CHAPTER 31 - ROLE SHIFT

As I sat beside Nathaniel, my mind drifted away like a lost kite, unable to grasp the concept he was explaining about the next scene. My nods resembled those of a robotic figure, devoid of understanding or enthusiasm. However, amidst my turmoil, one sentence resonated persistently in my head like a catchy tune on repeat: "Friends with benefits."

Yesterday, I was taken aback by his sudden declaration, but then I playfully hit his arm, asking him to stop joking around. I expected a lighthearted response, but his unyielding expression remained unwaveringly serious. A shiver ran down my spine as I realized there was something far more profound lurking beneath that look on his face. Just three words, and he has turned my common sense upside down.

After he bid farewell last night, sleep eluded me entirely. I found myself consumed with dissecting every word he uttered and contemplating the ideal course of action. The temptation to confront him with my perplexing thoughts soared within me. But let's be real here, I wasn't about to become a sudden angel of virtue and implore him to reconsider. He had sparked a restless fire deep within, and I desired him badly, making the type of relationship we would share of little consequence. In truth, a friends-with-benefits arrangement appeared to suit us both splendidly. No obligations, no restrictions; we could indulge in our desires freely. Nonetheless, what puzzled me greatly was the sudden transformation within him. After this whole time of him being against the idea, he suddenly expressed an eagerness to sleep with me. It made my thoughts swirl with skepticism—could it be based on the fact that I am a virgin? The notion unsettled me, so much so that I longed to have a direct conversation with him about it. However, fear held me back as I pondered anxiously over what he would truly think of me if I dared to speak up.

"Do you think it would be better if we put the camera in the corner or somewhere else?"

I swiftly blinked my eyes and brought myself back to the present. Varun's and Nathaniel's expectant gazes locked with mine, waiting for me to answer them. My focus shifted to the meticulously detailed script pages laid out before me, trying to analyze which scene he was talking about exactly.

"Maybe we should get an aerial view first and then close in on the godown. This would illustrate the feeling of helplessness and despair that she experiences, emphasizing that she has no one to turn to for assistance."

In a desperate attempt to salvage any remnants of ignorance, I spoke confidently, hoping that they would somehow align with the current scene we were discussing. The thought of being caught up in distraction once again sent waves of discomfort through me. Throughout this entire production, it felt as if I were wearing a mask, struggling to keep my personal emotions from seeping into my work. I am trying not to, but I couldn't help it. I reminded myself that I was only human, and sometimes vulnerability was inevitable.

"I like it. Do you think that's a good idea too, Varun?"

After giving it some thought, Nathaniel inquired of Varun and smiled when the latter offered his consent. And so it was resolved.

The production crew required half an hour to set up the camera, allowing me to snatch a moment of respite. Impatient to refresh both my body and mind, I gravitated towards the portable washroom, and as the cool water cascaded over my face, I sighed in contentment. The biting coldness pulled me back to reality, and I groaned as I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, noticing my dark eyes and tired face staring back at me. However, a glimpse of excitement flickered behind those weary eyes. Not knowing what Eugene had in mind or what was going to happen between us after last night pushed me to the precipice of anticipation and impatience. The click of the door resonated as I exited the cubicle, only to be startled when a towel materialized before me, seemingly out of thin air.

"Sorry! Did I hit you?"

With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, Eugene leaned forward and couldn't contain his amusement any longer, causing a delightful ripple of laughter to fill the area. I stood frozen in astonishment, my hand instinctively pressing against my chest, still trying to come down from my shock. I clung on to the white towel and glared at the person standing in front of me.

"I told you a thousand times not to sneak up on me like that."

I exclaimed, accusation lacing my words. Nevertheless, I used the cloth to gently dab my face dry, wondering if he was lurking just within sight, waiting for a chance to get me alone. The thought made my heart beat a little faster.

"But it's so much fun this way."

I rolled my eyes as I swung the damp towel his way, which he caught with ease.

"And what exactly are you doing here? One might think you are stalking me."

I joked and glanced around to check if anybody was staring at us peculiarly; however, there was nobody around to observe us. Everyone was distracted with their respective duties.

"In fact, I am. Since you failed to give me a proper answer last night, I was hoping for a moment with you alone. But you had been far too busy."

I loved these moments when he was unabashedly honest, his thoughts flowing effortlessly from his lips without any filter. But when he spoke words like these, my cheeks flushed crimson, leaving me utterly perplexed on how to maintain composure in his presence. With a swallow, I desperately hoped my voice would remain steady, refusing to succumb to the imminent stammering. I held the upper hand all this while, rejoicing in the influence I had over him and basking in its power. Yet now, it felt as though he had me firmly in his grasp, his actions dictating the pace of our interaction. And with this shift of authority, surprising and unfamiliar emotions stirred within me—a delicate blend of intrigue and sweetness that left me bewitched.

"You are aware of what you are asking for, right?"

Leaning slightly towards him, I gazed directly into his eyes, ensuring that my confidence exuded from every pore. It felt necessary not to hand him over the controls just yet, at least not until I had my share of fun. However, I was in for a surprise. Strangely different from our previous interactions, where he skillfully evaded getting too close, Eugene now inched closer, intentionally intruding upon my personal space. A delicious familiarity emanated from his enticing scent, seducing my senses while his warm breath gently caressed my nose. An unspoken fire ignited, creating an irresistible tension between us.

