(chapter 12)
“Mommy, that must have been one fierce mosquito… Unlike Sylvie, Silas wasn’t so easily fooled. He narrowed his eyes at the “mosquito bite” on Serena’s neck. She felt embarrassed and was grateful the children were only four years old, otherwise, she wouldn’t have known how to explain it. She brushed off their curiosity with a few vague words and led them into the house.
“Welcome back,” Chuck greeted her with a sycophantic smile.
“What do you want?”
“Oh, nothing much. Um, Nina, I know I neglected you before, but I was just too busy. Now that the company has signed a contract with Harbor Point, our finances will improve, and I can make it up to you..” He was trying a different approach now that threats wouldn’t work. His only option left was to play the doting father.
However, Serena saw right through his charade. Huh… cozying up to me now so that you can sell me out again later! She found it odd, though. It was already past ten, yet Victor hadn’t caused any trouble for Chuck. She had returned home fully expecting Chuck to lash out.
“Nina?”
“Enough, Chuck. Stop making me sick. You think I don’t know what you’re up to? Drop the act. You never treated me like a daughter, and I won’t treat you like a father. Today, I’m taking Silas and Sylvie, and we’re moving out. From now on, we’re done. We’ll have nothing to do with you.”
Chuck’s expression darkened. “Serena Stone!”
Can’t even keep up the facade for more than a sentence? What pathetic self–control. Serena sneered and said, “Be thankful that I’m not taking back my mother’s share of the company!”
Half of Chuck’s renovation business belonged to her mother. She had considered reclaiming it, but she cared more about getting her children away from this toxic environment.
“Mommy, are we really moving out?” Sylvie’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she clenched her tiny fists. Beside her, Silas‘ face lit up.
“Yes! Yes, we are!” Serena held their hands and cooed, “Come on, let’s start packing.”
Acting students were often beautiful, and Serena was no exception. Her striking appearance and confident demeanor made her a standout at the film academy, earning her the title of campus queen. Of course, it also polarized her relationships; the boys adored her, while the girls tended to shun her.
Thus, despite being a third–year student, Serena had only made one friend–Zoey Anders. Zoey was lively. cheerful, and instantly likable. She was also the only person who knew about Serena’s twins. Coming from a well–off family, Zoey’s parents had bought her a luxury apartment in a prime area of Alderspring, and because finding a new place would be a hassle, Serena and the kids temporarily moved in with Zoey.
“Are you really cutting ties with your dad? Not going back?” Zoey asked.
Feeling relaxed for the first time in a while, Serena sat on the living room carpet, snacking on some chips. She told Zoey everything about last night’s events, then summed it up. “So, I’m not going back. Silas and Sylvie are still young, and I don’t want them growing up in that kind of environment.”
Zoey was fuming, her face twisted with anger as she pounded the couch. “F*cking unbelievable! Your dad- no, he doesn’t deserve to be called your father. That man is a f*cking monster! Using the kids‘ guardianship to threaten you–what a fiend!
Then, with her arms akimbo, she continued, “Jesus, I always thought that even if he wasn’t the best dad, he wouldn’t cross the line. But to sell you out for a business deal? You’re not his only daughter, why didn’t he send Clara instead? Ugh, what a d*ckhead!”
Chapter 12
While finding it amusing that her friend was even angrier than she was, Serena was touched, believing she had everything she needed, having such a loyal friend and two adorable children.
After venting, Zoey flopped back onto the carpet and took Serena’s hand. “Nina, thank goodness that old creep didn’t get his way. If you had to have a one–night stand, at least it was with a handsome guy. So, what’s your plan now? You’re still in school, and Silas and Sylvie are starting preschool in September. Tuition for all three of you is going to be a lot, and you’ll need time to look after the kids….
“I’ve thought it over,” Serena sighed. “I’ve got some money saved up, so tuition shouldn’t be an issue. But I still need to find a way to make some extra cash. Zoey, could you keep an eye out for any film projects or commercial shoots that are casting? I’d like to give it a shot.”
