Filed To Story: Finding the Secret Daddy for My Baby Novel
Jessie had also taken a lot of notes. Like a sponge, she kept absorbing the knowledge given by the professor.
The professor had some tea and announced, “Alright, I need someone to perform on stage.”
At that, the arrogant lady from earlier went up to the stage. She requested, “Professor, I’d like to pick a partner.”
“Very well.”
The girl looked around and stared at Jessie. “I’ll go with her.”
Jessie blinked. She was still in a daze, and the girl beside her said, “That’s Xandra Limerick. Madonna of the performance arts course.”
Jessie had no idea about the industry’s gossip as she had been busy with her work. She stood up from her seat and approached Xandra. “What would you want me to do?”
“What kind of role can you play?”
“I…” She had no answer for that.
“Oh, sorry. Forgot you’re a stuntwoman. You were never professionally trained. Sorry for asking you to help me out. I wanted to play some roles in the textbook, but I guess you can’t do it, huh?” Mockery filled Xandra’s eyes as she said that.
The class burst into laughter—they loved seeing Jessie get humiliated. She was in very fashionable attire, and the ladies thought she was a threat to them.
“Oh, you must be Miss Silverstein. The one Julian recommended,” the professor said.
Well, if the professor is asking me, I have no reason to hide it. She nodded. “Yes, Professor Larson.”
“He told me about you. Come to my office this afternoon. I have a few books I’d like you to have.” The stern expression on the professor’s face was replaced by a warm smile.
Jessie smiled and nodded. “Of course, professor.”
Xandra was shocked. Things just got awkward and embarrassing for her. All she wanted was to mock Jessie, but never did she expect Julian to be the one who recommended her. “I need more time to prepare, professor,” she said sheepishly and returned to her place.
Jessie went back to her spot as well, but everyone was now looking at her in a new light. Julian’s the one who recommended her? Who is she? Why does Julian care so much for her? She’s just a no- name stuntwoman.
The girl beside Jessie turned around, her eyes filled with envy. “So, your friend is Julian? Are you guys dating?”
“No. We’re just friends.” Jessie smiled. She raised her head and was met with Xandra’s icy glare. She blamed Jessie for the embarrassment she suffered earlier.
Jessie shot her a look as well. She never did anything to her, and she wouldn’t let Xandra bully her, either.
After class was over, the professor asked Jessie to come with her. Xandra approached them happily. “Professor Larson, I have a few questions I’d like to ask. Can I come as well?”
“Of course.” The professor nodded.
Xandra shot Jessie a smug look. She felt superior just because she was a part of the performance arts course, while Jessie was just a no-name stuntwoman.
The professor gave Jessie three books and told her she could come to her anytime. She even gave Jessie her number.
Jessie was grateful for the professor’s help and even more thankful for Julian’s as she wouldn’t have had this opportunity to learn the arts of performing if not for him.
When she emerged from the office, the girl who had talked to her earlier came and said hello. She kept asking her questions, especially things related to Julian. Jessie had already been in the industry for years and knew she had to deny everything, so she told the girl she wasn’t familiar with Julian. Seeing that she couldn’t get anything out of Jessie, the girl left.
However, little did Jessie know that any news about Julian would be twisted and written into articles that were nothing but lies. It was especially so when a no-name stuntwoman like her received a favor from Julian; the news outlets would make use of their wildest imagination to brew some juicy gossip for their readers.
Before Jessie could even leave the school, Lexie called her. “Hey, Lexie.”
“Jessie, is it true? Are you dating Julian?”
“Who said that?”
“Every news outlet. They said he recommended you to join the performance class at Averna’s University’s School of Performance Arts.”
Jessie’s head buzzed. How did they find out so fast? She explained, “No. Lemme check the news.” She sat down under a tree and scrolled through all the news related to Julian. However, she noticed the news wasn’t about Julian; it was about her!
‘An unnamed stuntwoman seduced Julian, and her endeavor was successful. Julian recommended her to a class at the school of performance arts.’
‘Fans say an unnamed stuntwoman spent a whole day with Julian in his hotel. Claims were made that her sexual prowess is incredible.’
Jessie’s face turned red, and her cheeks burned. Damn, they sure are good at making up lies. This is fake news. We did nothing at the hotel. They even used photos of me at work; it was clear that they were talking about me. The comment section was filled with nothing but insults at that point.
She was getting a headache as she read through all that. Right at this moment, someone approached her and sneered, “Did you see the news, Jessie? No wonder you got the chance to attend this class.”
Xandra and her sycophants mocked Jessie.
“Hey, someone’s great in bed. Not like us.”
“Oh, god! Julian, you have no taste at all.”
“It’s a misunderstanding. These are all fabricated. We’re innocent,” Jessie explained.
“Of course, we know that. Julian wouldn’t fall for an ugly woman like you. I bet you dragged him in just to make a name for yourself. Now, tell me who’s the guy you slept with. Bet he’s a fat, old man.” Xandra crossed her arms as she mocked.
They’re being unreasonable. Jessie then took her bag. “I’m not talking to you.”
“Hey, that’s a limited-edition bag.”
Xandra and her sycophants were brimming with jealousy. So, not only is her backer powerful, but they’re rich too.
Jessie didn’t ask Queenie to pick her up. Instead, she wanted to get a ride home. Before that, she wanted to look around the place as the scenery of Averna University was exceptionally beautiful. Halfway through her stroll, her phone rang. She wondered who it was, but when she saw the caller’s name, she froze. Julian. She quickly picked it up. “Hello, Mr. Gilmore.”
“Ignore the news.” An attractive voice came from the other end of the line.
“No, I’m fine. But this is going to affect your reputation, though.” She was worried about him. She was fine with what the Internet thought about her, but she didn’t want Julian’s reputation to be affected.
“Your reputation is equally important,” he answered calmly.
Jessie blinked. She was reminded of the raunchier articles that were posted, and her cheeks burned. “I just hope you aren’t affected.”
“Where are you?”