Chapter 104: Love Run Cold

At the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, 20th Century Fox hosted a premiere event for "The Girl Next Door." The majority of reporters in attendance represented media outlets owned by Fox.

The premiere, while not extravagant, lacked heavyweight celebrity guests. The only star who stood out among the cast and crew was Elisha, a two-time Emmy Award-winning Best Actress.

The Emmy Awards are known for recognizing excellence in television and film.

The cameras of media reporters were fixated on Eliza, who graced the event in a stunning red dress.

Accompanying her on the red carpet was Martin, a tall and handsome man, while Elisha exuded charm and allure. Their presence drew attention from onlookers.

The film had garnered significant attention and publicity. Sexual comedies had always found an audience in the film industry, and there were numerous young fans lining both sides of the red carpet.

Elisha greeted the crowd with a smile, waving to her admirers, while the flashing cameras continued to capture every moment.

Walking hand in hand, Elisha and Martin made their way, with Elisha noticing that Martin seemed to be moving slowly. She leaned in and asked softly, "Darling, are you feeling alright?"

Of course, Martin didn't reveal the truth and instead replied, "Perhaps a bit hungry."

Considering their need to look photogenic, they hadn't eaten much since morning.

Upon reaching the media area, Martin draped his arm around Elisha's shoulders. The opposite side was filled with multiple cameras, capturing their every move.

Subsequently, they engaged in a brief interview with reporters, and Martin willingly stepped aside.

After answering a few questions about the movie, a reporter from the entertainment channel directed inquiries towards Martin. Eliza clung to Martin's arm, her joy apparent as she introduced him, "This is my boyfriend, Martin Davis. He's a talented actor. Have you not seen 'Zombie Stripper'?"

Elisha held Martin's hand as they entered the theater together, where she introduced Martin to the main cast and crew.

Despite being unfamiliar with everyone and their work, Martin warmly and politely greeted them, ensuring that Elisha was never put in an awkward position.

The film's leading actor, Emile Hirsch, remarked to Martin, "You're quite lucky."

Martin, with a straight face, replied, "Perhaps because I saved the galaxy in my previous life."

Emile and the other actors around him were momentarily baffled.

Martin paused for effect and then continued, "So, I've been favored by the most beautiful princess in this life."

While some, like Emile, thought Martin was simply joking, Elisha was inspired by his words. Whether inside the theater or during the upcoming movie screening, she wrapped her arms around Martin's neck and kissed him passionately.

The two took their seats, but Elisha's attention was hardly on the movie. She leaned close to Martin and whispered in his ear, "I want to go back to the hotel."

Martin gently tapped her lips and said, "Soon."

The movie was not lengthy, which made it especially challenging for Elisha.

Finally, nearly two hours later, the premiere concluded, and the two climbed into the luxurious car arranged by Bruce.

Elisha wasted no time in passionately kissing Martin as they entered the car. If not for Bruce, she might have ended up on Martin's lap.

The car pulled up in front of their hotel, and they were met by a group of paparazzi, relentless in their pursuit.

Martin thoughtfully shielded Elisha's face, holding her close as they swiftly made their way into the hotel.

Once upstairs in their room, Elisha transformed into a playful mood, engaging in an amorous romp.

It wasn't until around ten o'clock that things settled down.

Elisha casually donned one of Martin's shirts, retrieved her laptop, and excitedly called out to Martin, "Look, we're on the front page!"

Martin joined her quickly, and they found a report on the premiere of "The Girl Next Door" on an entertainment website, featuring prominent photos of both of them.

A related article also mentioned Martin Davis by name.

Elisha playfully teased, "The photographer must have had a bad day; you're much better looking than this!"

Leaning in, she kissed him and selected the best photo, saving it and posting it to her blog with the caption, "The happiest moment."

Martin playfully patted her behind and asked, "Hungry?"

Elisha nodded, walking towards the bathroom. "I'll take a quick bath."

Knowing that Martin needed sustenance after barely eating all day and their amorous encounter, he placed a meal order. Recalling his discomfort on the set during their previous meal, he ordered both a vegetarian and a meat dish.

Elisha emerged from the shower, dressed in comfortable home clothes.

Martin went for his own shower and reminded her, "Dinner's on its way."

After a simple shower, Martin donned a tank top and shorts. As he stepped out, he found Elisha sitting at the dining table, lost in thought.

Eliza inquired, "Why didn't you order a vegetarian dish?"

Martin rushed over, reassuring her, "I did order a vegetarian dish for you."

