Chapter Two: The Proposal

Serena heaved a sigh of relief after she heard Mrs. Caldwell. At least she got this wonderful opportunity because of her own talent, and not because "someone" pulled some strings.

"You'd better get back to work, Serena. You need to get your presentation ready for tomorrow's meeting." Mrs. Caldwell reminded her.

"I'll do it right away. And thank you very much for giving me this great opportunity." Serena sincerely thanked her Boss.

Afterwards, Serena left the CEO's Office and went back to her own desk. She was caught by surprised when her co-workers, including Nicky congratulated her in a loud voice. 

Mrs. Caldwell returned her smile. 

"Congratulations, Serena!" they excitedly greeted her.

Some of them are holding balloons and few of them are wearing party hats.

"Oh my goodness! Thank you, guys!" Serena happily thanked all of them.

"How about a speech there?" one of their co-worker suggested.

“Speech! Speech! Speech!” all of the employees said in unison.

"This is such a pleasant surprise for me, and I really don't know what to say. But I just wanted to say thank you for all of the support that you gave me throughout the years..." Serena made a speech, as she's getting a bit emotional.

All of the employees gave her a warm applause.

"Enough of this, guys! You're making me cry. Let's all go back to work, okay? And by the way, thanks for the greetings, I really appreciate it.” Serena thanked her colleagues again, and after that, they went back to work.

After a few minutes, their office became quiet again because they are all busy with their own work... 

=======================

The next day.

Serena took a deep breath as she and Mrs. Caldwell made their way to the private office of the President of ABZ Television Network, which is one of the top TV Stations in Australia. This will be the day that she will meet with the President, Director, the actors and the actresses for the big film project that will be based on her manuscript.

"Still nervous, Serena?" Mrs. Caldwell suddenly asks her.

"Yes, just a little bit." she admitted.

"You don't have to be nervous. I am confident that you'll be able to impress them." the old woman is trying to make her feel better.

"But don't you think it's too early for me to accept this bib project?" Serena can't help herself but to feel nervous.

"Don't say that. This is your chance, Serena, and you have to grab this opportunity." Mrs. Caldwell tries to cheers her up.

After a few minutes, they finally reached the Conference Room. They entered the room, and they were greeted by the people inside.

"Good morning, everyone. Are we late for the meeting?" Mrs. Caldwell greeted everyone in a confident manner.

"No, not at all. We're just waiting for the President. His secretary said that he got caught up with something." a forty-year old man answered.

"That's a relief! And you must be Director Ainsworth?" Mrs. Caldwell smilingly guessed.

"Yes, at your service. And you must be Mrs. Rosie Caldwell, the core of the Caldwell Publishing House." Mr. Ainsworth said, as he raises his hand towards Mrs. Caldwell for a handshake.

Mrs. Caldwell accepted the handshake.

"Yes. And this is Serena Montana, the writer behind the amazing novel."

The rest of the people in the Conference Room stood up.

"You're Serena Montana? Oh my! I've heard so much about you. I've read your work, and I just couldn't let it go. I was happy when I found out that you chose me to play the role of Jasmine. It’s really an honor for me. I’m Kathy Lisbon, by the way.” a famous actress gushes at Serena.

"I'm so glad to hear that, Miss Lisbon. And it's such an honor to be working with you." Serena smilingly said. 

"Oh please, just call me Jasmine. I'm so excited about this project, and I can't wait for the shooting to start!"  

 

Hello, Miss Montana. I'm Patrick Harville, and I'm looking forward working with you, guys." a jaw-dropping gorgeous man suddenly joins their conversation.

"Introductions are not needed when it comes to you, Mr. Harville. You're one of the most popular actors in Australia, not to mention in Hollywood as well." Serena smilingly enunciated.

Their conversation just ended when the secretary suddenly enters the Conference Room, along with the Big Boss of ABZ Television Network. After apologizing for being late and after a bit of introductions, they finally started the meeting...

==========================

After a few hours.

"It's been a productive day, isn't it, Serena?" Mrs. Caldwell asked, while they are walking at the parking lot of ABZ Building.

"Yes, it is." Serena happily responded.

They had a successful meeting, and it means that the big film project is finally in full swing.

"You have to me mentally, emotionally and physically ready for this big project, Serena. You are in for an intense pressure." Mrs. Caldwell gave her a piece of advice.

"Yes, Boss. I will." Serena nodded in return.

"Goodness, is this the time? Matthew will be very mad at me!" Mrs. Caldwell suddenly said, while looking frustrated 

"Oh, right. It's your son's football match today!" Serena remembers this special day as well.

"I'm sorry, Serena, but I have to go to Matt's school right now! Are you going to be alright?" Mrs. Caldwell asked worriedly. 

"I'll be fine, Boss. You'd better hurry or Matt might get angry with you." Serena reassures her Boss.

"Okay, see you at the office tomorrow." Mrs. Caldwell quickly said goodbye.

When Mrs. Caldwell drove off and her car is finally out of sight, she started walking towards her car. She was surprised to see a big bouquet of yellow roses at the windshield of her car, with an envelope at the top of the flowers.

She smelled the roses first before she opened the envelope. 

"--- I wouldn't dare to give these to you in public because I know you won't let me, so I just left a note. Congratulations, babe. I'm so proud of you. I'm going to prepare a little dinner for us at my place, with your favorite champagne. It's time celebrate your success. See you at 7.” 

Only yours, Liam. 

Serena smilingly smelled the yellow roses. She is actually relieved to know that her boyfriend, Liam, doesn't have anything to do with her movie project. 

Liam's father, Mr. William Beckett is the owner and the CEO of ABZ Network, and she doesn't want to be directly involve with Liam's family, especially when it comes to business matters...