Chapter 97
“Thanks, darling.” Seraphina took the snack but noticed the bag still looked full. “Is there more in here? Give it all to me.”
Barbara quickly tucked the bag away, laughing. “No, no, this parts for someone else.“”
Seraphina blinked, then had a sudden realization. “Barb, you didn’t come just to visit me, did you? Spill it. Who are you really here for?”
Barbara said. “This is a film set. Of course, I came to see my favorite, Aiden. I’m just dropping off some of his favorite snacks. No big deal.”
“You like Aiden? How come I’ve never heard you mention him? Seraphina looked skeptical.
Barbara said. “It’s a recent thing. Hey, liking celebrities is easy. You can change your crush anytime. It’s not like they’re your boyfriend. You don’t have to stay loyal.”
Seraphina didn’t press further. “Want me to take you to meet him?”
“No need. I’ll bump into him myself. Barbara grinned. “That way, it’s more special”
Seraphina pointed to a crowd not far away. “Then you’d better compete with those fans over there. They’re all here to visit Aiden.
“No worries. I’m looking gorgeous now. Aiden’s bound to notice me right away,” Barbara said with total confidence.
“True enough. Seraphina patted Barbara’s cheek. “Of course, he’ll spot our little beauty in a heartbeat. I’ve got one more scene to shoot, then I’m done for the day. Wait for me. We’ll grab dinner tonight
Barbara asked. “Does your Mr. Vanderbilt approve!”
Seraphina smiled sweetly at the mention of her sweetheart. “He’s not that controlling. Come on.”
Barbara clicked her tongue teasingly. “Ugh, I can smell the love in the air. Go finish your scene already
Seraphina waved and left.
Barbara lingered for a moment, then asked a passing crew member, “Excuse me, do you know where the Moonlight Romance‘ set is filming?”
The crew member pointed in a direction. “Over there.”
“Thanks” Barbara headed that way. It was Frank’s set.
Frank had just finished his scene. Approximately six feet tall, he stood out easily in the crowd. Even in costume, his regal, prince–like demeanor was undeniable.
Frank sat down nearby to rest, and his assistant handed him a bottle of water. He was left alone after saying something to his assistant, who nodded and left.
Barbara gathered her courage, clicked her heels, and gracefully made her way over to Frank.
Frank was glancing at his phone but caught sight of the hem of a dress out of the corner of his eye. His gaze lifted slightly, and there she stood–Barbara, slim and radiant, her smile as bright as a flower in full bloom.
After shedding those extra pounds, Barbara truly looked stunning. Yet, when Frank looked at her, his expression remained calm. His eyes held no trace of surprise or admiration, just a cool indifference.
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Chapter 97
“Hello. Frank greeted Barbara politely.
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Barbara was speechless. He looked at her as if she were a complete stranger. Before she had slimmed down, he hadn’t recognized her. Now, having transformed so much, it made sense that he couldn’t place her. She thought, ‘But why isn’t there even a hint of praise in his eyes? Could it be that I’m still not pretty enough”
Despite the disappointment, Barbara kept her smile steady and mustered the courage to speak. “Frank, don’t you recognize
Frank’s eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. “And you are?”
“You and Ms. Gissing helped take me home that night at the bar. I’m…Seraphina’s friend, Barbara added, giving him a little nudge in the right direction.
Only then did a flicker of recognition pass across Frank’s face. He let out a soft chuckle. “Oh, it’s you”
But that was all Frank said, followed by silence.
Barbara couldn’t shake the feeling that, while Frank vaguely remembered her being there, he had never truly noticed her. Otherwise, why wasn’t he surprised at her transformation? It became painfully clear that she hadn’t even crossed his radar that night. Even though they had exchanged goodbyes, she had left no lasting impression. He really hadn’t remembered her. Frank’s reaction was truly disheartening, but Barbara wasn’t one to be easily defeated. Like a resilient cockroach, she had no extraordinary talents, just sheer determination to keep pushing forward. This minor setback was nothing to her.
It made sense that Frank didn’t remember her. She hadn’t been memorable before. But now that she was more beautiful, she would make sure he’d never forget her. “My name is Barbara Wright, She introduced herself.
“Alright.” Frank nodded slightly, and that was it No further reaction.
While other conversations ended with an awkward “haha“, his ended with a simple “alright“.
Barbara scrambled to find something to talk about, maybe ask about his work, but someone approached. Frank looked up and greeted the newcomer. “Ms. Reyes”
The young woman took a seat next to Frank, holding a script. “Frank, I made some changes to the script. I wanted to go over it with you.”
“Alright” Frank’s demeanor shifted, becoming more attentive.
Realizing they were about to discuss the script, Barbara tactfully stepped back and sat on a nearby bench, watching Frank from a distance.
Their voices were low, and Barbara couldn’t make out what they were saying. But the way Frank listened with such focus, nodding occasionally and offering his own thoughts, was mesmerizing. He was composed and humble, carrying himself with an effortless elegance. He was, without a doubt, the most refined man she had ever met.
Finally, Frank flashed a small, polite smile at the screenwriter and even gave a slight bow, his movements full of grace. Barbara’s heart skipped a beat. There was something undeniably charming about a courteous and well–mannered man.
After the screenwriter left, Harbara stood up and walked over to Frank. He had just risen and was about to leave when she stepped before him, holding out a bag. With a gentle smile, she offered it to him. “Frank, these are your favorite pecans. I thought they might give you a little energy boost.”
Frank looked at Harbara, pausing as if he didn’t recognize her. But he maintained his polite smile. Knowing his preferences, she was clearly a fan. And when it came to small gifts like snacks, no celebrity would refuse. He took the bag and said. Thank you.”
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Chapter 97
The look of unfamiliarity in Frank’s eyes made Barbara’s heart sink.
“I’m heading back to the set now. Thanks for the nuts” Frank nodded before walking off with the bag. He hadn’t gone far when he encountered his assistant, Without a second thought, Frank handed the bag to him and continued toward the set. It was clear he had no attachment to the gift.
Barbara’s nose stung, her eyes growing slightly misty. She had believed that after losing weight and becoming more beautiful, she’d finally catch Frank’s attention. But he still couldn’t remember her. They had just spoken minutes ago, but she had already faded from his memory. Her transformation didn’t make him notice her any more than before.
It made sense, though. Frank worked in an industry full of stunning women, constantly surrounded by actresses with flawless beauty. He was likely desensitized to it. Yet. Barbara had naively believed she could win over her idol with just her appearance.
How can I be so naïve, Barbara thought. But then again, doesn’t this prove that Frank isn’t the kind of man who judges. women solely by their looks?
