Chapter 15: Drama

                                    

                                          
One chapter a day,...?
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Viktor's POV
I watched as Lilia strode into the studio like she owned the place, her tall, elegant figure commanding attention even from the bustling crew. Her dark hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, contrasting sharply against her ivory skin. The way she moved, with that effortless grace, was as mesmerizing as it was irritating. 
She was late. Very. Late.
But the director didn't seem to care.
"Lilia, darling!" he greeted her with a wide smile, waving off any concern about her tardiness. "So glad you could join us."
Of course, there was no reprimand, no hint of frustration. She had that kind of presence—where the rules didn't apply. Lilia was the featured model for this La Rivière campaign alongside me, but I hadn't known until today. And now she was here, throwing off the carefully controlled balance I'd been maintaining in my head.
I turned to glance at Yuuri, who was tidying up his station after doing my hair. He had no idea what kind of storm had just walked in. I could already see the trouble brewing, the way Lilia's eyes darted between me and Yuuri with calculating curiosity. 
"Viktor," Lilia said in that familiar, lilting French accent as she made her way toward me. Her lips curled into a smile that could have been charming if I didn't know better. "It's been too long."
"Has it?" I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral. I wasn't in the mood for one of her games, especially not with Yuuri around. 
Her gaze shifted to Yuuri, and my stomach knotted instinctively. She had always been able to read people like a book, and I knew it wouldn't take long for her to figure out how important Yuuri was to me.
"And who is this?" Lilia asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as they focused on Yuuri. "Your hairdresser, I presume?"
Yuuri, to his credit, managed a polite smile despite the awkwardness in the air. "Yes, I'm Yuuri," he said softly, offering a small bow, still very much out of his element here.
Lilia tilted her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Well, you've done a stunning job," she purred, stepping closer to Yuuri, almost invading his personal space. "Perhaps you could style my hair next time."
Yuuri blinked, clearly unsure how to respond. I could feel my jealousy flare up as Lilia continued to stare at him, her gaze lingering far too long.
"I wouldn't mind having such an attractive man fussing over me," she added, her voice dropping into a flirtatious tone. She reached out, as if to touch a lock of Yuuri's hair, but I quickly stepped in, positioning myself between them.
"Yuuri is very talented," I said, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "But he's got enough on his plate today."
Lilia's smile widened slightly, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she caught on to my jealousy. "Oh, Viktor," she teased, "I didn't realize you were so protective."
I clenched my jaw, but before I could say anything, the shoot director called out, "Alright, Viktor, Lilia, we're ready for the first set!"
With a final, lingering glance at Yuuri, Lilia turned and made her way toward the set, her long legs carrying her with that same feline grace that had once enchanted me. I watched her go, my fists clenching at my sides. She hadn't changed. Not one bit.
I shot a quick glance at Yuuri, who was standing there with a faint blush on his cheeks. I wanted to say something, to reassure him that Lilia's attention meant nothing to me, but before I could, I was being ushered onto the set.
The shoot itself felt like it dragged on forever. Lilia and I were positioned together in various poses, our bodies angled just right to showcase the *La Rivière* products. She was professional, of course, but every so often, she'd make some comment that only I could hear. Little jabs about how much things had changed—or hadn't. It was exhausting, and all I wanted was for it to end so I could get back to Yuuri.
Finally, after what felt like hours, the director called, "That's a wrap!"
I breathed a sigh of relief as I stepped off the set, eager to put this entire day behind me. Yuuri was waiting for me, a soft, relieved smile on his face. I felt the tension in my chest ease just seeing him, but before I could say anything, Lilia reappeared.
"Viktor," she called out, her voice dripping with honey, "why don't we all go out for dinner? I know a charming little izakaya nearby. It'll be fun—just like old times."
My stomach twisted at the suggestion. The last thing I wanted was to spend more time with her, especially not with Yuuri there. But before I could come up with an excuse, she turned to Yuuri, flashing him that dazzling smile of hers.
"You should join us, Yuuri," she said sweetly. "I'd love to get to know you better."
Yuuri hesitated, clearly unsure of what to say. His eyes flickered to mine, searching for guidance.
I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing a smile onto my face. "Dinner sounds great," I said, though my voice lacked the enthusiasm I was trying to fake. "But we'll pick the place."
Lilia's eyes sparkled with amusement, clearly enjoying the fact that I was on edge. "Very well," she said with a shrug, "I'll let you lead the way."
As she walked ahead, I turned to Yuuri, my voice soft. "Are you okay with this?" I asked.
Yuuri nodded, but I could see the unease in his eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. Really."
I wasn't convinced, but I gave his hand a gentle squeeze before following Lilia out of the studio. Tonight was going to be more complicated than I had hoped.