Rebirth: Acting Reversal – I'm the Leading Lady

Chapter Two: Desmaius Lewis Became the Ex-Husband

"Why don't we go inside and talk? There are some legal procedures that you need to be aware of and sign," the man in the suit said, glancing around cautiously, seemingly afraid of being discovered.

Crystal wasn't keen on staying in the same room with two big guys. In case of any foul play, she didn't want to be silenced. So, she wore a hesitant expression and said, "But my friends are about to arrive. How about we go to the coffee shop downstairs to talk?"

"The coffee shop is too exposed!"

Unexpectedly, the bearded man, who had been silent, spoke up, "Bob, let's go with her."

He then turned to Crystal, politely saying, "Miss Campbell, sorry about that. Bob is just being cautious."

This didn't look like a couple who had just gotten married; they seemed more like strangers.

Wearing high heels, Crystal approached the elevator, realizing she held the upper hand now. Bob, the man named Bob, seemed eager for her and the bearded man to get a divorce.

Understanding this, Crystal didn't beat around the bush, avoiding unnecessary trouble. Both sides wanted to resolve the issue quickly.

The coffee shop at noon wasn't crowded. Las Vegas nights were enchanting, and only tourist groups were taking photos outside.

Crystal cleared her throat and pointed outside, saying, "Although I forgot which church we got married in, divorcing should be easy, right? How about we go straight there?"

"Miss Campbell, let me formally introduce myself. I'm Bob Collins, Desmaius's manager. Before the divorce, we hope you can sign a confidentiality agreement to ensure that the marriage won't be disclosed to the public. In return, you'll receive $4 million in alimony."

What???

Crystal was in shock, her eyes widening.

Desmaius Lewis was about to become her ex-husband?

She couldn't believe it, so she asked with a raised tone, "Desmaius Lewis? The Fred from the Crimson Legion?"

Now it was Bob Collins' turn to be surprised. "You didn't know his name, and you went ahead and married him? Or did you intentionally keep it from her, not telling her his name?"

Desmaius spread his hands, helpless. "I told her. Maybe you drank too much that night and didn't pay attention."

Crystal, forgetting her ladylike qualities, started seriously appraising the man sitting across from her.

Why didn't they remind her a day or even half a day earlier?

Why mar the beauty of this golden era?

If not for the reminder, she wouldn't have recognized this bearded man as the globally popular savior, Fred!

After a while, Crystal casually said, "Maybe you should tidy up your beard a bit."

"I'll shave it off before we return to Los Angeles today," Desmaius smiled. He didn't want to hurt this stranger.

Recently hounded by the media and troubled by family issues, he drank a bit too much last night. Otherwise, he wouldn't have gone with Crystal to get married in a church.

Bob was negotiating the terms of the sequel to the Crimson Legion with the Becker and Douglas brothers. He couldn't allow any rumors about Desmaius to come out.

He regretted revealing Desmaius's identity. He didn't know these two got married last night, and the woman didn't even know who the man was.

Bob felt uneasy; their hasty marriage, without signing any prenuptial agreement, could cause major trouble if the woman rejected the $4 million alimony and decided to go to court for a divorce. It would not only damage their image but also result in the loss of millions in property and future alimony.

"Miss Campbell, what do you think of this condition? Just sign, and we'll arrange for the bank to transfer the funds immediately."

Crystal was still in shock. As someone who appreciated good looks, she had been immersed in the handsomeness of Hollywood male stars in her previous life and had even taken photos with many. Yet, she had zero experience as someone's current wife!

Last night, what did the original host see in this scruffy-looking older guy? She was genuinely curious.

Reborn at the turn of the century, Crystal didn't want to be labeled as Desmaius Lewis's ex-wife for her entire life. She had a faint desire for something more.

Having arrived in Hollywood, why not strive for something more?

She genuinely loved acting and enjoyed seeing herself play various roles on television or in movie theaters.

Crystal looked at Bob, the manager, and replied, "I can sign the divorce agreement and confidentiality contract. I can even waive the alimony, but I have a small request."

"What request?" Bob was particularly alert; he loved solving problems with money.

"I'd like Mr. Collins to help introduce me to a trustworthy agent. I want to act," Crystal said. She didn't have much emotional attachment to Desmaius Lewis, and with so many handsome Hollywood guys to choose from, why hang herself on just one tree?

Both Bob Collins and Desmaius Lewis raised their eyebrows.

Acting?

Entering Hollywood?

Is this girl crazy?

"Girl, Hollywood is not that easy to navigate. And after signing the contract, we won't have any contact with you, nor will we provide you with any resources or connections. Every year, so many people enter Hollywood with dreams of fame, but only a few end up in front of the audience," Bob Collins instinctively denied, determined not to let her get close to Hollywood.

Desmaius Lewis, on the other hand, carefully observed the spirited girl across from him. She was no less attractive than his close friend Cather Becky, and she was a graduate of the University of Southern California.

