Chapter 29
Chapter 29
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Once Phoebe got back to the room, she noticed Lexie staring at her. Smiling, she asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
Lexie didn’t hold back. “I never thought I’d be getting the scoop about you and Reece.” She’d had her suspicions about Reece, and it turned out he’d dated Phoebe before.
Phoebe shrugged. “Just a mistake I made when I was young.”
Lexie laughed, amused by her calm attitude. “Who hasn’t had a crush on a jerk when they were young? The important part is you got out early.”
Lexie had been betrayed by a boyfriend before, so she understood. And she had no patience for someone like Reece, who could have a girlfriend but still be tangled up with another woman.
The recording Phoebe had was bound to affect Sienna. Reece, meanwhile, didn’t want to break up but still wanted to help Sienna, insisting that Phoebe delete the recording.
‘Being that obviously toxic only makes him worse, Lexie thought.
Phoebe nodded in agreement. “Exactly. Better to cut the losses while you can.”
Lexie thought for a moment and then asked, curious, “So, you and Jamar…you two didn’t have anything going on, did you?”
Jamar’s playful charming manner didn’t exactly look like Phoebe was just a friend.
Phoebe chuckled. “Not a chance. He’s my brother, after all.”
That secret was bound to come out sooner or later, so telling Lexie didn’t bother her. From what she could tell, Lexie wasn’t the type to betray her trust.
Lexie’s eyes widened. “Wait, Jamar is related to you? You two are siblings?”
Phoebe nodded. “We used to be, anyway.”
Lexie frowned, confused. “Used to be?”
Phoebe replied, “Right before this show, I officially cut ties with him and my family.”
Lexie looked shocked. “Why? Is it because of Sienna?”
Phoebe sighed. “She’s definitely a big part of it.”
“So you and Sienna, you’re sisters too?” Lexie asked.
Phoebe shook her head and explained, “No, my parents adopted her, but I’m their biological daughter. I actually got separated from my family as a kid; Jamar lost me. They found me about a year ago.
“And since then, they’ve acted like I’m intruding on Sienna’s space. They expect me to give up everything for her, so I had enough and cut ties with them.”
Lexie didn’t expect the truth to be like this. She looked outraged and said gently, “Your family is unbelievable. That’s just messed up.”
‘Sienna has taken over Phoebe’s identity, and yet they want Phoebe to make sacrifices? And Jamar, her brother, treats her like she’s the intruder after being the one who’s lost her?‘ Lexie muttered.
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Chapter 29
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It was clear Phoebe had been through a lot before she decided to walk away, and it was far more than a few words could explain.
Phoebe brushed it off with a light smile. “I’d rather just think of myself as not having any family.”
Lexie admired Phoebe’s clarity and resilience. Then she comforted Phoebe. “Good for you for seeing it that way.”
Not wanting to push her to relive painful memories, Lexie changed the topic. “Pheebs, you said you could do a reading for me, would you mind?”
Phoebe nodded. “Sure” Soon, she took a moment, studying Lexie’s face, then lifted her right hand gently, focusing as if reading between the lines.
After a while, Phoebe said. “Your love life aside, everything else seems pretty smooth.”
Lexie was taken aback and asked, “You can tell my love life’s been rough?”
Phoebe replied, “From your face, I can see your ex–boyfriend. He helped you a lot once, but then betrayed you with someone else. You started as a strong couple but ended up as rivals.”
Phoebe continued, “You’re not together now, but be careful. He still wants to use you.”
Lexie gasped. “Wow, you’re good! That’s exactly it.”
Lexie’s ex was actually her agent. He’d been the one to help her launch her career and had genuinely supported her at first.
But once they got together, the agent had cheated on Lexie repeatedly, with more than one woman. When she’d caught him, he’d brushed it off as just “fooling around.”
As disgusted as she’d been, Lexie broke it off. But she’d helped him build his career and connections and didn’t feel she owed him anything.
Meanwhile, the agent has been chasing after Lexie ever since. In fact, this show was partly an escape from his persistence.
“So you’re saying he’s planning to take advantage of me?” Lexie asked.
Phoebe nodded. “He’s still trying to squeeze out every bit of benefit he can get. I’d recommend asking your company for a new agent.”
Lexie came from a good family with plenty of connections in the entertainment industry. A lot of her relatives worked in show business, and they had a decent amount of influence.
Plus, with her popularity as a talented singer, Lexie still held a lot of value in her ex’s eyes.
Lexie’s surprise grew. Phoebe had even guessed her ex was her agent. Other than the two of them, no one knew, not even her family or friends.
“Alright, the moment I’m back in Solara City, I’m asking for a transfer.” Lexie agreed.
Lexie had hesitated in the past, thinking she could stay professional. But if he was out to use her, she’d had enough.
They kept chatting for a while, growing closer in the process.
The next morning, Phoebe was up by six, practicing Pilates. Not long after, Maddox came out and saw her training in the courtyard.
Maddox stopped, surprised for a moment, and then leaned against the doorframe, watching with a smile.
Phoebe noticed him, but she kept going. When she’d finished, she turned to him. “Enjoy the show?”
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Maddox grinned. “You bet!” Then he gave her a thumbs–up. “Pheebs, you’re a badass!”
Phoebe chuckled. “Thanks. So, what brings you up this early?”
Maddox shrugged. “You promised to let me help make sandwiches.”
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Phoebe hadn’t expected him to remember. “Alright, I’ll get things ready in the kitchen while you freshen up,” she replied.
Maddox nodded. “Got it.”
They went into the kitchen, and soon a camera crew from the show came in to start a livestream, letting viewers watch them make sandwiches. Even though it was early, thousands were already tuned in.
As the cameras rolled, Phoebe was making eggs while Maddox helped out. Once they noticed the live feed was up, Phoebe gave the audience a warm smile and waved.
A local farmer had given them fresh eggs, so Phoebe was using those, and she’d already bought the bread before her morning workout.
Watching the two of them work in the kitchen, fans couldn’t help but comment on how good they looked together.
As Phoebe cooked, she explained each step to the audience. Viewers who’d initially tuned in for her looks became absorbed in her cooking skills quickly.
Besides sandwiches, Phoebe made oatmeal on the side.
Maddox, having helped with the prep, now just watched. He found that watching Phoebe focus on something was oddly captivating.
When the sandwiches were ready, the others were starting to wake up. Maddox took the tray of sandwiches to a table in the courtyard, calling for James and Lexie to come over.
Phoebe didn’t stop him from showing off and brought the oatmeal out herself.
Grabbing a sandwich, Maddox grinned. “Alright, let’s see what Chef Phoebe’s got here.” He took a bite, savoring the eggy
taste.
Two bites later, Maddox’s eyes lit up. He exclaimed, “This is the best sandwich I’ve ever had!”
James and Lexie, intrigued, each took one. They, too, looked delighted. “This is amazing!”
Reece and Jamar walked out, seeing the others with food. Maddox shot them a look and took a bite, smirking. “Mmm, delicious. Too bad you’re only here to watch.”
They exchanged frustrated glances, both fighting the urge to strangle Maddox right there.
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