The Reclusive Top Star Has A Crush On Me

Wasn't she feeling the heat?

Oh, absolutely.

Inside the villa, the AC kept things cool, but the second you stepped outside, the sun beat down without mercy, and the humidity wrapped around you like a wet blanket. Even the short walk from the villa to the beach—barely a hundred feet—left a thin sheen of sweat on Jaylani's nose.

Jaylani sweated easily. Any longer under that sun, and her back would be soaked through, clearly visible beneath her Victorian-inspired dress. She only wore the long dress because Braxton admired the simplicity and purity of white dresses. Even if it was miserable, she'd endure it for him in this scorching heat.

Now that Ivory had called attention to it, Jaylani's face burned, as if Ivory had exposed her little act.

“I've always wondered—isn't Jaylani hot in that long dress?” one viewer commented.

“Angels don't feel heat! Jaylani looks perfect without breaking a sweat, unlike Ivory, who's trying so hard to show off in that skimpy outfit. Ugh!” another replied.

“Well, looks like the ‘angel’ is sweating after all,” someone else shot back, watching their star's nose glisten in HD and undercutting the fan's claim.

“This is gold. Honestly, Ivory's being practical. I couldn't wear that many layers in this heat without passing out.”

“Why's that funny? Jaylani is dressed appropriately and respects the occasion, unlike the other one. Even if Ivory were naked in front of Braxton, he wouldn't give her a second look, haha.”

Braxton, standing nearby, noticed Jaylani's discomfort and turned to address Ivory on her behalf. But when his gaze landed on Ivory, he was momentarily thrown.

He couldn't deny the brief flicker of appreciation—surprise, too. Ivory's outfit was definitely striking, but he quickly snapped his focus back to that familiar, irritating expression and regained his composure.

“Ivory, does your tone have to be so sarcastic? Not everyone wants to dress as inappropriately as you do,” he rebuked. “Jaylani puts up with the heat out of consideration for everyone else's sensibilities. You could learn a thing or two from her self-control and courtesy.”

Tsk, tsk. If he'd been wearing anything other than a loose tee and beach shorts, his little lecture might've actually landed.

Ivory found it hilarious and barely hid her laugh.

“What's so funny?” Braxton demanded, brows knitting together.

Ivory caught her breath and replied pleasantly, “I just thought your beach shorts look comfortable. It's nice that you're dressed practically.”

Braxton swallowed a retort.

Was she mocking him? Was it hypocritical to preach modesty while wearing beach shorts himself?

No. That couldn't be it. Ivory was captivated by him; surely she wouldn't dare mock him.

He chose to believe she was admiring his trendy outfit, even if the compliment left a bitter taste.

Either way, Braxton had no intention of dragging this out. Interacting with Ivory had already worn his patience thin. So, despite the irritation simmering under his skin, he decided to end the exchange.

Without hesitation, Braxton took Jaylani's hand and said curtly, “Let's go. We've delivered the director's message. No need to concern ourselves with her.”

Seeing Braxton treat her so gently, Jaylani felt reassured and feigned reluctance. “Shouldn't we wait for Ivory?”

“No need,” Braxton said coolly. “She has plenty of followers eager to indulge her.”

His words carried a trace of disdain, implying Ivory was flirtatious. Jaylani lowered her gaze, a slight smile tugging at her lips. Hand in hand, they walked off together, their retreating figures like something out of a picture-perfect couple.

Watching the live stream, fans shared mixed feelings:

“Even though I know it's just a show, seeing him holding another girl's hand makes me so jealous!”

“Don't worry! He promised us no dating until he steps out of the limelight. His focus is on his career—trust him!”

“Absolutely, Braxton wouldn't deceive us.”

Ivory waited a while longer before the cameraman returned with the sandals. She blushed as she thanked him.

“Oh, it's really nothing,” he stammered.

Although he'd never interacted with Ivory up close before, his initial impression matched the online narrative. Now, seeing her in person, she seemed pretty polite—and it reshaped his view.

Inside the villa, a man with glasses and a crisp white shirt was busy at the kitchen counter, preparing ingredients for a spiced honey cake. When he saw only Braxton and Jaylani come in, he asked, “Isn't she coming in?”

It was clear who he meant.

Jaylani started to explain, but Braxton cut her off. “She's busy flirting on the beach!”

The bespectacled man, Keith, an up-and-coming tech executive, hesitated. Was there a hint of frustration—or jealousy—in Braxton's tone?

Picking up on Braxton's disapproval, Jaylani quickly added, “Ivory left her sandals in the villa, so she asked the cameraman to fetch them. The sand was scorching, and it hurt to walk.”

“Honestly, such a drama queen,” muttered Oscar, a young actor glued to his gaming console. “Does she think her feet are made of porcelain? I thought her skin was as tough as her attitude.”

Oscar, a child star turned accomplished actor, was known for his talent as much as his bluntness. His fans liked to praise his straightforwardness as candid honesty, though it often landed him in hot water.

Keith, though silent in agreement, kept shooting glances toward the door, his furrowed brows signaling his own impatience.

With all three men seemingly on the same page about Ivory, Jaylani felt assured.