Chapter 6

6 - Mia Lauren Hudson

"Do you believe in love at first sight? No, I bet you don't. You must be too sensitive for that. Or have you ever seen someone and knew that if that person really knew you, they would, of course, get rid of the perfect model they were with and realize that you were the person they wanted to grow old with? Have you ever fallen in love with someone you've never talked to?"

- While You Were Sleeping

My hands were cold and I felt that at any moment I would have a stroke as I watched the entrance to New Scene. The tall, golden letters were covered with tiny snowflakes, glowing softly in the dim afternoon light. The glass door, in contrast with the dark and imposing walls, looked like a portal to a new world. The cold of the snow didn't help calm my nerves, but served as a reminder of the hard and beautiful reality that awaited me.

In that moment, a welcoming fear filled my heart. It wasn't a fear of them perhaps not liking my demeanor, but that good fear of feeling that the door to my dream was ajar. It was a fear of change, of leaving behind everything I knew and diving into the unknown. But it was also a palpable excitement, an anticipation of something big and significant. It was as if my whole body was aware of the crucial moment I was about to experience.

The feeling, already nostalgic within me, made me gather strength and take the first step, followed by the second... Until my hands were already turning that doorknob. The cold metal against my skin seemed like tangible proof that I was there, that it was all real. With each movement, the anticipation grew, and I could almost hear my heart beating louder, as if it wanted to break free from my chest.

When I finally pushed the door, I felt a warm breeze envelop me, bringing with it the distant murmur of busy voices. I stepped in, allowing the door to close softly behind me. I took a step forward, feeling the firm ground beneath my feet, and took a deep breath, letting the new reality completely envelop me.

The walls were cream-colored, smooth and immaculate, conveying a sense of calm and professionalism. With my hands tucked into my coat, I carefully observed the entire place. There was an organized reception, decorated with green plants that added a touch of life to the environment. Abstract paintings hung on the walls offered a bit of color and modernity to the space. A little further ahead, there was a woman behind a large desk, busy with papers and a computer. She seemed absorbed in her work and didn't notice my arrival.

I felt uncomfortable and somewhat lost, not knowing what the first thing I should do was. My body was tense, and I could feel the anxiety growing. I didn't know whether I should flash a friendly smile or simply sit in one of those comfortable armchairs and wait for the director to call me. The brown leather armchairs looked inviting, but my nervousness prevented me from making any decision clearly.

How I wished my mother was with me at that moment. Her presence always gave me security, and I desperately wanted to ask her what to do. I missed her advice and her ability to dispel my fears with a simple look or encouraging word. But I was alone. Indeed, completely alone. Who besides my mother could dispel my fears at that moment? Her absence made the place seem even more intimidating, and I wondered if I could face it all without her support.

I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to find some strength within me. I took a deep breath, trying to remember all the times my mother told me I was strong and capable. The memory of her words gave me a small comfort, and I opened my eyes again, determined to do my best, even without her by my side.

And it was at that moment that a warm and firm voice reached my ears.

"Just smile, show confidence, and be yourself."  that voice, almost like a whisper, sounded familiar.

"Do you think it's easy to be myself?" I asked whoever it was and then turned on my heels. "My God!" I gasped.

Was that Apollo Castiello? My heart raced as I recognized him. Why was he there? And why were his eyes so incredibly blue? It was as if my mind had been transported out of the real world, getting lost in the depth of those eyes. My mother had acted alongside Eros Castiello, Apollo's father, years ago, but I had never had the opportunity to meet him. And now, there he was, in front of me, like a vision out of a dream.

His golden blonde hair seemed to have been combed with his fingers, giving him a messy yet irresistibly charming look. The soft light of the room reflected off the golden strands, making them shine in a mesmerizing way. The light, clear beard added a touch of maturity to his young face, but it was in the eyes that my attention was fixed. They were such a deep and clear blue, like the summer sky I loved so much. Those eyes brought me an unexpected peace and left me completely speechless.

I tried to understand what he was doing there. Why was he in that place, at that moment? It seemed like an encounter orchestrated by fate, something I couldn't have predicted. His presence filled the room with an energy I couldn't describe. It was as if everything around me had faded into the background and only he existed.

The image of my mother acting alongside Eros Castiello appeared in my mind, blending with the reality of standing face to face with Apollo. There was something almost magical about that unexpected encounter. My heart was beating wildly, and I felt small and large at the same time, scared and excited, confused and curious.

"Being a Hudson is never easy." His smile pulled me out of my reverie. "Pleasure, Mia, I'm Apollo."

"How do you know me?" Distrust hit me.

He laughed and then scanned my face.

"I dare say our parents knew each other." He smiled sideways.

"Yes. But I don't." I turned my head and looked ahead.

How strange! I had never seen him in person before, except on movie screens or TV, and now, standing in front of me, was that guy I knew only through the characters he played. It was the first time I saw him for real, and yet there was a strange familiarity, as if this meeting had happened before somewhere distant in my memory.

His features were even more impressive in person: the way his strong jaw moved when he spoke, the shine in his eyes that seemed to hold secrets of worlds he had explored in his roles. It was as if the screen couldn't capture his entire presence, all the energy he emanated. Every detail of him seemed to resonate with something inside me, something I couldn't identify, but that was there, palpable and undeniable.

"You're not being yourself." He suddenly said and then placed himself in front of me, blocking my view. His frame was much larger than mine and he wore a light blue long-sleeved shirt.

"You don't know me." I insisted, and suddenly an irritation took over me.

"You're a Hudson." He arched an eyebrow.

Why did he keep repeating that? Why was that unbearable man in my way?

"For mentioning my married last name, you shouldn't be talking to me and shouldn't be in my way. So, if you'll excuse me." I passed by him.

I simply hated it when someone addressed me as just Bradley's wife, as just Mrs. Hudson. Damn it, I was Mia Lauren. I had my own qualities and not Bradley's, and God forbid if I had his.

"Apollo and Mia!" An excited and extremely anxious tone reached my ears. Apollo didn't seem surprised to call our names together, but I was. "We've been waiting a long time to show you both to the world."

What? The penny dropped with an almost audible impact. Apollo would be acting alongside me in the movie. The realization that that man would be by my side on the screens hit me hard. And at that moment, I realized my life was about to change drastically and that the peace I had imagined might be a distant dream.

"Now it's our turn, Mia Lauren." Apollo's voice was a soft whisper in my ear, loaded with unexpected intimacy. I felt a shiver run down my spine and a sudden warmth spread through my body. "We started well and you're even more beautiful in person." He added, his blue eyes fixed on mine for a brief, eternal second before stepping away to join the producer.

I stood there, mouth agape, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. That unexpected compliment, coming from someone like him, made my heart leap. I was... Happy. A genuine and almost childlike happiness, as if I had received the most precious of gifts. The insecurity that so often haunted me gave way to a feeling of validation and pride. Was I beautiful?