42

I'm so happy, Maxwell. I can't believe we're so close to the premiere,’ he said in his typical squeaky, honeyed voice.

I understand you perfectly, my dear, Amber. But I'm sure you'll do wonderfully. You were born for this role.

Oh, Maxwell! he shouted euphorically, hanging on her neck. That action caused both Karen and Armand to look at her in horror.

I'm just telling the truth, Am,’ he said, pulling away from her.

Mr. Maxwell, your guests have just arrived,’ informed his assistant, who had stepped forward.

Show them in, please,’ requested the director, who was walking away from Amber.

Very well, said Richardson approached the door, which led to the stage and indicated to the three young people who had just arrived to go up to the stage, as Maxwell was already waiting for them.

You can go up now,’ Richardson informed them.

Won't we interrupt the rehearsals? asked the blonde with obvious concern.

Don't worry, miss, they are rehearsing at the moment, he assured her.

You've come at the right time, for Armand has been in a hell of a mood,’ said the director.

I can imagine, so much work must have him in a foul mood,’ interjected Thomas, who was watching the actors rehearsing.

As you know, Mr. Thompson, we are only a few days away from the premiere of Othello.

That is very much on my mind, I assure you.

I'm sure you're the only one who can change Armand's mood,’ mused the director, smiling at the blonde.

I hope so.

I hope so. Then allow me to introduce you, as you should be, for you are my honoured guests.

How nice, I feel like a big shot,’ Thomas joked.

And they are, Mr. Thompson,’ the man assured him.

Meanwhile, they chatted pleasantly, Maxwell, just separated from Amber and this was immediately with Armand, who did not stop insisting that they went out for a drink, to which Armand more than annoyed, he responded in an ungentlemanly manner, for he hated that people were of encimosa with him, and that they did not understand a refusal.

Come on, Armand, we'll have fun tonight. You can't go on like this, insisted the redhead, who was pulling him by the arm.

I told you, I don't go out with my co-stars,’ he replied, trying to wiggle out of her grip.

I don't know why you're so taken with a plain, vapid American girl, who also has so many freckles, even make-up can't hide them,’ he snapped viciously.

Mind your words, Amber! demanded the brown-haired man. I will not allow you to continue insulting my fiancée, who certainly hasn't even done anything to you.

Hasn't done anything to me?

She came between you and me, I bellowed.

What are you saying? I ask incredulously. How can you say such a thing.

Armand, I love you,’ said the redhead at last, causing all his companions to stop what they were doing and look in the direction of where they were standing.

He was still standing with his back to them arguing, when suddenly the whispering of the other actors began to be heard, but what surprised him most was the look of shock on Amber's face, which was a poem, but he didn't even bother to turn around, until the voice of his director called out to him.

Armand, I'm calling him Maxwell.

What is it now, Maxwell? he questioned with annoyance and turning around, his face changed when he saw his beautiful fiancée accompanied by Patrick and Thomas, who couldn't help but laugh at the drastic change of attitude of the brown-haired man.

Hello, Armand,’ the blonde greeted a little shyly.

Armand almost fell backwards when he saw how beautiful Juliet looked, sheathed in that beautiful green dress, she looked like a goddess, her body was perfectly formed, he could appreciate her very well, without thinking about it he ran to meet her, he took her by the waist and made her turn in the air while he kissed her, He hugged her tightly, as if his life depended on it. He missed everything about her, hearing her melodious voice, and being able to inhale that delicious rosewater fragrance. For him, the whole world had disappeared, and only the two of them existed.

I've missed you so much my beloved freckled one,’ he said lovingly, kissing her again.

I've missed you a lot too, my cocky brat,’ he said, his voice cracking.

It's like a dream from which I don't want to wake up.

Armand, I love you so much, she repeated, hugging him tightly.

Amber, once out of her disbelief, looked at that blonde with disdain, because, although it was hard to admit, Juliet was beautiful by nature, so much so that she didn't need much makeup, she had a graceful figure, and even more with that fine dress she wore, she looked spectacular, but what she couldn't stand and what made her angry, was to see how Armand talked to her and treated her. But she would not give up, Armand had to be hers.

For Karen, it had not gone unnoticed the not only murderous look that Amber dedicated to Juliet, but also one of envy, because now it was clear to her, that Armand's heart, already had an owner, and she was a young girl not only educated and rich, but also beautiful and kind, she rejoiced internally for the unexpected presence of the blonde, and now she would enjoy tormenting Amber, so without wasting time, she approached her to bother her.

I hope this makes it clear to you that Armand is happily engaged to a wonderful woman,’ he snapped mischievously.

Don't even think that's going to make me feel bad,’ the redhead clarified, holding back her jealousy.

Sure, whatever you say. It must be terrible, seeing the man you love happy with another woman.

Just as terrible that a new actress has taken the lead role away from you,’ she snapped.

Do you think I care about that? Anyway, there are other characters I can take advantage of, but there's only one Armand.

Of course, my dear. But don't claim victory, because, just as I snatched the lead from you, I'll snatch that insipid blonde from Armand too, he said confidently.

Then I wish you luck,’ he mused, turning away from her.

Meanwhile with the loving couple, Armand regretfully walked away from his beloved and after tucking a curl behind her ear, communicated his desire to formally introduce her to his companions as his fiancée.

Are you sure? he asked doubtfully and a little fearfully.

Of course, Jul. I want them to meet the woman I love so much.

They look so good together,’ assured Patrick, who smiled with pleasure.

Needless to say, it gives me immense pleasure to see them so happy that I only pray that this happiness lasts.

Me too, brother, me too.

Some of Armand's companions looked at Juliet, in a shameless way, other young girls looked at her with envy, because in spite of themselves, that blonde was really beautiful, besides radiating a unique light. Karen, hearing some scathing comments from her classmates, was quick to applaud, and was joined by the others.

I wanted to see you,’ said Karen, who was addressing Juliet.

Don't bother, Karen,’ the brown-haired man reprimanded her.

Ho... hi, Karen,’ said the blonde.

I thought we were friends and now I see that we're not, I reproach her.

What a thing to say Karen. Of course we are friends, assured the blonde, looking at her incredulously.

You and Armand, you are bad friends. Neither of you were able to invite me to your engagement dinner, I mused painfully.

I'm so sorry, Karen, but it all happened so fast. What's more, Armand and I would like you to be the godmother, what do you say? proposed the blonde.

Why are you lying, Jul? he whispered in her ear, to which she gave him a light punch in the ribs.

Ouch! complained the brown-haired man. You always mistreat me.

You had it coming.

But I'm going to take it out on you later, I threaten her.

So what do you say, Karen? asked the blonde again. Would you do us the honour of being our ribbon godmother?

Of course I would. Gosh I'm flattered, she replied excitedly.

Well that's enough of that for today, announced the director, who had the attention of his entire cast. He congratulated you all, you were wonderful today. Now you may leave. See you tomorrow. This left the actors in disbelief, for they had not rested for days and now Maxwell suddenly allowed them to leave early. No doubt the blonde's sudden arrival had brought them a great benefit. Once Maxwell, congratulated Armand for his beautiful fiancée, wished them all the happiness in the world, and after a warm and sincere embrace between the gentlemen, he said goodbye to everyone, but not before, inviting especially the Thompsons for the premiere of Othello.

Thank you, Mr. Hathaway,’ said Patrick sincerely.

Nothing to thank you for, Mr. Thompson. I hope your plan works out perfectly. Having said this, the gentleman withdrew from the theatrical company, leaving the young men and Karen together.