Cassidy was one of the millions that were living just above the poverty line in America. Living in New York, one of the most expensive cities in the world, it was never easy to make ends meet.
There were no savings and just the rent was too much even if she was living in a one bedroom apartment that looked too small for anyone else other than her.
She had to do multiple part time jobs to pay the monthly rent and get herself food. One of those jobs was at a local theatre that ran most of the famous Hollywood movies and a few indie movies.
She had gotten a job there due to the recommendation of a friend who knew the manager of the theatre.
Her shifts were mostly at night and in her mind, it was boring. But there were still a few interesting moments that had happened with her, like watching a movie that she never thought she would like in the theatre.
But the most interesting moment was meeting Aiden Silvereye.
At that point, he was still a small movie star but before meeting him, Cassidy had watched his movie [30 days of Happiness] and had liked him a lot. So, it was a special moment for her.
That's why she remembered him.
There was Katie Brooks with her too but she had forgotten her as after that movie, she had kind of faded. She was in some movies but her role was too short that Katie drifted away from her memories.
It was until the recent controversy came up and she remembered her.
But still, having a busy schedule, Cassidy never really thought too much into it until one of her coworkers showed her a video of Katie talking on a talk show.
She had instantly realised she was talking about the day they had come to the theatre together.
Knowing that she had gained something big, she quickly went up to her Sparrow account and made a comment.
[Cassidy: Actually, I remember that Katie and Aiden had come to our theatre when [30 days of Happiness] had been released. I remember it very vividly. I don't know if they were in a relationship or not but I doubt anything bad happened between them. It was a very nice atmosphere and they took photos. I remember overhearing a conversation about them talking about the reaction to the movie by critics. All in all, I doubt Aiden looked even a bit angry. Actually, the whole crowd surrounded them but he handled it very nicely. Here's a photo so you don't think I'm speaking lies.]
She posted a selfie that she had taken with both Katie and Aiden and with that, the comment had all the recipe to go viral and it did.
A lot of people saw it and with that, the gears started to change. People who were on Katie's side started blaming her and calling her out for all the lies she had spewed.
It changed very quickly and it really proved that people's nature was something that would easily change towards someone.
It was then that a lot of men's right organisations came forward to show it as a casa of a woman trying to use a man for her personal goals. Although these organisations were not mainstream like this women's right organisation, they still have a good amount of power.
They started raising their voices for Aiden and like this, the whole controversy started shifting. Slowly, everything was going according to what Aiden had thought.
With the luck coupon in his hand, he was undefeatable.
But this was not the end.
***
In Franco's office, chaos had already started. He was looking angrily at Katie who was standing in front of him. His snake-like eyes were filled with an anger that his assistant had never seen before.
The assistant wanted to say something but he knew that staying silent was the way for him to keep his job.
"What were you thinking saying that?"
"I didn't have time to think. I told you to get the producer to edit it out. Why didn't you do it?"
Katie asked back but Franco still looked at her angrily.
"I tried to but that damn producer won't listen to me. That guy is just after the money and why won't he be? You spoke your damn mouth without thinking and now people are already being against you. You see the media outside the company. They are all here for you."
"I tried my best!"
"Your best ruined everything!"
Franco Li frowned. It wasn't the time to blame but he had nothing else to do. The public sentiment towards Katie was just changing minute by minute and he had to change it.
Otherwise, he will be in trouble and Aiden's career will get a new steam.
"Leave it. Scolding you won't do anything. Actually, nothing will do anything."
"Then, what are we going to do now?"
"I will try to create a positive opinion of you on the internet but apart from that, I can't do much. I will prepare a plan for you on what to do but please try to be lowkey currently. We need to hide when things are not with us. Don't speak out your mind no matter what."
"... I understand."
Katie just nodded. She wanted to say a lot of things. She was feeling disrespect ever since she had been signed by Franco Li.
It has happened a lot of times.
Just right now, she had felt scared that Franco would hit her out of anger. Her legs were already shaking. It was frustrating and sad to her.
She had entered a contract with him after a lot of struggles she had faced but it had not gone like she had thought. She felt like she was living the life of a liar these days, only pretending to face something she never did.
Only for her dream.
A dream that she wondered was even worth it now? Maybe? Maybe not? She didn't know.
After the talk with Franco, she just ran towards a bathroom to cry out her feelings.
Franco's assistant saw it when he came out of his office. Tears in her eyes, Katie was walking towards the bathroom. Seeing this, he felt anger, frustration, sorrow and another mix of emotions.
But there was no way to do anything about them.
They were just going to make him uncomfortable for a while until he learned to let them go. It has happened so many times now.
He had seen Franco being a scum to so many people. The bathroom in front of his desk had been the witness of a lot of people's tears in the last few years.
'I'm tired of this job just because of this negativity.'
The assistant thought in his mind.
He had contemplated leaving a job a lot but he was good at this job and it pays well. Moreover, it was one of the most relaxing jobs as Franco was very particular about his schedule, so his work was mostly to just remind him of what is when.
But seeing him being a human scum for so long, the assistant had feelings of frustration. He felt sad that he wasn't able to do anything about it and was just a silent spectator to him.
'Someone who doesn't talk about a crime that he had witnessed is akin to the one who had committed the crime.'
He thought about those words that he had read recently in a book.
For some reason, he wasn't able to get it out of his mind, especially after seeing how Franco had behaved with Katie. He wasn't able to get it out of his mind.
It was then that he got a message on his phone.
It was from someone who was very famous in the industry but not in the way people would assume. The person was famous for knowing about everyone in the industry. A true industry insider that knew everything.
[You should think about our deal again. I promise you won't be blamed for anything and nothing will happen to your job. Trust me.]
Seeing that message, the assistant wasn't able to ignore it this time and send back a message.
***
"Sister, you still have not got anything? This is the perfect opportunity to ruin Franco and shove him to the ground."
Tom asked as he frowned. He was on a call with his sister.
Once upon a time, she used to be a top paparazzi but now she is retired. Still, she had a lot of connections and was the only one he could trust at the moment.
When the allegations against Aiden came up, he contacted her. After days of trying to convince her, she has agreed to help but she has gotten nothing till now.
So, he was getting impatient.
"I'm trying to get something. Isn't Aiden doing better now anyway?"
A frustrated voice came from the other side.
"Yes, but it's not enough. He needs to properly clear his name."
"I'm trying to get something but it's not easy, especially against him. Wait! I got a message."
She said suddenly and Tom smiled.
