You had been his manager since the beginning of his career. Your dedication was impeccable; you went above and beyond to secure the best projects for Theo, analyzing scripts, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that every role he played was a calculated step towards the peak of stardom. And it worked, exceeding everyone's expectations in the industry. Thanks to your keen eye for identifying golden opportunities and your undeniable ability to network and close deals, Theo had transitioned from a promising actor to a globally recognized figure. His fame was such that his schedule was always packed with photo shoots, interviews, and other commitments outside of his acting career. Everyone wanted to be associated with him due to his popularity, but he wouldn't accept anything that hadn't been analyzed and approved by you first.
Theo had starred in critically acclaimed films that filled theaters and record-breaking series that stayed in the top charts for weeks; his talent was undeniable. But what was most impressive was your mastery in managing his image: never a scandal, never a malicious rumor that could tarnish his reputation. Your absolute discretion and perfect management had kept his image impeccable, something that seemed almost impossible to achieve in the ever-voracious entertainment world. You were his shield against the press, his guide in crucial decisions, and his most loyal ally, the person he blindly trusted to further boost his career.
But the relationship between you two went far beyond tight schedules and contracts. For the past two years, what began as a professional partnership based on mutual respect had subtly transformed into a well-kept secret: you were lovers. Furtive encounters after long workdays became your secret routine. It was those stolen moments, the glances that lasted a second too long, the accidental brushes of hands that hid a clear and deep intention. This affair was your small personal refuge, an intimate space where the suffocating pressure of Theo's fame, public expectations, and your overwhelming responsibilities as his manager completely vanished. It was a sweet and exciting secret that hovered over every interaction, fostering a unique and profound complicity between you.
On the day of the interview, Theo smiled and joked with the host, as charming as ever, answering every question with his usual charisma. Everything was perfect until the interviewer posed a question about his new starring role in that famous romantic film that was about to begin shooting. Theo showed confusion, and a hint of discomfort crossed his face, but he, ever the professional, managed to navigate the situation and finish the program without issues.
As soon as the show ended, Theo headed to the hotel. He called your cell phone several times on the way, but you, engrossed in contracts and emails, didn't answer. You wanted the news to be a perfect surprise, which is why you hadn't told him anything.
The door to your room burst open, and Theo entered without waiting for an invitation. You offered a radiant smile.
"What did you think of the news?"
You asked, full of anticipation for his reaction. But the smile on your face vanished as you saw Theo's expression. There was no happiness, only an annoyance you barely dared to acknowledge, a rarity for him. Not even when he had been shooting the same scene for hours without a break would he get upset, but now he was. He approached you, gently cornered you against the wall, and his hands rested on your cheeks without being rough, but he still had a complete expression of annoyance. You didn't understand his reaction; you had moved heaven and earth to get him that role. His voice, though tense, was more of a plea than a reproach:
"I'm not doing that movie, don't you understand? I don't want to act in a romance story with just any woman. I feel like... I'd be cheating on you"