Chapter 2078
“Ivy, listen to me. Right now, you gotta funnel all your energy into acting. The rest is just noise-it ain’t worth your time. Once you’ve nailed your career, you can stand tall in every other aspect of your life,” Colton advised with the wisdom of a seasoned thespian.
The producer chimed in with a playful contradiction, “It’s all good, darling. A little heartache can help you slip into your characters with ease. Acting chops matter, sure, but what’s crucial is feeling-absorbing everything that life throws at you and understanding the experiences of others. Land one iconic role, and the rest of the journey will smooth out like butter.”
Ny managed a smile that was more pained than pleasant, “I get it, thanks.”
Meanwhile, Giselle was in her trailer when Balfour dropped by unexpectedly.
“Balfour, I thought you were tied up with work at the office. What brings you to our set?” Giselle asked, her smile perfectly calibrated as she slid onto the couch next to him.
She had already convinced herself that Balfour’s visit was to see her.
“I ain’t here on a social call. I’ve got business, and if you don’t need anything, I’ll be on my way,” he said.
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Giselle’s face. “Why the rush to leave? It’s not every day you come to the set. Why not stick around?”
Then a thought struck her, and she added, “Don’t you want to catch Ivy’s performance? She’s the talk of the town online, and the crew. Let’s just say there are quite a few smitten kittens here.”
The hint of competition seemed to rankle her more than she let on.
Balfour’s voice turned deep and serious, “It’s just acting. I’ve seen it before.”
“But Ivy’s your wife. Aren’t you even a bit curious about the role she’s playing? Besides, if you don’t mark your territory now, some young buck might sweep her off her feet next time,” Giselle warned, half-teasing and half-serious.
Balfour remained silent. He had always known that Ivy’s talent would someday captivate audiences everywhere.
“Ivy!”
Snapped out of her reverie by the call of her name, Ivy saw Nolan approaching with two cups of iced latte in his hands.
Nolan’s face was all warmth and smiles. “I was passing by and remembered you were shooting here. Thought I’d drop in.”
Ivy’s spirits lifted, “Uh… are you here to see me, Nolan?”
He feigned shock, “What else? I’ve got to check in on my star actress, don’t I?”
Her smile dimmed a bit as she thought of Balfour, who wasn’t here for her, but it didn’t matter much now. “Nolan, what’s with the treats? Wow! Iced latte from Southside Haven’s exclusive kitchen! How did you know this is my absolute favorite?”
The smile that graced Ivy’s face now was pure and unguarded, a stark contrast to the strained one from earlier. She was genuinely touched by Nolan’s visit.
Nolan looked smugly satisfied, “Come on, Ivy. Did you forget who I am? If I’m going to visit the set, I’ve got to know what you like, right? Seeing you this happy proves I’ve hit the mark, huh?”
“Yeah, totally!” Ivy nodded enthusiastically.
Time was a precious commodity and the fact that Nolan went out of his way to get her this treat made it all the more special.
