Chapitre 301: 301

Lucas bit the inside of his cheek, suppressing a grin. The irony of the situation was almost comical - Damien had no idea he was talking to the very person he thought was out of reach.

"I've crossed paths with Lucas before," he said, his voice casual but eyes twinkling. "Trust me, even if it's a small project, a compelling story will catch his interest. And yours? It's exceptional."

Damien's face lit up for a moment, then clouded with doubt. He ran a hand through his hair, sighing. "That's kind of you to say, but... I don't have any way to contact Lucas Knight. Someone like him? It would take some serious connections just to get a meeting."

Lucas couldn't contain himself any longer. He leaned in, voice low and conspiratorial. "What if I told you I could make that happen?"

Damien's eyes widened, a mix of hope and disbelief. "You're joking, right?"

"Not at all," Lucas replied, fishing out a hotel key card from his pocket. He scribbled his room number on it and held it out to Damien. "If you're truly interested in getting Lucas Knight for your project, come to this room tomorrow at 10 AM. I promise you won't be disappointed."

Damien hesitated, his hand hovering over the card. "This isn't some kind of prank, is it?"

Lucas shook his head, his expression sincere. "No prank. Just an opportunity. Take it or leave it."

After a moment's hesitation, Damien took the card, turning it over in his hands as if expecting to find some catch. "I... I'll be there," he said finally, a mixture of hesitation and skepticism in his voice.

As Damien walked away, Lucas allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. Tomorrow was going to be interesting.

***

The early morning sun cast long shadows across the café as Lucas sipped his coffee, safely hidden behind his expert disguise. Not a single patron spared him a second glance.

'If I'd known makeup could be this effective, I would have utilized it much sooner,' Lucas mused, a wry smile playing on his lips.

As the café began to fill with the breakfast crowd, Lucas made his exit, slipping away unnoticed.

Hours later, Lucas paced his hotel room, glancing at his watch every few seconds. The hands crept towards 10 AM, and doubt began to gnaw at him. 'Will Damien actually show up?'

Just as uncertainty threatened to overwhelm him, a sharp knock echoed through the room. Lucas's heart leapt into his throat as he strode to the door, composing himself before swinging it open.

Damien stood in the hallway, a mix of curiosity and apprehension on his face. Lucas greeted him with a warm smile. "Come in, come in."

Damien stepped inside, his eyes darting around the room as if expecting to find a crowd. Finding only Lucas, confusion furrowed his brow. "I don't understand. Where's everyone else? How exactly do you have connections to Lucas Knight?"

Lucas's smile widened, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, Damien, that's an interesting question. You see, my connection to Lucas Knight is... rather direct."

He paused for dramatic effect, watching as Damien's confusion deepened. "In fact, you could say it's as direct as it gets."

Damien's brow furrowed, his confusion evident. "What do you mean by that?"

Lucas chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. Without a word, he reached up and grasped his hairline. In one fluid motion, he peeled away the wig, revealing his true hair beneath.

Damien's jaw dropped, his eyes widening in disbelief. "What the—"

Before he could finish, Lucas grabbed a nearby wipe and began methodically removing his makeup. With each swipe, more of his familiar features emerged.

Damien stood frozen, his mouth opening and closing without sound, like a fish out of water.

Finally, Lucas turned to face him fully, his transformation complete. With a warm smile, he extended his hand. "I believe I owe you a proper introduction. Lucas Knight. It's a pleasure to meet you, Damien."

Damien blinked rapidly, his hand moving mechanically to shake Lucas's. "You're... you're actually Lucas Knight? But how... I mean, I didn't... I couldn't even recognize you!"

Lucas laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "Let's just say I've picked up a few tricks of the trade over the years. Makeup can be a powerful tool when used correctly."

His expression softened, and he added, "I apologize for the deception. I wanted to keep my presence at Sundance under wraps. No security detail, no paparazzi, no reporters. I hope you understand."

Damien nodded slowly, still looking dazed. "Of course, I understand. It's just... wow. I can't believe I've been talking to Lucas Knight this whole time."

"Well," Lucas said with a grin, "now that the cat's out of the bag, what do you say we discuss this feature film of yours in more detail?"

Damien took a deep breath, composing himself. "Right, yes. Of course." He was still processing the surreal turn of events. "After the reception of the short, I've been working on expanding the script. There's so much more to explore in Andrew and Fletcher's dynamic."

