"We're interrupting your program for some breaking news." The news reporter acknowledged. "The only son of the Rossi family and heir to the Rossi's enterprise mysteriously returns to the states."
"Mr Rossi is quite popular among the female population, so his return has already stirred up the waters." The young woman on the news continues. "Known for his ice-cold demeanor, this elusive magnate still stays unmarried. So the question remains…is there a reason behind his sudden return?"
_meanwhile_
"And the award for the best female actress goes to…Mia Hart!" The show's reporter announced.
I gasp. I can't believe my dream finally came true. After all this time. After so many sacrific–
"Erm, hello?!?" The customer's unhappy tone brought me out of my thoughts.
"I'm sorry sir, can you please repeat?" I said apologetically.
"Two black coffee, extra cream." The young man repeated.
"Black coffee, extra cream–got it. That'll be eight dollars." I proceeded to giving him his coffee, he pays and leaves.
I'm already working ten hours, and I still have three hours left. My body is failing me. I finish up with the rest of the customers.
I get back home to find my best friend waiting for me in my living room. "Oh, you're back!" She exclaimed.
We've been inseparable since elementary school. She's an outgoing, party-animal–total crazy pants.
Hazel doesn't walk into a room–she storms it, like glitter in a hurricane. Loud, unapologetic, and always dressed like one cocktail away from a rooftop party. Like her name, she's light brown in complexion. Dark hair, with a ponytail that swings like it's got it's own attitude.
Skinny, but not lean, just the right size of thin for someone healthy. She's my chaos and my calm, depending on the day. The kind of best friend who'll drag you to a party when you're heart broken, then threaten to fight your ex if he shows up. She's literally the only person I can trust.
She was holding my cat, fluffy, a tuxedo fluffy cat. "How did the audition go?" Hazel asked, dropping the cat on the couch.
"Something came up at work and I had to stay overtime and–"
"Don't tell me you cancelled the audition." She cut me short. "Again!" she exclaimed.
"Well, I'll get another chance."
"You never have time with all those part-time jobs. Maybe you should slow down a bit and focus on your dream."
I sigh. I knew she was right. Damn her! "You know I can't. I need the money."
"It hurts me to see you wasting your talent, Mia."
"Well, I appreciate your concern, but I have everything under control. Anyways what are you watching?"
"Oh that? Adrian Rossi just came back to the city, and it's all everyone's been talking about."
"Oh, that rich guy." I take off my face cap and sweat shirt.
Hazel gave a dramatic gasp. "The audacity! He's not just some rich guy. He's the hottest bachelor in the whole country! Rumours says he's thinking of getting married."
"Yeah, who cares?" I said and proceeded to walk into my room.
"Who cares?!" Hazel called after me.
"I'm tired. I need to go freshen up." I responded and closed the door to my room.
So that's me, Mia Hart. Five feet tall. My body? Lean, but not fragile. Defined shoulders, narrow waist, and legs long enough to make heels optional.
I've always had that kind of skin people call "camera-ready"–smooth, warm-toned, with just enough glow to catch the light without trying. Not porcelain, not bronze, somewhere in between, like honey kissed by sunlight.
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be an actress because it helps me escape reality. But, well…sometimes life gets in the way.
"Mia, you've got a letter." My dad said.
I thought my dream would come through when I got accepted with a full scholarship into the most prestigious drama school in the whole country.
But my dad was an addict. He gambled all our money and then ran away, leaving me to deal with the aftermath of his actions…I had to drop out of college and fight to survive.
I've been working my ass off ever since, taking as many jobs as possible just to pay off his monthly notes. But honestly, I haven't given up on my dreams yet. It may take longer than expected…but until then, I take advantage of my talent for some extra cash.
I step out of the bathroom and open my closet to find the dress I'll be using tonight for my act.
My taxi's here.
And if you're wondering what I do…people hire me for real-life, small roles. I have a small website I run, and an artistic name called Julianne or Julie for short.
I'm discreet, convincing, and effective, very picky about the roles I accept though.
"We have arrived." The taxi driver announced.
I step down and take in the view of the event. People of different calibers, some, even celebrities, dressed in beautiful designer gowns with matching colour masks.
"We're outside the grand theatre, where one of the biggest annual charity masquerade balls is held." The female interviewer announced. "All high society will attend, from celebrity to millionaire heirs and talented CEOs."
"OMG, look who just came!" The male interviewer exclaimed. All head turn to the car that just arrived at the red carpet.
"It's official, Ladies and gentlemen, Adrian Rossi, is attending the gala. It is rumored that this may be the year he decides to settle down. Could this be the reason for his sudden appearance?"
Ugh, all this fuss for that rich brat. I roll my eyes. I won't be meeting with my client until ten pm, it's nine pm so I have some time to kill.
I head inside and take the stairs to the rooftop. "Wow." I take a deep breath in. "This view is breathtaking." I thought to myself. I put a strand of hair behind my ear and my earrings fell down. I bend down to search for it, behind the flower pot.
"Yeah, I'm back." I paused from what I was doing. "No, I didn't. We had an urgent family meeting this evening."
This sounds personal, I better go. I pick up my earring and start to crawl but my leg caught on something and I fell flat close to the man standing there.
"I'll call you back." I heard the person say. "Erm…can you move? You're on my shoe." I didn't move. I was too humiliated. "Miss?" He bent down. "Are you alright?" I opened my eyes with a pair of piercing eyes looking at me.
He was the kind of handsome that got into your bones. His tailored suit fit him perfectly in all the right places. A sexy dimple in his chin. Golden warm eyes that could make you melt away just by looking at you.
And, gosh…don't even get me started on these sexy lips. "Are you done staring, or what?" he asked with one raised brow.
I shut my eyes, pretending to be unconscious, hoping he'd leave, but instead,he knelt closer. I could feel his hot breath on my face. Then on my lips. He was only a few inches away.
My heart nearly stopped. Is he about to kiss me!??