Love's New Bloom by Simone Hastings

Chapter 103 Behind the Scenes

Erin was torn at Matthew’s suggestion. “Are you kidding? Even the apartment you don’t stay at is being mobbed. There must be even more paparazzi over at your villa!”

For a moment, Matthew didn’t know what to say. He felt a strong sense of self–castigation. He said, “I’m sorry… It’s my fault for not handling the issue better.”

Erin turned to look at him. Seeing how glum Matthew looked, she finally realized how mean she sounded.

“Matthew, I should be the one to apologize! If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be hounded by reporters.”

“It’s alright. It’s because of who I am that so much trouble was brought here. Sometimes I wonder if it’s better being a civilian.

The slight admiration in Matthew’s voice made Erin’s heart ache. Although being a star meant that Matthew shone brightly in the eyes of others, each word and move he made was put under the spotlight. The more famous he was, the less privacy he was afforded.

“Don’t overthink it. All that you have right now is the result of your hard work! You should cherish it!”

Matthew looked at her warmly. “Thanks for saying that. So, where do we go now?”

After pondering for a moment, Erin said, “Drop me off at a chain hotel. I’ll stay there for a few days first. Besides, most places now are handled through property agencies, so there are a lot of listings online. I think I’ll probably be renting.”

Before Matthew could say anything, Erin’s phone rang, and he indicated for her to answer it first.

Looking at the phone screen, she saw that it was Holly calling and answered immediately.

“Where are you right now, Erin? I was messing around online earlier and saw that you’ve gone viral! Matthew’s really hot stuff right now. All you did was stand near him and gossip’s flying already!” Holly was currently sitting at a cafe, her expression overtaken by excitement.

On the contrary, this news put Erin in a tough spot. She hadn’t forgotten the warning lan had given her before. Who would have thought her break–up with Chandler would end up with her ending up in the headlines with Matthew?

“Erin, why aren’t you responding? The news online says that you’re going to be living with him too!”

said coldly, “Don’t believe all

was right in saying that, bearing witness to Erin denying any relationship with him pained

I called to ask you

”

free to talk right now. Can I call you back?” After all, Matthew

you need anything! Later you should have a good talk with Chandler. Don’t

didn’t manage to tell Holly about having split up with Chandler. After hanging up the call, she

juddered with

glanced at her. “Aren’t you answering

miss his

a chain hotel. He

dozen black suitcases at his home for now. Since she was staying at a hotel temporarily, her

need to get out of the car. After all, it would

reporters.

bade Matthew goodbye, dragging her luggage off as

from the hotel. In the car, he made a

the call went through, Matthew said solemnly, “I’ll be sending you some photographs tonight. By tomorrow, you must send me a photo that makes it look like I spent the night at a hotel. Craft a headline that’s something like ‘Matthew Burgess‘ Hotel Stay With Rumored Girlfriend.‘ If my manager contacts you, delete it immediately. Once I make a statement, you need

music, your skill in faking news is exemplary! The thing is, I’m a bit confused. Why are you taking

into what’s not your business.

hole for your manager. Whenever there’s any gossip about you, he has to rush to handle

before the other could

a deep consideration. He’d been in the entertainment industry for a long time. When he’d just started out, he’d naturally been framed in some scandal or the other before. However, he now had a team of his own in charge of helping him influence his own narrative. Even his manager didn’t

the entertainment industry, one had to keep some aces up one’s sleeve. After all, if for some reason Matthew got into a tiff with his manager, the guy might have it out

greater confidence now. At least Chandler wasn’t a threat now. As such, he now had the chance to really get closer to Erin.

couch with a cigar in hand. He was listening to

some financial trouble. Based on the numbers, the circumstances will

it from the