Chapter 28: A nomination
“What! What are you wearing? What happened to the real dress?” Lettice questioned with horror, staring at the joined pieces of clothes.
“Someone torn it”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
“But you can’t go out and act this way, the director would be furious. You should have said a thing, I could’ve thought of a way to get this dress” Lettice panicked.
“I think she looks beautiful this way and the director wouldn’t have a problem. She’s acting as a maid not the mistress so this is also better” Alessandro offered and Lettice sighed.
“There’s nothing that can be done, we have to go this way”
They left the dressing room to the movie set, everyone stared at her as she appeared, Elena and Lilian burst into laughter the moment they saw her and the director stared at her with horror.
Lettice explained what had happened into the director’s ear, he seemed furious but allowed her to proceed.
Isabelle acted her parts diligently, everyone was expecting her to make mistakes so they would make fun of her but she was very careful and got accolades from the directors and it dampened Lilian’s mood.
They ended the day and Annabella brought a bouquet of flowers for Isabelle, complimenting her.
“You got away this time, make sure you keep your costumes well next time, you wouldn’t be so lucky next time and you were very good. They will air the trailer today and have the premiere in a few days, I’ll text you the details” Lettice announced before she departed.
“So bad, someone’s dress is ruined and she would have to go home this way” Elena teased and Lilian laughed.
“The air smells foul here, probably because of this maid’s clothes” Lilian mocked, pointing at Isabelle.
“I know you both did this but I won’t let you get away with this…” Isabelle was talking and got interrupted when Alessandro handed a shopping bag to her.
She stared at it with confusion and the smile on his face made her go inside.
She came out, wearing the silvery gown she and Lilian had been fighting over, she wore a matching shoe and headed outside.
She twirled and got envious stares from Elena, Lilian opened her mouth wide with shock and stomped away with anger.
Annabella burst into laughter and they all left the movie set.
They all went to an ice cream store and ordered different types, Annabella wouldn’t have any other thing except for what Isabelle wanted.
Isabelle checked her phone and was shocked to see several news articles about her dress with different captions.
“These blogs keep trying to tarnish your image, I wish they would get to meet the real you” Annabella confessed and Isabelle’s heart swelled with joy, she found Annabella fun to be with and a bright kid and it bothered her that she didn’t know anything about them.
“Is Ann really your mom?” She asked curiously.
“Yes, though she keeps telling us that our father is someone whom we know already..”
“I just wish I could see him and ask a few questions” Andrew added with a sad look and she sighed, she knew the feeling of growing up with a single parent.
“She has her reasons, don’t force things. You would get to know him real soon” She comforted and they nodded, digging into their ice creams.
They took a stroll to the park, enjoying the cool air and bright day, Alessandro held her hands and drew her closer as they stared at the sun, the day seemed brighter and Isabelle smiled.
She hugged him and he raised her up, twirling her around while they watched, they had a hunch something was between them but only giggled.
Isabelle and Alessandro sat on a bench while Annabella and Andrew moved around with a few kids. Alessandro sat there, staring into space as a feeling of fulfillment filled him.
They both sighed and burst into laughter, their laughter died down and they just stared at each other, different thoughts running in their heads but each thought was on the other person.
Time went by and soon Isabelle’s head fell on his shoulders, he stared at her beautiful lips and drifted to sleep.
“Wake up sleepy heads!” Andrew ordered and Isabelle opened her eyes slowly, she glanced at the dark park and wondered for how long she had been asleep.
“Let’s head home, mom is back” Annabella announced and Alessandro jumped to his feet, the drive back home was a jolly one as they all sang to an old country life music.
Alessandro bade then good bye and left for his house, Annabella ran inside the house, eager to see her mother.
Ann hugged them happily and they began to fill her in on how they had spent the day.
“Isabelle… Thank you so much, you made my day the best” Annabella confessed and hugged her tightly, Isabelle smiled, crying to control the tears that formed in her eyes.
The kid had said something small but it meant a lot to her and she nodded before going upstairs.
The days sped by and soon it was the day of the movie premiere. Isabelle contemplated about the dress she was going to wear and decided to get a customized dress.
Alessandro came to pick her and froze when he saw her. All through the journey, he kept staring at her and she smiled, enjoying the way he stared at her.
Her Porsche stopped at the entrance of the big building and she stepped out, one leg after the other in a blue shirt gown.
It was a one arm gown that hugged her upper body tightly and was flared to her thighs, her errant waves glowed in the sun and cameras flicked, lights snapping everywhere.
Reporters struggled to get pictures of her and ask questions but she only smiled and waved at them before going inside.
Lilian and Elena had arrived before Isabelle and were both furious when the attention shifted from them to her, they ranted and walked inside with anger.
“Elena, can we talk?” Isabelle questioned and Elena hissed before walking away and she sighed with a heavy heart.
She had fun to the brim as Lettice introduced her to new actors and actresses, she exchanged contacts with a few, took pictures with most and was even asked to join them at their spas.
She had fun and was reluctant to leave and left after Lettice promised to help her get a movie with a famous actress.
She loved the attention and looks she got from both male and females.
A director flirted with her and hinted about wanting her to act in a new movie he was going to direct, Lettice skillfully averted his attention before dragging her off to meet new people.
“You looked breathtaking, I couldn’t take my eyes off you throughout. You look very amazing” He blabbered and she kissed him gently, he cupped her face and drew her closer, deepening the kiss.
“I’ll see you tomorrow” He whispered and left, she smiled with satisfaction, feeling tired.
She woke up the next day and was amazed to see her pictures everywhere.
She had gained over 300 thousand followers in the night and she screamed with excitement.
Her picture was first and took a big part of the movie banner while Lilian was placed at a small corner.
She felt super excited and wondered how things could change so fast, she saw her followers and was even more shocked when big actresses whom she had met the previous day were following her.
Humming happily, she took out a dress and wore it after taking her bath.
She walked downstairs and for the first time in a long time she joined her father for breakfast.
“I saw the news, congratulations. You’re doing well and I’m so proud of you” Roberto commended and Andrea walked inside, holding a bouquet of flowers.
“To the new best actress the country has” He muttered and took her hands, he placed a light kiss and handed the flower to her.
She frowned and handed the flower to a maid, took a bite of her sandwich and stood up.
“I was thinking of taking you out to celebrate” Andrea drawled and she glared at him.
“Sorry, I have work to do” She replied and walked out, she got to the company and Lettice hugged her immediately.
“You just got nominated for an award, best female rising artist and not just that. The movie is sold out already, lots of fans are asking about the other movies you’ve acted in and I just got you two additional roles in two big movies, you’ve got lots of work to do there and also money” Lettice announced and Isabelle screamed with excitement.
She hugged Lettice happily and Aurora walked inside, she hugged her and began to fill her in on the good news before Lilian and Elena brushed past her, anger evident on their faces.