The Billionaire's Pet

The Contract and Special Request

Natasha Wayleigh was bereft of words. This was the truth. She had worked so hard for five months, who would have thought that her role that she had acquired with such difficulty would slip out of her hands so easily. She was red with anger. If the media got a hold of those photos, it would become a huge scandal. Whatever career she was left with would be over. Her family would abandon her.  

She started reading the documents that Lotus’s agent had given her. Within, there was a small deal with an advertiser about a supplementary weight loss brand. Although it wasn’t as good as the diamond jewelry one, it did offer good money. It was just getting launched into the market, and the offer said the team was looking for a veteran actress to endorse the weight loss supplements. So overall, it wasn’t a bad deal... but the fact that an actress junior to her had outmaneuvered her was something she couldn’t stomach. 

“Lotus, I could never imagine that you would do something so dirty to get that role. Sitting comfortably in this posh lounge within the Golden Entertainment Company, you think so high and mighty of yourself. The public records say that you left the Hampton Family house on your own, but I am sure that you were thrown out because of your shenanigans. You are such a b***h,” criticized Natasha Wayleigh. 

Lotus’s face darkened, and seeing her expressions Natasha Wayleigh felt a little bit satisfied for hurting her. 

“I will go talk to my agent and look over these documents before accepting their conditions,” she said as she turned to leave. 

Lotus called behind her, “You don’t have any choice!” 

Natasha Wayleigh slammed the door shut. 

The young agent looked at the actress in front of her with fear. “What should I do Miss Lotus?” she asked. 

“Do I have any appointments for today?” 

“Yes. You have to go for the screen test of the new advertisement for the ZingIs cold drink.”

“Cancel it and reschedule.” She got up, leaving the room after collecting her purse and her fur coat. 

When she reached the parking, the driver opened the door of the car. Seeing her gloomy face, he didn’t say a word. As they drove, she looked at the deserted streets outside. Not many people were out, since the cold had really set in. She clung to her fur coat even as the driver had turned the car heater on. 

She closed her eyes and rested her head on the car seat. Remembering what Natasha Wayleigh had said earlier, she became sadder. That bastard Brian Lesley… Why did this happen to her? 

---

The producer of the movie Sonny Vales who was a stickler of quality called Lotus the next day itself. He was extremely irritated by the way Natasha Wayleigh had called him and said that she won’t be able to do the movie out of blue. He scolded her on the phone for being so careless and dumb. Next he called Lotus and asked her to join the movie as the lead actress as was his original plan. First he apologized to her profusely. 

“Lotus, it was a big mistake to take Natasha Wayleigh for the movie. She has backed out at the last minute giving lame reasons that her mother is unwell and she needs to take care of her. I didn’t know that she could be so inconsiderate. The designers had taken her measurements and they had bought material to make dresses for her for the movie. She had demanded the jewelers to create specific jewelry for her and if that is not all, she even interfered with the art director to create sets for the movie. And now, all of sudden she is not going to do the movie!” The Producer sounded exasperated not knowing what had transpired a day before. 

“Lotus, can you please be the lead actress. I promise that there won’t be any changes now come what may. I have already checked with your agent and she has said that your schedule is pretty clear and you can adjust this movie.” 

Lotus smiled and replied, “Please don’t worry Sonny. It is not the first time I will be doing a movie for you. After all it is about relationships. I will definitely do the movie for you. Also thanks for checking with my agent beforehand else I would have had to check with her. Consider this a done deal. You can send me the contract whenever you like.” Lotus had played her cards smartly. She had already cleared her schedule for the movie that was about to fall in her lap a previous day itself. 

Sonny couldn’t believe his luck. His mouth fell open. He was able to convince the top actress of the movie industry to work for his movie after that stupid director had replaced her with Natasha Wayleigh. He was scared that she might throw tantrums and refuse to work but he was ecstatic that the girl considered their long-term relationship and agreed to work without any issues. He collected his thoughts. “My Manager is waiting outside your apartment with the contract!” said the Producer. 

Lotus laughed at his momentary silence and then the avidness with which he acted. All her plans were falling into place. She said, “That was quick Sonny.” Then she paused before continuing, “But I have a special request.”

“Sure, sure, tell me!” he could do anything for her now. 

“Can we replace the lead actor Zion with someone else because it would be difficult for me to work with him?” She had a bitter taste in her mouth when she said that. She disliked him for his disloyalty. She hated him for being such an opportunist, for being so shallow - qualities that never fitted in her principles. 

The entertainment industry knew about the budding affair of Lotus and Zion Taffeta but only a few knew how he ditched her for Natasha Wayleigh who was older than him.

The producer was one of those who knew. He understood and said, “Ok, since we are already taking another lead actress, we can replace the lead actor too.” He wanted his lead couple to work amiably. And if Lotus wanted Zion out, so be it. 

Lotus smiled.

“Thank you! You can send the contract with the Manager.”

The Producer said, “Sure and thanks to you.” He was very excited. 

The contract was sent to her apartment.