the way i love you

LINA POV:

I drove to Jennifer's shooting location, the cool night air brushing against my skin as I rolled down the window slightly. When I arrived, I spotted Veronica adjusting Jennifer's outfit for the final sequence of the music video shoot. As soon as Veronica saw me, she raised her hand and greeted me. I smiled and walked toward them.

Jennifer glanced at me with a teasing glint in her eyes. "I thought you wouldn't make it."

I chuckled softly. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Before we could exchange another word, the director's voice cut through the air, calling Jennifer to the set. She walked gracefully to the center of the building, her backup dancers moving in perfect rhythm behind her. I knew this was the final sequence before they wrapped up for the night.

An hour later, the director finally called out, "Pack up!"

Veronica quickly gathered the designer outfits while the crew began dismantling the set. As everyone prepared to leave, Jennifer turned to me. "Go with my assistant," she instructed the staff before stepping closer. A mischievous smile danced on her lips as she asked, "Wanna grab a drink with me?"

I hesitated for a second before nodding. "Sure."

I sent a quick text to cancel a previous restaurant reservation and instead let my team know I'd be with Jennifer. As we drove through the dimly lit streets, the city felt almost asleep. It was already 2:30 AM, and only a few people walked the sidewalks. Cars occasionally passed by, their headlights casting fleeting glows on the pavement.

At a red light, Jennifer turned to me. "So… how was your day?"

I was about to answer when something outside the window caught my attention. In a car parallel to mine, Christian sat in the passenger's seat, looking straight at me. A wave of surprise hit me. At this hour? Here? He noticed my gaze and raised a hand in greeting.

Jennifer, noticing my reaction, turned to look. A knowing smile curved on her lips. "Who's that? He's quite handsome."

I exhaled and shook my head, smirking. "Met him at my cousin's party. Just know his name. That's all."

Jennifer eyed me suspiciously. "Mmhmm. Sure." She was clearly brewing some gossip in her mind.

Before I could respond, the traffic light turned green. I refocused on the road and drove us to the restaurant Jennifer had booked. The place was warm and inviting, its cozy interior a welcome contrast to the chill outside. Jennifer ordered our food and drinks while my phone buzzed with a message from Sarah.

Saw Christian and his team. Louis is his brother.

My eyes widened slightly. I hadn't expected that. Our team rarely dug into each other's personal lives beyond what was necessary. Did Christian see any of you? I quickly texted back.

Nope, came Sarah's reply.

I didn't dwell on it. Sarah also mentioned she'd be back in the morning and that Miles and Addison were together. Once Raun and Louis reached their safe location, they'd be back too.

Over dinner, Jennifer casually mentioned, "I'm flying back to California tomorrow. Could you send over some outfits for my interviews and upcoming shows?"

I nodded. "Of course."

After finishing our meal, we headed back to the hotel. As soon as I entered my room, exhaustion weighed heavily on my body. I barely had time to process the day before Luca's message popped up.

Take care of Ray and babysit her tomorrow.

With a sigh, I headed for a quick shower, tied my damp hair up, and sank into bed.

When I woke up, the soft morning light seeped through the curtains. A glance at the clock told me it was already 8 AM. I quickly freshened up and spent the next hour getting ready. The air outside was cold, so I opted for a black loose turtleneck, wide-leg jeans, and ankle boots. Throwing on an overcoat, I grabbed my black tote bag and headed out.

I drove to Luca's private villa near Lake Como, the scenery breathtaking as always. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by a frantic-looking Luca and Ashley.

"Thank God you're here in time," Ashley said, relief washing over her face.

Luca wasted no time. "Ray is in her room with the babysitter. Just help out, okay?" Without waiting for a response, he grabbed Ashley's hand and took her bag from the sofa. As they hurried toward the door, he called over his shoulder, "Ray and the babysitter are on the third floor. Just take care!"

"Bye!" Ashley added as they disappeared from sight.

I stood there for a moment, speechless at Luca's dramatic exit. How did he even manage to impress Ashley? I shook my head with a chuckle and made my way upstairs.

When I opened the door to Ray's room, my breath caught slightly. Standing there, dressed casually in black trousers and a black polo shirt, was Christian. He looked different from the last time I saw him more relaxed, yet still carrying that quiet intensity.

There was a brief pause between us before he finally spoke.

"Lina."