However, Nicole was just a high school student, and she had never acted before. How could she possess such excellent acting skills?The jealousy in Chloe's heart caused her to raise her hands to slap Nicole after she was done saying her lines. And so, the hands headed straight toward Nicole's cheeks.Nicole noticed the height of Chloe's hands and her eyes froze.'This little b*tch wants to take this opportunity to give me a real slap?' she wondered.Without giving it much thought, Nicole grabbed onto Chloe's hand and retaliated with a slap of her own.With a loud smack, the air became still.This left Chloe stunned, as well as everyone who was present, for it was not written in the script.Unexpectedly, Nicole changed the lines and looked at Chloe with downcast eyes. "That is between me and him. What right do you have to interfere? Nina, please know your place! You have no right to tell me off!"The powerful aura and the restrained sadness were perfectly depicted through her ac
If it was not for her astute observation on how strong Chloe was, she would not have gotten that idea. However, she had not expected her idea smite Nachelle's heart."Of course, I love it. Screenwriter, please come over here and change this scene according to what Nicole had said," Nachelle ordered."Okay!" The screenwriter quickly came over to cross check the lines with Nicole while Chloe was still left perplexed.'What does this even mean? Her action scenes just changed...just like that? And now...she has to beat me up?!' she panicked.Chloe was traumatized at the thought of reshooting the scene again. Her face still burned from the slap earlier."Let's go and get your face touched up, Miss Chloe." Chloe's manager hurried her to have her makeup done upon noticing the mark of the palm on her face.Nicole looked at Chloe's figure as the latter retreated, and the corner of her lips lifted by a little.'Fight me? She's too immature,' Nicole thought.Twenty minutes later, the scre
Nicole's expression displayed nothing but sincerity.Due to her exceptional acting earlier, everyone on set had no doubt that she had not done it on purpose.Gently and kindly, Nachelle said, "It's okay. Since the script has been modified, you should get yourselves familiarized with it. Then, we'll go ahead and do another round.""Okay.' Nicole nodded with a smile and turned to look at Chloe as that same smile vanished, replaced with a playful smirk."What do you think? Chloe, can you handle it?" she asked.Chloe gritted her teeth in hatred. "You did it on purpose!"Nicole beamed, and candidly confessed, "Yeah, of course I did it on purpose."At this moment, Chloe really wanted to rip Nicole's hair out, but she knew that if she did that, no one here would be on her side. Thus, she gritted her teeth and swallowed down her anger."Nicole, are you ready?" Nachelle shouted from behind."Ready!" Nicole smiled and flexed her wrists.Chloe felt her heart quivering, and after receivi
"Okay, thank you, Nachelle." Nicole nodded and watched as the director left the scene.The filming crew had also begun to pack their things.After that, Lloyd came over and asked, "How are you? Tired?"It was only then that Nicole realized Lloyd had been observing the filming on set. There were a few scenes in which she and Lloyd were together, and she never thought that he had not left after his scenes were done."I'm not tired. I think it was quite fun, but why are you still here at this hour?" Nicole asked.Lloyd smiled. "I just wanted to stay back and watch you film for a while."Nicole looked into his passionate eyes and attempted to avoid further eye contact. "Oh well, I'm going to leave first if there's nothing else."It was late, and Jared had said that he would come for a visit after he had finished his work."Let's go together." Lloyd walked beside her with pursed lips.He had intentions to invite Nicole out for dinner again to make up for the mishap that had happene
Nicole raised her eyebrows. "Right. You'd be the one to know everything.""Of course. You're my number one priority. I'd like to know everything about you as soon as possible," Jared said in an assertive tone of voice.Nicole smiled. "Don't worry. It wasn't me who got beaten to pulp. It was Chloe. Her face should still be hurting right now."Jared smiled, though he was struck with a pang of regret, as he did not get to witness it due to work holding him back, which had led to him waiting for her outside of the filming set. "It must've been very interesting.""It was very natural." Nicole curled up her lips.Jared casually wrapped his arms around her. "Since it's the weekend, do come over and stay at my place."Nicole was alerted. "No, I'm very exhausted today and I have to film tomorrow too..."'Every time I go to his place, I would be eaten alive. I would rather go home and get some well-deserved rest,' she thought."But I miss you very much. You've been heading straight to th
Nicole answered the call through her Bluetooth earphone."Hello? Nicole?" the voiced asked."Ike?"It had since been a long time since Nicole had gotten a call from Ike, and yet, she instantly recognized his voice."Hello, Miss Busy. Do you still remember me? I heard not too long ago that you've entered the entertainment industry now." Ike said on the other end of the phone, teasing Nicole with his feet propped up on his desk."I'm just helping a friend out with a favor. How are you doing?" Nicole asked."What else can I do? I'm continuing with the research after you've left, now that Scott Harmon has placed all the burden onto my shoulders," he replied."I'm sorry." Nicole sighed.She had no reason to stay there."There's nothing to be sorry about. Scott was tremendously apologetic. When he came back and found out that you've quit, he fired two of the employees that had given you a hard time," he explained."Such a thing happened?" Nicole asked, not knowing that Scott had go
