On the theater’s main stage, several actors were rehearsing a play. Isabella, who didn’t quite understand these things, hadn’t had a chance to enjoy the scene before being brought in front of the director.
Isabella also knew she didn’t have much talent in acting. She sighed, drooping her small face, and said, ‘Ah, looks like I won’t get the part again.’
“Who says you won’t? I’ve already got the contract signed for you,” Olivia said, pulling out a contract from her handbag and handing it to her. “This audition was just for the director to assess your acting skills. The role is already set, it’s the second female lead. Not too heavy in terms of lines, but the character is good, quite vivid. If performed well, it’ll stand out. Even if not, it won’t be a big deal. I think it suits you.”
Isabella nodded, flipping through the contract absentmindedly. “A movie from Charles’ company?” She looked at Olivia in surprise. In her mind, she hadn’t even met that scumbag Charles. How did such a good role land on her?
“Yes, and many have been vying for roles inside,” Olivia replied.
“Why choose me?” Isabella asked again.
Olivia shook her head, “I’m wondering too. Didn’t you say you hadn’t seen the president of that company? Isabella, I’m starting to think you’re charmed. Good things always happen to you. I’ve seen this kind of thing happen to those female stars who are kept by men.”
Hugging the contract, Isabella chuckled, “While others in the entertainment circle rely on men, I rely on luck. Don’t be too jealous and envious of me.”
Rolling her eyes, Olivia couldn’t help it, “Well, I hope your luck keeps up.”
“When do I join the production?” Isabella asked.
“Probably starting next month, no rush to join yet. Take the script back and read it carefully first,” Olivia said, handing her another book. They talked as they walked towards the parking lot.
“Okay,” Isabella nodded. Stopping by the car, she opened the door.
“Go back and think about your acting. Don’t embarrass me later,” Olivia watched her get into the car, couldn’t resist giving a last piece of advice.
Isabella started the car engine and stuck her tongue out through the window.
She returned to the Harris family, went straight to her room, and lay down on the bed to start reading the script.
She read it quite seriously, despite it not being a thick script, she spent the whole afternoon flipping through it.
The next day, Isabella changed clothes and prepared to go out. The curfew at eleven had long been forgotten by her.
Isabella drove directly to her apartment on Maple Leaf Road.
First, she visited a baby store and bought a bunch of snacks that Asher liked. Baby food was incredibly expensive these days, she picked a few items randomly, spending over three hundred.
Isabella parked her car downstairs and took the elevator up. One hand held the bag, while the other reached into her handbag for the keys.
From behind the door, she seemed to hear faint, noisy voices coming from inside the room.
She didn’t think much, assuming it was Amelia watching TV. She took out the keys and opened the door.
Inside, a group of men sat around in the living room, drinking and smoking, talking and laughing.
She froze at the door, staring at the unfamiliar faces. The people in the room also turned their gazes towards the door upon hearing the noise.
“Sorry, I think I got the wrong door,” Isabella, under the gaze of unfamiliar eyes, quickly fled from the apartment.
She stood again at the entrance of the apartment, looking at the door number on top. 110, it was right. This was indeed her place. And she used her key to open the door, how could she have gotten it wrong?
Then came the question: where did this group of men in the house come from? Could they be thieves? Impossible, right? She hadn’t heard of thieves stealing and then throwing a party in someone else’s house.
Isabella’s mind quickly spun. If these people weren’t thieves, then obviously they were the freeloaders her Andrew had brought along.
She instantly got furious and angrily walked back in.
“Miss, who are you looking for?” Without waiting for Isabella to speak, one of the men asked first.
Isabella: “…”
This was her home. These people were actually asking her who she was looking for. Where was the justice in that?
“Where’s Andrew?” Isabella gritted her teeth and asked.
“Andrew, there’s a pretty lady looking for you,” the man called out to the kitchen, eliciting laughter from the others.
Isabella tightly pressed her lips together, suppressing her anger.
Shortly after, Andrew emerged from the kitchen, dressed in light-colored loungewear, and surprisingly, wearing a floral apron around his waist, which looked somewhat out of place.
He saw Isabella, slightly surprised, then smiled as he walked up to her.
“Andrew, can you explain to me what’s going on here?” Isabella asked in a lowered voice, giving him a little face.
“These are my former comrades. Rare gathering. Let me introduce you,” Andrew naturally extended his arm, pulling her close by the waist.
“They are all soldiers?” Isabella looked quite astonished. Her gaze towards those people suddenly became much more respectful.
“Not convincing?” Andrew asked with a faint smile.
“They do look quite robust,” she honestly replied. Those people seemed to have dark skin, even if not tall, they appeared very upright, exuding a masculine aura.
Andrew indulgently smiled, leading her to the group of men. “This is…”