(14) The First Blood

"Everyone, come over, it's time for your formal introductions!" Samuel rounded up the people at the ballroom, his face beaming with excitement.

The crew gathered, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors as they formed a loose semicircle around the producer.

"I know you heard about important people on set

but I would like to do the first step. I am Samuel Collins, as you know. My company, Advance, was chosen to provide for the equipment needed in this film. On the other hand, I am also a director. I love the media, I have been fascinated by it. But for the most fascinating of all, is of course, my dear wife, Violet."

As he moved sideways, Violet arrived dressed in a floral pink gown. The meticulous production team's design made her look stunning and youthful, the soft pink fabric complementing her dark waves and porcelain skin. The crew were all in awe while clapping to welcome her. She held her pretty skirt, acting as if she were a proper lady, her smile fixed and radiant.

"Hello."

She waved at them, her gaze sweeping across the gathered crowd. Violet glanced around strategically and she sees no sign of Charity yet.

"I know all of you are aware of who I am already. I take my acting job seriously and arrive earlier than needed. I just hate it when people don't appear on time, that's unprofessional. As I see it... where is Miss Vivianne Goldthorne? She has the most important role in this film."

"Right here."

Charity's voice echoed just behind Violet whose face crumbled once more. She doesn't want to turn around and look at Charity but Violet saw how people had their eyes wide open and gasping.

"Does she really look that good?" Violet thought in annoyance. She fixed her face and turned to Charity.

Immediately, envy seethed into her. Vivianne is wearing a soft white dress with golden threads woven through the fabric like spun sunlight. Her blonde hair was neatly combed into a pretty hairstyle befitting a queen, intricate braids and curls framing her face.

The jewelry she wore was nothing compared to Violet's props. They were all familiar, especially the diamond ring on Charity's hand, the Krupp diamond, the one Violet had lost at the auction.

"I'm Vivianne Goldthorne, everyone."

Charity smiled at the gathered crowd that is beginning to buzz.

She looked straight into Violet's eyes and said, "While Mrs. Collins takes everything seriously, I love being extra with my work. I placed so much effort on every detail because I wanted it to work out better. It just took me a while to arrive right now because I had someone bring these sets for me. It adds to the charm of this royal themed film, doesn't it?"

Everyone immediately nodded.

Of course, they are aware of what those jewelry Charity is wearing. They are authentic, expensive, and exclusive.

People started to whisper about the speculation that they were jewelry set from the Christie's recent auction event. Everything about it was iconic and they fit Charity so well, it's like she was born out of nobility.

"Thank you, Violet and Vivianne for joining the crew with the same passion for the media." Samuel stirred the conversation away and stole their attention once more. "Our next actor on the line, Mr. Desmond Fin."

Charity stood next to Violet as the leading man, Desmond, was called to step forward too. She spared Desmond a glance who had his eyes on her and he shyly looked away.

Despite his sharp manly features, Desmond is still a person that can feel embarrassment upon caught staring. He was younger than her, with a boyish charm that contrasted his chiseled jawline and broad shoulders.

The rest of the crew and departments were introduced and production immediately began.

---

The first scene occurs at the study, cameras panning closely between Charity and Desmond.

He was supposedly Nova Estrella's husband, the king of their empire, and the man that brought her ruin. The study was magnificent, mahogany shelves lined with leather-bound books, a roaring fireplace, and a massive oak desk that spoke of old money and older secrets.

"I love your sister." Desmond said, getting into his character. His voice was cold, dismissive, exactly as the script demanded.

"Oh." Charity's hand stopped trailing the books on the shelves as she faced him with a serious glimpse. The camera zoomed in on her face, catching every micro-expression. "And then?"

Desmond appeared stunned at her reaction. He frowned and his hands almost crumbled the papers he was holding.

"What do you mean? I love her, not you. I was just forced to marry you for power. Just because you have the legitimate blue blood between the two of you. It was such a low standard for choosing a wife."

Charity's chest heaved. Her eyes sparkled with tears about to fall but she swiftly changed her emotions. From a hurt woman, her expression shifted to something else...amused. Dangerous.

