As Edwin continued his solitary walk, he found his mind drifting back to the event that had led to his impulsive action–it started with a visit to the company earlier that day.
The moment Edwin walked into his agency, Fountain Splash, he felt a strange atmosphere. The whole place was quiet and gave off an eerie air, as if something bad was about to happen. In this company, he had always been the best, most popular, and most capable actor they had. He was the lead, the number one. Of course, that's how it was supposed to be as the most sought-after actor in the country.
Normally, when he came here, the girls would be drooling and squealing, some even approaching him just to try to get close. But he was always known as the cold top actor of Fountain Splash, and so he would ignore them all. Now, however, the atmosphere was different. The narrative had flipped. He could feel that he was being ignored and spited by everyone. Their judgmental expressions and whispers said it all.
"What is it?" Kimberly asked as he saw the weird way Edwin was staring at the passersby.
"Is it just me? Can't you see the way they're staring at me?" Edwin's green eyes darted nervously behind his designer sunglasses.
"You don't usually care about them before, so why do you care now?" Kimberly replied, his wine-colored hair catching the fluorescent lights.
"Are you dumb or something, Kenneth? Can't you see that everyone around is acting weird?"
Kimberly, taken aback by Edwin's outburst, decided to take a look around before sighing. "Come here!" He grabbed Edwin's arm, pulling him towards the elevator.
"Where are you dragging me to?" Edwin resisted the forceful pull, but he was too tired and confused to resist for long.
"Sorry, we're taking this alone!" Kimberly shot at the others who tried to get into the elevator with them.
"What are you doing?" Edwin asked, still at a loss.
"I'm trying to get alone time with you, Edwin Kasper. Now is not the time to start caring about what people think of you. Don't forget that you're one hell of a cold man who has never cared about what others think. So don't start now."
"But-"
"There's no but, Edwin. We're just going to focus on our destination, which is the CEO's office. And that's final."
Knowing that he couldn't beat Kimberly when he was in his bitchy mood, Edwin decided to keep quiet and listen.
The elevator finally dinged, and they got out, heading towards the CEO's office. Edwin decided to heed Kimberly's advice and, like usual, ignored the strange behavior from the people around and the taunting remarks and whispers. But just as they were about to knock on the CEO's office, the door suddenly opened as one of his colleagues, Mike Donnelly, walked out of the room. On his face was a smirk which was obviously mocking Edwin.
"Look who's here!" he announced.
Edwin just decided to ignore the nuisance who had always been second to him as he made his way into the room, but was blocked by Mike who quickly stood in his way.
"I never knew you could be such a player," Mike taunted, bursting into laughter. "All this while people have been deceived by your stony face, they've respected you so much, not knowing that behind the facade was a shady playboy."
Kimberly tried to reply, but was expectedly held back by Edwin.
Mike just laughed. "That's right, just hold him, or else I would crush him in this industry."
"What do you want?" Edwin decided to ask. He'd been keeping his cool, knowing that it was of no use bantering words with a man who had always been his second in everything.
"Nothing. Just expressing my gratitude over your fuck up. You did this to yourself, now let's see who will be at the top of the game. I have some videos and pictures to watch. Oh, someone's fiancée must be overwhelmed and disappointed." Mike threw the words as he walked away.
Edwin was speechless, as he just stood in one place, tears filling his eyes. He just blinked the tears away, grateful for the glasses on his face. After regaining his composure, he finally pushed the door and walked into the CEO's office.
Kimberly, who had witnessed how his boss was suppressing his emotions, couldn't help but feel sad for the man.
"Good morning, Mr. Blackwood," Edwin greeted as he walked into the office. CEO Richard Blackwood was sitting on the couch while having tea. Edwin couldn't help but wonder what the man had discussed with Mike. They must've talked about him. That could only explain the reason why Mike, who was always respectful and sucking up to him, decided to grow balls overnight.
"Edwin, come sit here," Mr. Blackwood said, gesturing him to the seat opposite him.
