STAR STRUCK

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Chapter Eight

Seline turned the knob to her office door, surprised to find it unlocked. A flicker of unease crept through her thoughts. Had she forgotten to lock it yesterday? She was always careful.

Stepping inside, her eyes immediately landed on a figure by the window—a tall man dressed in black, his stance casual yet deliberate. Even with his face partially obscured by a nose mask, she knew who he was.

"Morning," he said, turning toward her with a coffee mug in hand. Though his grin couldn't be seen, it was evident in the playful glint of his eyes.

Seline glanced at her phone. 10 a.m. sharp. Of course.

"Thought I'd come early so we could have more time. You don't mind, do you, Seline?"

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Not at all, Mr. Jason. Though I am curious—how did you get in?"

"Oh, that? Old Blake's got a spare key."

"Convenient," she replied dryly, her gaze narrowing as she noticed a small photo portrait in his hand.

"Is that… mine?" she asked, her tone sharpening as she pointed at the photo.

His eyes crinkled above the mask, a clear sign of a grin. "It was on your desk. By the way, who's he?"

Irritation flared in her chest, sharp and bitter. She folded her arms tightly, forcing her voice to remain steady. "How's that your business?"

He chuckled, clearly unfazed. "See, when you ask questions, it's 'pointed.' But when I do…" He shrugged, his tone teasing. "I'm the therapist here, remember?"

Seline tightened her grip on her bag strap, her knuckles whitening. "If you want this session to be productive, Mr. Jason, stop snooping through my things."

"Relax. I like doing things the old-fashioned way," he replied with mock nonchalance, twirling the photo between his fingers. "By the way, I saw more of your photos on that shelf." He nodded toward the cabinet behind her desk.

Her glare could've cut through glass. "You were going through my things?"

He raised his free hand in mock surrender. "I only saw this one. Promise."

"Here's a tip, Mr. Jason: don't come early. And if you do, wait in reception."

"Old Blake wouldn't like that."

"Then wait with him in his office," she snapped, her voice cutting through the air like a blade.

"Ah, there it is. You're annoyed." He leaned against the window, the amusement in his tone evident despite the mask. "I apologize. Sincerely."

Seline closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply to steady herself. When she spoke again, her tone was clipped but professional. "Never mind. Please, take a seat, and let's begin."

But Jason wasn't ready to let it go. "How about we make a deal first?" he said, his voice taking on a playful edge. "Tell me who he is, and I'll answer any two questions you have. Honestly."

She froze, caught off guard by the proposal. "Why would I agree to that?"

"This is your chance, Seline," he pressed, his eyes gleaming mischievously above the mask. "You know I don't usually break my principles. I only talk when I'm tipsy, remember?"

Her gaze narrowed. "And why are you so interested in such a bargain?"

He shrugged,"Focus on the deal. I'm not obliged to answer any of your questions otherwise."

The silence between them stretched, thick with tension. Seline studied him carefully, her mind racing. Could she afford to miss this opportunity? She noticed his fingers tighten slightly on the coffee mug, a small but telling sign that he was waiting for her response.

"Five questions," she countered, folding her arms tightly. "And I'll tell you who he is."

He laughed, the sound low and rich, echoing in the room. "Five? You drive a hard bargain."

"With honest answers," she added firmly.

"I'm a man of my word. Honest answers," he promised, his voice smooth.

She extended her hand. "Deal."

"Deal," he said, taking her hand in his. His grip was warm and firm, but his eyes sparkled with amusement as he lowered his lips toward her hand in a playful gesture.

Seline pulled her hand back before he could follow through, her expression unamused. "You've got yourself a deal. Now, let's see if you can keep up your end."

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