When Jane returned home, Patrick was in the kitchen preparing dinner. She sniffed and quietly approached him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
“Patrick,” she said with a playful tone as she rubbed her nose against his back, causing her voice to sound muffled.
“What’s up?” Patrick turned his head to look at her with a gentle voice.
Shaking her head, Jane looked up at him and said, “It’s just nice having you here.”
Patrick playfully pinched Jane’s nose before kissing her forehead. “How did things go at work today?”
“We still haven’t found the person who snuck in,” Jane sighed. “I’m just worried about Maria.”
After all, those two people might have seen Maria’s car and even recognized Maria. If they didn’t find out who it was soon enough, Maria could be in danger.
At first, Jane suggested that Maria take a break and stay at home, but Maria refused. She felt that she shouldn’t let personal matters interfere with her work.
Jane, seeing this, didn’t insist on it anymore and just reminded Maria to be careful recently.
“I always feel like this matter isn’t that simple.”
Jane couldn’t help but furrow her brow, shaking her head.
Patrick reached out and touched Jane’s furrowed brow with his fingertips, gently smoothing it out. He spoke, “I’ve already sent someone to investigate.”
However, Jane shook her head. “Those two are too cautious and careful. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been unable to find any results after such a long investigation.”
Patrick’s gaze flickered with a hint of understanding, but in the end, he didn’t say anything.
“By the way, you’re going back to the Pansy family tomorrow, right?” Not noticing Patrick’s expression, Jane lifted her head in his embrace.
Patrick nodded, but he remembered the numerous phone calls Mike made today, and his expression became somewhat subtle.
“I’ve already prepared my gift. I hope Mike will like it.” Jane pursed her lips and smiled.
…
On the set, Maria sat quietly on a chair, looking at the script. The stuffiness in the studio made her cheeks slightly flushed.
She looked up at the scorching sun outside and pouted. Just the thought of going out later to film outdoors under the sun gave her a headache.
“Oh, you’re here.”
Just then, Osborn walked up to Maria and tapped her shoulder.
“What’s up? Do you need something?” Maria stood up and almost bumped her head on the shelf, but Osborn reacted quickly and reached out to block it.
“The director wants you to come over and discuss the upcoming shooting content.”
Maria nodded and replied, “Thanks, I’ll go back right away.”
As Maria was about to leave, Osborn hurriedly spoke again, “By the way, I heard about what happened at the company.”
Maria paused for a moment, waiting for Osborn to continue speaking.
“If there’s really something going on, I can talk to the director first, and you can take a break,” Osborn said.
Hearing this, a hint of helplessness appeared on Maria’s face. “You sound just like Jane,” she said.
Hearing this, Osborn was slightly taken aback. “Jane…?”
“Jane is also worried about me. She said I should take a break until the matter is resolved,” Maria said, moving her stiff knees and letting out a light laugh. “It seems like you all treat me like a child.”
Osborn’s brow twitched, but he remained silent.
“I’ve already had my fair share of troubles that have caused delays in my work. I don’t want to let such things happen again,” Maria sighed lightly. “Besides, some things happen suddenly and can’t be resolved by constantly avoiding them. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. It’s just two paparazzi, what harm can they do?”
After finishing her words, Maria waved her hand at Osborn and walked away.
…
“The emotions in this scene are crucial. You need to perform well,” the director pointed to the lines in the script and looked at Maria.
“Okay, I understand,” Maria nodded, her expression not daring to relax.
After listening to the director’s instructions, Maria took a deep breath, preparing to start filming.
“Action!”
Upon hearing the director’s command, Maria’s expression instantly changed as she looked up.
Artificial rain started pouring down, drenching Maria’s whole body. She tilted her head back, a smile that was more bitter than tears appearing on her face.
“Why…”
Maria recited her lines, but before she could say the next sentence, the director called for a halt, dissatisfied.
Her brewing emotions were abruptly interrupted, and Maria turned her head awkwardly.
“No, your emotions aren’t enough,” the director shook his head. “I’m not seeing the feeling I want.”
“Feeling…” Maria muttered, feeling like she had put in a lot of effort.
Seemingly seeing the confusion on Maria’s face, the director walked up to her and patted her shoulder. “I guess you’ve never had a fight with your boyfriend, have you?”
Hearing this, Maria’s expression was somewhat stunned.
“I guessed it right. You’re supposed to portray the guilt and sorrow after a fight and breakup with the male lead. It’s not just simple sadness I’m looking for,” the director said seriously. “Because of your own actions, you deceived him and had to break up with him. It’s supposed to be very painful for you. I want you to truly immerse yourself in the emotion, rather than just acting. Become the character in the script.”
“Pain…” Maria murmured.
Seeing her reaction, the director thought she was taken aback by his words and smiled, saying, “Am I being too harsh on you?”
Maria immediately shook her head when she regained her senses, clenched her fist, and said, “No, I’m an actress, and I should do my part. Sir, let me try again.”
As she spoke, Maria returned to her original position. She lowered her head, looking at the tips of her feet, and recalled the director’s words.
Guilt and sorrow…
Why hadn’t she experienced them herself?
She gently furrowed her brow, placing her palm over her heart.
With the director’s command, Maria recited her lines once again, but this time, her performance surprised everyone.
“I’m sorry…”
Maria lightly bit her lip, slowly enacting her one-woman show.
She remembered that day, when Kim stood before her and spoke softly.
Maria took a deep breath, unsure if the moisture on her face was tears or rainwater.
“Cut! Perfect!”
The director shouted, unable to help but applaud. Maria, this girl, was truly born to be an actress.
Maria raised her cheeks, but beside the camera, she caught sight of a person.