The Mayor's Star

CHAPTER FOUR

A week after Jonard’s statement to the media, the news about him and his personal life was all over the internet, trending in every corner of social media. His name appeared in countless headlines, with people sharing their opinions on the leaked video and his emotional response. Some supported him for standing up for his truth, while others criticized him for his past mistakes. The pressure was overwhelming, and Jonard couldn’t escape the constant buzz surrounding him.

Everywhere he went, people whispered about the scandal, and strangers had opinions on his choices. The phone calls, messages, and interviews kept coming in. Despite the support from some, there were those who refused to understand, focusing only on the mistakes he made.

"I declined the interviews on some media outlets," Max said, sitting down in the car. "I can't believe these f*cking haters," he added.

"Max," Jonard called Max's attention. Max turned around and saw how pitiful Jonard was. He seemed tired, his hair disheveled, his beard has grown, and he has visible dark bags under his eyes.

"Jo, are you still sleeping?" he asked. Jonard nodded slowly.

"Max, are there any updates regarding Carlo?" he inquired. They officially filed a case against Carlo. Theft, defamation, and invasion of privacy as the video was illegally filmed by him, but the problem was Carlo was nowhere to be found. He just vanished into thin air.

Max shook his head. "We haven't found him yet," he said, making Jonard sigh.

Yes, they had given a statement to the public, but Jonard's reputation remained stained. His first drama series was halted, movies were postponed, and brands were pulling out as his sponsor. It affected him a lot. He couldn't even open his social media without crying because of the hate comments he got.

"Jo," Max whispered.

"Max, I want out," he said. "I don't want to do acting anymore," he added, tears falling down from his eyes. Max went to his side and immediately comforted him.

"But Jo...you said acting was your life. Are you sure about this?" Max said, teary-eyed.

"It still is," Jonard said, wiping the tears from his eyes. "But, I'd rather leave the spotlight than suffer furthermore," he added and embraced Max.

"Are you really sure about this?" Max asked once again.

"Y-Yes," Jonard said, stuttering. "Do we still have money to pay the company for breach of contract?" he whispered.

"We have," Max replied. "We still have enough to pay them plus for you to start over again," he added.

"What about you, Max? Will you go with me?" Jonard asked, and he let his friend go. Max carefully shook his head.

"I can't," Max said. "Someone has to stay here, and that would be me," he added. He just couldn't leave everything behind. He needs to ensure that Jonard will peacefully enjoy his fresh start.

"Max...."

"Come on, Jo. I'm also your manager. I will take care of everything," he said and smiled. Jonard sniffled a sob. He couldn't believe he found someone like Max, who was a genuine friend.

"Thank you, Max. I owe you everything," he said, and Max just smiled at him.

Three days later, Sparkle Stars Entertainment made an announcement about Jonard's departure from their agency. While some expressed sadness for the actor, his detractors took great pleasure in his downfall.

"Are you sure about this? Bellemare? It's quite far and small," Max said. Jonard is leaving today, as they had talked..

"That place is perfect for me then," Jonard answered with a small smile. Although he's leaving the spotlight he poured his life into, Jonard somewhat felt free. Max heaved out a sigh and put his hand on Jonard's shoulder.

"Alright, I will support you," he said. "I will personally drive you there. What about your things?" he asked.

"I will only pack 2 suitcases. I already found a small house there to rent in Bellemare," he said.

"Okay," Max whispered. "I wish you good luck, Jo. Do not worry, I will update you about the case we filed," he added.

"Thank you, Max. Promise, I will make it up to you," he answered.

"Oh, come on," Max said. "There's no need; I'm your friend," he added with a smile. They went out of the apartment, and Max drove Jonard to Bellemare.

After sixteen hours of driving with a few stopovers, they finally arrive in Bellemare. Max went out of the car to go inside the convenience store while Jonard turned his phone on and chatted with his landlady.

"We're finally here," Max said and groaned as he sipped his coffee. "I feel like my butt was eating away my seat," he added, making the atmosphere light.

"I'm sorry for making you drive this long," Jonard apologetically said.

"Pay my dinner then," Max said. Jonard smiled and nodded his head.

Like what Jonard researched, Bellemare is a small town with a population of three thousand. Farming is the town's primary industry, with vast fields of crops stretching as far as the eye can see.

They arrived at the house Jonard rented and got out of the car. The house was small, enough for a family to live in comfortably.

"Are you Jonard?" The lady in her mid-fifties approached them with a gentle smile on her face.

"Yes, Ma'am, and this is my friend Max," he said.

"I am Judy; it's my pleasure to meet you both," Judy said. "Here's the key to the house. Want to go inside to look?" she added kindly. Jonard and Max followed her inside.

The house felt cozy as they stepped in. The warm glow of a small chandelier hanging from the ceiling lit up the room, casting soft light over everything. The living room had a few worn spots on the couch, but it still looked comfortable, with a few colorful cushions scattered on it. The walls had some faint marks here and there, but it wasn’t anything that took away from the homey feel.

A small kitchen opened up to the side, with a couple of cupboards that looked like they had been opened many times, but everything was in place. The house was small, but it felt like a place where you could rest after a long day. The soft ticking of an old clock echoed in the quiet, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the night.

"For the last time, Jo. Are you sure about this?" Max whispered in Jonard's ear. Jonard turned his head towards him and nodded.

"This is perfect, Judy," he said and took out the envelope. "Here's my advance payment," he added with a smile. The old lady's eyes shone, and she eagerly thanked Jonard sincerely.

Jonard went inside the room and turned the air-conditioning on, which was surprisingly still good to use. The cold air started to circulate in the small space.

"Are you okay with this?" Max asked and sat on the bed.

"I am," Jonard said and sat next to him. "Let's not talk about this place. I just wanted to move on," he added. Max instantly regretted his decision.

"I'm sorry, Jo. It's just that..." He heaved a sigh. "Shall we eat?" he asked.

"Okay, let's find a diner around. Hopefully it's still open at this time," Jonard replied. They went out of the house and asked Judy, who was still awake.

Max followed Judy’s directions carefully, driving through the quiet streets until they spotted a small diner with a flickering neon sign. The parking lot was nearly empty, and the place had a cozy, old-fashioned charm. Without hesitation, they stepped out of the car and walked inside.

The warm scent of coffee and grilled food greeted them as a waitress gave a tired but friendly nod. They chose a booth by the window, the leather seats slightly worn but comfortable. Max sighed, stretching his arms.

Jonard sat quietly, staring at his untouched glass of water. His mind was heavy with thoughts. The past few days had been a whirlwind—his private life exposed, his reputation dragged through the mud. Now, sitting in this quiet diner, reality sank in. What was he supposed to do next?

He let out a slow breath, gripping the edge of the table. For now, he didn’t have the answer, but he will surely find one. He definitely will.