CHAPTER 1: THE AUDITION
###PHIONA'S POV
“Mummy, can I get an ice cream when you’re back home? I’m dying for one!” Jaime exclaimed, his voice imbued with a mix of hope and enthusiasm as he pouted adorably, his small frame vibrating with excitement.
I chuckled softly at my sweet little boy. Goodness knows I owe him more than just an ice cream. The joy in his eyes was infectious.
“Alright, Jaime, it’s settled! When I get back home, I promise you can have as much ice cream as your heart desires. But for now,” I added, softening my tone, “you need to hurry up or you’ll be late for school, okay?” I smiled at him affectionately, fingertips gently playing with his tousled black wavy hair that gleamed in the light.
“Okay, Mum, but you better not let me down this time,” he warned me, lifting his little finger and pointing it in my direction, striking a cute pose that made him look like he was the adult in the conversation.
I couldn’t help but laugh at the sight; he was both adorable and serious at once, a delightful combination that made the moment all the more precious. “Pinky promise,” I assured him, extending my pinky toward him. “Now off you go with Savannah.”
Just then, Savannah entered the room like a ray of sunshine, a massive smile lighting up her face.
Jaime scurried eagerly towards her, and she effortlessly lifted him into her arms, enveloping him in a warm embrace.
“Whoa, you’re heavier than I remembered, young master!” Savannah exclaimed jovially, her eyes sparkling with mischief as Jaime smirked triumphantly.
“I’ve got to hurry to school, Aunt Savannah, otherwise I’ll be late!” Jaime reminded her, his tone slightly urgent, clearly anxious about the ticking clock. Savannah looked at him with an exaggerated arched brow, putting on a dramatic expression that made me giggle. Sometimes I wonder why Savannah never took up acting; she would be incredible at it.
“Wow, so bossy! Phiona, your boy is acting like a tycoon now,” Savannah mockingly complained, tossing her head back in exaggerated frustration, which only made me chuckle in response.
I nodded in agreement, grateful for her playful banter. Savannah had been my rock from the very beginning; she was my backbone through life’s challenges. My best friend since college, there’s hardly anything in my life that she doesn’t know about, just as I know everything about her.
Our bond had grown incredibly close over the years, and I thank God every day for having her by my side.
“I really have to go, Savy. If I don’t leave soon, I’m going to be late for the audition,” I informed her, glancing at my exquisite Rolex wristwatch, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me as I heaved a heavy sigh.
“Yeah, shouldn’t Tina be here by now?” Savannah inquired, a hint of concern etched in her voice.
“Yeah, she’s taking her sweet time. I think I'm just going to head out alone. I can’t afford to miss this role, you know?” I confessed, the urgency underlying my words.
“I can’t wait to see your new movie on TV, Mummy!” Jaime piped up, his eyes twinkling with excitement and innocence.
“Oh, not yet, my movie baby. Right now, I just hope I get this role,” I replied, letting out a deep, contemplative sigh that revealed my uncertainty.
“It’s okay, Phiona. I know you are a strong woman, and no one deserves this role more than you do.
I’m sure the executive producer will see your talent,” Savannah reassured me warmly, giving me a comforting smile that filled me with a renewed sense of confidence.
“Alright then, I should be on my way,” I said, pulling her into a warm embrace that conveyed my gratitude for her friendship. I then leaned down and planted a soft peck on Jaime’s forehead. “Bye, Boo,” I whispered affectionately, knowing my heart would be heavy leaving him.
“Don’t forget my ice cream today!” Jaime reminded me yet again, proving once more how typical he was with his relentless reminders.
“Yes, Sir!” I replied playfully. “And don’t be a nuisance for Aunt Savy today, okay?”
“Okay, Mum,” he assured me, turning to Savannah and with a cheeky grin, added, “Aunt Savy, you heard Mum! I won’t bother you today so she’ll have to take me ice cream shopping.” He winked, making us all laugh once again.
“Oh my God, really? I hope you’ll be a good boy today, Boss,” Savannah responded theatrically, making a grand gesture that sent both of us into giggles.
I couldn’t help but smile as I observed their easy rapport; they understood each other in a way that words couldn’t capture.
With a deep breath, I slipped on my stylish black sunglasses. It was time for the world to see Phiona Derek, the accomplished actress. I stepped out of my lavish mansion, making my way toward the car that was waiting for me.
“Tina,” I greeted her, attempting to convey my disappointment with a stern smile that I reserved for serious matters.
“I’m so sorry, Ma’am! Personal stuff and traffic caused the delay,” Tina apologized, her voice laced with guilt as she bowed her head slightly.
“Your lateness is becoming alarming. Please work on it, or I might have to consider finding a better replacement,” I warned her, my tone firm but not unkind.
“I’m really sorry, Ma’am,” she replied, her face revealing a touch of embarrassment.
I climbed into my sleek black Bugatti, my loyal driver Martin already in place at the wheel. With his expertise, I knew we would arrive on time.
I had noticed a spark between Tina and Martin, though I wasn’t sure how much either of them realized it.
Clementina, my personal assistant, was a complex enigma.
While she was diligent, hardworking, and undoubtedly intelligent, her secretive nature made it difficult to get to know her on a personal level. I sighed deeply. “Any other schedules for me today?” I inquired curiously.
“Yes, after the audition, you have a meeting with Bruce, followed by a brief appearance with Daily Rose Station,” she informed me smoothly, her tone professional.
“Cancel my 3 PM meeting, please. I have something important to do,” I said decisively, another wave of determination washing over me.
“Yes, Ma’am,” she acknowledged obediently.
Even though I am Phiona Derek, one of the most renowned actresses in Australia, I often find myself wrestling with feelings of incompleteness.
Despite my tight bond with my incredibly cute and loving son Jaime and the invaluable friendship I share with Savannah, there remains a yearning deep inside me, an unfulfilled desire for something pure and elusive.