Defying Fate: The Unstoppable Eileen novel Chapter 321

The next day.

"Cut! That's a wrap!" Director Carrol's voice boomed through the megaphone, cutting through the silence of the sprawling studio like a knife.

Eileen rose from the ground and strolled over to the side where a stylist immediately started fixing her costume. Meanwhile, Egbert was swarmed by makeup artists.

From behind the monitors, Carrol called out, "Mr. Reed, could you come here for a moment?"

Egbert took a sip of water and, bottle in hand, made his way to where Carrol was standing.

After Eileen's costume adjustments were complete, she headed over to join them.

Carrol was briefing Egbert on the upcoming scene, but when he noticed Eileen approaching, he said, "Take a breather, Eileen. The next scene’s between Evander Moore and Shirley."

Eileen nodded, then asked, "Has Renee arrived?"

Renee was the actress playing Evander's pregnant wife in the movie. Despite her condition, Carrol had decided against recasting and chose to accommodate her schedule by shooting her scenes early.

"She's here, getting into costume now," Carrol replied.

Shortly afterward, a young woman in an elaborate period dress emerged from the changing room.

Renee made a beeline for Egbert, gushing over how much she adored his work and how honored she was to be playing his wife in a cameo role. Egbert, however, remained nonchalant, offering little reaction.

Carrol gestured toward Eileen and introduced her to Renee, "This is Eileen. You two will have a lot of scenes together, so you'd better get to know each other."

Eileen extended her hand politely, "Ms. Renee, it's a pleasure."

Renee glanced at Eileen's hand, then looked away, offering a perfunctory "Hello" before turning back to chat with Egbert.

Eileen was left hanging.

Within minutes, the set was ready, and Carrol announced through the megaphone, "All right, we'll take it from the top in five!"

Renee smiled at Egbert, "I'll be counting on you, Mr. Reed."

Egbert just glanced at Renee, then turned to look at Eileen, who, having opened a bottle of water, was heading off to the side.

The scene began, and Eileen settled next to Carrol, both of them watching the monitor closely.

"Cut!" Carrol called out a minute later, shaking his head.

Renee immediately apologized, "I'm so sorry, I blocked the camera."

Carrol frowned and, with an unlit cigarette dangling from his lips, urged, "Let's try it again."

Seconds later, Renee apologized again, this time visibly flustered.

Carrol's patience was wearing thin, "Please, watch your positioning."

Renee nodded frantically, "Yes, of course."

But five minutes later, another "Cut!" echoed through the studio.

Carrol, exhausted, leaned back in his chair, toying with a lighter, tempted to light up but reconsidering with a glance at Eileen.

Addressing Renee, he asked pointedly, "Didn't you rehearse your position?"

Renee, near tears, kept apologizing, "I'm sorry, it's all my fault."

Eileen, chin propped up by her hand, remained silent throughout, her eyes fixed on the monitor.

The morning dragged on, with Egbert and Renee's scene taking nineteen takes, delaying the production by over an hour.