The Traps of Black Swan

Aarvi causally stood up, nodded at Esme to excuse herself before she walked towards Aeon. Her tone wasn't high but was audible in the filming set to reach the ears. If it wasn't reachable they sharpened their ears to hear her or moved closer to hear better.

"The Role - Madeleine Williams. She's sensitive and humble. Of course, she's also warm, modest, and gentle. She grew up as a strong woman to match her childhood sweetheart, her first love. Her only weakness is her love and happiness."

All were surprised realizing the lady knows about the character so well. Excluding a few, none knew the depth of that character. Madeleine Williams was a character that leaves a strong imprint on the audience who gives up her wish to be with the male lead for his happiness. 

Even though many would think of her as cowardly for giving up on her love without fighting for it, her sacrifice earns appreciation and shows how strong she is.

Mia Craft furrowed her brows without understanding why Aarvi was telling all that. She portrayed as strong while she was broken inside from the loss. Seeing the lady go towards Aeon, she quickly gave work to her heels and sprinted quickly almost running to Aeon.

Aeon knew she had read the draft which was handwritten by him from scratch yet he was surprised to know how accurately she knows the role. He looked back at her eyes as she neared him, he didn't know why but he was calming down watching her, and witnessing there wasn't coldness even though those eyes were emotionless.

Aarvi stood three steps away from Aeon and didn't bother about Mia who clung to Aeon's arms announcing her property. All discerned without a word that Mia was insecure and she was trying to prove as she is best.

Aarvi asked, "President Harmon, I would like to try the same scene with your permission." She chose to ask permission because he deserved it and he was responsible for the whole movie but it wasn't only the reason she stood there in front of him.

Mia rolled her eyes misunderstanding again, "I knew it, you want to be part of the movie and get the attention. Don't you?"

Aarvi glanced at Mia, "I must say. You… were good but you are mistaken."

'I am good but I am mistaken?' Mia didn't understand a word of it. She wanted to tell her to stop talking in riddles but Aeon silently shrugged her hands off and said through his teeth in a low voice, "Behave!"

In the past or present, when it comes to working, he never liked to tolerate such behavior of Mia. He turned to Aarvi, "I have no problem but will you be able to manage?" He didn't know if she could act, he least wanted people to laugh at her.

Aarvi didn't respond instead, "I want none to record this so…" This is the main reason she was standing there.

Aeon immediately understood and turned to his assistant, "Collect each and every electronic device and leave none to record."

His assistant was appointed by Aarvi so he gave a quick nod that went unnoticeable to all and called a few men to carry forwards the work.

Aarvi walked towards the set when Mia tugged Aeon, "Who is she? Why are you listening to her?"

However, Aeon shrugged her hand away from his shirt, "This is the last warning Mia, you are the second female and I am the director here. If you don't behave, don't call me ruthless later. Leave." He shunned her away.

Mia had no choice, she didn't want Aeon to scold her in front of all so she meekly nodded and went to her chair. She had no plans to record or play dirty so in less than five minutes, some of the workers were sent out and everyone's mobiles and tablets were confiscated.

Aarvi who stood in her position noticed the man reading the paper she had dropped at his feet. A sly glint flashed in her eyes seeing him quickly take action. 

Once Aeon confirmed everything was under control, he looked at Aarvi who was lazily leaning on the desk while her fingers drummed on top of it. He had thought she might hate attention hence her identity is confidential but there were thirty plus watching her yet her nonchalance was the same as though there was none in there.

He wanted to announce, however, he chose to keep it down and avoid calling her name aloud so he reached her, "Ms. Evans, everything ready...." He hesitated to tell her, "You don't have to do it if you…"

Aarvi cut in, "Do you think I will do something I am unsure of?" She is the president of Skylar after all. If she does something that she doubts, then Skylar wouldn't be where it is.

Aeon could only nod and turn when the male lead of the movie stood in front of them to offer himself, "Director Harmon, how about I help the lady to get into the mood?"

Aarvi's unemotional gaze shifted to the tall, good looking man who had a friendly smile and his eyes had different intentions behind. 

Aeon wanted to turn down but heard, "Sure…" Aarvi's voice sounded while she hid her intention behind her approval and most importantly he had an untouchable disease in the character so even if he wants, he can't touch her.

Aeon nodded at the man and left. Aarvi stood in her position but heard, "Hello, I am David Beckham." He extended his hand for a handshake after the overly friendly introduction.

Aarvi saw his hand and then his face with her signature serenity that brought confusion to his eyes. "Shall we start?"

While some female actresses sniggered seeing her ignore the man, Esme was silently chuckling knowing Aarvi still doesn't care about the people who don't concern her.

David Beckham could only lower his hand and nod in embarrassment before going to his position. He sat on the edge of the desk and a smile charmed his face looking at his childhood friend.

Aarvi stood at little distance thinking of the character Madeleine Williams. Then she raised her head to face her childhood sweetheart, her first love.

David sat wonder-struck looking at the lady in front of him. Her unfathomable expression was nowhere in sight but there was a girl who had a gentle smile by the small curve of her lips, her gaze was softer than the feathers. He could feel her happiness just through her eyes. 

Her head was slightly tilted sideways facing her loved one and the forehead was a bit forward in response to shyness for facing her long-time love.

Their reaction wasn't solely because of Aarvi entering the role effortlessly, it was because none out there had thought the lady was capable of looking like a love-struck fool yet avoid making it appear too obvious.

Aeon who was just some steps away saw a few mouths drop and some even gasp so he turned around to see the unseen side of Aarvi and stood frozen.

While Mia was grim looking at other's reactions, Esme wanted to witness Aarvi depicting each detail of the character and give it complete justice, unlike just role-playing.

Aarvi waited for quite a few seconds before snapping her fingers in front of David's face, "Don't waste my time." Her voice had turned softer due to the softness of the role.

David darted his eyes around chiding himself for underestimating Aarvi as just a pretty girl came for the attention. Then he became serious about the role. He took a deep breath and entered the character in no time.

David chose his last dialogue after telling his best friend about the girl he fell in love and his disease doesn't react to her. "Madeleine, I knew I could only share this with you. You are thrilled, aren't you? I was so excited to tell but you just work all the time." David said in delight looking at his childhood friend.

Aarvi's smile had cracked, her eyes darted around as they filled in. His words left sourness in her throat that left her lips moving without words. But when her gaze landed back in the split second she witnessed him the happiest than ever.

His happiness brought her genuine smile back but her eyes failed to fake, "I am so happy for you…" It was low tone but coherent burying the heartache and pain.

Her lips were arced up, her brain was truly happy for her first love but her heart was in pain. She let out a soft chuckle as she turned aside from the man. Her slender finger elegantly wiped off the trace of pain in tears unwilling to show it to the man who was beaming.

Her hand raised probably to pat but knowing she shouldn't touch him, she shook her hand in resignation and smiled at the man who followed his line, "I knew you will be the happiest than anyone."

She nodded and added, "I am so happy for you…" And pointed her hand towards the door before turning around and let the tears flow.

"Complete your work, dinner is on me." He informed her before going to his chair to get to work after seeing her nod.

She exited the room and leaned on the wall letting her painful tears roll on her cheeks from her closed eyes clutching her wristwatch tight with her hand. She didn't cry louder afraid of hinting at the man and silently sniffled her tears away.

She turned towards the glass door where she could see his silhouette. A sad smile on her lips turned content knowing he was happy as she wiped away her tears before leaving from the corridor as she dropped the wristwatch.