to the big screen.

She wanted to explore this new feeling. She wanted to see where her new relationship would take her. Nevertheless, she was not giving up on her acting career. She was merely putting it on hold.

She had seen this happen so many times with other actors. She hoped it would not be the same case for her. She loved acting, and it would break her heart if she could not do it anymore.
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"We are glad to hear that." The woman said with a supportive smile on her face.

It seemed she still had a few fans remaining, believing in her talent. She guessed they were why she loved this job and strived to be the best.

However, she also knew the price of fame. And sometimes, it was just too much. And many had given up, even after reaching the top, because it was too hard.

"Excuse me, everyone. I hope you won't mind if I still Serena for a few minutes." Sebastian suddenly stood beside her, saving her from her present companions. Not that she needed saving.

Then, he whisked her away from the group, only to find themselves surrounded by another group. This moment was what she was talking about. It was what she had to pay for success.

She was glad when they finally dealt with the last batch of people. Some seemed ecstatic to see her, but some seemed tolerant of her presence.

"How could you keep smiling like that?" Sebastian pointed at her lips. "I already feel like my jaw is about to drop if I smile one more time."

But that was her job. Compared to doctors like him, she was supposed to entertain people. She did not have the luxury of appearing rude or dismissive of her fans.

Despite her feelings or whatever was happening in her private life, she needed to bottle them up. Once she stepped on the stage, she should evoke the sentiments of her character.

"Lots of practice," Serena confessed, shaking her head off as they walked passed the other people around them.

It was not easy to laugh when all she wanted was to cry. It was equally hard to bathe in tears when her lips automatically curved into a smile upon remembering something.

But getting into a character was a talent she was good at. She could force a tear in her eyes with mild effort. She could pretend she had just won the lottery even if her whole world was falling apart.

"I wish I could also do that." Sebastian looked at her with adoration, suddenly reminding her he was not just a fan but someone who thought highly of her.

She honestly liked him because, in her entire adult life, she rarely met a genuinely good and kind person. She believed she could count them on her fingers.

Therefore, she would hate to lose a man like him as a friend. But that was all she could offer him, despite him wanting more.

She already belonged to someone, and he patiently waited for her to come home. Suddenly, she realized she could not wait to return to his arms. She finally concluded that he was her home.

There was nothing wrong if she took a chance with him. It would be worth it because he was a great catch that she would be a fool to slip out of her hand.

"What about I show you how?" She had a neat trick on how to control her emotions.

She believed she was not born with it but acquired the talent as she learned more about acting. Not everyone was born to be a star. Some had to work hard to become one.

"I would love to know your trick," Sebastian answered, appearing to look forward to her promise.

But before she could tell him anything more, she felt a hard body accidentally bumping into her. It happened so fast that she never had time to adjust and recover.

Soon, she felt her body lose balance as the impact knocked the air out of her lungs. Eventually, her body went limped as she waited for the inevitable outcome.

Pain.

She anticipated the ache in her body even before hitting the ground, but she never did. She thought wrong as her body remained floating in the air.

Was she flying? Of course not, but that would be enchanting. However, that was impossible since magic did not exist.

She snapped from her trance when she heard another man's voice. "I am sorry." But the man quickly moved away, appearing to be in a hurry.

"You should watch where you are going." Sebastian's voice dominated the hallway as he addressed his ire to the retreating man.

However, the other man did not even bother to check if she was ok. But it did not matter because she felt fine as another set of hands helped her back on her feet. She was glad her friend caught her in his arms before she fell flat on the floor, humiliating herself in front of everyone.

"Are you alright?" Sebastian's familiar voice penetrated her thoughts, reminding her of the present before she started wandering on her Lala land.

"Yeah, I am ok. Just a bit shaken, but I will live." She teased, seeing the concern on his face. But unfortunately, that was not all she noticed as her eyes roamed behind him.

It was supposed to be a simple event, but because of the names listed of the attendees, it had become a momentous occasion.

And it seemed someone had attracted the media's attention. She only hoped it was because of the cause, nothing to do with her.

The last thing she wanted was to steal the spotlight away from the purpose of this festive affair. But it seemed her little stunt had caused hysteria as various flashes almost blinded her.

"Serena, is he the new flavor of the month?" She heard a reporter ask from behind the media line.

She never hated the media, but sometimes they could cross some lines. They were not all sleazy. However, she could not discount that a few paparazzi would monetize the chance of bumping into her.

She already saw a few who had taken too many pictures of her. And she knew not all of them would be good.

Nevertheless, she refused to give them any comment about her life, focusing only on her task to raise funds for these kids.

This day was their time to shine, not hers.