2.Chapter 2 Live Together
As Yvonne stepped out of the city hall with Lorenzo, Zell’s call interrupted before she could even talk to her new husband.
“Yvonne, are you there yet? This audition is crucial for Yolanda. If she gets it, it’ll really help our company. Don’t mess this up.” Zell’s impatient voice came through the phone.
“Then let her go herself if you’re that worried,” Yvonne said coldly.
“Yvonne, this isn’t fair to Yolanda. She’s in the hospital right now.” Zell’s voice was thick with frustration, clearly thrown off by her defiance.
“What’s wrong? Scared she’ll choke on her own schemes?” Yvonne scoffed. She could picture Zell sitting by Yolanda’s hospital bed, trying to comfort her.
“Yolanda’s your close friend. You didn’t even ask how she was after the accident, and now you’re making heartless comments? Is this really the Yvonne I know?” Zell snapped.
He added, “Didn’t you help Yolanda land roles before? You can do the same now.”
Yvonne almost laughed out. She had indeed helped Yolanda get some key auditions that launched Yolanda’s career. Without connections or training, Yolanda would’ve never made it this far.
But this time, Yvonne wouldn’t let Zell trick her or let Yolanda benefit from stepping on her. “Why just talk? I’ll visit her at the hospital now. Nothing shows ‘sisterly love’ better than seeing her in person,” Yvonne said sarcastically, though Zell didn’t seem to notice.
Zell looked at Yolanda in his arms and quickly said, “If you go now, you’ll miss the audition. Come see her after it ends.”
Then he softened his voice. “Yvonne, I know today really messed up our wedding registration, but if Yolanda gets this shot, our company could skyrocket. Could you help her one more time?”
“Sure. For us. I’ll make sure she gets the help she needs,” Yvonne replied, her smile hiding the bitterness she felt. She was done with Zell’s games and hung up quickly.
Yvonne apologized to Lorenzo. “Sorry, Mr. Hammond. Personal stuff held me up. If possible, I’d like to talk with you for a while.”
Lorenzo glanced at Yvonne, and then started walking. “Follow me,” he said.
Yvonne quickly followed him and got into his car.
Yvonne said, all businesslike, “This might sound pushy, but I hope we can keep our engagement a secret unless we really need to make it public this year. I won’t interfere with your life or cross any lines. I’ll avoid close contact with other guys.”
Lorenzo was quiet for a moment. “Deal,” he said. “But if we’re not divorced in a year, I’ll make it public.”
Yvonne didn’t object. It was going to happen anyway. “I agree.”
“I’ll arrange for movers to take you to my place. I don’t want a fake marriage,” Lorenzo said, his tone cold. As long as she helped with the Hammond family’s future, he’d treat her right.
Yvonne’s heart skipped a beat at Lorenzo’s words. She thought, ‘Does that mean we have to…? But isn’t that how it should be?’
After agreeing, Yvonne got out of the car halfway. She still needed to deal with Yolanda’s audition.
As Yvonne exited, Evan asked from the driver’s seat, “Head back to headquarters, Mr. Hammond?”
“Follow her,” Lorenzo said. He wanted to see what Yvonne was up to.
Yvonne took a taxi to the address Zell had given her. Her mind was still racing when her phone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts about Lorenzo.
It was her best friend and agent, Ashley Coleman. Ashley teased, “So, how does it feel to be legally married?”
Yvonne was married now, just not to Zell. “It feels… different,” she said.
“Congrats! Now let’s talk Yolanda. I just heard—”
“I’ll take her place for the audition,” Yvonne interrupted.
“Are you nuts? You don’t even look like Yolanda. That untalented hack can’t act. She doesn’t deserve all the chances you’ve gotten her. What’s your husband thinking? People will think Yolanda’s his wife.” Ashley was furious.
Ashley’s words stung Yvonne. Even outsiders could see the unfairness, but Zell kept pushing her. “Ashley, Yolanda’s at Women’s Hospital. Go see what’s up. I need info,” Yvonne said, not explaining further.
Ashley sighed, “Yvonne, when will you stop being love-struck and focus on your career?”
“I’m starting now. That’s why I need your help.”
Ashley didn’t fully understand Yvonne’s plan, but she agreed, “Alright, I’ll go. Keep me posted.”
Yvonne regretted it now. She had been so naïve, letting love cloud her judgment and getting manipulated.
*****
When Yvonne arrived at the audition, Yolanda’s assistant, Tommy Grant, called before she could get out of the car. “Are you here yet? If you’re late and ruin this, you’re done. This is Mr. Ludwig’s project. Don’t mess up Yolanda’s chance, okay?”
Hearing Tommy’s arrogant tone, Yvonne sneered, thinking, ‘Have I really lost so much respect that even an assistant talked to me like that?’ She replied coldly, “I’m here.”
“Stay at the intersection. I’m coming to get you,” Tommy barked. “Put on your hat, sunglasses, and mask now. Do you want everyone to know you’re not Yolanda?”
Yvonne glanced at the apartment across the street. She tilted her head up slightly before putting on the cap.
After getting ready, Tommy led Yvonne to Yolanda’s van. “You’ll keep this veil on during the audition. Don’t take it off. Got it?” His voice was hostile.
“Get out,” Yvonne said coldly.
Tommy blinked at her commanding tone, and then snorted, “Since when do you get to order me around?”
Yvonne’s cold stare pinned him in place. “Your boss keeps her job because I allow it. I can fire you anytime. Got it?”