He paused, a flicker of excitement crossing his face. "Actually, Blumhouse Productions, the company that helped me produce the short, has expressed interest in backing a feature-length version."

Lucas nodded, his eyes lighting up with recognition. "Blumhouse? I actually have a connection with them. We worked together on a short film I produced last year."

Damien's eyebrows shot up. "Really?"

Lucas nodded, then he leaned forward. "Tell me more about your vision for the feature. How do you see the story expanding?"

As Damien began to outline his ideas, Lucas listened intently. The young director's passion was infectious, and Lucas found himself growing more interested by the minute.

***

Meanwhile, Lucas's absence at the Golden Globes, despite his nomination for his role as Robb Stark in "Game of Thrones," had sparked widespread speculation. Fans and paparazzi alike were left wondering about his whereabouts.

The usual flurry of sightings and social media updates had gone mysteriously quiet, leaving the public and media in a state of curious anticipation. Lucas's recent low profile had only fueled the rumors and theories about where the normally visible star could be hiding.

"Has anyone seen Lucas Knight lately? #WhereIsLucas" one tweet read.

Another fan posted, "Missed him at the Golden Globes. Hope everything's okay! #LucasKnight"

Entertainment news outlets were having a field day:

"Sources Close to Lucas Knight Remain Tight-Lipped About Star's Absence," claimed another.

Back in the hotel room. Lucas was fully engrossed in Damien's passionate description of Andrew's character arc.

"So you see," Damien was saying, "by the end, Andrew has to confront whether the cost of greatness is worth—"

As Damien passionately described the intricacies of his characters, his phone suddenly blared to life. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting to one of apologetic frustration.

"I'm so sorry, Lucas," Damien said, wincing slightly. "I completely forgot I had another meeting scheduled. I hate to cut this short, but..."

Lucas waved his hand dismissively, a warm smile on his face. "Don't worry about it. We've covered a lot of ground already."

Damien nodded gratefully, gathering his things. "This has been... well, surreal doesn't even begin to cover it. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me."

"The pleasure was all mine," Lucas replied, pulling out his phone. "Let's exchange numbers. I want you to keep me in the loop as the project develops."

They quickly swapped contact information, Damien's fingers trembling slightly as he typed Lucas's number into his phone.

***

The Grammy Awards were fast approaching, and Lucas found himself once again among the nominees. As the anticipation built, Neil's name flashed on Lucas's phone screen.

"Lucas," Neil's voice crackled through the speaker, a mix of curiosity and concern evident in his tone. "What's the status on that short film you were so eager about?"

Lucas leaned back in his chair, a smile playing on his lips as he recounted his Sundance adventure. "I managed to connect with the young director, Damien Chazelle. We had an incredible discussion about turning the short into a feature-length film."

"Wait," Neil interrupted, his voice rising in disbelief. "You went through all that trouble, disguising yourself and everything, just to meet this young director?"

Lucas chuckled, his enthusiasm palpable even over the phone. "I know it sounds crazy, but trust me, it was worth it. This short film, 'Whiplash'... if it becomes a full-length feature, it's going to be something extraordinary. I can feel it in my bones."

"You really think it has that much potential?" Neil asked, his skepticism slowly giving way to intrigue.

Lucas's voice brimmed with conviction. "Absolutely, Neil. This film has something special. The raw emotion, the intensity... it's going to resonate with audiences in a big way."

Neil hummed thoughtfully. "Alright, I trust your instincts on this. But speaking of big things, we need to talk about the Grammys."

"Right, of course," Lucas said, shifting gears mentally. "What's the plan?"

"Well," Neil began, his tone brightening, "the record label has actually arranged something exciting. They want you and Taylor to perform your duet song live at the ceremony."

Lucas sat up straighter, his interest piqued. "The song we recorded a few weeks ago?"

"Yeah," Neil confirmed. "They think it'll be the perfect debut for the track. It's a prime-time slot, too."

Lucas smiled. "I love it. Have you spoken to Taylor about this yet?"

"Her team's on board. We just need to coordinate rehearsals and work out the performance details."

With that, Lucas and Neil delved into the logistics and intricate details for the upcoming Grammy Awards. They meticulously planned every aspect of Lucas's appearance and performance, leaving no stone unturned.

