13 Aoede: Goddess of Voice.
As promised, Amelia showed up at the studio in the afternoon, and with every line she read from the script, Jones was captivated and reassured, knowing he had made the right decision of bringing her on board. Choosing her had truly been the best decision.
“Amelia, I think this part needs to be a bit more intense.” Craig, Amelia’s tutor corrected.
Craig was a veteran in the industry, both in terms of experience and ability. He was a big shot here. He had been around but all he did was stay at the door and listen to the script reading.
Jones and the others were surprised to see Craig around. They greeted and Jones offered him his seat, but he politely rejected.
It’s alright, you can sit instead. I only came to see how it’s going.”
Somehow, the news had spread and everyone knew that the famous voice actress, Wallflower had come to record a voiceover at the company, and most of the employees were crowded around the recording studio.
“Cut!”
As the director completed the editing, Wallflower walked out of the recording studio and Jones took that moment as the right one to play the recorded sound over the speakers.
As the sound played, everyone could immediately imagine the movie scenes. Wallflower was truly good just as they have always heard, and most of the employers counted themselves as lucky to hear her voice in person.
The portrayal of the sound was simply divine, and it felt as though the character was Wallflower herself and they couldn’t be separated from each other.
The crowd was so immersed in her voice that they forgot to react when the sound went off. Save for
Craig. He was the first to react.
Craig had started with applause, and the crowd followed his lead. In a few seconds, there was a clapping ovation in the company. All for Wallflower.
“Wallflower, you are truly the world’s best voice actor.”
“No one could have bodied the voice character like you did.”
“You’re a reincarnation of Aoede, the true voice goddess.”
The enthusiastic atmosphere also ignited Amelia. She could feel her head swell, and she realized how happy she felt hearing people sing her appraisal
“Congratulations on returning to the stage.”
Craig reached out and shook Marjorie’s hand. He was truly proud of her and at the moment, he also understood why Marjorie said she had never given up on the stage. Her light never went out, and just
13 Aoede: Goddess of Voice.
like before, she still had it and would excel in any field.
“Thank you, Mr. Caine.”
2/4
Amelia let out a vibrant smile as she accepted her teacher’s praise. She was glad she was doing this. Then she stepped away as Noah sought to speak to Craig.
Noah still hoped that Craig could persuade Wallflower to accept his advice and return to movies and television instead of working behind the scenes. With how fast she adapted to work situations, he knew she wouldn’t have an issue with being a movie actress.
“Noah, I will certainly try to persuade her, but you know that ultimately the decision to enter the industry lies in the hands of the actors themselves. We can’t interfere too much. Besides, she had mentioned not wanting to get into anything that involves revealing her identity yet. We have to respect that.”
However, before Noah could reply, he got a text from the receptionist.
“Mr. Noah, Ms. Chloe is here.”
Why was Chloe here? They had no shoot scheduled for today.
That was the case, but quickly, Noah headed over. After all, Chloe was a star and one of the biggest names in the industry. If he did not treat her well or get on her bad side, the lead role in the new movie might be in jeopardy. Plus, he wasn’t ready to face the wrath of her fans.
“Wallflower, thank you for gracing us with your presence!”
Right from the first day, Amelia had told them to address her as Wallflower. She didn’t think honorifics were necessary with the name especially since it was an alias.
Albert looked at Wallflower. He didn’t like that she wouldn’t agree to work with him. He was sure her presence would skyrocket the movie’s success. When he arrived at the office and saw Chloe he quickly greeted her with a kiss on her hand.
“Mr. Noah, do you know why I’m here?” Chloe raised her proud head, looking at the director.
“You bet, Miss Chloe. If you hadn’t come to me, I would have visited you.” As usual, Noah was flattering her. He knew just how to hit Chloe’s buttons.
“I was going to reach out to you for the female lead role of Shine.”
Noah wouldn’t have reached out to Chloe if Amelia had agreed to it, but since Amelia turned him down, Chloe was his next best bet.
The female lead character is the only one left for the new movie, and we had a late–night meeting yesterday. You got the lead role, Miss Chloe.
In truth, during the meeting last night, Albert kept thinking of Wildflower even though everyone was recommending Chloe. He had seen clips of Wallflower and knew if she were to act in the movie, even as a supporting role, it would significantly boost box office sales, not to mention her exceptional acting skills.
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13 Aoede: Goddess of Voice.
But, alas, she refused to act!
3/4
Considering his alternative, it was indeed a major disappointment for an accomplished director.
“When will the announcement be made? We’ve been receiving numerous offers for Chloe’s appearances lately. If it weren’t for the excellent script you have this time, we wouldn’t have come today.”
Upon hearing that the decision was made, Chloe’s assistant’s confidence surged.
Downstairs, Wallflower had already re–recorded the two short segments as per Craig’s suggestions. Afterward, she bid farewell to everyone as she was ready to leave.
From the angle Chole stood, she could easily see everything going on downstairs and was surprised to see Amelia. Were her eyes playing ranks on her?
“Why is she here?” Chloe wondered aloud.
Noah followed Chloe’s gaze. “You’re acquainted with Wallflower?”
Noah hoped Chloe would answer affirmatively. That way, he could easily ask her to convince Amelia to return on screen. Even though they might not get to work together on Shine anymore.
“Are you saying she’s Wallflower?” Chloe turned to look at Noah in shock.
Everyone in the movie industry knew Wallflower, and many actors wanted her to do voiceovers for them. Chloe inclusive. However, she remained a mystery, and it was said that no one knew Wallflower’s real identity. There was no private information about her online.
“Yes, she’s the voice actress we recently signed for our company. Miss Chloe, do you happen to know her?”
Noah spoke with pride whenever he mentioned Wallflower. To him, her voice was a fantasy. It needed to be cherished and protected at all costs.
“No,” Chloe replied curtly. She wasn’t going to be affiliated with someone trying to outshine her.
“Mr. Noah, how about we speak on the details later? I’m not feeling well at the moment and I’ll be leaving first.”
Without waiting for Noah’s response, Chloe turned to leave. Even her manager was slow to react.
Chloe rushed downstairs before Amelia got to her car.
“Amelia. Or should I call you Wallflower?” She sneered. Chloe felt she could hold that as Amelia’s weakness.
However, Amelia looked less bothered. “You had better slow down and watch your steps otherwise you’d fall.”
“Are you trying to insult me?” Chloe retorted. She didn’t like that she wasn’t getting the reaction she wanted from Amelia. Why wasn’t she cowering in fear and begging her to hide her identity?
134bede: Goddess of fore
“I don’t think there’s anyone here running apart from you,” Marjorie said with disalim.
“Are you not afraid that I’ll reveal your identity as Wallflower to William?” Carolyn smirked.
Now, she had gotten her. She would use this secret to push her around As, she had the upper hand.
But, she definitely wasn’t ready for Amelia’s reply.