His brazen praise was heard by the few people surrounding them. Many averted their gaze, but most of them were blown away by Nicole's beauty. Her makeup today suited her well."Thanks." Nicole sat down calmly, after which she waited for the filming to start.At that moment, the screenwriter approached her and asked, "Miss Nicole. Do you have any thoughts on the script today?"Nicole shook her head, thinking, 'Does she think that I would want to change the scene every day?'Chloe, who was spectating from the back, noticed the special treatment Nicole was getting. Though furious, she could only watch on helplessly. Chloe was nothing more than a third lead actor who neither the director nor the crew would pay attention to.Nicole sighed as she read that there were intimate physical scenes. 'It's a good thing that Jared didn't come over today. Otherwise, it would not sit well with his possessive nature. If Lloyd and I were to hug, he would not sit still...'It was not long before the
'Investor? When did this guy become an investor in this drama? He didn't even tell me! Besides, didn't I ask him not to come? Look at him now! Walking in like he owns this place! He's even inspecting our progress here! What the heck is going on?!' she thought.Nachelle could only smile and bear with Jared's attitude. "Of course. As an investor, it's only natural for you to want to know what's going on."It was nothing out of the ordinary for the production crew, so Nachelle just continued on with her work calmly.But when she was about to turn to Lloyd, Jared said, "Mr. Lloyd is the best actor alive. Why would he need to do a second take?"Nachelle's and Lloyd's faces soured the instant Jared said that. Nicole was taken aback as she came to a realization as well. Indeed, Lloyd's acting was good enough in that scene. There was absolutely no need for them to do a second take.Lloyd became awkward as Jared had seen through his intentions.If he insisted for a second take, people wou
"Let's go, it's time to head down. The ceremony will start soon."The group laughed and talked as they left the bridal suite. Jared and his friends, Spencer and Preston, were also guided out by everyone.Now, only the family of four remained in the bridal suite, getting ready for their big entrance."Mommy, it's almost time. Let's get ready," Nolan said, pulling on Nicole's hand.Nicole gently patted Nolan and Lana's cheeks, whispering, "Okay."As she made to stand, Jared extended his hand toward her. Lifting her gaze, she caught Jared in a moment of elegance, his charm unmistakable. A smile bloomed on her face as she placed her hand in his.With a gentle tug, Jared drew her up, his touch tender against her palm.In a swift move, he pulled Nicole into his arms, his other hand circling her waist to pull her close.As Jared looked at Nicole, admiration shimmered in his eyes. "You look truly beautiful today," he remarked."Daddy, Mommy is beautiful every day," Lana chimed in, til
Nicole laughed off the debate between Lulu and June, saying, "Both are lovely. I'm happy with either."Both sets of jewelry were beautiful, and she felt that either would do."Exactly. Nicole will shine in anything," Cindy said, picking a set. "Let's go with this one."Lulu gave June a victorious look. "Told you this was the one."Cindy then suggested, "Why not wear this for the ceremony and switch for the reception? That way, we use both.""Great idea," June agreed, smiling at Cindy's suggestion.Nicole smiled. "Sounds perfect."With everyone agreeing, the stylist went ahead with preparing Nicole.Lulu watched Nicole, amazed by how calm she seemed. "Aren't you a bit nervous?" she asked. Lulu remembered her own wedding jitters.Nicole bit her lip, a hint of nerves showing. "I'm more excited than anything," she admitted.She had been looking forward to this day, ready to face the future with Jared with hope and joy."Just finished," the stylist announced, stepping back to adm
"Do you think I don't want to meet someone? I just haven't found the right person," Gary said somewhat resignedly. He had long regarded Nicole as just a friend."Why don't we just try the dates our families set up?" Ryder suggested, calm and collected. He figured since finding someone on his own wasn't working, maybe arranged dates could help. In their circles, it seemed like good matches were meant to be."Arranged dates don't sound great. You hardly know the person. Are we really okay with deciding to spend our lives together like that?" Preston wasn't too keen on the idea."Emery's doing pretty well with it, you know," Ryder said confidently. "I trust our families. They wouldn't set us up with someone terrible. They've probably made sure we'd be a good match."Gary thought it over. "You might be right. Our families aren't just trying to make deals; they want us to be happy."As Gary and Ryder seemed more into the idea, Preston was still unsure. "You guys are serious?""Why not