Edwin was silent as he took a seat before the man.
"Tea?"
"No, I've had coffee," he politely refused.
"Oh good," the man replied before taking a sip of his tea, then gently placing the cup back on the table. He then stared at Edwin, who was impatiently waiting for the man to finally talk.
"I won't beat around the bush, Edwin," Mr. Blackwood began, looking into Edwin's eyes. "The director of 'Ghost Town' wants you out of the series."
"What?" Edwin's voice was barely above a whisper, shock evident in his tone.
"You should know that this is nobody's fault but yours alone, Edwin. Your reputation at the moment can't help the ratings of the series, and you don't expect them to sacrifice the progress of all the hard work and resources because of your scandal. Mike will be taking your position on this series until everything has died down. He's the only one qualified and on par with you."
Edwin felt his breath hitch, heart pounding dangerously in his chest. "Are you just abandoning me? After all I have contributed to this company?"
Mr. Blackwood's face softened slightly, showing the difficulty he was having with this conversation. "You chose to bring this upon yourself, Edwin. For everyone's sake, you have to lie low for now while we look for a way to settle the scandals. And remember the police case you're still dealing with. You failed not just this company but all your fans who believe in you, and no one should go down with you."
"Sir, you have to believe me... I didn't do it. I know someone planned this," Edwin pleaded, looking into the man's eyes with all the sincerity he could muster, hoping he could see just how innocent he was.
The CEO's expression was laced with sympathy and resignation. "It's not about what I want to believe, Edwin. It's about what everyone is seeing. We tried curtailing the news, but because of your popularity, it still spread like wildfire. All the people that trusted you were disappointed, and for now, there's nothing that can be done for you or with you!"
"What do you mean?" Edwin blinked confusedly, a sinking feeling in his stomach.
Mr. Blackwood took a deep breath, clearly struggling with what he had to say next. "I'm sorry to say this, Edwin. Don't get me wrong. We love you in this company. You're our most sought-after actor, but what can we do when all you do is bring us down? None of the brands are willing to work with you. All the contracts are being canceled, and the company is suffering a serious blow which cannot continue to happen."
Edwin felt his world spinning. "What exactly are you trying to say, sir?"
"What I'm saying is that we will be terminating your contract for now, Edwin, pending until everything is sorted out. Having you here would only ruin the company which I have worked so hard to build."
Edwin's voice grew desperate. "You mean the company which you have built with my image? All the hard work and pushing I have had to give this company without rest? Is this how I'm going to be paid for my efforts? You're abandoning me at this time when I need you the most? Is this what I get for my sacrifices?"
Mr. Blackwood's face showed genuine pain. "Edwin, I'm not abandoning you. What I'm saying is that you just need to lie low for now. Don't you understand what is happening? Your glory days are over, at least for now. No one wants to work with a person surrounded by such controversy. You were the one who decided to engage with Laura even after all my advice. If you hadn't put yourself in that situation, things wouldn't have gotten so out of hand. But look what is happening today. Your fans, especially the females, can't handle your perceived dishonesty and Casanova attitude. When you know you were getting engaged, you should've respected yourself. I can't let my company go down with you."
"Oh, I get it," Edwin nodded as he instantly stood up and headed for the door, tears threatening to spill from behind his designer sunglasses.
"And Edwin?" Mr. Blackwood called out, his voice softer now.
Edwin paused at the door, not looking back at the man.
"Start by sorting things out with your fiancée. Who knows, it might help to soften people's hearts. And remember, you're still our number one actor here."
'Top actor my ass,' Edwin huffed silently, slamming the door behind him.
As he left the office, Kimberly rushed over. "How did it go? What did you talk about with the CEO?"
"We're getting out of here," was all Edwin said. And before Kimberly could realize what was happening, the man had taken the steering wheel, and he had no choice but to allow him to drive.
It wasn't until moments later that Kimberly regretted allowing Edwin to sit in the driver's seat, as they sped down the highway, Edwin's emotions threatening to steer them off course.