Chapter Text
Aiah Ames, an actress-slash-model known for her strong aura and sharp visuals on-cam, was naturally friendly and funny off-cam. But despite being accustomed to the unpredictable world of showbiz, Aiah encountered what would become one of the worst situations she had ever experienced in her entire career.
Unfortunately, she had been partnered with an actor whom her management had no idea was known within the industry for being a complete pervert.
"I told you. He touched my butt! Oh, my poor body!" Aiah exclaimed, dramatically fanning her face.
"Aiah, it's part of the acting. You don't have any evidence to prove that," the actor said with a grin as he sat on the opposite side of the table.
"Who said I didn't?" Aiah retorted, raising an eyebrow.
"Enough. Once we get the footage, we'll figure out how to settle this," Stacey-Aiah's manager interrupted.
"Let's see about that," the actor said smugly.
"And by the way, if we ever get proof that you assaulted my artist, we'll definitely file a lawsuit against you and your whole team," Stacey added.
The actor's expression immediately changed. He flushed and looked nervously at his manager.
"We can talk about this, Miss Stacey," the actor's manager pleaded.
"No. It's final. You'll never get away with this this time. Let's go, Aiah."
Stacey stood up and pulled Aiah by the hand, leading her away from the table.
"I'll definitely wipe that smug look off your face," Aiah warned the actor, making him stiffen before she finally walked away.
"Kairita talaga. He's such a menace in this industry," Aiah complained, stomping her feet as they walked down the hallway.
"I already contacted a lawyer, and she's on her way," Stacey said, busy typing on her phone.
"This is going to be a headline once management finds out. Sigurado akong pagkakagulohan ka ng reporters, so you better be ready with your defense as well."
"Oh, I will. Humanda talaga 'yang lalaki sa'kin. I'll make sure he won't step foot near or bother any woman after me. Walang puwesto ang mga manyak dito sa mundo!"
"Aiah!"
Both women turned toward the voice.
The director of the movie Aiah was about to star in came running toward them.
"I'm so sorry for what happened. I heard about the commotion earlier. I'll try to fix the arrangement of the lead actors, and I'll change your partner. Just don't back out. For the meantime, we'll postpone filming until this settles down."
The director gently held one of Aiah's hands.
"Don't worry, Direk. I've already given all my effort to this project. But please, I won't work with that same actor again. Let's give this work a little peace of mind."
"Yes. We'll conduct background checks on all the actors before confirming the cast for this project."
"Thank you."
"And if you need any help with the case, just tell me. I may be able to find a witness who can support you."
"Of course po—and please an actor who could suit me as well," Aiah added, trying to lighten the mood.
The director giggled.
"Deal."
"The lawyer is here," Stacey said. "We should be going, Direk."
"Yes, yes. Go ahead."
The director waved as Aiah and Stacey walked away.
The two walked through the hallway toward a private lounge where they were supposed to meet the lawyer.
Meanwhile, the attorney was already inside the private room, waiting for her client.
She reviewed the case report that Stacey had sent her earlier, carefully going through the details while waiting for Aiah to arrive.
Not long after, she heard voices outside the room.
"Pwede po magpa-picture, Miss Aiah?"
"Pa-autograph naman po!"
"Can we take a picture po?"
The life of a celebrity.
That was what the attorney thought to herself as she continued looking at her phone.
Until the door suddenly flew open.
The noise outside became even louder.
"Good morning po, Attorney!"
A woman stormed into the room, greeting her enthusiastically while dragging another person behind her.
"Thank you po! I'll see you next time!"
The person behind her shouted brightly, carrying the same chaotic and messy energy as the woman in front of her before finally closing the door.
"Oh, hi."
She finally turned toward the attorney.
Mikha looked at her.
She looked at Mikha.
For a moment, neither of them said anything.
"That was quite—" She paused, searching for the right word.
"A dramatic entrance," the attorney finally said as she stood up.
Aiah's eyebrow immediately arched.
"I'm Attorney Mikha Fuller. I'm supposed to meet Miss Aiah, perhaps?" She glanced toward Aiah.
"Yes, I'm Aiah."
Mikha nodded and extended her hand.
Aiah slowly accepted it.
"Glad to meet you. I'll be your attorney for this case."
She then extended her hand toward Stacey.
"And you're supposed to be her manager, right?"
Stacey shook her hand. "Yes, I am."
"Let's take a seat."
They sat down, and Mikha began explaining how the case would proceed.
"Parang ang seryoso naman nito. Hindi niya ba ako kilala?" Aiah whispered beside her manager.
Stacey immediately elbowed her arm. "Tumahimik ka nga," she whispered back.
"Do you understand?"
Both women immediately nodded.
"As I was saying..." Mikha continued.
Again, the two women glanced at each other before turning their attention back to the attorney.
"Can you elaborate on what happened?" Mikha asked Aiah.
Aiah began telling the story from the beginning, recounting everything that had happened until the last moment she could remember.
Mikha listened carefully while typing notes into her laptop.
"Okay. For now, we will file a blotter against your co-worker. This case may fall under acts of lasciviousness due to unwanted physical contact for sexual gratification." She paused, making sure Aiah was following.
"We can also process the case depending on what you want to pursue—whether you want the opposing party to apologize, pay civil indemnity, or face imprisonment. It's your choice." Mikha looked up at the two women sitting in front of her.
"What do you mean by civil indemnity?" Aiah asked.
"It's a monetary penalty where the accused may be ordered to compensate the complainant for damages."
Mikha leaned slightly forward, looking directly at Aiah.
"Depending on the circumstances, it may also mean that the accused doesn't receive the kind of punishment you're hoping for."
Aiah slowly gasped. "No way! The hell he can get away with it!"
A tiny smirk appeared on Mikha's face before disappearing almost immediately. "Alright, then. We'll need witnesses—or, better yet, other victims who may have experienced the same thing. That could strengthen your case."
She closed her laptop.
"Did you just smile?" Aiah leaned slightly closer.
"No."
"That was definitely a smile."
"You're imagining things."
"I thought you're maldita. Looks like we'll get along." Aiah raised her eyebrows repeatedly, teasing the attorney sitting in front of her.
Mikha stared at her for a moment. "Miss Ames, let's get back to what we were discussing."
"Yes. But may I ask something?"
"What?"
"How thick are your glasses? What's your eye grade?"
Mikha staggered slightly. "Stop getting distracted, Miss Ames."
"But—"
"Focus, Miss Ames."
"Ang formal ng 'Miss.' Aiah na lang. We'll be seeing each other for a while because of this case, right?"
"I don't think so, Miss—"
Aiah glared at her.
Mikha immediately corrected herself. "I mean, Aiah." She sighed.
"This kind of case shouldn't take too long. All we need is the footage from your filming, your script, and any witnesses who can help uncover what happened. After that, we'll let the law decide."
"That's it?"
"Yes. That's it."
While the two continued discussing the case, Stacey sat on the other side of the table, quietly exchanging glances between them.
She looked at Aiah.
Then at Mikha.
Then back at Aiah.
Then at Mikha again.
She narrowed her eyes.
There was something there.
Something she couldn't quite explain.
Maybe it was the way Mikha was trying very hard to remain professional while Aiah was doing everything possible to distract her.
Or maybe it was simply the fact that Aiah had already forgotten she was supposed to be angry five minutes ago.
Stacey leaned back in her chair, watching the two of them.
A slow smile appeared on her face.
"Oh, this is gonna be fun," she whispered.