"Of course," he says. "And I am asking whether you're up for it?"

I found myself lost in the depths of his mesmerizing, deep brown eyes, pulling me into a world of sincerity and unshakable determination. His gaze spoke volumes, silently conveying a stubborn urgency that demanded attention and an answer.

"Does my virgin status play a role in this?"

With a nonchalant look, I casually posed the question, concealing the inner turmoil that consumed me. Under my cool facade, anxiety bubbled like a wild storm. Unrelenting, I locked gazes with him, anticipating to catch a glimpse of a shift in his expression. But my predictions were dashed, as his features remained unchanged. Instead, a mischievous smirk danced upon his lips, like a puzzle taunting my curiosity. My nose scrunched in confusion, wondering the reason behind his cryptic grin.

"I cannot claim that it had no influence during my decision-making process. One-night stands are not my style, especially when it comes to you. I respect you more than that. However, after finding out that you are a virgin, I had second thoughts. Asking me was definitely not easy for you, but you had the courage. Besides, I have my personal reasons."

His explanation lingered in the air, revealing a lack of willingness to provide me with the answer I demanded. Yet I was satisfied when he said he respected me more than a one-night stand. Despite hearing this fine reassurance, a dawdling inquiry pressed against my thoughts—a question that, if articulated, would expose the fragile vulnerability that rested within me.

"It's not pity, right?"

An uncomfortable quiver crept into my voice, as if my anxiety had seized control and revealed itself, leaving me exposed and cold. I saw a flash of recognition in his facial expressions as we were both taken back to my previous panic attack and the reason behind it. Eugene's eyes hardened with comprehension, and his outstretched hands halted in mid-air, unsure of how to provide comfort in these public surroundings, especially considering anybody could walk in on us without warning. He breathed out and rubbed his temples before returning his attention to me.

"I do feel sorry for you, River. Like any other normal human being. But it is not the cause of my decision. I have no idea how I can convince you, but please have faith in me. You've already proven that you're not weak, and you don't need anyone's sympathy."

Sadness, happiness, desperation, relief—I was amidst a whirlwind of emotions, and all I could do was smile as a response to his honest declaration. This gentlemanly figure possessed an uncanny ability to throw me off balance, making it challenging for me to even think of losing him.

Luckily, the loud bell for shoot pulled me away, forcing me to take a few hesitant steps in the opposite direction.

"Brace yourself, dude. I won't be holding back any longer."

I shouted and winked at him before whirling around and heading back to the main location with an ear-splitting smile.

.............

"Take care of her for me, okay?"

April leaned in and whisper-yelled to me, casting a devilish glance at Lorraine. We were outside the bustling airport, bidding farewell to my sister. Despite having caught up on sleep the entire day, both April and Lorraine had an undeniable air of exhaustion hovering around them. It made me wonder just how much they had to drink yesterday.

"You understand that I'm her assistant, right? I should be the one looking after her."

Lor asked and pushed April slightly, chuckling wildly.

"Don't worry, she has Eugene to take care of her."

April wiggled her brows at me with a sly smile, earning a playful eye roll from me in response. The events of last night and the interesting conversation of this afternoon remained locked away in the depths of my mind. There was something thrilling about keeping some things just between us, like sharing a delicious secret that only we knew.

"Just to let you know, Eugene has my full approval. He would make an excellent brother."

April and I had always had an unspoken understanding when it came to discussions about relationships. She knew how strongly I felt about it, and as a result, we had never broached the subject before. But at that particular moment, as I looked into her eyes, I saw a glimmer of hope that had long been extinguished. It was a flicker that I couldn't ignore. Determined not to be the one to dampen her spirits, I simply reached out and lovingly shuffled her hair. We held each other tightly, exchanging affectionate kisses, before she reluctantly disappeared into the growing crowd. I was going to miss her.

"I was arranging my things today and came across these EarPods on the bedside table. I believe it's Eugene's?"

Lorraine inquired, passing me the black rectangular item in the car as we drove back to the hotel. I took the box from her fragile fingers, inspected it, and assured her that it indeed belonged to him.

"I think you should return it to him."

"Yeah. You go back to the cottage, and I will join you later."

Lor nodded and resumed our discussion about the things she missed while she was away.

When I arrived in the parking area of our resort, I dialed Eugene, who was still working late, and requested that he meet me in the secluded backyard. As he approached, I was unable to resist smiling, noticing his pleased expression upon seeing me. He was wearing a casual t-shirt and sweatpants, and his tousled hair looked adorable. I handed him the EarPods once he was next to me.

"Thank you so much. I have been trying to find it all day."

With a look of relief, he quickly slid his newly acquired item into his jeans pocket. I watched him, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips. Just as he raised his head, a subtle gleam flared up in his eyes, and I couldn't resist the magnetic pull drawing me towards him. Glancing around to ensure no prying eyes were sticking around nearby, I reached out and pulled him towards me, our bodies colliding in a passionate embrace. The mere touch of our lips sent an electric current surging through both of us. In that moment, it was as if time stood still and the world around us faded into insignificance. Our mouths moved with a fierce hunger, a desperate need to devour each other's essence. We became engulfed in a whirlwind of desire, lust, and pure longing, as if the kiss marked the start of something special. This wasn't just a simple act of affection; it was a declaration of something more, an unspoken agreement that we were both willing to explore. And as our lips finally parted, I couldn't help but think that this was just the beginning of a journey that would change everything.

................