Fan Fiction |
by Hibiscus
Ariel felt the blood rush to her face and a sick feeling turned her stomach. She glanced wildly at Mary, who seemed equally nonplussed as herself.
“You two know each other, of course?” Stefan asked Ariel as Jun Xiang, that is, Mike and his manager took their seats.
Ariel managed a nod while trying to compose herself. A million questions and thoughts rushed to her lips but she knew that if she said anything in the heat of the moment, she would regret it. She looked up to see Mike look away from her and the sick feeling returned in full force.
“Mike has agreed to portray the role of Daniel Zhang, the male lead to your Tuesday.” Angela said. Ariel gripped the table tightly, her knuckles white against the darkness of the wood. She was truly speechless. She looked at Mary again, helplessly.
“Please excuse me for a minute,” she said finally said.
“Mary, could you please accompany me?”
As soon as the door closed behind them, Ariel turned to Mary whispering furiously, “you told me the main leads being considered were Ethan, Nick and Alan!”
“I swear to you, Ariel, that’s what my inquiries revealed. You KNOW I would never have intentionally misled you.”
“What can we do?” Ariel asked, a tinge of panic colouring her voice. “I don’t know if I can do this project after all, how do I get out of it?”
“Ariel, calm down.” Mary looked thoughtful, then grave. “I’m afraid there is nothing we can do about it.”
“What do you mean nothing?!” Ariel nearly wailed.
“I told you, the contract is completely and legally binding. If you try to get out of it, it will destroy your reputation as a dependable actress. I ran it by the company lawyer before and he affirmed my suspicions that there are no loopholes to get out of it once the contract has been signed.”
Ariel took a deep breath. Surely, she was overreacting. But even the idea of going through it all over again made her want to start running and never stop.
“Let’s go back inside.” Mary said.
Everyone looked up as they returned to their seats. Ariel studiously avoided looking in Mike’s direction. She’d deal with it, just not yet. Just a bit more time to get used to the idea. She blamed herself for not asking about the male lead. It was her own fault.
“Remember I told you I was watching a drama of yours when I was writing?” Blanche asked. Ariel nodded. “It was Love Contract and I was struck by the chemistry between you two and it flowed in my writing and that’s what I want for Daniel and Tuesday. And thanks to you all,” and she smiled warmly, “I’ll get it.”
“I realized what you are concerned about, Ariel.” Angela said. “I do remember the media and the paparazzi circus after Love Contract. I don’t want you to worry about subsequent rumours. I have considerable influence in the media circle and I promise I will ensure that nothing like that occurs again.”
Mike, resting his chin in his hands, had been the following the conversation avidly. His manager whispered something to him and he looked towards Ariel.
“If you don’t think you can handle it, I won’t sign the contract.” Ariel looked up, her eyes wide with surprise.
Finding himself the centre of everyone’s attention, Mike shrugged, “it wasn’t easy, last time. In fact, it was horrible and I’d totally understand if you don’t want to work with me.”
Now it was Ariel’s turn to be the centre of attention. What could she say without sounding totally selfish and unprofessional?
“No. I have every faith in Ms. Cai and Mr. Chou. I’m sure if we are careful with our actions and words, there will be no rumours.” And she smiled politely, while inwardly she seethed.
Angela nodded. “Well, that’s decided then. Mike, if you will sign the contract, we can have dinner.”