A Lifetime With You

Chapter 57

But, what did Kelly and Selden have to do with her?

She felt helpless and resentful of the blame that befell her, and she hadn’t even had the chance to explain herself.

The next day.

As everyone had arrived at the studio to prepare the day’s shoots, it was suddenly announced that Kelly had fallen sick. She was unable to attend the filming. “What’s going on? Miss Hensley seemed just fine yesterday?” Without the main actress, there would be no way to continue the filming. As Ava was liaising with the staff to postpone the filming, she was told, “Kelly has to start shooting for the movie immediately afterwards, so the schedule will be very tight and we won’t have time to film the trailer.” “So what are we gonna do now? We’ve done all the preparation already!” “Didn’t we already get some shots yesterday? Let’s just find a body-double, and sew the shots together in post-production editing.” This was simply too much to ask, even for a skilled producer! Seeing as everyone’s efforts in spending the whole night for preparation had gone down the drain, Ava then decided to personally pay a visit to Kelly at the hospital and discuss plans for the remaining shots. Little did she expect to find Kelly was sitting in a hospital bed. She was happily munching popcorn and looking healthy as a horse! Was she really sick? “Miss Hensley, I heard that you are unwell and so I’ve come to visit you on behalf of all the crew members.” Ava placed the gift basket on the table by the entrance.

Kelly’s joy faded upon seeing Ava. “What are you doing here?” “Well, if you’re really ill, then I’m here to visit; but if you’re almost recovered, I guess I would like to discuss the next filming session with you.” “I don’t want to see you, get out!” Kelly started sulking. Ava said politely, “Miss Hensley, I don’t mind if you want to be rude to me, but this is business that we’re talking about, so we should act professionally.” “Alright, I’m telling you professionally now. The deal is off!”

Ava was deeply embarrassed by Kelly’s words. For the sake of the company, Ava forced a smile and replied, “Miss Hensley, the deal between my company and your agency is a signed and sealed contract, you can’t simply walk out on us.” “If it’s just a matter of paying compensation, then so be it! Ava Nagel, who do you think you are to lecture me like this?”

“Behave yourself, Kelly!” A voice boomed from the ward entrance.

Selden had clearly overheard their conversation, and he seemed upset. Kelly turned to face him and asked, “What are you doing here?” “I heard from a colleague that my ex-girlfriend has been hospitalized, so I came just to see if you’ve died already.” Ava walked over and quietly pulled Selden aside, motioning him to speak in a more civilized manner. Kelly snorted disdainfully, “Did you really come to see me or is it because you heard that Ava was here too and you wanted to come to her rescue?” “Shut up, Kelly!” “Why should I shut up? It’s you who doesn’t have an ounce of impulse control. You couldn’t even refrain from cheating on me, you sc*mbag!” Seeing that the two of them were about to quarrel, Ava wasn’t sure what to say to defuse the situation since she had no idea of what they were talking about. Selden said warmly to her, “Ava, you should head back first, I think your visitation is wasted on Kelly since she’s not really sick after all.”

Ava nodded. As the saying went, the saint had difficulties in settling family matters. As she was no saint herself, she chose to slip away from the scene.

As she exited the ward, she could hear Ava’s shrill voice even from the hallway, “Selden Oakley! You’re a no-good son of bitch!”

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On the very same day itself, Kelly came again to the filming sité. Ava didn’t know how Selden had managed to persuade her. But by the unhappy looks on her face, it looked like Kelly wasn’t really convinced after all. Fortunately, Kelly still had a respectable work ethic. Once she got into character in

the drama, she immediately resumed her wholesome and cheerful persona. The entire shoot went rather smoothly, though it ended late at 1 am the next day due to the delayed start. Everything was done at long last. As crew members left the set, they each looked haggard and almost collapsed in the next second. Ava failed to order a cab to take her home, as it was already too late at night. Also, the busses and subway had already stopped working at this hour. She let out a long sigh, and uncertain of how she was going to find her way back now. Her colleagues who drove to work had already left, while the rest had already been picked up by their family. She stood all alone at the intersection. “Hey, isn’t Mr. Radbury going to send someone to pick you up?” Kelly sat in the back seat of the sports car and stopped beside her. How nice it was to be a big movie star. She got a private chauffeur to send her home even this late at night. Ava ignored her snide remark. She could not help but feel a little jealous.

Kelly continued to mock Ava, “Hmm…looks like Selden isn’t that into you after all. He’s aware that you’re working late, and yet here you are all alone and stranded after work.” “Miss Hensley, I don’t think you understand the nature of the relationship that I have with Selden…” “It is you who do not understand, Ava.” Kelly left her with that cold remark and motioned for her driver to depart. Ava glanced at the empty street. There was not a single soul in sight, much less a cab. “Never mind, guess I’ll walk then, though it’s a long way.” Ava had been trudging wearily on the pavement for several minutes, when she heard a honk behind her.

She turned her head and was surprised to find that it was actually Damien’s car! “Get in the car.” He rolled down the window, and his face was indifferent as usual. She got in quickly and asked, “It’s late, what are you doing around here?” “I am just passing by.” “Really?” Ava doubted his words. It was almost half-past one in the morning, what was Damian doing out here when he should be snoring away by now? Moreover, this was in the middle of nowhere, it was not an arterial highway that one would simply pass by. Damien said nothing as he focused on the drive. She fastened her seat belt and quietly enjoyed the trip home. She had never dared to imagine herself being picked up by a lover after work. Ava was drained from the day’s work, so she no longer had the energy to ask questions about

Damien’s timely rescue. She leaned on the window and dozed off. In her dreams, she felt buoyed by two arms. She peeled open her eyes and saw that it was in fact Damien carrying her up the stairs in his embrace.

She had arrived home.

But why didn’t he wake her up just now? “Um…you can put me down now, I can make it to the room on my own” Ava said sheepishly. Damien did not comply with her request.

He carried her all the way into her room. Ava struggled to get up, wanting to go remove her makeup and freshen up. But, she was single-handedly pushed back onto the bed by Damien.