``From Avery: Eve, wonderful news! Yan already made his choice. Guess who it is? It's you! I knew you could do it! Next stop, prepare for the first meeting!``
Eve lied on the floor carpet.
She didn't know how. She didn't know why. She just found herself there. The text message popped up on her screen after she read Ambryan's last message.
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``Yan: You really like to make things difficult, don't you? Very well. Like you said, if I really loved my mother, I would play along with her wishes. Will you not help me do as you suggested?``
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She felt a blow to her gut.
Maybe that was how she ended up on the floor.
The two messages confirmed the ominous feeling. She knew the 'Tea vs Coffee' topic wouldn't last. She merely hoped her nonsensical talk would irritate him.
Yet…
"What the hell is going on?" Eve exasperated. She stared up the ceiling, ignoring both messages. The terms of her agreement haunted her. She had no room for rejection.
The sensation merely felt worse because her own words were thrown back at her. Andie's prediction came true.
If she had known, she would have revealed something and accepted the double offer!
Eve covered her eyes with her arm.
"Why… why, why, why am I so stupid?" She lamented. No sound came to provide her answers. If she tried to back out, would Avery take the money back?
Who was she kidding? Of course, that would happen. That clause wouldn't even exist if it was possible. Avery needed that assurance to get what she wanted.
'Maybe I should just give it up?' Eve considered, pulling her arm away from her face. Both now touched the carpet over her head. Her fingers played with her hair.
The silence seeped into her mind. Her head became empty, cleansing itself. The blank slate allowed her to be rational and pushed her feelings aside. She thought of logic—only looking at the current situation and not the past.
Right now, she already signed the contract.
Right now, she already promised her commitment.
Misty faces of Avery, Cale and Luna stared at her. Despite her lack of experience, they encouraged her. They believed in her. Their collective efforts made the photoshoot a success.
She wasn't alone.
"What am I even saying? This is for Eden and Erin. I shouldn't be selfish. Not unless I want to slave until I'm 40", Eve finally spoke, sitting upright. She shook her head at her behavior. "I would also let Mrs. Hathaway down. I gave her my word."
A sigh flowed out of her lips. "I'm just stalling again, aren't I?"
Eve reached for her phone. Her thumbs typed slowly as if something would change within the extra seconds. Now that she had a reality check, her mind focused on something else—
—how to make the best of it.
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``Lin: As long as I get a say in this matter.``
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She stared at her words and felt satisfied at how she overcame the situation. Fake dating or not, she wouldn't let her boss decide on everything. This involved two people who each had their own minds.
This 'relationship' contained both of them.
As someone part of it, her voice mattered and she would use it.
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``Yan: Oh, Ms. Evangeline. I wouldn't have it in any other way.``
``Lin: See you in a week then. Bye.``
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Ambryan scowled as Evangeline went offline.
It seemed like the conversation had ended. The other party left no room for compromise, practicing what she requested. He didn't mind. He wasn't in a hurry either. He'd rather savor his last few peaceful days.
With everything sorted out, he could finally concentrate on work.
Just then, another notification came from the other chats.
He took a deep breath and held it. This would be the last time he'd hear from these chats. A quick last conversation wouldn't hurt.
At least, not as much.
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``Mila: Wow, you already picked someone? Where do I meet this girl? I must ask her some tips on how to attract good men.``
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Ambryan's face became impassive. He neither found the message funny nor annoying. Instead, he typed out another neutral response. The less they knew, the better. If he didn't proceed carefully, it might brew trouble.
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``Yan: You will meet her if you will meet her.``
``Mila: Aha, still! I can't help but be curious. She must be extraordinary.``
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'Extraordinary?' Ambryan wondered. He rubbed his chin and stared at the ceiling. He wouldn't use the same word. Evangeline surely stood out among the women. He saw himself in her. Her aversion reflected his thoughts about the website.
She was simply the mostly likely woman to part ways easily—causing no problems.
He returned his attention to the chat and replied.
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``Yan: Quite an observation you made, Ms. Clark.``
``Mila: Well, she snatched the most eligible bachelor of the country. Something about her had to be above us, mere mortals.``
``Yan: She is simply herself.``
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Ambryan watched as more notifications popped up. It seemed like everyone decided to join. His hunch pointed towards his mother. She must have told them about his decision.
