Page 1 of Love in Times of Contempt

Chapter One

ANA TOOK A BREAK from staring at her screen and rubbed her tired eyes. She massaged her lids, counting through a few deep breaths. She hadn't checked the time in a while, but based on the sudden roaring in her stomach, she'd hyperfocused on her work for too long.

With a sigh, she stretched and leaned back against her desk chair. She reached for her phone and navigated to her notifications, already thinking about what she'd make for dinner. She got distracted by texts from both Liam and Ely from some time ago.

Liam: Sry, gonna be

home late, maybe

around 8. Some stuff

happened w the flight

sched. Can't wait to

see you

It would be some time before he made it home, then. After a bit over a year together, she was used to all his traveling, but didn't enjoy it. She couldn't wait for Liam to be home.

Ana: I'll wait for

you to have dinner.

See you soon

With a sigh, Ana checked Ely's text next.

Ely: It's been ages since

I've sent you a link to a

Liam thing, but this was

worth sharing. It's a good

thing I think

With a preemptive smile, Ana opened the link on her computer. It took her to what seemed like an interview; a pretty blonde sat in front of Liam against a branded backdrop for his latest movie, production companies and movie logos on a black fabric. He wore a shirt she'd given him, and Ana's smile widened as she settled to watch the video.

The reporter spoke to the camera."We're here with Liam McMillan, one of the hottest actors in the world. His new movie,Lethal Whispers,premiered with record-breaking numbers last week. With his fame soaring high, we're sitting with him today to learn more about his current projects and near future." She turned to him."Hi Liam, how are you?"

"I'm excellent, thanks."His eyes sparkled under the set lights and his lips took on a slightly mischievous smile; a somersault flipped her stomach at the sight. The interviewer grinned.

"This movie is such a genre bender… action, suspense, drama… it has it all!"

"Yes, it was great. I got to flex my acting muscle a lot."

"As well as every other muscle, am I right?"

Ana chuckled at the awkward and flirty joke. The blonde giggled; Liam responded with a charming smile.

"Filming action, especially, is a very physical job."

"Do you do all your own stunts?"

"No, not all of them. Sorry to disappoint..."The glint in his eyes lacked all trace of an apology. Ana shook her head at him on principle, but a smile curved her lips.

The interviewer continued. "According to your social media, you recently went back into romance and filmed a romantic drama."