The next day, Tatiana’s mood was bright and charming as she worked on the set. The aura around her radiated happiness.
“How’s the big boss doing, huh?” Jolene teased as she handed a bottle of water to Tatiana during her break.
“What do you mean?” Tatiana asked, removing the cap of the bottle and taking a sip.
“Nothing,” Jolene shook her head, and Tatiana raised an eyebrow. “I’ve got some research on Diana Rock.”
“Tell me about it,” Tatiana demanded, and Jolene sat beside her, pulling out her tablet.
“She has a lot of scandals, and that’s what gave her most of her fame,” Jolene said, and Tatiana listened intently.
The scandals mostly involve her with famous male artists or female international artists. Ninety percent of her fans hate her, but she doesn’t care. Instead, she keeps stirring up more scandals.
Whether she’s found in compromising situations with men or provoking rich female artists, she always manages to cause a stir in the industry. She admits her mistakes and gains more haters, which only increases her fame.
Even with all the hate surrounding her, Diana still gets contracts and shoots.
“What an interesting model,” Tatiana mumbled. Deep down, she wondered if Diana was doing this of her own free will. The expression on her face that night when she approached her was strange.
While scrolling through Diana’s page, a new post popped up, and Tatiana’s gaze narrowed.
It was a picture of her and Tatiana while they were discussing Indigo.
~I’ve made a new friend. My scandal mate. The second daughter of the famous Wallington family,~ the caption read.
“She’s trying to pull your leg,” Jolene said, her anger slowly rising.
Tatiana knew Diana wanted her to retaliate, but she wouldn’t. “Ignore it.”
“Sure. Here, check out Maya’s pictures.”
Hearing the name ‘Maya,’ Tatiana smiled. It had been a while since she heard her sister’s name. Maya now lived abroad, pursuing her dream of agriculture. She loved animals and was gradually building a life for herself.
Scrolling through Maya’s pictures, she saw how happy her sister was over there. Mason, on the other hand, was rotting in jail. More like him would join him soon.
After the break, Tatiana went back to work. Again, the male lead was acting strange, making it obvious to others.
The other females on set became jealous. Gavin, a famous and handsome actor with many admirers, was always a hit in his work. Director Felix was lucky to have him on set, which is why he was treated with respect and care.
“Mr. Gavin,” Felix approached Gavin, whose eyes were focused on Tatiana as Jolene helped her adjust her dress. “I was wondering if you needed something because you seem distracted during the scene,” he tried to sound polite so as not to offend him.
Gavin’s eyes remained on Tatiana, his gaze intense. “I’m just admiring the female lead. She’s such a beauty,” he smiled.
“Ah yes, Tatiana is indeed talented,” Felix chuckled awkwardly. “Shall we get back to the scene?”
“Alright, I’ll focus more this time,” Gavin said, and the acting resumed.
Tatiana stood by the rails, her black hair blowing behind her. The makeup artist had done a great job making her look so beautiful.
Gavin walked up to her. He was supposed to act like he hated her, but instead, he zoned out and stared at her with desire.
Tatiana waited for him to say his line, but he didn’t.
“Mr. Gavin,” Tatiana called, and the man snapped out of his thoughts. “I’d appreciate it if we could get this scene over with. I have other things to do. Can you focus?” her voice was calm, but there was a slight edge to it.
“Oh, I’m sorry about that. I got lost in my thoughts. How could I focus when my co-star is this attractive?” Gavin grinned handsomely, and some of the females who heard this gushed.
Tatiana simply gave Felix a look. “Can we take it from the top again?”
“Sure,” Felix nodded and turned to Gavin. “Mr. Gavin, you should be angry with Tatiana’s character, not flirting with her. We still have a long way to go; I hope you understand.”
Gavin chuckled. “Yeah, I’ll focus.”
This time, Gavin got his acting right. But as they performed, Tatiana made sure to keep her distance. Gavin secretly tried to touch her, but Tatiana subtly avoided it. It wasn’t obvious to others.
The two leads were magnificent, and everyone thought they had come to life on screen.
When the scene ended, Felix called out, “Good job!”
As Tatiana prepared to leave, Gavin approached her. “I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean to delay you; I was just carried away.”
Tatiana’s expression remained neutral. “Thank you, Mr. Gavin. I appreciate your apology. However, I’d prefer if we maintain a professional distance. I’m here to work, and I’d like to focus on that,” she smiled politely, but her gaze remained firm.
Gavin watched Tatiana leave with Jolene and scoffed.
“Did she just reject me?” he mumbled with a small frown. He looked back at where she had just walked away.
“I was about to pluck out his eyes,” Jolene said in the car as they headed to a restaurant to have dinner with Indigo, as Tatiana had promised.
“It will all be over soon,” Tatiana sighed. She was beginning to feel her eyes grow heavy due to the stress. Thank goodness, they were halfway to the project’s success.
“You’ve been staying with the Big Boss. Planning to have another baby?” Jolene asked, and Tatiana’s eyes widened.
“I’m really going to kill you, Jojo…”
“Are you going to deny there’s nothing between you two again? I know you so well, Tatie. And I think the Big Boss is the best. You like him!” Jolene pressed on.
“I… I…” Tatiana’s voice trailed off. “I don’t know.”
Tatiana had met many men with power and status, and she found them devious in every way. She knew Cassius was different, but deep down, she was scared.
Jolene didn’t stop praising Cassius until they reached the restaurant. Tatiana sighed in relief at parting with her troublesome assistant.
“My regards to the Big Boss and Little Lion!” Jolene threw kisses before leaving.
Tatiana went in to meet Indigo, who was already waiting for her.
“Sorry I’m a bit late,” Tatiana apologized politely, and Indigo smiled.
“How was work?”
“Good.”
After ordering a nice meal for them both, Tatiana asked, “Do you really have to leave?”
Indigo simply smiled. “I’m afraid of what I might do if I stay. I don’t want to change, so it’s better I leave.”
Tatiana’s face softened. Indigo was exactly the kind of woman she had imagined-mature. But then, a pang of guilt struck her.
“I’ve been feeling it for a while. The darkness inside me is growing stronger. I don’t want to hurt anyone, especially not a woman like you.”
Tatiana reached for Indigo’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m saying this from the bottom of my heart, Indigo. Thank you.”
Indigo smiled and sniffed. “Take care of Cash for me. And if you ever come to France, give me a call. Trust me, there are so many places that would blow your mind.”
“Really?” Tatiana chuckled. “I’ll definitely give you a call.”
“Friends?” Indigo asked, her eyes sincere.
“Friends,” Tatiana accepted.
___
[STARDUST COMPANY]
Rejected?
After all the hard work, all the sweat, and the restless nights of trying to please and collaborate with the King’s Entertainment Company, Nathan got rejected.
Worst of all, a company beneath his, also a rival, got acknowledged instead. It was an insult thrown in his face.
His shareholders were now doubting him because of how he had assured them of securing this collaboration.
“Did you really submit the right proposal?” Nathan asked Finn, his voice tinged with disbelief.
“Yes, sir… uhm, Mr. King left a message.” Judging from Finn’s trembling voice, Nathan knew what he was about to say wasn’t good.
“What is it?” Nathan asked, and Finn handed over his tablet, revealing the email where Mr. King’s message was delivered.
~You suck. You really suck.~