ear 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
C
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.
Rate the Translation to Get 2 Pearls.
Wait! I Have Something to Say!
The entertainment industry was a complicated place. In her past life, Serena had refused to play by the unspoken rules, and although her looks had given her a boost, it had taken her seven years to climb to the status of a B–list actress. Now, uncertainty gnawed at her.
During her previous life, when she had become pregnant, she had essentially cut ties with the industry, so she had no idea that “Legacy of Ash was being produced, nor did she know if the director or producers were the kind of people who took advantage of newcomers, either. Despite being a trained actress, she doubted that a production with such a hefty budget would cast an inexperienced actress like her as the secondary lead.
With those thoughts, a sense of defeat washed over her. Even if she didn’t land the role, it wouldn’t hurt to try, there might still be some smaller parts available.
Sylvie was more excited than anyone else, practically bouncing up and down in her car seat. If it weren’t for the seatbelt, she might have jumped right out of the car. She leaned over the back of Serena’s seat, her little face flushed with excitement. “Mommy, Mommy, are you going to be a big star? Like a magical princess who can cast spells?”
As they stopped at a red light, Zoey glanced over with a smile and answered for Serena, “Your mommy is going to be even more amazing than a magical princess–she’ll be able to cast spells and fly!”
“Wow, you have to give it your best, Mommy!”
Serena could only smile wryly. They hadn’t even confirmed anything yet, but Sylvie was already acting like the role was hers.
When they arrived at the studio backlot, Zoey parked the car and made a quick call to a friend who was already there, asking him to come out and escort Serena to the audition queue. Zoey stayed behind, giving Serena a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Good luck, girl. I’m taking my godchildren to lunch. Once you’re done, have my friend call me, and I’ll come pick you up.”
She knew Serena preferred not to draw attention to the fact that she had two kids, fearing they might be judged. Zoey also had another consideration–if it became public knowledge that an aspiring actress had two children out of wedlock, it could severely hinder her chances in the industry.
“Serena followed Zoey’s friend, Yves Luxton, who was also an alumnus of their school and had made a name, for himself in the industry. He had agreed to register Serena for the audition as a favor to Zoey, but when he saw Serena, his eyes lit up.
Serena had dressed up for the audition, applying light makeup and donning a knee–length red dress to fit the seductive image of the secondary lead. Her wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders, and every movement exuded a bewitching charm.
Though Yves had spent three years in the industry and seen plenty of beautiful women, he couldn’t help but feel his pulse quicken at the sight of Serena. What’s happening to me?!
He composed himself and greeted her, “You must be Serena Stone, right? I’m Yves Luxton, a friend of Zoey’s. I’m playing a supporting role in “Legacy of Ash. You really match the look they’re going for with the secondary lead. I’m sure Lyle, the director, will be impressed.”
“Thank you,” Serena replied sincerely.
Hearing the director’s name made her breathe a sigh of relief. Lyle Fisher was well–known in the industry for being a no–nonsense, stern director. She had worked with him once before and knew that he was strict and impartial, with no tolerance for the shady side of show business.
Following Yves backstage, Serena saw a line of hopeful actresses waiting to audition. When the door opened, many of them turned to look, their faces showing a mix of envy and jealousy as they saw her walk in with Yves.
