Coltonâs earnest tone made it impossible for Ivy to decline without feeling a pang of guilt. She hesitated, struggling to find the right words, before finally mustering the courage to say, âIâm sorry, Director, but I have no experience in acting, and honestly, Iâm not sure if I could act at all. I wouldnât want to hold up your production.â
âIvy, donât rush to say no. Hear me out first,â Colton persisted, not ready to give up. He began to outline the benefits of taking the lead role, âIf you take on the role of our leading lady, weâre offering a paycheck of three million dollars. Iâll personally see to it that you have an assistant at your beck and call, and you wonât have to worry about a thing while on set.â
Three million dollars?
As fate would have it, that was exactly what Ivy needed most at the moment.
The three million dollars that had seemed so out of reach, that she had racked her brain for, was now being dangled in front of her for just acting in a film.
If she took the role and got the three million, she could pay off her debt to Balfour immediately.
After all, it was just one movie. She could always give it a shot, and if it didnât work out, she didnât have to continue.
âAlright,â Ivy finally conceded after much deliberation, bowing to the necessity for the sake of the money and a taste of the actorâs life, âBut let me be upfront that I really have no experience. If my performance falls short, you canât hold it against me.â
Hearing her agreement, Coltonâs elation was palpable, âDonât worry, I trust my judgment and Iâll guide you through it. Now, Ivy, Iâll have Juliana send you the time and place so we can sign the contract and make this official.â
âSure, just send me the details and Iâll be there.â
With that, the matter was settled. As soon as she hung up, Ivyâs worries returned.
She had agreed for the sake of the three million dollars, but how was she going to explain this to Balfour?
Balfour had always been against her working outside the house, let alone becoming an actress. If word got out that Mrs. Howard was acting in showbiz for money, who knew what kind of stories would circulate about the Howard family?
But it was too late to back out now. She needed to earn that money, no matter what.
Determined to create a pleasant environment to break the news to him, Ivy went out to buy groceries and gave the maid the night off, deciding to cook a full spread herself.
After preparing the meal, Ivy looked over the table laden with delicious-looking dishes and felt a surge of pride, âI might not be confident about other things, but my cooking skills are definitely improving.â
She sat at the dining table, pulling out her phone. It was already six in the evening and there was no sign of Balfour. She sent him a message.
[Balfour, are you coming home tonight?]
Not long after, she received a reply.
[On my way. Whatâs up?]
Knowing he was on his way home brought a smile to lvyâs face.
[Nothing much, just wondering.]
After sending the message, Ivy set her phone aside and waited patiently in the dining room.
About half an hour later, she heard the sound of a car pulling up outside and, filled with excitement, dashed to the door. Opening it, she saw Balfour walking toward her.
Ivy waved cheerfully at him, âBalfour, youâre finally home.â
Seeing Ivyâs lively and bright demeanor was a novelty for him, and Balfour found it curiously delightful, âWhatâs going on? You needed me for something?â