You Were Never That Important Chapter 05
Cierra walked in, clinging to Raiden’s arm, making absolutely sure everyone noticed them.
She was decked out in a tight red slip dress and heavy makeup, sporting a thick gold necklace and a very flashy diamond ring. She walked in towering heels, swaying her hips to make sure everyone caught a glimpse of her expensive accessories.
Raiden was in a designer suit, his hair perfectly styled, an arrogant smirk resting on his face.
The second they walked in, they drew everyone’s attention. A group of classmates flocked to them, eagerly throwing out compliments to win them over.
“Cierra! Long time no see. You look more beautiful than ever.”
“This must be your boyfriend, Raiden. You’re even more handsome in person than on screen.”
“Raiden, your web series is incredibly popular, and we all loved it! You’re a famous actor now.”
Cierra lifted her chin proudly and gripped Raiden’s arm even tighter. “He’s just very busy right now,” she said in an artificially sweet voice. “Producers are constantly sending him scripts, and lots of brands want him for endorsements.”
Someone asked curiously, “When will you film the second season of the web series? We’re all waiting to watch it.”
Raiden paused for a second and looked at Cierra.
They exchanged a glance, and a supremely confident smile spread across his face. “We should have filmed the second season a long time ago, but we temporarily halted production due to some minor issues.”
He said in a casual tone, though he purposely raised his voice so the whole room—especially me, sitting over in the corner—could hear, “We’ll start soon, though. When we do, Cierra will be taking over the female lead.
“Since we’re a real couple, our romantic scenes will feel incredibly authentic, and the audience will definitely enjoy watching it more.”
Cierra looked absolutely thrilled. She leaned against Raiden with a coy smile and laid on the false humility. “I’ve actually never acted before,” she said. “But Raiden says I’m a natural. He even hired an acting coach specifically to train me, so I definitely won’t let anyone down when the time comes.”
“A real-life couple playing an on-screen couple—that is so romantic.”
“The sequel is going to be even bigger than the first. You’re so lucky, Cierra.”
“Raiden totally dotes on her. I mean, he literally halted production just for Cierra. I’m so jealous.”
Basking in the praise, Cierra and Raiden looked incredibly smug, eating up every second of the attention.
Raiden scanned the room until his eyes locked onto me in the corner. He shot me this mocking, challenging glare—the kind that said no matter how hard I worked, I’d never have a partner in my corner the way Cierra did.
I just sat there quietly, eating my food.
I acted like the chatter around me didn’t matter and kept to myself, knowing tomorrow’s press conference was going to hand them a massive surprise.
The next day.
The press conference was set for 2:00 PM at an international convention center in New York.
The sequel to “Fire Within” had been out for three days, and its viewership was completely dominating the number one spot by a wide margin.
When I pulled up, the entrance was swarming with reporters and fans.
The second I stepped out of my car, the press rushed me.
“Vivien! The ‘Fire Within’ sequel hit over a hundred million views on release day! Do you have a statement?”
“Vivien! How does it feel to blow up overnight?”
“Vivien! What was your biggest takeaway from filming the project?”
Before I could even get a word in, a voice rang out from behind me.
“We’re the leads here. Are you interviewing the wrong person?”
I knew that voice.
I turned around to see Raiden and Cierra stepping out of their car and heading our way.
Raiden was in a custom navy suit, not a single hair out of place.
Cierra was clinging to his arm, rocking towering heels and a triumphant smirk.
Raiden turned to the cameras with an easy smile. “Hey, everyone. I’m Raiden Barnard, the male lead of the show.”
He paused, wrapping an arm around Cierra’s waist. “And this is my girlfriend, Cierra Flint, the female lead.
“We’re thrilled to be here at the press conference.”
A hush fell over the crowd.
The reporters exchanged looks, visibly confused.
Someone muttered, “Wait, is there another version of the show?”