The show was halfway through recording when the director’s voice suddenly came through: "Cut! Thanks for your hard work everyone, time for a break."
The director approached with a cheery grin, eyes squinted into narrow slits.
"Miss Thompson performs quite naturally in front of the camera, it’s rare to see a judge with such ease."
Charlotte chuckled, "I still have to thank the director and the producer for providing me with this platform."
What’s the big deal? Isn’t she just a judge? What’s unnatural about that?
Attractive, cooperative, and eloquent, Charlotte was a favorite with the director who continued to chat with her about this and that.
Charlotte exchanged a few pleasantries with the director before heading to her exclusive break room. Google seaʀᴄh novel[f]ire.net
She was still troubled by Evelyn Curtis’ issue, her heart subtly trembling.
As Charlotte was resting on the couch, eyes half-closed, someone knocked on the door.
Thinking that the show must be starting again, she stood up, straightened her clothes and prepared to walk out, only to find Coco standing at the door.
Before Charlotte could say anything, Coco hurriedly spoke up: "Charlotte, someone wants to see you outside. He said he’s an acquaintance."
Taken aback, Charlotte wondered, who could it be?
Noticing her confusion, Coco added, "He’s a man, looks a bit anxious, and rather handsome." Then she giggled to Charlotte, "Mr. Battleson would be jealous if he found out."
Charlotte shot Coco a look, "Then let him in." she said hesitantly, wondering who could have come to the set.
Coco turned to go and fetch the visitor but was stopped by Charlotte.
"Never mind, I’ll meet him myself."
Explaining her thoughts to Coco’s curious glance, Charlotte said, "It wouldn’t be appropriate to meet on set, it might stir up rumors. Where is he? I’ll meet him myself."
Upon hearing this, Coco gave Charlotte the name of a coffee shop in the building.
Charlotte nodded, put on her sunglasses, and headed out after instructing Coco, "Call me when it’s time to shoot."
Taking a few steps away from her trailer, she still couldn’t figure out who would want to see her now.
As she approached the entrance of the coffee shop, she felt tense. Though she wanted to turn back, she figured she might as well go in.
So she took a deep breath and walked in.
The café had a vintage décor with a few old vinyl albums playing. Despite its high-end location, it wasn’t too crowded. Most of the crowd were either engrossed in their phones or working.
However, Charlotte quickly noticed the man in a black suit that Coco had mentioned. Sporting a red rose pinned to his chest and a cup of coffee in front of him, he sat at a window seat.
Despite the crowd, his solitary figure felt out of place.
He kept glancing out the window, seemingly waiting for her arrival.
Looking at the profile of the man, Charlotte felt a strange familiarity, and a growing unease.
As she walked tentatively into the café, the man turned to look directly at her.
Their eyes met, causing Charlotte’s blood to run cold. She felt as though her legs have been filled with lead, preventing her from moving. She just stood there, mouth slightly agape in shock.
There was no denying it, she knew this face only too well, but she had no idea why he was here.
The man who had been involved with Emily Allen five years ago, "Mr. Scumbag," Ryan Richard.
She did feel like she’d gone blind to ever fall for someone like him.
Charlotte couldn’t bear the sight of him, turning around to leave without hesitation.