âIvy, listen to me. Right now, you gotta funnel all your energy into acting. The rest is just noise-it ainât worth your time. Once youâve nailed your career, you can stand tall in every other aspect of your life,â
Colton advised with the wisdom of a seasoned thespian.
The producer chimed in with a playful contradiction, âItâs all good, darling. A little heartache can help you slip into your characters with ease. Acting chops matter, sure, but whatâs crucial is feeling-
absorbing everything that life throws at you and understanding the experiences of others. Land one iconic role, and the rest of the journey will smooth out like butter.â
Ny managed a smile that was more pained than pleasant, âI get it, thanks.â
Meanwhile, Giselle was in her trailer when Balfour dropped by unexpectedly.
âBalfour, I thought you were tied up with work at the office. What brings you to our set?â Giselle asked, her smile perfectly calibrated as she slid onto the couch next to him.
She had already convinced herself that Balfourâs visit was to see her.
âI ainât here on a social call. Iâve got business, and if you donât need anything, Iâll be on my way,â he said.
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Giselleâs face. âWhy the rush to leave? Itâs not every day you come to the set. Why not stick around?â
Then a thought struck her, and she added, âDonât you want to catch Ivyâs performance? Sheâs the talk of the town online, and the crew. Letâs just say there are quite a few smitten kittens here.â
The hint of competition seemed to rankle her more than she let on.
Balfourâs voice turned deep and serious, âItâs just acting. Iâve seen it before.â
âBut Ivyâs your wife. Arenât you even a bit curious about the role sheâs playing? Besides, if you donât mark your territory now, some young buck might sweep her off her feet next time,â Giselle warned, half-
teasing and half-serious.
Balfour remained silent. He had always known that Ivyâs talent would someday captivate audiences everywhere.
âIvy!â
Snapped out of her reverie by the call of her name, Ivy saw Nolan approaching with two cups of iced latte in his hands.
Nolanâs face was all warmth and smiles. âI was passing by and remembered you were shooting here.
Thought Iâd drop in.â
Ivyâs spirits lifted, âUh⦠are you here to see me, Nolan?â
He feigned shock, âWhat else? Iâve got to check in on my star actress, donât I?â
Her smile dimmed a bit as she thought of Balfour, who wasnât here for her, but it didnât matter much now. âNolan, whatâs with the treats? Wow! Iced latte from Southside Havenâs exclusive kitchen! How did you know this is my absolute favorite?â
The smile that graced Ivyâs face now was pure and unguarded, a stark contrast to the strained one from earlier. She was genuinely touched by Nolanâs visit.
Nolan looked smugly satisfied, âCome on, Ivy. Did you forget who I am? If Iâm going to visit the set, Iâve got to know what you like, right? Seeing you this happy proves Iâve hit the mark, huh?â
âYeah, totally!â Ivy nodded enthusiastically.
Time was a precious commodity and the fact that Nolan went out of his way to get her this treat made it all the more special.