She already had the qualifications to enter Hollywood; he was just giving her a little push.

So he spoke, "Bob, I think this condition is acceptable. Ms. Campbell, you're familiar with how Hollywood operates, right?"

Crystal nodded, "I know some of it and am prepared for the challenges."

In this era, blonde bombshells are still popular. Although she spent her previous life in the relatively obscure entertainment industry, the basic rules remained the same.

Having come this far, Crystal would regret it for a lifetime if she missed out on Hollywood!

Major stars usually avoid situations like this, but Desmaius Lewis didn't think of blocking Crystal's path to Hollywood.

Since the client had spoken, Bob Collins couldn't insist further. He inquired, "Are you sure you only need one agent, and you're not asking for anything else?"

"I'm sure."

As a newcomer entering Hollywood, the fear of encountering a lousy agent who could sell you without you knowing was a real concern.

"I will find an agent for you within CBB. Now, I'll go find a printer, and you two wait here," said Bob Collins, getting up to leave. He was in a hurry and didn't bring an assistant, just communicating with the legal department to fax the confidentiality agreement and divorce contract.

The small private room was left with only Crystal and Desmaius, a couple who had just met and were about to part ways.

Crystal, being the one reborn, broke the silence, "Mr. Lewis, I apologize for what happened last night."

"Don't apologize. We both enjoyed the craziness last night. If you encounter any problems in Hollywood, you can call me. Also, let me give you a piece of advice. Even after graduating, don't distance yourself from your school. USC has a broad influence in Hollywood." Desmaius pulled out a personal business card from his pocket and handed it to her.

Crystal nodded repeatedly. This was indeed one of the advantages of the original body.

The USC School of Cinematic Arts had consistently ranked first among various film schools in the United States, producing many talents in the film industry with the development of Hollywood's film industry. Notable alumni included George Lucas, director of the Star Wars series, Ron Howard, director of A Beautiful Mind, and Robert Zemeckis, director of Forrest Gump. The most famous alumnus, of course, was Steven Spielberg!

On average, every two years, one alumnus received an Oscar nomination, indicating the school's excellence.

This was one of Crystal's aces.

Alumni culture was prevalent in the United States, typically accompanying students throughout their lives.

After a while, Bob quickly returned with a stack of printed contracts.

Crystal glanced at the terms of the confidentiality agreement and couldn't help but roll her eyes. A breach penalty of $200 million was beyond what she could afford to lose!

And the last line in the agreement made her speechless, "Crystal Campbell will not share Desmaius Lewis's property and is not pregnant." This reminded her that she needed to go to the pharmacy.

Swiftly signing her name, she showed no hesitation.

She felt no love or infatuation for Desmaius. It was just a chance encounter.

...

"Crystal! You're finally back!"

"Come on, spill the beans. Who is that man, really?"

"You're really divorced?"

Jessica, a Latin girl with honey-colored skin, and other friends gathered around, eager to get some gossip.

Crystal spread her hands, "Yes, the marriage lasted for 19 hours."

"Tonight, let's celebrate your return to single life!" Miranda excitedly picked up a pillow, planning how they would revel tonight.

"Hehehe, I didn't expect you to have such fun in private. Do you have a picture of that man? What does he do?"

"Honestly, how did he perform last night? Did he make you..."

Crystal's head felt a bit dizzy. These girls were even gossiping about her ex-husband's body and looks, completely unaware that he was Desmaius Lewis, the globally popular heartthrob.

"If this news gets out, I'm afraid I'll be collectively boycotted by American women. Dream lover!" The influence of "The Red Legion" was still strong, with his stylish trench coat, sunglasses, and phone selling out everywhere.

While friends were planning tonight's activities, Crystal found it challenging to fit in. She was no longer the original person, unable to immediately feel the camaraderie.

Sensing Crystal's mood, Jessica whispered, "Hey, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. But tonight, I plan to rest in the hotel. You guys enjoy yourselves."

Crystal was no longer the 22-year-old American girl who loved parties. She was a soul from twenty years into the future, with different tastes and habits. She needed time to adjust and sort out the memories of the original person.

She wasn't adapting so quickly.

Jessica thought Crystal was anxious about the whirlwind marriage and divorce. She comforted her, saying, "Everything will be okay. All things will get better. If you're really tired, just rest in the hotel."

"Thank you."

"Your graduation trip will be unforgettable. Maybe when you're old, sitting by the fireplace, telling stories to your grandchildren, you'll remember this. I wonder if they'll believe this story."

Crystal nodded with a smile, "Indeed, unforgettable for a lifetime. No one will believe my story."

If she really pointed to Desmaius Lewis on the TV and told her grandchildren that he was her ex-husband, she'd probably be sent straight to a nursing home, considered to have senile dementia, and fantasizing wildly!