Counterproductive

The duo got down for breakfast while Sullivan was at his seat, looking at them with approval while reading an article in the newspaper.

The old man was really guilty about his plans but the duo's current interaction was enough to tell him that his plan wasn't wrong.

Even the unscrupulous media somewhat agreed with his sentiment.

-------

Jennifer was a bit shy around the old Creed as everything about her relationship with Alexander has crossed a lot of lines.

Their actions during the night also cemented that fact. Even Jennifer was repulsed with herself but the inexplicable attraction she has towards the boy was already there.

He was the younger one and she had to take responsibility. She knew that Alexander masterminded and seduced her but her acquiescence to the matter was a fault in itself.

The patriarchal society and low standing of women were just that unfair towards them.

Even the old Creed was at fault for some of the events but that is just how it is with ageism, sexism, and whatnot.

Just as she was about to confess her sins and bear the mistakes to herself, Alexander swooped in with a quick kiss to her lips and nonchalantly said to his grandfather.

"Grandpa, this is my girlfriend- Ms. Jennifer Connelly."

The dining room was quiet as Sullivan put down the paper in his hand. He took a sip from his coffee and then gave a nod to the two of them.

Sullivan had to keep his dignity, especially with last night's invitation fiasco. In his head, he was already thinking about his old age and the chances of the couple messing up, so he can catch up to his great-grandchild.

"I guess that's it then." Alexander shrugged at the old man's antics while Jennifer was in between relief and being scared.

The old man's silence was unnerving but it didn't last as the awkwardness became amiable after a while.

"Haha! I'm done with breakfast now, so you two lovebirds can have the room to yourself." Old Sullivan smiled and left the dining room with his coffee. "I'll be in the study. Alex, just call me when you guys are ready to head out."

With that, the old man scampered out of the room.

"Oh no. It's all my fault." Jennifer's misunderstanding streak couldn't be stopped. "Head out! Doesn't that mean you are being disowned, Alexander?! Should we plead for mercy?"

"Stop overreacting!" Since he couldn't flick her forehead, he just flicked her breast. "I have work to do on Burbank, so 'head out' just means going out to work."

It was fortunate that Alexander didn't damage much of her bra, so he could reuse it for a while and guard herself against that flick

"Shouldn't Mr. Creed be more strict with you? Our age difference and your underage-ness is a problem after all." Jennifer rubbed the unpainful spot to show her protest.

"Just consider him a weird old man from now on. You should already know that after that car ride. Also, he planned some of this to happen remember." Alexander just took a seat after and gorged on the many toasted slices of bread on the table.

Jennifer could only sigh at this weird turn of things. Yesterday, she just wanted to do some of her actress responsibilities and now here she is.

Having a boy like Alexander as her boyfriend is everything less than ideal for her.

Losing her virginity was one thing. She also felt some connection with the boy after that but it wasn't enough to be as servile as she is now. The true nail that made her stuck with pleasing Alexander was the content of that camera back in the room.

Alexander didn't explain much but she knew she was stuck under his control.

It already started when they were left in the car. She could have run away then and there but his unmentioned whisper stuck her in place.

All he said while giving her hickeys was 'Act like you're trying to please me or else.'

The forceful anal sex, the invasive oral sex, offering her virginity, acting like a spoiled girlfriend, and not acting out when being explicitly called a sex slave.

Jennifer has to admit that she was quite horny from those invading kisses and truly catered to the boy because she wanted to but the 'or else' in that threat had some compelling reason.

Even this 'girlfriend' status she is smiling in seemed fake and real at the same time.

Although she seemed clutsy and impulsive, she had some brains as well to analyze her steps. Her simple sigh really had a lot of meaning behind it.

-------

When Jennifer sat down and ate half a bread with a glass of milk, Alexander can't help but sigh at the actress's dedication to keeping fit.

Hearing her sigh, he also realized his forcefulness and manipulation. Fucking her and trapping her seems a bit over the top just so that she can't be used by the competitors against them.

When he thinks about it, everything he is doing seemed even more counterproductive and digging a deeper hole for their company.

She was lovingly smiling at him now like a little girlfriend but that is because she is a committed actress that wanted to protect herself.

He was a scheming guy but not that heartless.

After he had his fill of breakfast, he pulled Jennifer to the sofa along with the papers that the old man left.

Lying on the leisure room's sofa, Jennifer shyly rejected her 'misunderstanding'. "Alexander, not here."

Alexander just smiled at her dedication to keeping the facade. Closing in on her, he caressed the hair near her hair and genuinely whispered. "Sorry and thank you."

The 'shy' Jennifer froze from hearing that and truly teared up. It wasn't like the morning tantrum bought by being too caught up in her character but genuine tears.

"Sorry for being too lustful, controlling, and heartless." Alexander hugged the gal as she whimpered even more.

Only she knew deep inside how painful this one night had plunged her into. It was like playing a character in a movie but this time, she truly lost what has been lost.

To think that the very reason for the pain had empathized with her. It sent her into a whirlpool of emotions.