Chapter 2220
“Colton, I’ve given it some thought and decided not to use a stunt double.”
Five minutes later, Ivy, draped in a fluffy towel, approached the director with unwavering determination. “I’m ready to do this,” she said firmly.
Truth be told, Colton was not surprised. Ivy was known for her tenacity and sense of responsibility. Add to that Diana’s subtle provocations, and there was no way Ivy would opt for a stunt double.
But this was precisely what he dreaded. He did not want Ivy to make her choice out of spite. “Are you absolutely sure about this? I don’t want you making a decision
on just because you’re ticked off. We’re adults, right? We’ve gotta keep our heads on straight.”
Ivy looked surprised. “Why would you think I’m doing this because I’m mad? Plunging into the deep blue scares the daylight out of me! This has nothing to do with anyone else!
It’s about challenging myself in a scene I’ve never tackled before. Plus, I get to work with such a stellar cast; I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity.”
“You sure you can handle it?” Colton still harbored concerns.
Ivy nodded confidently. “I believe in myself!”
Her self-assured response eased Colton’s worries-but only slightly.
He doubled down on safety measures, positioning two lifeguards where Ivy would hit the water, ready to jump in if needed. They were equipped with all the necessary gear to pull her out at a moment’s notice.
“Places everyone. Ready to shoot.”
Assuming she would surely call for a double, Diana had only rehearsed with the stunt double. Even though Colton assured her they would not roll the cameras just yet, Ivy could not help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement as the moment to dive in. approached.
This was her big screen debut, and she wanted to make an impeccable impression. Using a double could ruin the magic for the audience.
Diana watched Ivy’s battle-ready stance with disdain and thought, “Since you chose to do this, it’s your funeral!”
“If anything feels off, you shout ‘cut, got it? Safety first-always.”
Colton also reminded the lifeguards of their duty. He could not afford to bear the brunt of Balfour’s wrath should anything happen to Ivy.
Ryan had wrapped up his part but stayed to watch.
Ivy’s performances were always inspiring, and the cast made it a point to observe each other’s work when they could.
“Action!”
“Have I changed, or have you?”
Diana did not hold back, shoving Ivy into the water with all her might.
Choking on a mouthful of saltwater, Ivy realized the scene had begun and threw herself
into the role.
“Cough cough… Aurora, what the hell?”
But Ivy had underestimated the impact of that gulp of seawater and struggled to suppress the cough that followed, which only grew worse.
Colton had no choice but to call a halt. Fortunately, this was just a run-through, not the actual take.
with
“Relax, the more you fight the water, the more it fights you back. You just have to go the flow, rise and fall with the waves,” Colton consoled Ivy. He also shot Diana a warning glance: “If you’re staying with us, keep it clean. Don’t let me catch you playing dirty.”
If only he had known how prophetic his words would become. In hindsight, Colton would wish he had never uttered that warning.
