In the days that followed, Emily and Matthew adjusted to their intense routines, but in parallel and very different worlds.
Emily woke up early every day for filming. Her apartment in M City had become a rare and brief refuge between hours on set, where the creative atmosphere was intense. At home, she spent hours reviewing the script, rehearsing alone in front of the mirror, trying out different intonations and expressions for Helena. She often lost herself in the role, diving into the complexities of the character as if they were her own emotions.
When she arrived at the studio, Victor and Clara were waiting for her with detailed instructions about the scenes. Some days required emotional sequences, in which Helena confronted her past, while others saw her in the middle of action scenes, escaping from dangerous situations. The connection that Emily developed with the role began to shine through in a striking way during filming. With each take, she seemed more immersed in Helena, and the crew watched in silence, knowing that they were capturing something special.
However, as the shooting grew more intense, so did the intrigue among the crew. Some of the more experienced members questioned the casting of a newcomer in the lead role, while others felt the pressure to maintain the high standards demanded by director Victor. Sophie, who had initially been surprised by Emily's performance, had become a close ally, often helping her relax between takes and offering valuable advice on how to deal with the pressure.
After filming, Emily would often walk to a café near the studio, where she would sip chamomile tea and gaze out at the bustling city outside. It was her moment of calm before facing another challenging day.
Meanwhile, Matthew, in another part of the city, spent his days immersed in the operations of Lancaster Corp. He would start his mornings by reviewing reports and organizing meetings with executives from different areas. The recent proposal from Kinetic Solutions had become a priority, and he spent much of his time reviewing the documents Daniel had sent him, outlining possible scenarios for the partnership. Lancaster Corp. was an imposing entity, but Matthew knew that any wrong decision could jeopardize the legacy built by generations of his family.
In the office, he was known for his precision and professionalism, maintaining a firm and calculated stance in all decisions. However, when he finally reached his personal space, his private office at the back of the president's floor, he allowed himself moments to pause. Sitting in his leather chair, facing a panoramic view of M-City, he was surprised when his thoughts wandered to the young stranger he had met at the market.
There was something about her that continued to intrigue him, something he could not define. No matter how hard he tried to focus on his responsibilities, his mind would return to the scene of her bent over the cheeses, her calm and graceful expression, and her mysterious aura. He wondered who she was, what her story was, and why it affected him so much.
One night, while reviewing documents before closing for the day, Matthew found himself lost in thought again, remembering the intensity of her gaze and the way she seemed so disconnected from everything around her, while he, one of the most powerful men in the city, felt strangely disconcerted.
On the weekends, Emily took advantage of her few free hours to explore parts of M-City. She strolled through the historic neighborhood, visiting old bookstores and art galleries, where she sought inspiration for her role. However, the feeling of always being in the spotlight of the film set was constant. Matthew, on the other hand, kept busy in his mansion, receiving reports and following the company's activities. Although he rarely took time for himself, the idea of accidentally crossing paths with that woman somewhere in the city continued to torment him.
And so, while Emily delved deeper and deeper into Helena's universe, Matthew, without realizing it, began to leave space in his rigorous routine for an unknown restlessness, which grew stronger every day.
Online discussions about the film grew in volume and enthusiasm, forming a sort of virtual movement. Fan sites and film forums filled with threads about the production, where every leaked detail was hotly debated. Many fans of the B-list actors in the cast were excited to see their idols in such a big-picture project. Comments praising Sophie and Mark, known for smaller roles, were constantly appearing:
"Mark will finally get a chance to shine! He deserves it so much!" wrote one fan, generating a stream of responses echoing the same support.
Others were intrigued by the casting of Emily, a newcomer, in the lead role. Social networks and forums began to speculate about how a newcomer had landed such a prominent role among veterans.
"Will Emily handle this responsibility? I think it's risky for the studio…", commented one user.
"What if she's the big breakout? Sometimes a new face is exactly what the industry needs!" replied another person, sparking a debate among fans.
Over time, rumors began to circulate about Emily's intense performance and the dedication she put into the role of Helena. Positive and negative comments appeared in abundance, giving the production a certain air of mystery and anticipation that fans could not ignore. Each new photo leaked from the set was scrutinized by followers, curious about every nuance of the character.
After an intense month of filming, the weight of the work began to affect everyone on set. Emotionally dense scenes and exhausting days generated friction among the crew. During a break to adjust one of the cameras, Emily was waiting patiently in the corner of the studio, silently reviewing her script, when she heard heavy footsteps approaching. It was Rafael, the veteran actor who played the antagonist. His face was marked by irritation, his eyebrows furrowed and his lips pressed together in an expression of displeasure.
"You think you can do everything your way, don't you?" Rafael snapped, his voice full of bitterness. Emily, taken aback, looked up and stared at him, confused.
"Sorry, Rafael, I don't understand," she replied, keeping her voice calm and her gaze direct, although she could feel the tension growing.
"You delayed the recording of my scene yesterday because you insisted on retaking an unnecessary take!" He crossed his arms, his accusatory tone gaining strength. "You may be the protagonist, but that doesn't mean the world revolves around you."
Emily felt her face heat up, but she took a deep breath before answering. She knew she wasn't to blame for the delay and that her repeated takes were instructions from the director himself, who wanted a specific emotional charge.
"I know the day was difficult, but I just followed Victor's instructions. I think he's the best person to talk to about this," she said, remaining calm but not apologetic.
Emily's blunt response seemed to further irritate Rafael, who shook his head, clearly frustrated. "Of course, the newbie already has the director's back." He turned abruptly and left, leaving Emily feeling slightly uncomfortable.
Even though she was used to criticism, this situation caught her off guard, bringing out a feeling of indifference towards Rafael and his wounded pride. Determined not to be shaken, she returned to the script, focused on her work, determined not to let a disgruntled actor compromise her performance.