Chapter 13
Violet had set up Quintessa in a downtown apartment – not exactly in the city’s swanklest neighborhood but still a safe haven for the well–to–do professionals. The place was
modest, a one–bedroom with understated and minimalist decor.
Violet said to Quintessa, “Once you hit the big time, I’ll get you a better place.”
“Sounds good to me,” Quintessa replied.
She wasn’t fussy about her living conditions. Back in Serenitia, when times were tough, she’d gone days subsisting on nothing, not even any bread.
Besides, Quintessa knew that Violet was not having an easy time herself. She had split from her former business partner to start her own studio and was still in the early, toughest stages, with her old boss applying pressure from the shadows.
Considering all that, spending nearly a grand a month to rent this place for her was pretty decent.
After a couple of days of settling in, Violet burst in, full of energy, with a young man sporting black–rimmed glasses and a youthful, unpolished look, “This is your new assistant and makeup artist.”
The young man hurried forward, “Hi Quinn, I’m Manny.”
Quintessa was somewhat surprised; she hadn’t expected Violet to hire a boy as her makeup artist, and a multitasking one at that – a real exploitation of labor.
“Fresh out of school?” She inquired.
Manny nodded, “Yeah. I get my diploma next month.”
Violet glanced at her watch, “Let’s get moving, Manny. Get Quinn ready. We’ve got an audition in two hours.”
“Okay.”
Quintessa nodded, understanding better than anyone the gravity of the situation. She had. to land this role, no matter what, by any means necessary.
The first audition went smoothly. The assistant director handed Quintessa a script and asked for an impromptu performance. After her performance, they told her to come back the next day for a full makeup trial.
Everyone knew Director Fitch was a stickler for detail; if he wasn’t impressed, there
wouldn’t be a second chance.
This meant Quintessa’s image was qualified. Barring any major setbacks, the role was practically hers.
The next day, after resting up and with Manny in tow, Quintessa was ready.
Two hours of makeup and a costume later, she stepped out and silence fell upon the room. In everyone’s mind, there were few words to describe her – radiant in red, a beauty beyond compare.
The ancients spoke of women so stunning they could topple empires; she was the embodiment of that saying.
Fitch stood up, his excitement palpable, “Yes, this is it, exactly! Perfect. This is the Queen Seraphina of my imagination. Absolutely right, it’s gotta be you.”
Standing there, Quintessa seemed to have stepped right out of what he had pictured Queen Seraphina in his mind – the epitome of allure, captivating without vulgarity, her eyes. bewitching, her glances enough to ensnare any man’s heart. She didn’t even need to speak; her mere presence was enough to command everyone’s attention.
The assistant director asked, “Director Frost, don’t you want her to perform a piece?”
Fitch couldn’t take his eyes off Quintessa, his gaze burning with barely contained fervor, “I’ve seen her performance yesterday. It was good. We can dismiss the others.”
Quintessa’s lips curled into a slight smile, “Thank you, Director Frost. I won’t let you down.” Her smile nearly bewitched Fitch, “She’s just…so…”
He was at a loss for words, as if after years of s
ultimately successfully escaping and transforming into a glamorous star, returned home in splendor. Upon meeting again, the two locked eyes, each harboring their own secrets. Quintessa is determined to seek revenge, while Tyrone quietly lends his support, gradually falling uncontrollably in love with her. He cornered her in the elevator: “Have a meal with me, and I’ll let you play the female lead.” “Come with me to the banquet.” “Accompany me to…” “Tyrone, will you ever stop?” He lightly laughed as he placed a ring on her middle finger, saying, “Marry me, be my forever leading lady.” 
