Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Natalie had no intention of stirring the pot that morning, but for some inexplicable reason, Brian had gone off the deep end and insisted she get a health checkup at the hospital.

She glanced back at the car across the street that hadn’t yet pulled away, her emotions a tangled mess, and repeatedly apologized to Rosie. “It won’t happen again, I promise.”

“You should have been more careful” Rosie gently chided, guiding her inside.

But the odd thing was despite her late arrival to the set, there was not a hint of annoyance from the crew. Everyone was exceedingly polite, almost afraid to speak out of turn.

Even during the traditional first shot ceremony, where the group would light a ceremonial candle, there was a peculiar insistence that Natalie should be the one to do the honors.

When someone suggested Natalie’s name, she froze for a moment before laughing it off, “You guys must be joking. All of you are the veterans here. It wouldn’t be my place.

The others exchanged knowing looks but didn’t press the issue.

In a quiet corner, Natalie whispered to Rosie, “What’s going on? Did Gavin say something in front of them?”

“He shouldn’t even know you were late,” Rosie replied, clearly baffled.

They stared at each other, equally clueless.

Once the ceremony wrapped up, the cast headed to the hotel for a meal. Natalie found herself awkwardly seated at the main actors‘ table, the only newbie among them. Director Miller was nowhere to be seen. Out of respect, nobody dared to start eating.

The seasoned actors chatted among themselves about familiar gossip, leaving Natalie feeling out of place and bored. She decided to step out and headed towards the restroom.

*…yes, I don’t think her arm injury is serious, it shouldn’t affect her acting… I understand, we’ll schedule her scenes later and let her rest for a few days.”

Halfway there, Natalie overheard Miller’s voice coming from a slightly ajar door of an empty private dining room.

“Mr. Howard, you can rest assured, we’ve arranged a quiet room for her, far from the male producers and actors,” Miller’s voice carried clear.

Natalie caught the mention of “Mr. Howard” and stopped in her tracks.

“Don’t worry… she won’t touch a drop of alcohol, it’s not good for her healing.”

Miller’s every response to Brian was meek and compliant.

Natalie lingered out of sight until Miller finished the call and hurried back to the dining area.

Only then did she continue on her way to the bathroom.

Chapter 67

She was puzzled. Brian was the one who had hurt her most, the very person who seemed to loathe her, wanting control and causing her pain. But what baffled her was why he would treat her well behind her back without her knowledge.

Sitting in the stall, she overheard other actresses from the cast walk in, whispering about her.

“What’s the deal with Natalie? That fuss with Gracia yesterday evening was huge, yet there wasn’t a peep about it online. Everyone’s acting like nothing’s happened. Our boss doesn’t even have that kind of reach, does he?”

“I’ve been thinking the same thing. And remember how the boss invited her for dinner yesterday, and she said she had someone waiting at home? Did you catch that loaded look Gavin gave her?”

“Totally! I saw it too. It feels like there’s no connection between them, but the person who has ties with Natalie might be even more influential!”

Natalie had hoped to address the issue once the news about Gracia broke online, but as time passed, there was still no sign of a story.

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