Jared held Nicole close and looked at her. "After we get married, we'll move to the estate," he said.Their future home would be just theirs.He thought it was good for Nicole to spend more time with her family since she hadn't been with them for five years. But they knew they would move to the estate later."Okay," Nicole said, nodding. She was happy Jared made the estate close to her family, so she was okay with moving.Jared gently touched her hair and kissed her...****Time flew, and soon it was Nicole and Jared's wedding day.From the morning, San Joto was alive with excitement. Everyone was talking about Jared and Nicole's wedding.Politicians, business leaders, close friends, and business partners all came to wish the couple well.The Riddles were busy welcoming the guests, making everything look amazing."Patricia, hurry up, Charlie's here," Ellar called out as he spotted Charlie. He quickly got Patricia to come and greet him. Max, hearing the fuss, came over too.C
"You really need to rest. You shouldn't work for the next few days. Stay home and rest. A bride has to look her best," Gloria said, looking at Nicole and making the decision for her."Bride!" Nicole was surprised because she hadn't talked about any wedding yet."Yes, now that everything is settled, it's time for your wedding with Jared," Gloria said, deciding firmly. She used to think it was best for the kids to decide for themselves, but after several delays, she felt waiting longer made no sense. The wedding should happen soon."I was thinking that too," Jared said. They had planned the wedding after solving the Everett problem, but then they found out Lawrence had hurt Nicole in the past, causing more delays. Now, with everything sorted out, they saw no reason to wait. The wedding was the next big step.Nicole looked at Jared and, with a smile, agreed, "Okay." Their wedding had been waiting for five years; it was time, with no need to wait any longer."That's so cool, I'm the f
Patricia felt a mix of reluctance and happiness as she prepared to part ways with Charlie.Jared glanced at Charlie and said, "It's about time for us to board." He tenderly held Nicole's hand and led her toward the boarding gate."I need to go through the boarding procedures too," Patricia said, biting her lip. "You must find happiness as well.""I will," Charlie assured her with a gentle smile, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You've grown up, too. You don't need to cling to me anymore. I believe Ellar will take great care of you."Patricia nodded, then, leaning closer to Charlie, she whispered, 'When Mr. Johnston and Ms. Riddle get married, make sure you bring my future sister-in-law back with you.' Caught off guard, Charlie playfully scolded her, "You little rascal."Doretta, standing not too far away, overheard Patricia's whispered words. Her cheeks turned even redder."Let's go," Patricia announced, then turned to Doretta, adding, "We'll meet again.""Goodbye,
Lying in bed with Nicole cradled in his arms, Jared whispered gently, "Sleep for a bit.""Mhm." Finally feeling at peace, Nicole smiled slightly, and she quickly fell asleep.As Jared listened to her soft breathing, his eyes softened with affection, and he too closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.The next morning, as the group got ready to head back to San Joto, Zane and Doretta came to say goodbye."I still have things to finish here, but I promise to be at your wedding," Zane said with a big smile."And I'll be there to wish you well, Nicole," Doretta added.Saying goodbye is always hard, but everyone knew they had their own journeys to continue."Great, we'll see you in San Joto," Nicole said with a bright smile."It's time to go," Zane said, knowing they couldn't wait any longer without risking missing their plane."I've got the paperwork," Patricia said, ready to help with the travel documents for Jared and Nicole. Then, looking at Charlie, she asked, "Need help with
Nicole was quiet, thinking about everything. 'If I hadn't remembered everything, maybe Lawrence and I could have stayed friends. But after finding out about the airport, it's impossible...'Not only had she regained her memory, but she had also learned about the airport incident. Lawrence had gone to great lengths to prevent her from returning to San Joto."Thanks for saving me before, but you also hurt me. We're even now," Nicole said calmly, looking at Lawrence like he was someone she didn't know anymore.Jared squeezed Nicole's hand gently. "Let's go."They decided to leave the rest to Zane and head back."Wait." Lawrence's voice stopped Nicole. He sounded almost like he was begging. "Please, don't tell Nolan about this."Nicole paused, then said, "I won't tell him. Not for you, but because I don't want Nolan to see how bad people can be."With that, Nicole walked away with Jared.Lawrence sat down, watching her leave, with mixed feelings."Let's go too," Patricia said to C
"Your robots don't work anymore," a voice said, sounding very pleased. Then, a person came out from behind the crowd, looking pretty proud of himself."Carl!" Nicole was shocked to see him. 'It's Carl!'"It's been a while." Carl smiled and waved at Nicole.Carl had come as soon as Zane told him about the problem. He couldn't just do nothing when Nicole needed help.He didn't expect them to act so soon, which is why he was a little late. But he was still in time to help. Carl was surprised by Lawrence's robots at first, but luckily, the weapons he brought, which he had been working on for years, stopped the robots. This was a big help to everyone."We really need to thank Carl; we would have been in big trouble without him," Zane said, feeling relieved.Zane had asked Carl for help, hoping it would make them more likely to win, but Carl ended up being very important."Thank you," Nicole said with a warm smile. It was nice to see an old friend again."No need to thank me. I'm jus