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Chapitre 302: New Outfit and Grammy

The Grammy Awards loomed on the horizon, and Lucas stood before the full-length mirror in his hotel room, adjusting the cuffs of his bespoke suit. The designer had outdone herself this time.

Drawing from his knowledge of fashion trends from his previous life, Lucas had suggested incorporating elements that were just on the cusp of becoming popular.

The deep navy fabric shimmered subtly under the lights, its texture reminiscent of a starry night sky. A hint of burgundy peeked out from the lining, adding a touch of unexpected flair.

He smoothed down the lapels, a small smile playing on his lips. The cut was perfect, accentuating his physique without being ostentatious. It was modern yet timeless, a blend of classic Hollywood glamour and contemporary edge.

Lucas stood before the mirror, his phone held up as he captured his reflection. The flash illuminated his outfit - a deconstructed tuxedo jumpsuit that hugged his frame perfectly. The satin lapels and bowtie added a classic touch to the sleek, all-in-one garment. It was bold, innovative - a fashion statement that would turn heads.

His thumb hovered over the 'send' button for a moment before he dispatched the photo to Jennifer. The response came almost instantly, his phone buzzing in his hand.

"Wow, your outfit is 🔥🔥🔥. It shows off your figure perfectly. Hot stuff! 😍" Jennifer's text lit up his screen.

Lucas grinned, his fingers flying over the keyboard. "Thanks, babe. Thought I'd try something different this year."

"Who's your designer? They're brilliant!" Jennifer replied.

"It's actually a new designer from that brand, Hermès," Lucas typed back. "I gave her and her team a few suggestions, and they ran with it."

"Wait, you suggested this? And they listened? That's... unexpected."

Lucas chuckled as he responded, "Yeah, well, they're new to the industry. Not too set in their ways yet. Open to fresh ideas, you know?"

"Lucky you," Jennifer's text came through. "Most designers I work with act like they're doing me a favor just by dressing me."

"Their loss," Lucas replied. "Sometimes the best ideas come from collaboration."

***

February 10 arrived in the blink of an eye, and the Staples Center buzzed with excitement. The red carpet teemed with activity - fans pressed against barricades, their cheers echoing through the air, while reporters jostled for prime positions, microphones and cameras at the ready.

A parade of music's biggest stars made their way down the carpet, each arrival met with a fresh wave of enthusiasm from the crowd.

Taylor Swift glided by in a flowing white gown, her signature red lips curved in a warm smile. Rihanna turned heads in a daring, custom-designed crimson dress. Justin Timberlake, looking dapper in a classic black tux, paused to sign autographs for eager fans.

The crowd's roar intensified as Beyoncé and Jay-Z made their entrance, the power couple exuding glamour and confidence. Frank Ocean, a newcomer riding high on critical acclaim, seemed slightly overwhelmed by the attention but managed a shy wave to his supporters.

Mumford & Sons, looking sharp in coordinated suits, laughed amongst themselves as they posed for photos. The Black Keys, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, maintained their cool demeanor despite the frenzy around them.

As each artist passed, fans called out their names, waving signs and reaching out in hopes of a handshake or a selfie.

The crowd's enthusiasm ebbed and flowed as various artists made their entrances, Lucas's fans joining in the cheers for their favorite stars.

Suddenly, a sleek limousine pulled up, and a hush fell over the crowd. As the door swung open, Lucas Knight emerged, and the air erupted with excitement.

"Lucas! Over here!"

"We love you, Lucas!"

"Looking amazing, Knight!"

The cacophony of voices blended into a wall of sound as Lucas stepped onto the red carpet. Cameras flashed in rapid succession, reporters and photographers jostling for the best angle to capture Lucas's avant-garde ensemble.

As he made his way down the carpet, heads turned and conversations halted. The unique silhouette of his deconstructed tuxedo jumpsuit drew curious and admiring glances from fellow celebrities and fans alike.

"Now that's what I call making an entrance." one reporter murmured.

Lucas moved with confidence, the outfit accentuating his lithe frame as he paused to wave at fans and pose for photos. The classic elements of the tuxedo blended seamlessly with the modern jumpsuit design, creating a look that was both refreshingly new and undeniably sophisticated.

"Oh my god, is that a jumpsuit?" a young woman in a Taylor Swift t-shirt whispered to her friend.

Her friend, sporting Rihanna merchandise, nodded enthusiastically. "It totally is! But like, a fancy one? I've never seen anything like it."

