Chapter 24: Pretending
Ara's audition is up next, Timothy's smile proves that he will surely give her a hard time. She have no choice but to push through the audition and pass it no matter what. The success of her mission lies on this audition. She take a deep breath and smiles. As Timothy saw her smile, he flustered and looks away. Ara noticed it and took advantage of it.
"If he looks away only for two reasons, one it could be that he's holding a grudge against her for not apologizing a while ago or I maybe think highly of myself and think that he's interested in me. Haha I'm so silly." All in her head. She then walk towards the center and greets the judges while still smiling. She focuses her eyes on Timothy provoking him.
"This girl have guts to stare at me like that! Tch. But.... I must say she smiles beautifully... the heck! What am I thinking!!!" He shrug his thoughts and clears his throat. "Tell us what the company can benefit from you?"
"Dear judges, I may not be the most beautiful lady in here but I've got the charm that would captivate everyone around me." She smiles even more cutely with a giggle. She lets out a captivating aura which she discovered not long ago. This ability that she has can help her get through it effortlessly. But there are limitations, people with hatred won't get affected also those who loves someone truly won't be affected either.
"I can see the company's new star!" The director said with a wide smile.
"My new designs will fit you perfectly." The designer's eyes sparkles as he day dream of his design being worn by Ara.
"I will surely sign you up as a new talent right now!" The talent manager asked a staff to hand her the contract.
"I guess there's nothing else for me to say." Timothy's cheeks turns red. He looks down on the papers to hide it.
"But I haven't done anything yet atleast let me sing you a song as an audition piece." She immediately sing a song in order to struck deeper into their hearts. All of them, even the staffs shed tears on her astounding voice and emotion while singing a song about love. Timothy's heart beats so fast that he can't even catch up to it. She left a great impression to everyone except for Stacy.
"This bitch really knows how to play innocent! I chose to stick with her for I don't find her as a threat in this audition. Tch." She glared at Ara. Ara felt a sudden chill on her spine. She knows someone in the room hates her. She doesn't have the chance to look for the source, the aura of hatred slowly fades till she can't feel it anymore. She finished her song and looks back, everyone applauded her. She must be very careful with everyone near her until she can pin point anyone who have a grudge against her.
"Ara Khalil you pass the audition! Welcome to the House of Flame Entertainment!" The talent manager walk towards her and squeezes her hand. She smiles happily and thanked the judges. Ara hurried to Stacy's side and happily hug her. The moment she embraces her she felt that same feeling a while ago.
"Stacy's the source. Her friendliness was just an act. I need to put up with her if she manages to get in. I won't let her know that I'm already aware of her hatred towards me." Ara smiles at Stacy and wish her good luck. Stacy, even though she's annoyed pretends to congratulate her warmingly.
The audition ended and only 5 new talents passed it, that includes Stacy. Everyone who didn't pass left the room, Ara and the others were told to stay for a bit. The talent manager handed them the handbook for the talent's do's and dont's. After a few minutes they all bid their goodbyes. Stacy went out ahead without saying a word to Ara. As Ara walks on the hall, a man stopped and greated her.
"Miss Ara, Mr. Bright's waiting for you at the parking area."
"Eh? What does he want from me?"
"Please just come and follow me."
"O-Okay." She followed the man and when they reach the car park, she saw Timothy leaning against a car.
"I thought you won't come." Timothy walks towards her and leans closer to her.
"Is there something you have to say?" Ara asked in a cold tone.
"Aren't you afraid that I'll get you fired?"
"Not at all, from now on you and I are equals. I'm now a talent from the same company as you. Not because your famous you can go ahead and bully me." Her eyes are fierce.
"Tch, how ungrateful you are. If I didn't pass you, you won't even make it." He blurted out it annoyance.
"Oh really? Even if you didn't pass me I'll still make it. It's 3 on 1 vote if that's the case. 3 for me to pass that is." She smiled to make him more annoyed.
"You sure you'll make an enemy out of me? Don't think too highly of yourself your just a rookie." He puts his hands in his pocket and turns around.
"Why do you care? You shouldn't be wasting your time on a rookie like me. Mr. Bright, I won't back down even if you make it hard for me in the future. I'll be looking forward to it. Hope our roads won't ever cross again." She turns around and leaves the area. Stacy was just around the corner listening to them. She bit her lip in anger and left.
