Bab 405: atmosphere.

Billy arrived home after filming, with Curtis' shots and the production schedule typically running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. for night shoots. Today's work had been smooth, so Billy returned to his mansion at 3:00 p.m. He saw Monica with Winona working in the garden, which now featured fruit trees, strawberries, tomatoes, raspberries, oranges, and a rose garden that would bloom seasonally. That was the charm of flowers.

Their efforts had extended beyond the garden, adding plants and decor to the mansion—art, furniture, and vibrant touches that gave the home a more Italian vibe. Everything felt luxurious yet alive with color.

-You're home early, my love,- Monica said softly. Contrary to popular belief, she spoke gently, especially to her loved ones. She stood up, walked over to Billy, and greeted him with a deep kiss as he stepped out of his blue car.

"It was a good day," Billy replied, surveying the changes around the house. When they debated between building a pool or a garden, Monica had chosen the garden and even suggested a vineyard, but they realized they'd need to buy a villa in San Jose.

-Oh, darling, your agent called. He mentioned another audition, and guess what? I might have one too. I've been improving my accent and acting skills,- Monica murmured, embracing Billy.

"That's great, Monica. I'm glad things are moving forward," Billy said, noticing Winona frowning from a distance, dressed in her gardening clothes.

-I think it's time we went out somewhere—a restaurant, maybe a club. We could use a little fun,- Billy sighed.

Monica nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling. The mansion felt warmer now with the recent changes. While the women got ready, Billy used the time to finish the day's work. He set aside watching Shaman King and Samurai X for now, as he focused on how the artistic style of both series, blending Victorian and anime influences, was perfect for adapting comic designs. He also pondered One Piece, noting how its art carried a Van Gogh-like, Impressionist touch.

After finishing the latest chapter of Yu-Gi-Oh, and with the women still getting ready, Billy picked up the phone and dialed Jim Waiit. They had discussed a promising audition that Jim wanted Billy to be part of.

-Not too long ago, we talked about Titanic. There's been some back and forth, but the first step in building that relationship is for you to join the audition,- Jim said.

-Where are the auditions being held? -

-At Fox Studios. You can still manage your work on the Regency film. The auditions are in Los Angeles, and they expect to start filming in May. The audition is the day after tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., - Jim informed him.

-Perfect. I recently had a conversation with Jim Gianopulos, and we're looking to establish a close relationship with CAA, at least for their production packages, as long as they don't interfere with any terms we set with directors or producers. Speaking of which, a novice director handling cuts for animated series could be brilliant. Call him—there might be some new business to discuss with Jim Waiit. Oh, and you mentioned something about a role for Monica. - Billy responded thoughtfully.

Illy took a deep breath as he listened to Jim Waiit on the other end of the phone, nodding in approval. Jim was ensuring that the roles for Mónica wouldn't involve any uncomfortable or inappropriate scenes, and that gave Billy a sense of relief. Yet, he couldn't shake the weight on his shoulders. He found himself at an emotional crossroads, torn between his desire to protect Mónica and his tendency to keep his distance, a strategy he had adopted as a form of self-preservation over the years. As he took a sip of pure whiskey, the strong taste mixed with his thoughts, bringing back memories of past relationships where his lack of commitment and emotional detachment had left deep scars.

-It's good that you're handling it this way, Jim. We'll talk more later about the roles and everything else we're dealing with,- Billy said, extinguishing the cigarette he had lit moments before.

The conversation shifted to other topics, and Billy briefly reflected on potential investments in the projects he had in mind. However, concerns about Mónica lingered at the back of his mind. The project she was involved in needed to be handled with care, especially when it came to the contract details.

***

Elsewhere in Los Angeles, Gwyneth arrived at her apartment, exhausted after a trip to Paris filled with excess. The city had been a whirlwind of parties, self-indulgence, and escapism, and now the fatigue was evident in every step she took. She felt caught between her parents' constant warnings about her impulsive behavior and the consequences of her actions. Paris had been released, but the price she paid was her dignity—a thought that echoed in her mind, especially after Carson had distanced himself from her.

Upon arriving at her apartment, she spotted a gift box on the table—a necklace of emeralds with a card. It wasn't Billy's handwriting; she knew that. It was Mónica's. The card simply read: "Merry Christmas, I hope you have wonderful holidays."

Gwyneth tried on the necklace in front of the mirror, admiring its beauty, but before she could fully savor the moment, she heard the door open. Leonardo, her young and charming boyfriend, arrived shortly after, and his mere presence prompted her to quickly hide the necklace and the box in the bathroom. Leonardo was jealous, and any sign of a gift from someone else could spark suspicion.

--We should invite some friends over and throw a good party,-- Leonardo said casually as he unbuttoned his shirt. He was vibrant and charming, but also unpredictable, with many women orbiting around him. For him, commitment meant something entirely different; he didn't change girlfriends every week but rather kept multiple relationships going simultaneously to avoid emotional attachment.

--Don't even think about it. I've got work tomorrow, and I don't even know my lines. Last time was a drunken mess, but this time I need to deliver,-- Gwyneth replied, trying to sound firm, though the emotional chaos of the past few days still echoed in her mind.

...