Millionaire Girlfriend

Chapter 69: Chapter 69 - Asking for a huge favor

Six Months Later

A few days after the movie officially surpassed all of the studio’s box-office expectations, the studio threw a private party to celebrate its success.

The event was held on the top floor of a luxurious hotel, whose terrace offered a breathtaking view of the city lights.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere felt more like a movie premiere than a private party. A red carpet had been set up in front of the hotel, surrounded by huge posters of the movie and the studio’s logo. Photographers waited behind the barriers, while a few reporters had been invited to cover the arrivals of the most important cast members.

Inside, the entire venue had been decorated around the movie’s theme. Giant screens played some of its most popular scenes, while elegantly decorated tables surrounded a dance floor. An open bar occupied one side of the room, and several waiters moved through the crowd carrying trays of hors d’oeuvres and champagne.

Producers, actors, directors, agents, and crew members mingled together in a much more relaxed atmosphere than the one they were used to on set.

A few minutes later, a long black car pulled up in front of the entrance.

The photographers immediately straightened up.

The rear door opened.

Ashley stepped out, and the reporters immediately rushed toward her, eager to take pictures. Since the movie had been released, her popularity had exploded, even though she had only played a supporting role.

Ashley smiled at the cameras.

A few seconds later, someone else stepped out of the car.

She was wearing a long red-and-white dress, a large necklace covered in precious stones, diamond earrings, heels, and a small handbag to complete the look.

It was Clara, who had decided to dress like a queen for the evening and accompany Ashley.

Ever since the truth about Ashley and Esther’s relationship had become public, fans had openly started shipping the two actresses. Some had even begun asking Ashley to leave Clara for Esther.

Every day, Clara received messages telling her to leave Ashley alone and claiming that Ashley was better off with Esther than with her.

So tonight, Clara had come to show everyone who the real boss was.

People could say whatever they wanted.

They weren’t going to tear the two of them apart.

Clara slipped her arm through Ashley’s and flashed a big smile as the reporters took pictures of them.

"You really enjoy pissing people off, don’t you?" Ashley said, giving Clara another look at her outfit and enormous smile.

"You know I do," Clara replied.

They were about to enter the hotel when another car suddenly pulled up.

The reporters immediately rushed toward it.

Ashley already knew who was about to get out.

"Let’s go inside," Clara said.

"Let’s wait a little. We might as well have some fun, since you love it so much," Ashley replied.

As soon as Esther spotted Ashley, she hurried toward the entrance.

"Ashley! I’ve missed you so much!" Esther exclaimed, throwing her arms around her.

"I’ve missed you too," Ashley replied.

It had been a month since they had last seen each other at the movie’s premiere. Esther had left to work on another project, so they hadn’t had a chance to meet again.

"Hey, Esther!" Clara called out, clearly trying to get her attention.

Esther completely ignored her.

"Come on. Let’s take a picture together," Esther said, taking Ashley by the hand and leaving Clara standing behind them.

The three women entered the hotel and took the elevator to the top floor.

As soon as they arrived, everyone greeted them, especially Esther, the star of the movie, whose performance had been outstanding.

"Hey, everyone!" Jonny called out as he arrived a moment later.

"Hey, Jonny. We heard you got married. Congratulations!" Esther said.

"Thanks! We had a small private ceremony with just our families and close friends, so don’t be mad if you didn’t get an invitation," Jonny said apologetically.

"Ashley and I are getting married soon too, and we’re planning a big wedding. So don’t worry, we’ll make sure you all get an invitation," Clara announced, joining the conversation.

"Tha...nks," the others replied, their enthusiasm noticeably lacking.

It was pretty obvious that most of them were rooting for Esther and Ashley.

Clara didn’t care in the slightest.

As far as she was concerned, she was the one who would win in the end.

"Excuse me," Esther said, suddenly becoming emotional after noticing the large engagement ring on Ashley’s finger.

She quickly walked away toward the restroom.

"Excuse me too," Ashley said before following her.

Knock, knock!

"It’s occupied!" Esther called from the other side of the door.

"It’s me, Ashley. Open the door," Ashley said.

After several seconds, the door finally opened, and Esther stepped out of the bathroom.

"Your makeup is completely ruined," Ashley said.

"Come on. Let’s fix it," she added, taking Esther by the hand and leading her back into the bathroom.

Esther’s makeup had been ruined by her tears.

Ashley pulled some makeup and a few brushes out of her purse. But when she turned around, she saw fresh tears running down Esther’s face.

