195. And everything else was as expected

I arrived at the elevator and checked my reflection on the metallic doors right before it opened. The jacket loosely hang on my shoulders and fortunately covered my hickeys. Thankfully I had my shades on and they did a good job distorting my image.

No one would know it was me unless they gave a close eye.

Perfect.

My plane landed a few minutes ago and I quickly checked myself out. I just had to get out of this place and happily be home.

I've been to the airport several times and I know this place inside out.

No one ever used the stairs this early. And that was a good thing.

If I dropped right on the second floor, I would rush back down without bumping into anyone and successfully walk out through the emergency exit.

There's usually a big line of taxis waiting out there and it shouldn't cost me five minutes to get one. Great.

If this goes well, I'll be in my apartment in the next thirty minutes and all this will be a mystery.

Having lost my charm, it wasn't surprising that I was still as famous. In fact, I was more famous than I was before. Funny how misdeeds give you a boost on fame. It took the one 'wrong' thing I did for the whole world to abandon me. Just great. I had suffered a lot of insults and a highest degree of tarnished reputation.

No one was willing to offer me any role in a movie or the chance to model for something.

I was literally living off the bits of my remaining money from the time I was queen of the world.

And now, seeing me like this would definitely make the headline and front page of tomorrow's newspaper. And before even tomorrow came, I'd already be trending on social media in seconds and I wouldn't want that. I had quiet enough. No more.

It would definitely give me a worst reputation. I know my image had already gotten sour but I wouldn't breathe if I had people questioning my dignity and character. They'd think I had began selling my body in return for offers. Very cheap. I know of many well to do stars who suddenly lost everything and got abandoned by the market because of issues in their private lives.

I wasn't ready. More over, the man I was hooked with was a prince! I wouldn't allow to tarnish his reputation because of me at any cost. I was going to help him even if it meant I had to act like a lunatic.

The elevator ticked and as planned, I got off when it reached the second floor. I quickly ran down the stairs and went through the emergency exit getting me through the back door. I smiled. That was a success.

I walked closely to the wall and as fast, as I approached the taxi. If this would workout, I would be a very happy woman. But suddenly....

"Eleanor???" A sweet seeming voice called for me. I acted like I didn't hear her and proceeded. Whoever she was, I hoped she'd give up and walk away.

"Eleanor!" She called again and this time, she outran me. She grabbed my hand and forcefully grabbed me to face her. My soul awoke from the trenches and wished to just strangle her right there and then.

Jeanine Lana! The demonic girl who plotted to have me kidnapped by the very man that had her as his mistress.

"It is you.... I thought I was mistaken...." She gave a sarcastic smile.

Out of the blue, a whole paparazzi surrounded us and I knew I was doomed. I wanted to leave but the demonic Jeanine held my hand tightly so I wouldn't.

What was she planning on doing?

"What's on your mind you evil woman? How are you here? I lodged an FIR against you! Who did you sleep with to have it lifted?" I crossed my arms on my chest and wiggled my eyebrows at her. Jeanine was a very cunning woman and I couldn't afford to act weak in front of her. She had already shown me what she was capable of and I instantly knew I had to order my steps with her right or be doomed.

"Tsk...Miss Eleanor... Ever heard of anticipatory bail? You should have known that before you lodged an FIR against me. And as far as sleeping around is concerned, let's not divert from the real issue here. I should be the one asking you that question. It's evident from all the events I've witnessed that you were seeing a man....."

"Care to explain?" I asked and I saw the bitterness in her eyes. She was probably expecting me to run with my tail between my legs. She forgot I wasn't the same Eleanor anymore. Who she'd easily trick into drinking an aphrodisiac and left at the mercy of a man. I wasn't the same woman anymore.

Pain bore long suffering in me. And I did it so well.

I had a kind of confidence I'd never seen in myself and I didn't care against who, because either way I was going to fight for myself.

"Firstly, there's no way a broke celebrity like you can afford a meal at Huevos in the least. Air ticket? Cupcake, come clean, who bought it for you??? On second thought, why does it seem like you're running away???? What bit of reputation do you have left that you're protecting by wearing these shades....?? Did you by any chance....become a courtesan???", She crossed her hands on her chest and looked at me.

She stared into my eyes and penetrated them with hers. We stood like that for a minimum of fifteen seconds before she chuckled and looked away.

"Are you done with the assessment? Can I go now?" I asked and turned around to leave before she pulled the jacket off. My jaw dropped to the floor as I was only wearing a night dress inside although that was the least of my concern. All the lovebites on my shoulders and around my neck became exposed and shone in the bright light for all to see.

"Sorry, my hand slipped" Jeanine covered her mouth with her hand but I knew deep down she was having a very good time and enjoying my humiliation.

As if descent, she stepped toward me and pretended to care by placing the jacket back on me.

"So....who's the guy? You sure did have a lot of fun last night, didn't you, beautiful girl??" She asked and used just about the same words Director Lane used to use in reference to me. It made me hate her even more.

"None of your business...!!" I gritted my teeth and stepped on her toe so hard and to retaliate she dropped the jacket and backed away from me.

And everything else was as expected.