A man nearby chimed in. "It's weird, it should look casual, but it doesn't. It's actually really classy."

"Do you think it's just because Lucas is wearing it?" another fan wondered aloud. "I mean, he'd look good in a paper bag."

The Taylor Swift fan shook her head. "No, it's definitely the outfit. It's like... a tuxedo and a jumpsuit had a baby. And I kind of want one now?"

"Same," another fan agreed. "I wonder if they make those for women. It looks so comfortable, but still red carpet ready."

"You think normal people could wear something like that? Like, to a wedding or something?"

"You know what? I'd actually consider trying that. It looks comfortable but still sharp."

As Lucas finished signing autographs, he made his way to the media backdrop where reporters eagerly awaited. A sea of microphones thrust towards him as cameras flashed incessantly.

Other celebrities on the red carpet noticed the sudden shift in attention, some casting curious glances in Lucas's direction.

"Lucas! Can you tell us about your outfit?" one reporter called out.

Lucas smiled, smoothing down his lapel. "It's a deconstructed tuxedo jumpsuit. I wanted to try something different this year."

"It's certainly eye-catching!" another journalist chimed in. "Now, about your collaboration with Taylor Swift. What was it like working with her?"

"Taylor's fantastic," Lucas replied warmly. "She's incredibly talented, hardworking, and genuinely kind. It was a pleasure collaborating with her."

A reporter from a gossip magazine pushed forward. "There are rumors circulating about you two. Did you develop feelings for Taylor during your time together?"

Lucas couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head. "That's ridiculous. Taylor and I are friends and collaborators, nothing more. I'm in a happy relationship with Jennifer, as everyone knows."

The reporter pressed on, "But the chemistry between you and Taylor—"

Lucas cut her off politely but firmly. "Is purely professional. We're both actors as well as musicians. Creating chemistry for a performance is part of our job."

As Lucas continued to field questions, his poise and charm on full display, it was clear that he had at least become a center of attention on the red carpet, even for a moment.

After entertaining the reporters for a while longer, Lucas moved on, greeting fellow artists.

As he made his way down the line, he spotted Taylor Swift being interviewed. He approached with a friendly wave. "Taylor! Great to see you."

Taylor's face lit up. "Lucas! You made it!"

The interviewer, sensing an opportunity, quickly turned her attention to the duo. "Lucas, Taylor, can we get a quick word about your collaboration?"

The two exchanged a glance and nodded. Lucas spoke first, "It's been an incredible experience working with Taylor. She's a true professional."

Taylor added, "Lucas brought so much creativity to the project. I think people are going to love what we've created together."

As they continued to answer questions, their easy rapport was evident. The interviewer probed for more details about their upcoming performance, but both Lucas and Taylor kept things vague, promising it would be a night to remember.

After a few more minutes of fielding questions, Lucas glanced at his watch. "I think it's about time we headed inside. The ceremony's about to start."

Taylor nodded in agreement. "You're right. We should go."

With final waves to the cameras and fans, Lucas and Taylor made their way into the Staples Center, ready for the Grammy Awards to begin.

***

The lights in the Staples Center dimmed, and the familiar Grammy logo flashed across the giant screens. The crowd hushed as the host, LL Cool J, took the stage with his characteristic charisma.

"Welcome, everyone, to the 55th Annual Grammy Awards!" he announced, his voice booming through the arena. "We've got an incredible night ahead of us, filled with amazing performances and, of course, honoring the best in music from the past year."

After a few more words of introduction and some light-hearted jokes, LL Cool J's tone shifted to one of excitement. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, we have a very special treat for you. Please welcome to the stage, in their first-ever live performance together, Taylor Swift and Lucas Knight!"

A ripple of surprise and anticipation ran through the audience. At home, viewers leaned forward in their seats, many taking to social media to express their shock and excitement.

As the lights on the stage began to change, signaling the start of the performance, the audience both in the Staples Center and at home held their breath, eager to see what these two multi-talented stars had in store.

The opening piano chords of their duet filled the arena, a melancholic yet hopeful melody that immediately captured the audience's attention. The gentle notes hung in the air for a moment before the fuller instrumentation kicked in, building a rich soundscape that set the stage for their performance.

Lucas and Taylor exchanged a meaningful glance, their expressions conveying the emotion of the song they were about to perform.

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