Chapter 1.2

A soft sigh left William's lips as he stood in the middle of the fancy hall, dressed in a white silk shirt and a light blue designer jacket. He chuckled as he remember how his designer had remarked how much of an 'angel' he looked like, his light blonde hair falling in soft waves around his face. 

Flashes of cameras snapping enveloped the atmosphere. Anyone who was anything in the entertainment circle was present here. 

He could hear not so hushed whispers around him. After all, it was his first public appearance after a long time. Whispers were to be expected. And he was the host. 

"I heard his divorce was finally finalised."

"...about time. Have you seen Eleanor's interviews? She's practically announcing marriage with her co-star, when the divorce of the previous one isn't even completed."

"I heard he fought really hard for custody. They have a son, I think. And some tabloids say he might've gotten it. Well, Eleanor didn't particularly try. All her social media is filled with posts of 'letting go' and 'a new start'."

"The co-star, though- Raphael. He's getting really popular, right?"

William's ears tuned out the rest of the conversation, as the talk shifted from his and his ex wife's...situation to someone else. 

A worried frown bloomed on his pale lips as William tapped his foot against the marble floor. He couldn't help but worry- it was 10 pm. Aiden should be asleep, right? He'd firmly told the housekeeper to make him sleep by 10... If he misses his bedtime, he's going to be cranky the next day. 

A waiter passed by with a fancy platter of expensive champagne and William took one, downing it in one shot, feeling a small sting as the alcohol went down his throat. He could feel a few eyes on him, but pretended not to notice. He was already stressed - He didn't need social interactions added to the list. But as a part of the promotional thing, he had to be here, and the people didn't even care if he actually talked to anyone. It'd be fine. He hoped. 

Another glass of champagne downed down his throat. Maybe he should relax. This was no place to be stressed.

He felt a pair of eyes on him. Well, there were many eyes on him, but these felt more...intense. William glanced around, his gaze meeting the one and only, Raphael Moore. The one whose name almost always came up, no matter the conversation. He's a young, rising actor, who'd risen to the top by a series of superhits. He's never made a flop. Ever. Be it action, thriller, or romance- this man was a natural in acting. A body like a Greek god and a face that could make the heart of even the most unromantic person skip a beat. 

Raphael stood by a wall, leaning against it with his arms crossed. He had a glass of rosé in his hand and his eyes were just... fixed on William. He didn't look away even as the two made eye contact, his gaze intense and piercing. It didn't seem to be an 'I'm a fan of you' gaze, no, it felt like something else. 

He was watching the singer keenly, the alcohol leaving his lips elegantly moist as he took a long sip. A faint smile was on his lips, looking at William's slightly tired expression. As if...He was undressing him with his eyes. 

After a moment, Raphael slowly pushed himself off the wall and began to walk towards William, his gaze never once wavering even as a few people tried talking to him. He pushed past everyone and his eyes were still fixed on the singer. His eyes narrowed a bit as he took a slow and measured sip of his drink, not stopping until he stood in front of William.