Shuffle Playlist: Angel numbers by Chris Brown.
''What did you find out?'' Sabrina asked as she took her bath.
''Celia and Vincent grew up together. They are considered childhood sweethearts. Right from infancy, they have been friends. Their mothers are like sisters and there has been rumors that they are engaged. I think she might be a competition to you. They have closer relationship.''
''Then, do I even stand a chance? I mean the match hasn't even started but the opponent already has the upper hand.'' Sabrina walked out of the bathroom wiping her face with her face towel.
''Georgia also said something else. She said Mr. Maraj was a principled man and would give the role of the main lead to anyone who passed the audition. Even if we don't get the role of Gwen, playing Stefani won't be bad. It's just a villain role.''
''Actually, playing Stefani won't be bad. In any case, I am cool with whichever role I end up landing. As long as I can take part in shooting my favorite comic, I don't mind.'' Sabrina smiled. Sabrina just wanted to be a part of the making of her favorite classic comic book. Nothing else mattered to her. She wasn't interesting in Vincent and Celia's relationship.
After dressing up, Sabrina and Tia came out of the room and saw Bia seated at the hall. She was also dressed up and seemed to be waiting for them.
''Good morning, big sisters!'' Bia stood up and greeted the ladies.
''When she acts this way, I become afraid. Darling, what is the situation?'' Tia whispered to Sabrina.
''My heart is beating fast; this kid is up to no good when she calls us her sisters.'' Sabrina replied.
''I promise to be quiet all the way there. In fact, I am going to be unnoticeable and my existence won't be detected at all.'' Bia picked up her backpack, which she had packed already. She tapped the backpack and smiled, adding. ''I've packed a lot of snacks inside. I have my tablet with me, I won't bother you while you do your thing.''
Sabrina and Tia looked at each other and sighed.
Bia smiled.
The ladies had no choice but to take her along. Bia sat at the backseat and opened one of her snacks, potato biscuits and started eating.
''Bia, drink some milk first…'' Sabrina opened a bottle of milk and gave it to the little girl.
''Thank you, Aunt.'' Bia smiled and drunk the milk.
''When we get there, you go ahead and get ready. I will take Bia to the restaurant and get her something to eat.'' Tia spoke.
''Mm! Thank you!''
''Take a look at this profile of Lucia that I made. If there is a chance, I will see if she can get a minor role in the series.''
''Okay!'' Sabrina opened the file and started going through while Tia drove.
...….
Tyme Magazine.
A white van pulled over in front of the building of Tyme Magazine. When the driver got down and opened the backseat, a pair of slender legs touched the ground. The lady in cherry blouse and green ruffle maxi skirt got out of the van, exuding of elegance and pride.
This was Celia Manu, a popular Caucasian actress who has made a name for herself in the film industry. She has won several awards, including an EGOT status despite her young age.
Celia had just returned from traveling overseas, doing a promotion for her latest movie, 'Salt', she was making a lot of waves. Even though the touring hadn't finished, she had left halfway to return for the audition of Vincent's first film series.
This was the first time Vincent was venturing into the film industry, as his childhood friend, she felt the need to support him by playing the lead role. Celia believed that she could do a good job and also wanted to use that chance to further close the gap between her and Vincent.
She has been in love with him since they were in kids but Vincent has always kept a fine line between them when it came to turning their friendship into something more. Vincent has also made it clear that he wasn't going to date someone in the entertainment industry because of his late fiancée who died while acting.
The moment Celia entered the lobby, all eyes were set on her and of course, she loved the attention. She maintained a professional smile as she walked towards Vincent's office.
Inside Vincent's office.
''CEO, these are the profiles of those who are going to audition for the lead role.'' Georgia placed the profiles in her hand on the table and stood across Vincent.
Vincent looked at them keenly. He picked them up and started checking the names. As if he was looking for a particular someone's profile.
''There are still two profiles that are not in yet. Miss Tia is coming with the profile of Miss Sabrina and another talent in their company called Lucia.'' Georgia seemed to have read the mind of Vincent and gave him the answer he was looking for.
''If they can't even be early, then she is not qualified.'' Vincent muttered and threw the other profiles aside coldly.
''The news of the audition was announced a little late. I should have contacted them early on, but I was occupied with other things and only was able to speak to Miss Tia this morning. They should be here very soon.'' Georgia explained.
''Am I interrupting something?'' Celia stood at the glass door and asked with a cheerful smile.
''Excuse me!'' Georgia walked out of the office, leaving them alone.
''Celia, you really came?'' Vincent stood up and unbuttoned his suit as he walked to the couch to sit.
''If you had given me the role, would I have cut my touring short to be here? Can't you just let me have the role of the female lead? It's not like you are a stranger to my works.'' Celia hugged Vincent before sitting across him.
''I have confidence in your works but this is different. I want someone who can embody the role of Gwen very well. I've received a lot of recommendations and profiles, if I choose you and ignore all those ones, won't I be doing nepotism?'' Vincent responded with a smile.
Celia was like a kid sister to him and he has always indulged in her, and protected her since they were young.
''A lot of people are working hard towards this role, and other roles, the only way to get the best person for the role is to have you audition. If you pass the audition, no one would speak ill of you.'' Vincent further added.
Celia smiled. ''You're right. I was going to get you some delicacies from overseas but because I had to cut my trip short, I was able to only get you this…'' Celia handed the small gift bag she came in with to Vincent.
''You didn't have to gift me anything, but all the same, thank you.'' Vincent opened the box and saw a pair of cliffs with his initials on it.
''This was made by a master craftsman. He is a renowned designer and all the big names order their cliffs from him in UK. I had to book an appointment before meeting him. Do you like it?'' Celia asked.
''It's beautiful. Thank you!'' Vincent placed the cliffs back and closed the box. He placed the box on the table in front of him.
''Give me a little information on the names of those auditioning for the female lead role. I need to know who my competitors are.'' Celia asked. She moved and sat next to Vincent. Putting her arm around his arm, she began to act coquettish.
''I can't tell you that. Just give your best!'' Vincent replied. He shifted back, and took Celia's hand away, creating a distance between them.
Georgia returned to the office with the profiles of Sabrina and Lucia. ''CEO, Miss Tia just arrived. Here are the two profiles left.'' Georgia looked between her boss and Celia. She wanted to roll her eyes.
''Put them on the table.'' Vincent responded.
''Hold on!'' Celia stood up and snatched one of the profiles. She looked at it and asked. ''Is she also auditioning?''
''Who?'' Vincent asked back and Celia showed him the profile of Sabrina.
''This lady!'' Celia seemed to be holding a grudge against Sabrina.
''Yes, she is part of the first choices of the female lead that I made.'' Vincent answered.
Celia's face changed. ''Vincent, this girl is a voice actress. Hold on! Isn't she the one in the scandal with you a few days ago?''
Celia shook her head. ''Vincent, don't you think she has ulterior motives? Because of her, you got into a scandal for the first time ever. Besides, she is a voice actress. How can a voice actress compare to me?'' Celia was strongly against Sabrina and doubted her intentions.
''I know, but she is good at what she does.'' Vincent stood up and took the profiles from Celia.
''Vincent, if you choose her, everyone is going to believe the rumors between you and her. People are going to think that you really have something going on with her. It's clear she is just an opportunist and wants to take advantage of you. Also, I have an upper hand than her. I am more popular and has more following than her. If I am a part of this series, it will create a lot of buzz for the series, and the company. She is just a voice actress; how can she face the camera?'' Celia's words were belligerent and she seemed to be attacking Sabrina personally.