On the other hand, Tyler's audition went well. He managed to get the role as the Emperor's most trusted Imperial guard. He could be the leading actor but he told Slacovich not to put him as lead. The Demonfire Group of Companies invested a large sum to fund the film The Emperor's Secrets. Secretary Li called Volton's Secretary for Slacovich's proposal. As planned Volton can't resist such tempting invitation. He left the audition midway and asked for a replacement judge. Slacovich got informed late about Volton being one of the judges. He may have seen Ara's face but not enough time to sense her unusual scent. Vampires will definitely pin point one of its own the moment they get close to one another. As expected President Hellgazer showed up to the said place. There's only President Demonfire with his secretary and President Hellgazer with his secretary. He greeted President Hellgazer and shakes his hand. He offered him a seat and handed out the proposal.
"Let's set aside our conflicts for now. Business is still business, personal issues aside right?" Slacovich looks at him with fire in his eyes. He knows outside their meeting place, Volton's men are waiting to ambush them.
"That's true."
"Then what's with the little army waiting outside?"
"Just making sure I'm not walking into a trap. You really have a keen eye for everything. But you brought back up with you as well."
"I don't trust you that's why."
"Very straightforward, same goes for me. Then should we get right on the reason why we're here on the first place." Volton opened the folder and studied the contents of the proposal.
"What do you say?"
"Not bad, you're proposal's nicely done. But why my company?"
"And why not? Demon Fang's Entertainment is still the largest in the entertainment business. Having a temporary truce to benefit both our companies will have a good impact."
"I get your point, but why the House of Flame Entertainment? I maybe old but I'm not ignorant." Volton sensed something behind the profit he can get with the partnership.
"The House of Flames Entertainment holds the most famous leading actor. I want him to be the leading actor for the film both we're gonna invest. Think of it as a win-win situation."
"Using my actor to promote your film means exposure of my company's name. You'll be able to profit from this a lot. Not a bad deal at all." Volton signed the contract as well as Slacovich. Aside from business matters, the last page states that no one will harm anyone that works under them. They both agreed on that. They shake hands the last time before Volton takes his leave. All his men followed him away of the area. Sofie and Diego showed up and sits opposite of Slacovich.
"Are you sure this will work?" Sofie asked.
"This is the only way to monitor his movements and to secure Ara's safety. Tyler's the one who thought of this. We all know how much he values Ara."
"Tyler will do whatever he can to help Ara. That shows his true feeling for her. He loves Ara for sure. But.." Diego faked his sad expression.
"But what?" Sofie asked concerned.
"But, when are you two gonna express your love for each other?" He grinned widely. Slacovich flicked his forehead while Sofie blushed, her face is as red as a tomato.
"You jerk!!" Sofie tries to punch Diego but he turned into a bird chirping away. Li just giggled on the side trying to hold her laughter. Slacovich frowns and leaves them behind.
"Wait for us!" Li exclaimed following him out.
Tyler patiently waited for Slacovich's update. His phone rings and answered it. Slacovich confirmed that Volton signed the contract. He's quite relieved that Ara somewhat will be monitored closely as well as Volton's actions. But what he doesn't know is that, humans can cause more danger than vampires. His love for Ara is very obvious but for the success of their mission, he must contain that feeling in public and pretend not to know her in the days to come once the casting of the film is done. It breaks his heart not to be able to be with her for a day, how much more pretending to ignore her the whole time in the future. It's like his been stab repeatedly, his longing to be by her side. Ara must not know about his plan to keep her safe and well. He can't take the loneliness so he decided to rush into Ara's apartment. That time Ara's changing her clothes. A sudden gust of wind enters her window, she knows who's paying her a visit.
"How do you know I'm already at my apartment?" She asked smiling as she walks towards Tyler.
"I'll always know where you are." Tyler pulls her close to him and embraces her with the warmth of his love. Ara wraps her arms around his nape and gives him a comforting kiss. Tyley stayed for the night in her apartment. Everyone knows the teo are inseparable, knowing Tyler, he won't just spend time alone reminiscing but instead he'll find a way to stay by his lover's side.
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