Chapter 3

I went to Starlight Entertainment at 10:00 a.m.

After I signed the contract, Erin handed me one of the copies. "An S-tier rookie contract. The company has only offered one of these in the past three years. Once the announcement goes live tonight at 8:00 p.m., there won't be a shortage of people trying to step on you to get ahead."

I put the contract away. "Naomi included?"

Erin gave a cold laugh. "Her? She went through three interviews and didn't even make it past the second round.

"She even pulled strings to find out if the company was deliberately targeting her. When she finds out the company signed you, she'll probably have a complete meltdown tonight."

My phone buzzed just then. Naomi had sent a photo of the hotel's private dining room to the group chat. My old high school uniform hung right in the center. Beside it sat an electronic scale and two chairs pushed together.

Someone had even taped a piece of paper to the backs of the chairs: [Megan's XL Seat.]

The chat erupted with laughter.

[Nay, you're seriously too thoughtful.]

[Are two chairs enough? Should we add another?]

[Don't. Add another and we'll have to charge her for a conference table.]

Naomi tagged me: [Meg, we've got everything ready. Don't disappoint everyone.]

I didn't reply. I simply saved the photo. They had no idea that Starlight Entertainment wasn't just announcing my contract tonight. The company was also announcing my first movie. The director was Alexander Coleman, an internationally award-winning filmmaker.

Last year, Naomi had spent an entire week camped outside Alexander's studio in hopes of landing a role with only three lines. In the end, she hadn't even gotten an audition. Meanwhile, I'd landed the supporting role opposite the female lead.

…

That afternoon, the makeup artist came to the company for my makeup trial.

The black velvet gown hugged my waist and fell to my ankles.

When I stepped out of the fitting room, everyone around me suddenly fell silent.

The makeup artist recovered first and immediately raised her phone. "Don't move. I need a picture."

Erin folded her arms and looked at me with satisfaction. "Perfect. You won't even have to say a word tonight. Just standing there will be enough to make all of them question their lives."

The makeup artist took several photos, then selected one to send to the publicity department. In it,

I stood in profile before a floor-to-ceiling window. My features looked cool and sharp, and my waist was so slender that one hand could almost circle it.

The announcement copy was already prepared.

[Welcome actress Megan Anderson to Starlight Entertainment. We look forward to embarking on a new journey with director Alexander Coleman.]

It was scheduled to go live at exactly 8:00 p.m.

I was reviewing the copy when Matthew suddenly messaged me.

Matthew: [Megan, are you actually coming or not? My girlfriend's already here.]

He immediately followed up with a photo of the two of them. Sarah Meyer wore a white dress and leaned against his shoulder, her figure slender.

Matthew sent another message: [She's pretty blunt. Don't be too sensitive when you get here.]

I couldn't help laughing. I hadn't even shown up yet, and he'd already found an excuse for his girlfriend's cruelty.

I didn't reply.

Soon, a video from the reunion appeared in the group chat.

Naomi stood beside the electronic scale with my old school uniform in her hands. "When Meg gets here, we'll have her weigh herself first. If she's gained more weight since high school, Matthew won't have to hug her. Wouldn't want anyone to die tonight."

The camera turned toward Matthew. He had one arm around Sarah and gave a lazy laugh. "Then I'll thank her for that."

Sarah covered her mouth and giggled. "Don't say that. She's been in love with you for three years. She'll crawl here tonight if that's what it takes."

The private room erupted with laughter.

I closed the video and saved it in the same folder as Naomi's recording.

Erin noticed, and her expression turned cold. "Are you sure you don't want me to have someone go with you?"

"No." I picked up the earrings from the table and slowly put them on.

I had waited five years for this reunion. I wanted to see the expressions on the faces of the people who had once cornered me in the bathroom when they finally realized who I was.

…

At 6:50 p.m., the driver messaged me to say the car was already waiting downstairs.

Erin helped me put on my coat. "The party upstairs starts at 7:50 p.m. Don't stay too long."

I stepped into the elevator in my high heels. As the doors slowly closed, Naomi sent another message to the group chat.

Naomi: [Meg, we're still keeping your seat open.]

I glanced at it and didn't reply.

"Forty minutes… Let them laugh. They don't have much time left to enjoy themselves," I muttered.