Natalie walked into the stationary book shop and went straight to where the diaries were shelved. She looked at the different colours of diaries and her eyes settled on a black cover diary.
''It's you!'' She murmured and removed it and went to the counter where she handed it over to the salesgirl. ''How much is this diary?''
''$10 dollars, Ma'am.'' The salesgirl replied politely and Natalie removed the money from her bag and gave it to her before going out.
Natalie stopped in front of a diner and rubbed her stomach as she looked at the people inside eating. She decided to give it a try and went in to order the noodles. She hasn't eaten noodles in a while.. As she stood in the queue, her phone rang and she took it out of her bag. Seeing the caller ID, she smiled broadly before answering. ''Aunt. I'm fine. Alright, I will be able to make it for dinner, alright. bye.''
Natalie looked at one of the tables and the aroma of the noodles warped through her nostrils. She smiled and decided to go for it.
….
Mikael arrived late into the night at his private villa after working in the office for long hours. He removed his tie and was about to undress when his phone started ringing.
''Hello, Mom. Why are you not still asleep?'' he asked his mother the moment he answered the call.
''Son, I called to know if you are free for lunch this week. We haven't had a family dinner since you came because of the work. I invited Natalie to join us''
''Send me the address, I will find time to be there.''
''Okay, son. How is work? Is it stressful? I can return to the office and start working again if the pressure if too much on you.'' Regina was worried about her son's health.
''No, mother. You are the only one I have left, I need you strong and healthy. It is not stressful; I can handle it.''
''Okay, mom is worried. Do find time to always eat, okay?''
''I will, mother. Go to be bed now, I need to freshen up and rest.''
''Alright, alright. have a good night rest.''
Mikael hung up and looked at the large brown envelope on his bed. He went to his closet and changed before going to the bathroom.
A few minutes later, Mikael returned from the bathroom, dressed in casual jeans and blue t-shirt. He picked the envelope and went out to the hall and sat down.
''Let's see what secrets you have, Natalie Jun?'' Mikael murmured as he opened the envelope. He looked at the pictures and placed them besides him before removing the report that followed.
...…..
Natalie woke up early the next day and rushed into the kitchen. She opened the fridge and removed the sausage that she had left there the night before and sent it to the microwave. Her stomach growled as she hurried up to heat the sausage.
For the first time, she enjoyed the noodles from the diner and made mental note to go back there.
Waiting anxiously for the sausage to heat up in the microwave, Natalie turned on the television in the hall. She frowned when she saw that they were airing entertainment news.
'ding'
Natalie turned the microwave off and brought out the sausage, she picked a bottle of milk and a fork before going to sit in the hall.
''Today the country is going to witness the first script reading of the popular drama that has been making waves for the past two months now.'' The reporter said over the screen and Natalie sighed.
She didn't know what to feel seeing that the drama that she now had the rights to was going to start filming soon. Her only worry was that her sister wouldn't get bullied by those two on set. Even though she knew Alice was capable of protecting herself, she still couldn't help but get worried.
''This drama has received a lot of attention for its star dubbed cast. With popular celebrity mother and daughter and the recent announcement of the male lead to be the 'nation's boyfriend' Mikael Sun, and the woman who is known to play villain roles very well, Alice Jun, this drama is sure to make hits. Today all the casts, directors and producers are holding the first script meeting in the City Empire hotel.'' The background of the reporter showed the casts going into the hotel one after another. ''We will continue to bring you all the juicy details in our next episode.''
Natalie frowned and changed the channel but the next one she tuned in to was an interview involving Mikael Sun. Natalie turned the TV off and threw the remote away before going back to her breakfast.
.....
City Empire Hotel.
Inside the executive meeting hall of the Empire Hotel, the casts, directors and producers were all seated on their various seats on a long table facing each other.
One of the directors walked over to Mikael the moment he entered and took his seat. This was Director Zou whom they've worked together in two different dramas and were considered close.
''Mikael, I was surprised to see you come in.'' Director Zou said, addressing him casually because of their close relationship.
''Director Zou, how have you being?'' Mikael took off the headphones from his ears and stood up to greet the elderly man.
''Sit down!'' Director Zou said and pulled an empty chair behind him. He sat facing Mikael as they chatted.
''Director Zou, how have you being? I didn't get the time to come and see you before today.''
''No worries, son. I understand your situation. I'm doing well. How about you? We could have postponed the script reading since you're mourning. I'm really sorry about your loss. It came as a shock to me when I heard of it.''
''Is alright. My brother wouldn't want us to delay this drama either since it was after his heart. He was personally interested in this drama, I heard from him.''
''When I first received the proposal for the investment, I was so thrilled and I thought I might have saved a country in my past life to be recognised by such a high profiled man. I really respected him. though he usually doesn't talk much, Thomas Sun was an honest businessman. I had the opportunity of meeting him once on the day he signed the investment papers. You two look so alike and he is just as honest and talented as you.''
As they chatted, Mimi and Mrs. Solace Song entered the hall. Since Mikael and the director were facing the entrance, he saw them and immediately recognised the two, but he still pretended not to and asked Director Zou.
''Who are those women?''
''You don't know them? They are a mother and daughter pair. Very popular and talented. Mrs. Solace Song is a veteran actor and her daughter Mimi Song just started acting a year ago but she has gotten a name for herself. Mimi Song is the female lead for 'LWANBIL', you have a lot of scenes with her since you are the male lead''
''I see'' Mikael nodded his head and noticed how Mimi stared at him the moment they entered.
''Let me introduce you. Mrs. Song, Miss Song!'' Director Zou and Mikael stood up as Mrs. Solace and Mimi walked to them smiling.
''Director Zou, it's been a while'' Mrs. Solace Song said as he hugged the director before stepping aside.
''Director Zou, it's so good to see you. I have been a fan of your works, it is my pleasure to finally be able to work with you. I hope you give me good advice'' Mimi Song said politely as she shook the director's hand.
''I've watched your works and you are really good, Miss Song. Let me introduce you. This is Mikael Sun; he is the male lead for the drama. Mikael Sun, meet Mrs. Solace Song and Mimi Song.''
''Hi, nice to meet you, Mrs. Song and Ms. Song. I hope we have a good time working together.'' Mikael said politely and shook their hands. When he shook Mimi's hand, she held unto him tightly and he had to use a little force to pull his hand away. He faked a smile as he looked at them.
''Nice to meet you, Mikael Sun'' Mrs. Solace said politely, in a more dignified manner.
''You can call me Mimi, since we are the same age'' Mimi immediately said to Mikael.
''Mimi, behave'' Mrs. Solace said to her.
''Let's all sit and start'' Director Zou said to them before taking the seat beside Mikael Sun to sit. Mrs. Solace and Mimi took the two seats beside Director Zou.
''Everybody is already here, right?'' Director Zou asked as he looked around the cast present. One of the assistant directors, Assistant Director Dan walked to Director Zou and whispered something into his ears and his face turned pale at once.