Chapter 357 Couple Watches

Chapter 357 Couple Watches

"Alright," Ella sighed, accepting the outcome. She couldn't just bail on the project because Victoria was joining. That'd be too weak. Plus, Victoria only had a few scenes. Ella just had to step up her game and not let Victoria steal the show. Using family ties to control Victoria was a lost cause now. Since her rebirth, Victoria didn't give a damn about Brian and Joan's feelings.

Victoria, on the other hand, wasn't thrilled about spending months shooting a mediocre show. But she was down to spend a few days making some appearances. The producer promised her the best makeup and lighting, ensuring that every time she showed up, it'd be the most stunning scene, just like in the original novel. This way, she could keep her presence in front of the audience and outshine Ella—a win-win.

Soon, the cast of "Meeting the Divine" was officially announced. Unexpectedly, the director listed Victoria's name first, followed by the leading lady Ella and the leading man Armando. Anyone unfamiliar with the original story might think Victoria was the lead. Jasmine was cast as the second female lead, paired with newcomer Jake Sherman.

During the photoshoot for the character posters, the director called Victoria in. Even though she only had twenty minutes of screen time, she had ten different outfits, changing several times every time she appeared. Naturally, Victoria's pay was the highest, billed by the minute, and even her makeup time was charged.

A costume designer hurriedly pushed a rack of clothes past Ella. She pointed to a pink and purple chiffon dress, saying, "That dress is gorgeous. I want to try it on first." Her assistant quickly went to talk to the costume designer, who awkwardly smiled and said, "Sorry, this outfit is for Victoria." Victoria's character, a goddess, had luxurious costumes that matched Ella's taste, but unfortunately, she couldn't wear them.

During filming, Victoria wore the luxurious dress Ella loved, strutting past with a disdainful look. Ella, on the other hand, wore plain white clothes because her character started as a poor girl. Even her makeup was minimal, completely overshadowed by Victoria. Ella gritted her teeth, telling herself not to lose her cool. After all, she was the lead, with more scenes and a richer character arc. The audience would remember her.

When the character posters were released, netizens overwhelmingly praised Victoria's look, overshadowing Ella. Ella's fans explained that the original story had the goddess looking more glamorous than the poor protagonist. They admired Ella for being willing to appear less attractive for the role, showing her dedication. Victoria's fans didn't care, focusing on her beauty and collecting her stunning photos. Every role Victoria played was beautiful and unique, making it hard for fans to choose a favorite.

With that, "Meeting the Divine" began shooting. Ella and Jasmine started first, with Victoria joining later. Rumor had it that Ella and Jasmine didn't get along, constantly competing and even forcing the writers to change the script on the spot. 

Neither would back down. In one scene where they had to slap each other, they really went at it. Jasmine's face swelled, and Ella's hairstyle was messed up, with plastic accessories breaking. The director was furious and scolded them both harshly, which improved things a bit. When Victoria heard about it, she couldn't help but laugh.

Serafina asked with concern, "Those two actresses fighting on set, do they really hate each other that much? What if they go after Victoria when she joins?"

Victoria replied confidently, "They won't. I don't have any physical scenes with them. They'd have to bow to me, so how could they retaliate?"

Wilmer chuckled, pulling out a plan. "Victoria, your birthday is coming up. The company wants to hold a fan meeting to give back to your supporters. Do you have any suggestions?"

Victoria took the plan, glanced through it, and said, "Skip the singing. I can play the piano, and I can also dance. I won't accept expensive gifts from fans, only flowers, cards, and handmade items. Those show their sincerity. Everyone should get a return gift. If the budget isn't enough, I'll cover the rest."

Wilmer joked, "No problem. I know you have money, but the company can't be stingy after all you've earned for us."

Victoria's birthday event was a huge hit. Fans felt incredibly lucky to see their idol up close, and three lucky fans even got to take photos with her on stage. Victoria's piano performance was so professional that they initially thought it was a hired pianist until the lights revealed it was her. Her dance was also recorded and repeatedly watched by fans, as her dance skills were on par with professional dancers.

The birthday event trended on social media, with fans discovering that their favorite actress was also a talented musician and dancer, increasing their admiration for her. Victoria interacted with fans on Twitter for half an hour, giving away some gifts. One fan marveled that the gifts they received were worth more than what they had given Victoria. Even some lucky non-fans who got gifts wished Victoria a happy birthday.

After all the events, Victoria returned home to celebrate with her family. She received a package from Regal City, which she only had time to open before bed. It was from Ethan, a beautifully crafted watch with a dark green face studded with diamonds, resembling a starry sky. It was a custom Patek Philippe couple's watch, with their initials engraved on the back of the band. Victoria put it on, took a photo, and sent it to Ethan. The green face made her wrist look even smoother, and her delicate wrist bone appeared charming, almost fragrant.

Ethan quickly replied, "Do you like it? I was worried it wouldn't reach you in time." Before Victoria could respond, he sent a photo of the matching watch on his wrist. Ethan's hand was a bit rougher, with a light wheat skin tone and visible veins. The two photos together looked like a perfect couple's watch ad.

Victoria texted back, "I love it. But I can't wear it in public, or it would be like announcing our relationship."

Ethan replied, "Just wear it for me. Happy birthday. It's a shame I can't be with you today."

Victoria responded, "It's okay. I won't be with you on your birthday either, so we're even."

Ethan couldn't help but laugh. Victoria always knew how to make him smile, "Get some rest. Good night."

"You too, good night," Victoria replied.