"I’m sorry. I should’ve told you about the engagement," Ashley said, knowing exactly why Esther was crying.

"You don’t have to apologize. You already warned me this was going to happen," Esther replied.

"You know what? Let’s just take all your makeup off. You’re already beautiful without it," Ashley said.

"Thank you," Esther replied.

Once Esther had finally calmed down, they returned to the group, where Clara was slowly starting to join the conversation.

A few minutes later, once all the guests had arrived, several speeches were given, starting with the producer, followed by the director and then several of the actors, including Esther and Jonny.

They each gave short speeches, looking back on the making of the movie and thanking everyone who had contributed to its success.

Then the party resumed.

Music filled the room again, drinks continued to flow, and little by little, a dance floor began to form.

"May I have this dance?" Esther asked, holding out her hand to Ashley.

Clara, who was standing beside Ashley, wanted to object, but she knew it wouldn’t look good. Even though she had every right to be upset about someone else asking her girlfriend to dance, making a scene would only make her look jealous.

"With pleasure," Ashley replied, taking Esther’s hand.

They walked onto the dance floor, where only a few people were already dancing. Most of them were probably drunk enough to have the courage to get out there at such an important event.

"So, what are you planning to do now that the movie is officially over?" Esther asked.

"I’m not sure yet. I was offered a role in a horror movie, but I’m still thinking about it," Ashley replied.

She already knew Esther had probably heard about the offer through their managers, but she still wanted to discuss it with her and get her professional opinion.

"You should take the role. I’m sure you’d knock it out of the park again. I mean, as your number-one fan, I’d kill to see that movie," Esther said with a smile.

"You’re right. I think I’ll do it," Ashley replied.

"I think I should follow your example and start being more active," Ashley added.

"That’s a good idea. But honestly, I’m planning to take a little break after I finish the movie I’m working on right now," Esther admitted.

"Really? What are you going to do?" Ashley asked.

"I want to focus on my personal life and spend some time with my family. Travel a little, relax, and just enjoy myself," Esther replied.

"You’re right. You deserve a break after working so hard," Ashley told her.

They continued dancing for several minutes to the slow, romantic music, quietly enjoying each other’s company like a real couple, even though their fake relationship had ended months ago.

"Can I ask you something?" Esther asked, breaking the silence.

"Sure," Ashley replied.

Esther stopped dancing and leaned closer, whispering something into Ashley’s ear.

Since the two women had remained standing still in the middle of the dance floor, Clara immediately noticed the change in Ashley’s expression.

What caught her attention even more was the way Ashley looked directly at her after Esther whispered to her.

It was obvious their conversation involved her.

The two young women left the dance floor and walked straight toward Clara.

Clara stood up as Ashley approached, while Esther headed over to her manager.

"So, are we leaving already?" Clara asked with a smile, hoping they could quickly leave the party and head back to her private jet.

"I have a very, very big favor to ask you," Ashley said.

Clara’s smile immediately disappeared.

"No. No, no, no," she repeated, already knowing what Ashley was about to ask.

"She wants me to go back to her hotel with her so we can see each other one last time," Ashley explained anyway.

"Absolutely not. Tell her no," Clara replied firmly.

She was completely against the idea of her girlfriend, whom she had brought to the party, leaving with someone else.

There is no fucking way she is going to agree to it.

"Okay," Ashley said without arguing.

"Really?" Clara asked, clearly surprised that Ashley had given in so easily.

"Of course. If you don’t agree and I leave with her anyway, that would be cheating. And you know I’m not a cheater and can be one hundred percent faithful," Ashley explained.

"Unlike you. So just know that the next time I catch you cheating, I’m going to spend an entire week with Esther as your punishment," Ashley added.

Clara’s face immediately went pale.

Unlike Ashley, Clara had a hard time resisting her own temptations.

She now had to choose between letting Esther have her way tonight and hoping she would finally leave them alone afterward, with Ashley being grateful to her for allowing it, or risk having an angry Ashley spend an entire week with Esther.

When she thought about it, the choice was obvious.

But for someone as possessive and self-centered as Clara, either option was painful.

"Fine," she finally said, forcing the words out.

She knew that no matter how hard she tried to resist, she would eventually give in to her own temptations.

"I’ll let you go with her, but you’re not sleeping there. I’ll wait for you on the jet until two in the morning," Clara added, making her conditions clear.

"Thank you. You’re the best," Ashley said, hugging her and giving her a quick kiss before returning to Esther.

A moment later, the two young women left the party hand in hand.

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