Paparazzi (Actor Mark and Damien x Harmony OC)

Chapter 1: Old Album

Author's Note: This story begins before Mark even dates Celine. They're all good friends at this time. He is a famous Actor, Damien is a politician striving to be Mayor, William is his usual explorer self, and Celine does what she does haha.

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It seemed everyone was rather tense as Damien, William, Celine, and Harmony gathered at Mark's manor that evening... everyone, save for Harmony. The group of friends were all sat together in Mark's main living room, teas and coffees half gone and a few pastries having been indulged in. There had been relatively normal conversation overall, however that lingering sense of tension remained in the air and Harmony couldn't help feeling the anxious gazes of her friends upon her every so often. She began to get the impression they knew something, something she did not. Normally, she would not mind. She knew there was only so much people felt comfortable to share with others. However, she did not feel this was that case, instead getting the strangest inclination that this tension had something to do with her. And she did not like the feeling. Not one bit.

It wasn't until Benjamin returned into the room to refill tea cups that Mark clapped his hands together and announced loudly, "Thank you, dear Ben! Nothing quite like a refreshing cup of tea. However, I was feeling rather nostalgic and wondered if perhaps you and Harmony would kindly go retrieve my old photo album from the attic?"

"Certainly, Master Mark. Which album do you require?" Ben asked, ever ready to deliver dutifully.

     The request, however, had Harmony confused. Benjamin was more than capable to retrieve the album on his own, so why did Mark want her to go as well?

"Harmony will know which it is, won't you, Harmony?" Mark said, a confident grin upon his lips.

Harmony was silent for a moment before returning a smile, standing up, and replying, "Of course, Mark. We won't be long. Let's go, Ben."

"Oh do take your time love~ No need to rush. Wouldn't want you to hurt yourself," Mark replied with a wave of his hand.

Harmony giggled and shook her head. Same old Mark. Harmony and Ben walked side by side, the young lady making small talk with the faithful butler as they walked up the stairs in pursuit of the elusive album within and the attic.

Midway, Harmony came to a sudden stop, the figurative lightbulb within her head beaming on.

     "Wait a minute. Old album... I think I may know which one he's talking about. Maybe that's why he asked me to get it. I believe it's in his room. Although I'd hate to be wrong and make them wait any longer," Harmony proposed.

"Perhaps we split ways; I check the attic and you the Master's room?" Benjamin suggested.

"Good idea. I'll let you know if I find anything," Harmony said, walking over to Mark's bedroom door.

"And so shall I, should I discover the album," Benjamin replied, walking over to pry open the access door to the attic upon the ceiling.

Harmony entered Mark's room. Even with Ben being an amazing butler, it always seemed to be just a little on the messier side. Harmony didn't mind. Mark was a busy man and Ben as well. She decided to do some helpful cleaning as she searched. May as well. She picked up stray clothes, fixed the slightly disturbed bedsheets, tidied up little things she noticed that could use a quick fix. Finally walking over to Mark's dresser, she opened up a little polished wooden box placed upon it, filled with his rings, jewelry and other knickknacks. Digging around, she took hold of a small metal key which Mark had shown to her that he'd hidden inside. The key went to the locked top drawer of his dresser.