Elisha didn't respond with words; instead, she opened the meal containers and began eating slowly.

Martin indulged in the mouthwatering aroma of his meat dish, savoring the simple pleasures of life.

Elisha's eyes welled with tears, and she suddenly voiced her thoughts, "Martin, after we finish filming this movie, can we go on a vacation to India together?"

Martin, puzzled, questioned, "Why would you want to go to a place like India?"

Eliza gazed at him with hopeful eyes, explaining, "India is a haven for vegetarians, and its natural therapies are deeply spiritual. I want to experience it with you, to explore ourselves in India."

Martin, unyielding in his impressions, remained skeptical, "India? Natural therapy? Dear, are you kidding? What kind of natural therapy? I'd rather not drink from the Ganga river, I have seem a documentary about it and now I am afraid to go to India."

Elisha, a staunch plant-based vegetarian, clung to her beliefs, "It's not about drinking Ganges water; it's about the cleansing of body, mind, and spirit through vegetarianism."

Not wanting to argue further, Martin sighed, "I'm sorry, dear, but I've already made plans to go hunting with Jaume and Bruce after we wrap up filming."

Elisha's eyes widened in shock, "Hunting? Are you going to hunt animals?"

Martin clarified, "Many animals are overpopulated in Australia. They hire people to cull the population each year, obtaining permits and hunting legally, you know it is to maintain a balance in the ecosystem."

Elisha didn't press the issue but inquired, "So, you can't accompany me to India?"

Martin patiently explained, "I respect your choice to be vegetarian, but I can't endure it. My body won't adapt."

Elisha, teary-eyed, countered, "It's possible. You just need to get through the initial adjustment period."

Martin opted to end the conversation, suggesting, "Let's set aside this disagreement, okay?"

However, Elisha persisted, "Between me and eating meat, you've chosen to eat meat, haven't you?"

Martin shook his head, "No, because the two aren't mutually exclusive."

Elisha wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, saying, "You've made your choice." She rose slowly, stating, "I'm sorry, Martin, truly sorry. I need to go."

Martin understood her intentions; there was nothing more to be said. He sighed, "It's getting late. Let me leave. Get some rest."

Elisha offered no further words.

Martin casually packed his belongings, not bothering to change his clothes, donning slippers, a T-shirt, and shorts. He dragged his suitcase and departed.

Elisha disposed of Martin's lunch containers, tossing them in the trash. She then opened her laptop and began systematically erasing any content related to Martin.

She curled up, burying her head in her knees, and wept.

Elisha resolutely held onto her vegetarian lifestyle.

Martin went downstairs, calling Bruce, "Brother, where are you? Swing by the hotel's back entrance to pick me up."

Soon, Bruce arrived in Martin's Volkswagen.

Martin stored his luggage, got into the car, and suggested, "Find a place to eat and have a drink."

Bruce glanced at him, teasing, "Did she kick you out already? That was fast."

Martin gestured, at a loss for words.

Bruce consoled him, "It's normal for men to experience heartbreak. Even a good guy like me got dumped by Monica."

Martin quipped, "Well, you're a pervert."

Bruce retorted, "Aren't you a pervert, too? Are you better than me? We're all perverts."

Martin opted not to elaborate, simply saying, "I'm just too normal."

Bruce agreed, "Indeed, too normal. Relationships between men and women come and go quickly."

Martin suddenly recalled the red carpet, "Public displays of affection tend to fizzle out fast."

Bruce added, "There's an Indian restaurant nearby that serves fantastic vegetarian dishes. Why don't we try it?"

This suggestion riled Martin, and he pulled out Thomas' phone, giving him a call.

An irritated Thomas answered, "Why are you calling so late? I was just falling asleep."

Hearing his agent's frustration, Martin felt a strange sense of relief and said, "You told me to prioritize personal matters. Notify the agent when the time comes."

Thomas reacted swiftly, "You and Elisha broke up? Martin, you just attended Elisha's premiere red carpet, and now you're breaking up? Have some decency. Even this agent thinks you're a scoundrel!"

Martin wasn't inclined to explain further, "Think what you will. I'm officially telling you that Martin Davis is single again."

Bruce chimed in, "You're not even a tenth as good as old Jack. You haven't learned anything."

Thomas, confused, inquired, "Who's old Jack?"

Martin casually brushed it off, "The second most versatile person after me." He invited Thomas, "Get up; we're meeting at Avalon."

Three single men, feeling a bit aimless, drank until 2 a.m.