Now, they all came to say goodbye.
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``Mila: Alright, alright. Hahaha. I won't try to pry anymore. Hope everything will work out for you two! Do invite me to the wedding when it happens. I'd even play for free if you need music!``
``Yan: I see your sense of perception is the same as your imagination. Do take care, Ms. Clark.``
``Mila: See you around, Ambryan!``
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'Ambryan,' he read. It left a bad taste in his mouth.
He exited the window and moved to the next one.
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``Jane: Ambryan, you chose someone? Already? Are you sure about this? It has only been a day. What if she turns to be someone with bad intentions?``
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This time, he didn't hesitate to respond. His right temple ticked as his pulse increased. He had little care on how his message would sound. This would be the last anyway.
His typing came out as sharp as his tone.
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``Yan: I highly doubt that my mother would let that happen. After all, she picked everyone.``
``Jane: But…``
``Yan: Your participation ends here. Focus on other matters.``
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Ambryan hopped to the 3rd chat, his blood pressure calming down.
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``Rachelle: So who's the lucky girl? What made her different from all the others, including me? Was it a love at first sight? Listing the pros and cons? What makes our CEO tick? *grins* She's not as talkative as me, I bet.``
``Yan: It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Rachelle. I'm sure your novel will reach greater heights.``
``Rachelle: Wow, Mr. CEO! That was unexpected! Wish you happiness with your new girlfriend! Bye bye.``
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The other party left before he could. It made him wonder for a bit.
Would he have picked Rachelle if Evangeline wasn't around? He played with the idea. She was another honest woman. Her weakness to pressure could be improved. Writing also demanded a lot of time and attention.
They wouldn't have a problem with not seeing each other.
Ambryan moved the mouse to the remaining chat window.
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``Zara: Mr. Hathaway! I heard the good news! I wish you both well.``
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Kiri growled in her throat. She leaped for the monitor and pushed the screen. The tab also showed the previous chat. Her pale purple eyes flared at a green emote.
She bared her teeth and yelled, "Meow!"
Bending her hind legs, she jumped with her claws out. "Meow! Meow!"
Alarmed, Ambryan picked her up. He searched for answers in her gaze. Her bushy tailed flicked under her. She twisted her neck to the computer and attempted another jump. His hands tightened their grip.
"Woah, Kiri," he said, caressing her head, "It's okay. It will be over soon. Just let me type out something."
The cat grumbled, her lips quivering in anger. She pointed her ears up and glared at her prey.
No frog would survive while she was around!
Ambryan held her in one arm and used his free hand to type.
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``Yan: Ms. Smith, mother has spoken about your skills. We have an opening for the hair and makeup team. I'll let her know so she could prepare a recommendation letter.``
``Zara: OMG! Thank you so much! This is more than I ever hoped for!``
``Yan: It is not a problem. I will continue my work now. Take care.``
``Zara: You too!``
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The chat window disappeared.
The cat relaxed, her body turning into 'liquid'. Kiri melted in her hooman's embrace. He set her down on his lap and pulled the chair closer to the desk. Reports now covered his screen. Silent tapping filled in the room's silence.
Furry paws played with a shirt button. One claw managed to tear the thread. The button fell on her nose as the dress shirt opened. Sculpted beige skin peeked out. Kiri's eyes twinkled as she targeted another button.
"Meow, meow!" She purred, wagging her tail.
Okay, the last bit seems uncalled for XD
But I couldn't help but write it. Hahaha. It's the cat's fault! I tell you!
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Double chapters for the week ends today. Tomorrow and Sunday would be one chapter each. It will resume again on Monday, Aug 31. :)
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Have I told you how amazing you are? Yes, you are! Better believe it! Thank you again for all the powerstones. :)
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Have a good day!
Other ongoing work: Trust and Believe in Love
The next afternoon, another workday commenced.
People rushed to meet deadlines. Shouts of frustration bounced off the walls. Papers covered work desks. Fingers typed rapidly on keyboards. Phones rang with urgent concerns.
It was mostly chaotic.