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“What? Have you finally come around to accepting rotes? I was starting to worry you might change careers
The old Serena hadn’t been passionate about acting. Back then, when casting crews care to the academy looking for talent, many had shown interest in her, but she always turned them down
Serena gave a faint smile. The previous Serena may not have enjoyed acting, but she did in her past life, she had spent seven years in the entertainment industry, earning her stripes as a seasoned actress Besides, acting was one of the quickest ways to earn money, and she needed it desperately
Chuck had only ever paid her tuition, leaving her to earn her own living expenses. Flow, after the fallout with him, she couldn’t count on him to cover any costs. Not that she had expected him to
“Zoey, I’m really going to need your help this time”
“C’mon Zoey rolled her eyes playfully. “We’re best friends–what’s with the formalities? Don’t worry, I know quite a few seniors and alumns who are doing pretty well in the industry. But it’s already pretty late today. I start making calls tomorrow and see if there’s any suitable role for you
“And I’ll start apartment–hunting tomorrow,” Serena said, sprawled on the couch. She couldn’t impose on Zoey forever
Zoey, munching on chips, nearly choked at Serena’s words. Serena quickly handed her a glass of water. Zoey gulped it down before exclaiming, “Why do you want to apartment–hunt when you can just stay here with me?! It’s a three–bedroom apartment. The kids can share one room, and we can each have our own.”
“No, I can’t keep troubling you like this.”
“Hear me out, alright?” Zoey insisted, grabbing Serena’s hand and counting off her reasons. There are a ton of benefits to living here. Think about it. You’ve got two young kids. What will you do with them when you’re working? They’re only four years old. Even if they’re mature for their age, they’re still just little kids. Would you feel safe leaving them home alone? If you stay here, I can help watch them when I’m free. When school starts, we can take turns picking them up. Plus, let’s be realistic–renting a decent apartment in Alderspring Jsn’t cheap. Do you want to spend all your money on rent?”
Serena bit her lip, leaving a faint mark. Zoey had a point. She wouldn’t have much time to look after the Children if she was working, and they were still so young…
Looking at her friend’s hesitant expression–lip–biting, doe–eyed–Zoey couldn’t help but feel a pang of affection. My goodness, this girl… Even as a woman, she couldn’t help but want to protect Serena.
Zoey cleared her throat. “Of course, I’m not suggesting you live here for free. You know me–I’m hopeless at cooking. I’m so sick of takeout. If you stay, just make meals whenever you’re around and handle the house chores in lieu of rent. What do you say?”
Without a word, Serena hugged Zoey, her eyes crinkling into happy crescents. She knew exactly what Zoey was doing–making it easy for her to accept the offer.
Resting her head on Zoey’s shoulder, she sighed, “Zoey, what would I do w
you?”
“Ugh, so cheesy,” Zoey said, laughing.
The next morning, Zoey got up early and, after breakfast, started calling her contacts. Her persistence paid off, and by noon, she ended a call with a triumphant laugh.
Silas remained unfazed while Sylvie patted her chest in scare, whispering to Serena, “Mommy, did Aunt Zoey get hit on the head or something?”
Serena chuckled and tapped her daughter’s forehead. “Don’t say that.”
Meanwhile, Zoey jumped up from the carpet and rushed over to Serena, grabbing her arm and shaking it excitedly. “Girl, you’re so lucky! Starlight Media, a subsidiary of Globex Corporation, is producing a historical
Chapter 11
drama called ‘Legacy of Ash: The actress playing the secondary lead just dropped out for some reason, and they’re holding auditions to find a replacement. The role is for a seductive, bewitching character. I read the original novel, and you fit the part perfectly!”
Serena’s eyes widened with excitement. “Really?”
“Absolutely! The production budget is around 200 million, and I heard that Lennox Savill, the CEO of Globex, is working with the director to cast the main roles. Girl, you’ve struck gold!”
Serena couldn’t contain her joy.
Without wasting any time, Zoey drove her Beetle to the studio backlot with Serena and the twins in tow. Zoey had already spoken to a contact in the production team to pre–register Serena, so they only needed to check in and wait for the audition.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Serena watched the trees flash by as they sped down the road. Her palms were sweaty, and her heart pounded in her chest. She hadn’t expected to have the chance to return to her craft so quickly.
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