The next day, Maria was on time at the set, learning martial arts moves from Matthew. She even asked him to teach her some grappling techniques.Just thinking of Alexander made her feel sick. If he continued to mistake her for Mia, he would definitely pester her when they were alone.She could use him as practice then.Soon, the set was bustling again. Maria turned her head and saw Charles surrounded by Director Grant and the team.For some reason, ever since she'd come to terms with her feelings, she couldn't help but smile whenever she saw Charles.It was a kind of uncontrollable joy, a smile that she couldn't suppress.At that moment, Charles looked over at her. Seeing her smile, he smiled back."Oh, my God..."Matthew rubbed his arms dramatically and even shuddered for effect."Mimi, you and Young Master Smith are really inseparable, aren't you? Is he living on the set now? He's here every day."Maria bit her lip and smiled sweetly, "I don't know, maybe.""Of course he is!"Matth
A reporter standing by, speechless, cast a glance at the one who had just asked the question.Such an audacious query! Charles had jetted off to Europe on the day of their wedding and hadn't returned in two years. It was clearly a business alliance, devoid of love.Everyone knew the truth, yet she insisted on voicing it. Was she so desperate for a headline that she would risk her career?The staff members around darted anxious glances at Charles, fearful that the executive, who rarely gave interviews, might lose his temper.Charles lifted his gaze, casting an indifferent glance at the reporter, and then shifted his attention to Maria, who was practicing her martial arts moves."Mimi."His voice wasn't loud, but Maria heard him. Seeing Charles surrounded by reporters, she excused herself from Matthew and approached him."Honey, what's the matter?"He gently reached out, taking Maria’s hand. Seeing the fine sweat on her forehead, he furrowed his brow and asked softly, "Tired?"At his
Mia hid in Luna's room, her neck and chest covered in hickeys. She was afraid to go out, and just as afraid to stay alone in her own room.She was scared and felt wronged when she thought about Alexander, but Luna had no patience for her emotional turmoil. Mia had to deal with it alone.As she was playing a game on her phone, a news alert popped up. She was planning to ignore it, but then she saw her own name.Was it about her and Alexander?She stopped playing the game and clicking the trending news. As she braced herself for what she might see, she was greeted with several photos.The photos showed the backs of two people - unmistakably, Maria and Charles.In one of them, Charles had his arm around Maria’s shoulder, and they were smiling at each other, looking incredibly... happy.In a fit of rage, Mia threw her phone onto thefloor."Why do I have to hide like a rat while that wretched Maria takes my place and trends with Charles?"Thinking about Alexander's sleazy grin, she felt h
The next morning, Mia woke up early. This time, she didn't go to Luna's room. Instead, she covered her neck with a scarf, donned a mask and a baseball cap, and slipped out the door.On set.As soon as Director Grant saw Maria, he called her over. "Mia, your scenes will mainly take place in the billiard room today. We finally get to witness your incredible performance."Maria gave an embarrassed smile. "Director Grant, I'm so flattered..."Director Grant let out a hearty laugh. "Alright, Mia, no need to be modest. The script calls for it, so give us a good show, alright? Try to make your moves look as smooth as possible, got it?"The glamor of movie magic doesn't quite align with the ordinary routine of a billiard game.The focus is on striking a pose, not on whether the balls pocket or not.Maria, with a smile, acknowledged this and headed for the changing room.While she switched outfits, Director Grant had his crew prepare the set, awaiting her return.When she stepped out dressed i
Silently, Charles pulled his suit jacket collar around Maria, enveloping her in its folds.Without a word, he abruptly turned to face Director Grant. "Did you have her dress like this just to play pool?"Caught off guard, Director Grant smiled nervously, "Young Master Smith, it's for the plot...""What plot?"Charles snatched the cue stick from Maria’s hand and tossed it to the floor. The loud clatter startled everyone in the room.Young Master Smith's anger was truly terrifying. With his dark eyes filled with icy rage, he stared at Director Grant, his face frosted with anger. "Director Grant, as a top-tier director, do you depend on exploiting your actresses to build your reputation?"Director Grant was left speechless, his face flushing red then pale.Of course, his fame wasn't built on exploiting actresses; he had genuine talent.But he couldn't explain this to Charles, so he just chuckled awkwardly, "Young Master Smith, Mia is playing a cold-blooded assassin who disguises herself.
At this moment, Maria sat in Charles' car, her heart pounding in her chest.She was not blind to the anger that Director Grant had displayed earlier. His rage was only held back because of Charles' presence."Charles..." she began, biting her lower lip softly. "Do you think Director Grant will be upset and replace Mia’s role?"After all, no director would like a disobedient actress, let alone tolerate a trouble maker on set.Charles glanced at her, as she was still dressed in the outfit from the set, and he frowned deeply. "Ria, you're a girl. Should you really give in when they ask you to dress like this? Don't you have any say in it?""No," Maria shook her head, trying to explain. "As an actress, shouldn't we follow the director's guidance?""Huh..." Charles laughed in spite of his irritation. "So, if he told you to undress, would you?""Absolutely not!" Maria instinctively covered herself. "I have my own limits. There are things I will never do."Suddenly, her phone beeped twice.
Maria pouted slightly, amazed at how quickly Director Grant's attitude had changed.It was extraordinary considering how everyone on the set had to cater to his every whim, no one daring to even raise their voice at him.He was the king of the set; his word was law But now, here he was, groveling before her. It was quite the dramatic change...Seeing that she had the upper hand, Maria feigned a sigh of resignation, "Alright... If Director Grant insists, I agree with that.""Haha, fantastic!"Director Grant's voice sounded ecstatic, " Sorry to bother you and Young Master Smith. Mia, don't forget to bring the bill tomorrow for reimbursement." And with that, he hung up, clearly elated.Only then did Maria break into a joyful smile, "Hee hee... I've never seen Director Grant being so meek."Charles took the phone, slipping it back into his pocket.Seeing Maria’s face light up in a hamster-like grin, he couldn't help but smile.Suddenly, he reached over and took Maria’s phone, "Unlock it
Charles didn't want a repeat of the time he found Maria in the rain. If anything had happened to her then, he would never have forgiven himself. Now that their relationship was growing closer, and Maria was showing him more trust, he felt it was time to say that.However, after he spoke, watching Maria’s face darken, he felt a pang of regret. After all, their relationship had grown quite intimate, but it hadn't crossed that final line yet. "Ria...""I agree!" Maria interrupted him, her face tense as if she was facing a formidable enemy. "I know you're worried about me, so I don't mind you watching over me, but..." At this point, her full, pink lips pursed tightly. She struggled for a moment before continuing, "If... if you see something... can you promise not to get angry, not to blow up?"Charles was taken aback. "What?" Maria stomped her foot in frustration. How was she supposed to tell Charles about Mia’s betrayal?These past few days, she hadn't seen Alexander, but she had a