Except for one place.
The conference room had gray carpet flooring. A long table stood in the middle. Its surface was made of wood. Each side had 6 chairs. Another two occupied both ends.
A flat screen hung on the north wall. Wide windows occupied the east side, daylight shining on glossy white walls. Frosted glass made up the west with the only door.
4 people occupied the chairs.
Ambryan sat at the north end of the table. It allowed him to see the door during the meeting. He leaned on the backrest. His arms perched on either side of him.
His expression displayed an impassive look.
Eve occupied his right, tapping on a laptop keyboard. She had her back straight as her brown eyed fired with laser focus. Her ears heightened their hearing. She wouldn't allow herself to miss a single detail.
At the moment, she used the time for lessening her other workload.
Richard Kingston settled on the seat across from her, his back facing the windows. The morning heat seeped through his clothing. Beads of sweat formed under his dress shirt. He loosened his tie, hoping it would help.
His own secretary sat on his left. The young man stared at Eve who wore a deep scowl behind her eyeglasses. Admiration glinted in his eyes. Every key seemed calculated and precise. Her work ethic wasn't a baseless rumor after all.
"Where is President Madison?" Richard asked, raising an eyebrow. His steel gray eyes illustrated rigor unlike his usual easygoing behavior. His curly bronze hair gleamed from the sun.
"Madison is at the studios, taking care of a problem," Ambryan answered. He lifted his right arm and checked his rolex watch. It had black oyster steel bracelet strapped to an ebony dial. White details featured the hands and numbers.
The seconds ticked by.
"Another time then," Richard lamented, his voice lowering to a mumble. His back bumped against the chair. His index finger tapped on the armrest.
Ambryan turned to his right, ignoring his comment. "Where are they, Eve?"
"I received a message from the receptionist that they're in the lobby," she reported as she replied to the company's chat application. She had sent an advanced notice about their whereabouts. "They will be here any minute."
Richard rolled his eyes. "So punctual. It's not even the meeting time yet. They still have five minutes. We could have stayed in your office while waiting."
"I'd rather not have you anywhere near my things."
Eve pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh. Her hands continued to type on the laptop. Her boss never forgot about the time Sir Kingston broke a teapot. Since then, an unspoken rule came to being. A policy that limited the latter from entering the CEO's office.
A knock came from the door.
It opened and revealed a staff employee. Her mousy brown hair ended around her chin. A black pencil skirt hugged her slender hips, her mustard roll neck top tucked under the waistband. She gulped at the group.
Black eyes fidgeted from fright.
"Th-The people from Studio A are here," she managed to say.
Eve stood up and offered her a kind smile. "Thank you, Ms. Hannah. I'll take it from here."
"As you wish, Ms. Hart."
The young woman bowed her head before turning away. Eve held the door, pushing it all the way. Her pleasant expression shifted towards the newcomers. She gestured them towards the conference table.
"Good day. Please make yourself comfortable," she greeted them.
Two sets of feet entered the room. The carpet muffled out their footsteps. As Eve closed the door, she poked her head out and talked to the assigned guard for the meeting.
"If there is any concern, please contact me through the chat application." Her eyebrows scrunched after a moment. "No matter how many times I say it, it still sounds weird but silence is a must."
She received a chuckle in reply. "Will do, Ms. Hart."
"Thank you."
"Director Sam, Director Rowen," Ambryan said, rising to his feet. He waited for the visitors to choose their seats. "We're pleased that you could join us."
Richard followed his lead and smiled. His secretary also stood up. "It's a pleasure to see you both again. We understand that you have some new ideas about the series?"
Sam picked the seat beside Eve. Aqua wax styled his brown hair into a layered side comb.His green and white plaid shirt cloaked over his beer belly, The sleeves cinched around plumped muscles. Dark slacks covered his legs. Compared to the two CEOs, his height only reached their shoulders.
He raised his tan hand and exchanged pleasantries. His gruff voice filled the room. "Good to be here, Mr. Hathaway and Mr. Kingston"
His indigo eyes shifted to his right. "This is our casting director, Rowen Valentine."
