Located on the banks of the Cumberland River, Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is a sacred place for American popular and country music. Unlike entertainment centers such as New York and Los Angeles, Nashville offers a peaceful atmosphere, attracting many singers to stay and accumulate energy before releasing albums or embarking on tours.
Matthew had visited Nashville more than once because of Britney, but unlike previous visits, his good mood from securing the role of Will Turner vanished on the night of his arrival. Britney took some time to meet him and initiated a breakup.
The split wasn't due to infidelity or third-party involvement but rather due to time and distance, as they had seen each other less than ten times over the year.
Matthew tried to salvage the relationship, but to no avail. Britney had matured significantly under his influence over the past two years. They didn't argue during their breakup, as there were no conflicts or betrayals. Although calling it a friendly separation might be a stretch, they certainly didn't become enemies.
Their last meeting was amicable. Matthew hadn't expected such an outcome from his visit, but on reflection, he realized that both he and Britney were responsible. Perhaps the fading of their feelings began when their call frequency and duration started decreasing. The impact of time and distance is an inescapable reality.
In his somewhat traditional Eastern mindset, Matthew believed in trying to save the relationship, but Western attitudes differed. As Britney put it, staying together without feelings was torture and irresponsible to each other. Her words comforted Matthew; her positive changes over the years were evident.
They parted amicably, and deep down, Matthew still hoped Britney would thrive and become a pop music superstar.
With preparations for 'Pirates of the Caribbean' approaching, Matthew returned to Los Angeles the next day. He wasn't one to cry over such matters but felt somewhat gloomy.
Fortunately, he and Britney never entwined their lives too deeply due to infrequent meetings, so very few people knew about their relationship. The only person aware of it was Helen Herman.
"I have some news," Matthew said in Helen's office, not hiding his gloom, "Britney and I broke up."
"Okay," Helen responded nonchalantly, "Breakups are normal in Hollywood."
Matthew didn't reply, needing time to move past his emotions.
"My advice," Helen spoke bluntly, "next time you date, avoid famous singers. They're either busy with events or preparing for them, far busier than actors."
Matthew knew she was right but retorted, "Can't believe you're making light of my breakup."
Helen looked at him, "Do you need comforting?" Without waiting for a reply, she said, "Here's comfort for you: you lost a tree but gained a forest."
"That's some consolation," Matthew said, pouring himself tea, "It feels like I've lost something."
Helen seemed surprised, "Didn't expect that from you..."
"Please," Matthew interjected, "It was my first love!"
"You'll forget it soon," Helen continued unusually focused on this topic, aiming to get Matthew back to normal before he joined the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' crew, "There are plenty of beautiful women in Hollywood. You'll soon forget Britney once you become more famous."
"Maybe," Matthew shrugged.
Helen added, "Look at society today; who hasn't had several breakups before marriage?"
Matthew thought about it; even back in his original country, wasn't it the same?
"Enough sulking," Helen concluded, "It's not like you."
Matthew drank his tea silently.
After a while, he changed the subject, "I've found a personal assistant. Can you draft a contract with a confidentiality clause?"
"Okay," Helen replied, then asked, "Is she reliable?"
"She should be. You know her," Matthew finished his tea, "Mira Wang. She was my temporary assistant on 'The Scorpion King' and 'The Mummy Returns'."
Helen approved, "She's good, familiar with you. A suitable choice."
Approaching noon, Matthew stayed and invited Helen for lunch. Then he went to Universal Studios to meet with producer Sean Daniel, who had previously contacted Helen to cast Matthew in 'Alfie'. After consulting with Helen, she used 'Pirates of the Caribbean' as a reason to politely decline.
'Alfie' was a romantic comedy, not aligning with his current trajectory. Helen believed Matthew, rapidly rising in his career, didn't need to consider expanding his range or transitioning yet. It could wait until he was an established A-lister, capable of withstanding a flop or two.
With his current status, Matthew couldn't afford a significant failure.
Sean Daniel, after being declined by Helen, reached out to Matthew for a meeting at Universal Studios.
Matthew agreed, acknowledging Sean's previous kindness.
At Universal Studios, Matthew met Sean, busy preparing for 'Alfie'. They stood outside a stage and chatted briefly.
"Sean, Helen didn't mean to refuse you," Matthew chose his words carefully, "We've worked on two movies, and I would've continued our collaboration if circumstances allowed."
"Are you really joining 'Pirates of the Caribbean'?" Sean asked.
The cast list was due to be announced in early July. Matthew nodded, "Yes, one of the leads. I'll join the crew next month and head to the Caribbean for filming."
Sean nodded, "If the schedules don't match, it can't be helped." He pointed to another stage, "Stephen's 'Van Helsing' crew is over there. Want to take a look?"
Matthew agreed to visit.
After bidding farewell to Sean, Matthew approached 'Van Helsing's stage and smoothly entered. Stephen Sommers wasn't there, reportedly scouting locations in Eastern Europe, but the main actors were practicing action sequences on a makeshift set.
From a distance, Matthew spotted Orlando Bloom, who was resting and approached him.
"Hey, Orlando," he greeted.
Orlando brightened upon seeing Matthew, "Didn't expect you to visit me."
"You're not that important," Matthew joked, "I'm here on business and thought I'd drop by."
As they spoke, a sturdy young man behind Orlando said, "Matthew?"
Matthew recognized Fox Sherman, a wealthy individual he had seen at Nebo's gym.
"Hi, Fox," Matthew greeted, "What brings you here?"
Fox was straightforward, glancing at a tall, brunette woman across the set – Kate Beckinsale, the female lead of 'Van Helsing' and star of 'Pearl Harbor'.
Fox excused himself to follow Kate to the rest area.
"Fox Sherman," Orlando commented, watching them, "is investing in another of Kate's films and seems to be pursuing her."
Matthew nodded, asking Orlando about his recent experiences.
Orlando replied with pride, "It's a $160 million production. I'm the male lead with plenty of action scenes."
He then asked Matthew about his new job.
Matthew weighed his words, "I just signed for Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean', one of the two male leads."
Orlando, aware of the project, congratulated him, relieved to share his success.
After a brief chat, Matthew left, his focus solely on 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.
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