On the Set of Bruce Almighty
Director Todd Phillips noticed something unusual—Jennifer's performance had noticeably improved. Her ability to immerse herself in the role was quicker than ever, especially in scenes involving emotional interactions with Martin. The chemistry between the two was so genuine and sweet that it felt as though they were truly in love.
After filming wrapped up each day, Martin would stay back to discuss The Hangover script with Todd Phillips, while Jennifer always left the set first. Martin followed shortly after, but no one knew the two of them were meeting up every night at the Hilton Hotel, engaging in their passionate rendezvous.
Under the warmth of "love," Jennifer, who was once plagued by betrayal from her husband, seemed to grow more radiant, as if she had turned back the clock by five or six years.
One day, Brad Pitt's manager, Brad Grey, visited the set, bringing a message from Brad Pitt.
"Jennifer, are you sure you want a divorce?"
"Yes, I'm sure," Jennifer replied firmly, her tone cold.
Brad Grey, understanding her frustration, softened his approach. "Brad is open to a separation for now, but he'd like to delay the formal divorce proceedings."
Jennifer smirked. "Delay? What for? So he can have time to father a child with the maid?"
Grey maintained his composure and explained, "The division of assets won't happen overnight. Plus, there's the matter of your joint production company, Plan B. The share distribution will take time to finalize."
Jennifer pondered for a moment before responding, "I don't want the company. Just return the money I invested in it."
At the time, Plan B had not yet produced hits like The Departed, Moonlight, or 12 Years a Slave. Its value was negligible.
"And spousal support?" Grey asked cautiously, hiding his relief.
Jennifer scoffed. "Oh, is he trying to avoid paying that? Fine. I don't need spousal support either. Just split the marital assets fairly."
Grey nodded, sensing a path forward. "In that case, the process should be resolved within a year."
"The sooner, the better," Jennifer said impatiently. She only wanted to end things with Brad and regain her freedom.
As Brad Grey left, he passed by Martin, who had just finished filming. He nodded politely, and Martin returned the gesture before walking over to Jennifer.
"Was that Brad's manager?" Martin asked casually.
"Yes, he came to negotiate terms," Jennifer replied with a wry smile.
Martin, aware of Brad Grey's talent in the industry, briefly considered recruiting him but decided against it. Jennifer's expression made it clear she wasn't in the mood to dwell on business. Besides, in Hollywood, talent was abundant. But women like Jennifer? She was unique.
That evening, Martin brought Jennifer, who was still upset, to his Beverly Hills mansion for the first time.
Jennifer was stunned. The luxurious decor, the gorgeous maids, and the massive walk-in closet left her in awe.
"Oh my God! Am I seeing things? Is that Nicole Kidman's name?"
"Charlize Theron? There were rumors about you two, but I thought they were just tabloid nonsense. So they were true?"
"Ivanka Trump? The real estate mogul's daughter? I've met her before!"
"Paris Hilton? The heiress of the Hilton empire? Are you kidding me?"
As she walked through the mansion, reading the labels on the wardrobe, Jennifer's exclamations filled the air.
Strangely, instead of feeling angry or betrayed, Jennifer felt a sense of pride. Seeing Martin's transparency about his past affairs didn't bother her.
Perhaps it was because, among all these women, she felt like the special one.
Or maybe it was because she never intended to marry Martin.
But the biggest reason was undoubtedly the magic of "true love" working its charm.
That night, Jennifer unleashed all her pent-up frustrations in a passionate frenzy with Martin. By the time morning came, her mood had significantly improved.
The next day, Jennifer's best friend, Courteney Cox, arrived unexpectedly on set.
"Don't smile so much! I didn't come to see you—I came to see Martin!" Courteney joked, shielding her eyes with her hand as if searching for him.
When she spotted Martin striding toward them, she panicked.
"Oh no, he's coming! Martin's coming! What should I do? Should I hide?"
Jennifer looked at her friend in confusion. "Why are you so nervous? Martin doesn't bite."
Unbeknownst to Jennifer, Courteney had been having recurring dreams about Martin since the night she eavesdropped on their... activities. Sometimes, in moments of solitude, she would even whisper his name without realizing it.
When Martin reached them, he caught the tail end of their conversation. "Who's biting who?" he asked with a playful smile.
Before Jennifer could answer, Courteney jumped in. "Oh, Martin! I'm Courteney Cox. Nice to see you again!" She nervously extended her hand, which Martin shook politely.
Martin noticed her sweaty palm and racing heartbeat. What's going on with her? he wondered. Did she... develop feelings for me?
Jennifer, oblivious to Courteney's inner turmoil, reassured Martin, who then invited both women to dinner that evening.
At dinner, Courteney couldn't help but marvel at how attentive Martin was. Despite his young age, he was an excellent conversationalist, making everyone feel included and at ease.
"No wonder he's rising so quickly in Hollywood," she thought. "It takes an extraordinary person to do extraordinary things."
That night, Jennifer and Courteney shared a hotel room. Lying in bed, they chatted late into the night.
"Do you think you and Martin will end up together?" Courteney asked.
"Of course not. He's so young, and he's made it clear he doesn't believe in marriage. But he promised me one thing: as long as I don't leave him, he'll never leave me. So... I guess we'll stay together forever."
Courteney sighed wistfully. "You're so lucky, Jen."
Jennifer just smiled. For now, she was content.