Rowen smiled, showing her pearly white teeth. Her burgundy dyed hair was braided to one side. It flowed over her shoulder. The color contrasted against her porcelain skin. Her winoe blouse almost matched her hair.
Her black eyes darted between the two as she shook their hands. A heavy foreign accent laced her words. "Pleasure to finally meet the dynamic duo of this project. I can't wait to start production."
Ambryan gestured his hand towards Eve. "This is my secretary, Ms. Everlee Hart. If you have any important concerns that need urgent attention, please run it by her first."
Eve reached her seat and waved at the casting director. "Please do address me as Eve."
"Please take yours seats," Ambryan instructed and settled down on his chair.
On the contrary, his secretary walked over to the spare table. She lifted a pitcher and filled 6 glasses with chilled water. She placed them on a tray and served them to the rest.
"Care to enlighten us what this is about, Sir Hathaway?" Sam asked. He drank half of his water before adding, "I thought the second meeting would be next week?"
Ambryan tilted his head to the left. "Sir Kingston has some concerns brought by Venus Investment's board."
Richard cleared his throat. His arms rested on the table and clasped his hands together. As he spoke, he maintained eye contact with both directors. "A few members raised that the decision over the funding was decided too hastily."
Sam's back went rigid. "Are they pulling out?"
"Now, now," Richard assured him. "That's not the case. However, they did express some suggestions. There's no need to agree to them all. As long as the explanation is good, they would accept. The point is to convince them about it."
The film director narrowed his indigo eyes. "And what is it they want to suggest?"
"They want to change the title."
Sam clawed the armrests. He always disliked this part of the industry. Investors limited their creative freedom, focusing on the profits. He had to fight hard for the novel's adaptation. He thought things would be smooth sailing with Ambryan's approval.
It seemed to be just the beginning.
Rowen crossed her arms over her chest. "What is wrong with the title then?"
"The title? 'What is Love?'" Richard began to say. "They think it's generic, overly done. Nothing in it sparks flare to entice viewers."
Sam cocked an eyebrow. "What were the suggested names then?"
"Nothing. They just want it changed."
"And how are we supposed to know if they're okay with it? By giving them a list and voting?" Rowen scoffed. A kindle of fire burned in her black gaze. "Did these people even read the script? Do they even know what the story is about beyond what statistics said?"
"Rowen, calm down." Sam whispered beside her. They finally made it this far. If things went sour, they would be back to square one. None of the other companies gave them a chance. Eros Productions also provided them a good leverage.
Their reputation would boost a wider audience.
"I can't calm down!" She exclaimed, gawking at his nervous expression. She spat almost every syllable. "I don't see how I can trust faceless people when they're not even interested in the series enough to make proper ideas."
"We did think of a few possible titles," Ambryan cut in. All heads turned towards him. It was the first time he spoke since the meeting commenced. "From what I understand, Venus Investment is concerned about the marketing. They want a more intriguing title. It has to be decided now as the script is being written. This is to ensure that any possible changes won't deviate away from the title's implication."
"And pray do tell, Sir Hathaway." Rowen scowled. "What would intrigue people to this series? The subject matter of the story is love. To use a romance title would mislead people to its core value. Love is not romance. They are different."
Eve typed the minutes of the meeting. To do this, she preferred to create a detailed draft. The document became filled with almost exact dialogues. This assured any misunderstandings or overlooked specifics.
It wasn't the most efficient way to work but it satisfied her.
Ambryan fixed his posture. He stared straight into the casting director's eyes. "Unlike Venus Investment, I do know the essence of the story. We can simply paraphrase the title."
"To what?" Rowen asserted. The frown lines between her brows deeped.
It did little to faze the CEO. He more than welcomed the challenge. An active mind such as hers stirred up innovative ideas. It was part of the reason he became convinced about the series. That passion and drive was what fuelled the project.
It would also be the one to ignite a blaze across screens.
"'Define Love'."
Hm. I'd like to do a poll. Is this part of the story boring to readers? I know we're all hyped on romance but I'd like to revolve the work around this project to make it easier to write that part of the setting.
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Do let me know if it's not working out for you. :)
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Remember to stay amazing as you are. :D
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Have a good day!
Other ongoing work: Trust and Believe in Love
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