CHAPTER 3: GRANDMOTHER'S VISIT

JULIAN'S POV

"Why would you accept that? Have you forgotten that Fred is the male lead of the drama?" Abel seemed surprised. 

I let out a deep breath, rubbed my sore nose, and smiled, "I know. But I also have a good feeling about that drama," I lowered my eyes slightly. "I want to make it in this circle, too. Let the director know that my father will invest in the drama, and all they have to do is let me take the second male lead role," I added, having made up my mind. 

Convincing my father to support a drama for me was a very easy thing to do. He would gladly do it, too...

Abel shook his head, "You can't. You really can't accept that role. Have you forgotten? Fred is a scum. He would stop at nothing to suppress you. Taking that role is the same as delivering yourself to his doorstep. Don't do this, please," Abel pleaded. 

"In this circle, only I know who your parents are. The film crew will surely side with the popular Fred and ignore an unknown 3rd rate star like you. You really can't accept this role, Julian," Abel's expression showed great resistance as he tried to convince me. 

"If it's about getting roles. I can meet up with other agents and try my best to get resources from them. We will surely get another role for you. Don't worry about anything," He added, and with that, he started the car. 

I was silent for a while. I had no specific reason to accept that role, but somehow, my heart really wanted it. Maybe because I wanted Fred to know I was doing fine even after our breakup, or I just wasn't resigned to this new fate, but I really wanted that role. 

"I will call the director myself," I said stubbornly and brought out my phone to search for the director's line. 

Abel stopped the car and turned around to face me. "Can you handle it? Will you be able to?" He asked softly, his eyes filled with care and worry. 

Seeing that expression, I pursed my lips and nodded my head. "When I joined this circle, I only did it to get closer to Fred, so I had no passion for it. I pulled strings to help him grow while I continued having fun doing nothing, hoping that one day, when Fred was popular enough, I would quit this circle and reveal my identity to Fred. But things have changed. Now, I really want to act, I want to be popular in this circle. I will act, sing, and dance. I will show the world how talented I am and create a space for myself at the top. I will step on Fred and make him see who is lowly between him and me," I vowed. 

"So, Abel, don't stop me, please. I really want to do this,"

"Alright," Abel's voice was slightly hoarse. "Alright, I will support you," He patted my lap with a big smile on his face. 

Sitting right, he brought out his phone and soon dialed a number. "Hello, Mr. James, this is Abel, Actor Julian Everly's manager," He introduced himself to the other person on the phone. 

"We called to schedule a meeting with you concerning the second male lead role you wanted Julian to act in. When will you be available?"

"Tomorrow? Oh, there? Okay,'

"Yes, thank you," 

He ended the call and took a long breath. "He agreed to meet tomorrow to talk over dinner. He sent the address already," He told me, and I nodded. 

Having settled that, I finally relaxed and closed my eyes. It was time to start working for real...

"Take me to my parents' home. I don't feel very good," I told Abel. 

My temperature seemed to be a little high, and the pain in my body seemed to have increased. I feared I was about to have a fever, and at a time like that, it was better to rest on my mother's lap to recover. 

"Alright," Abel didn't argue with me and immediately turned the car to drive to my parents' house. 

"Julian, you're back. It's been so long, but you remember your mum again today," My mother hugged me as she lamented with a voice full of grievance. "You've grown so big now that you don't care about your mother anymore," She continued. 

Knowing that it would take hours for her to stop, I returned the hug and rested my slightly hot head on her shoulder so she would notice my condition. 

As expected, her lamentation stopped, and she quickly broke the hug. She looked at my face, her soft eyes showing concern, "What's wrong with you? Do you not feel good?" She asked, touching my forehead. 

I squeezed her hand gently and nodded, "I think so. Let's go in, Mum. I don't want to stand for too long," That was needed. 

Standing for too long made my butthole hurt more, and groaning would make my mother notice that something was wrong, which must absolutely be prevented.

I followed my mother into the house, and just when I was about to slip into my room, my eyes caught my grandmother, who was peeling oranges and watching a movie in the sitting room. 

I frowned slightly, I wasn't very close with my grandmother as she nagged a lot. "What's grandma doing here?" I whispered, making sure not to let her hear me. 

My mother smiled, her fingers gently pinched my sore waist, "You should say hi to your grandmother first. Can't she come around?" She whispered back, and my frown deepened. 

I shook my head, "Grandma doesn't leave her home that easily. She must be here for something. Quickly tell me, Mum. I have a bad premonition," I whispered back, urging my mother. 

My mother looked into my eyes and laughed. "Bad premonition? Silly child. Your grandmother is here to discuss your marriage with the Creeds. It's that time already, the marriage agreement should take effect," my mother explained.