The Reclusive Top Star Has A Crush On Me

Braxton Reynolds had been following Jaylani Cunningham when she mentioned she was thirsty, so he dutifully headed back to the villa for an iced coffee. When he returned, he was surprised to find only Jaylani’s cameraman—Jaylani was nowhere in sight.

Concerned, Braxton asked where she’d gone. The cameraman pointed toward the rocky shoreline, guessing she’d gone there to film.

“Mr. Reynolds, let’s go check it out,” the cameraman said.

Braxton nodded and followed him to the rocks. The second they arrived, his blood ran cold: Jaylani was standing with Ivory Murphy.

Irritation flared hot in his chest. He was just about to call out to Jaylani when he saw her stumble and hit the rocks. From where he stood, it looked as if Ivory had pushed her.

“Jaylani!” he shouted, furious, and rushed toward them.

The cameraman looked just as shocked. As he scrambled toward Jaylani, he was already frantically trying to reach the director.

“It looked like Ivory just pushed Jaylani right in front of us! This is going to be a disaster!” he fretted, panic sharp in his voice.

The production team had no clue what had happened. They were in a meeting, discussing future episodes, when the news hit. The director bolted for the beach, panic-stricken.

Back at the scene, Braxton helped Jaylani to her feet, his anger aimed straight at Ivory. “How could you be so heartless? You know Jaylani’s been sick, and you pushed her! She was right by the ocean—what if she’d fallen in? Could you live with yourself?” he shouted.

Jaylani, visibly in pain, tried to calm him, her voice soft. “It’s okay, Braxton. I’m fine. Ivory didn’t mean to…”

She glanced up at Ivory, who stood over her like she didn’t have a care in the world.

Viewers of Braxton and Jaylani’s livestream were shocked—and furious.

[Just when I started thinking Ivory might not be so bad after that lunch drama, she pulls this? Can she really be this cold-hearted?]

[This is so dangerous! If Jaylani had been standing any differently, she could’ve been pushed into the ocean! Unbelievable!]

[Ivory is such a villain! It wasn’t enough to mess with someone’s relationship—now she’s getting violent!]

[Jaylani, stop being so forgiving! She’s walking all over you, and you’re still defending her? Infuriating!]

Echoing the viewers, Braxton was beside himself with rage, his eyes blazing. Jaylani’s timid glance spoke of fear and vulnerability, painting her as the victim of Ivory’s bullying.

He couldn’t stand seeing the woman he cared about treated this way.

Braxton shot to his feet and reached out to push Ivory. “I usually never hit women, but you’ve really crossed the line today—I can’t—”

Ivory just looked at him with pure disdain. As she moved to step aside, a long arm suddenly cut in front of her, blocking Braxton’s advance.

A cool, firm voice intervened.

“Mr. Reynolds, it’s never gentlemanly to raise a hand to a woman.”

The voice was calm, carrying an undeniable chill.

Ellis Murphy had stepped in, gripping Braxton’s wrist. Braxton winced but kept his composure, aware of the cameraman recording behind Ellis.

Braxton swallowed his anger. “Mr. Murphy, Ivory started this. I’m trying to defend Jaylani. I hope you’re not taking the aggressor’s side!”

Ivory couldn’t resist a scoff at Braxton’s accusation, her expression mocking.

“Maybe you should donate your brain to someone who actually needs it,” she replied icily.

“What are you insinuating?” Braxton snapped, frustrated. “You pushed Jaylani, and now you’re denying it? We all saw it happen!”

“And which eyes saw me do it? With which hands?” Ivory countered, arms crossed.

“Both eyes! It wasn’t just me—the three cameramen and every livestream viewer saw it too!” Braxton retorted.

From where Braxton and the cameramen stood, they all thought they had seen the same thing. After Jaylani exchanged a few words with Ivory, she suddenly stumbled backward as if struck by something invisible, then fell.

What else could it have been but Ivory pushing her? Unless Ivory planned to claim Jaylani staged the fall. That would be ridiculous.

On the ground, Jaylani lowered her head, a quick gleam of satisfaction flickering in her eyes. She’d timed everything perfectly, making sure Braxton and the cameras caught her fall just in time.

Ivory was cornered this time!

Ivory merely shrugged, unfazed.

“So that’s your interpretation? Maybe you all need to get your eyes checked.”

Braxton blinked, his fury deepening, ready to go at Ivory again.

“Ivory! I thought an apology would be enough, but now I’m calling the police. You will face the consequences!”

Calling the police?

“No!”

Braxton stopped, surprised that the protest came from Jaylani, not Ivory.

He looked at Jaylani, puzzled by her unexpected objection.

But when he saw the worry in her eyes, his anger softened.

Holding her hand, he cut in, “Jaylani, I know you want to shield Ivory, but she needs to be held accountable. If you’d been any less lucky, you could’ve fallen into the sea. This isn’t just bullying—it’s potentially attempted murder!”

Attempted murder now?

Ivory wasn’t scared. If anything, she was amused. How could a man this naive be the protagonist?

Absolutely baffling.

Jaylani was still lying on the ground, her guilt and panic plain to see. Yet Braxton read her nervousness as kindness.

Whatever. Let them call the police. The bigger the scandal, the better. She wouldn’t be the one embarrassed when the truth came out.

To Braxton’s surprise, Ivory smiled and agreed with his proposal wholeheartedly.

“You’re right. It’s time for justice. The police will find out who’s lying, so call them. I’m ready for a fair investigation.”

Her sudden righteousness caught Braxton off guard.

But it was too late for Ivory now, he thought. If she’d apologized earlier, he might have reconsidered. But at this point…

“The truth will come out, Ivory. Prepare to face the consequences.”

It almost seemed laughable. Ivory’s reputation was already in shambles—how much worse could it get?

What a shame Jaylani had to endure such distress.

Meanwhile, Jaylani’s heart raced, her palms clammy.

Call the police?

This didn’t need police involvement! Besides, it couldn’t involve the police. She’d only meant to publicly humiliate Ivory, to further tarnish her reputation in front of everyone and the livestream viewers.