The transformation was so seamless that even Samuel leaned forward in his chair.

"I'm not blind, and I'm not deaf." Charity delivered her lines with an amazing tone that of a strong lady. Her voice was silk wrapped around steel. "Would you like a divorce to go with it?"

"I..." Desmond acted dumbfounded. His character did not expect that sort of retaliation. The king, used to obedience, was suddenly facing a queen who refused to bow.

"Have it sent to my room. I swear to never cross your romantic escapades, Your Majesty." Charity performed a court bow and turned away, the camera following her back.

Her gown swished against the floor, the golden threads catching the firelight like a coronation.

"And... cut!" Samuel gave his order.

The crew were finally able to breathe. That short few minutes of scene costs them not even an hour of readjusting the lights, the shots, and most importantly the deliverance of the script. They were so elated to be working with professionals. A murmur of appreciation rippled through the set.

"Miss Vivianne!" Desmond took his chance immediately and rushed to Charity. He caught up to her, smiling. "That was amazing, not a single mistake on your part."

"Do you want retakes?" Charity asked, confused.

"No, no. I... I meant that as a compliment." Desmond quickly corrected himself, his cheeks flushing slightly. "If you ever need some coaching for the scripts, I can help."

"Aren't you younger than me?" Charity chuckled.

Clearly, Desmond was trying to approach her as politely as he could but he just can't pick the proper words enough. And it is true, he is younger than her. His eagerness was almost endearing.

"Still, I've been acting since I was a child." Desmond proudly said. "So what do you say?"

"Miss Vivianne doesn't need unwanted coaching."

"Miss Goldthorne is already doing great as I see it."

Two men suddenly jumped in the conversation. One was Paige, and the other was Samuel. Paige's expression was serene but firm, while Samuel's smile was polished and patronizing.

"A word, Mr. Desmond? Your scene with Violet will start soon." Samuel smiled lightly. He glanced at Charity while ignoring the hesitant look from Desmond. "Great job, Miss Goldthorne. You'll be called in for your scene later."

Paige watched them quietly leave, his eyes as serene as ever before he turned to Charity and smiled.

"How was it?" He asked as they walked down the elegant corridors, passing through the busy crews.

"Nostalgic." Charity said vaguely.

While they were taping that scene, and as she read her scripts, she wished she was Nova Estrella.

Unwavering, unbothered, and most of all, strong. Nova didn't break down to tears or begged her husband, she took the divorce calmly and waltzed her way to wealth that could topple the empire.

And while Charity wondered, she couldn't help but recall her past, the harsh words she went through from the Collins, the ungrateful treatment, and Samuel's constant dismissal coupled with his public lovebombing over her.

"You're just a runaway girl who cling too much over my son. You think your acting career is worth a lot? My God, our family friends think you are a gold digger at this point!"

"Honey, my mother is just telling the truth. If you feel that hurt then I have nothing else to say than take it as a way to improve yourself. Look at Violet, she's still an actress but she's establishing her makeup brand already."

Charity remembered what they told her years ago, and it still echoed freshly in her mind. It fueled the fire burning in her heart, craving for their downfall.

Every word, every dismissive glance, every moment they made her feel small, it all came rushing back.

"Anyway, I have a surprise." Paige interrupted her memory lane. He looks happy, excited is almost an understatement.

"Is that a dress?" She tried to guess but Paige shook his head.

"At your trailer." He opened the trailer's door for her and gestured for Charity to step in.

The moment Charity did, the door immediately closed behind her. She looked around her trailer and the first thing she saw was the least person she's expecting to show up.

"Paige!" She screamed in her head as she stared at her uninvited guest.

Lucas was there, standing before her closet as he examined her costumes. He wore a knitted turtleneck for Germany's spring weather, hugging his sculpted figure. The dark fabric accentuated the breadth of his shoulders, the lean lines of his torso. He looked like he belonged in a museum, a work of art that had somehow wandered into her cramped trailer.

Charity's heart slammed against her ribs. "What are you doing here?"