[STAGE of Two] was a program that was broadcast live, not pre-recorded. This was done so the audience could see that the acting segment was performed in a single, continuous take, proving it was authentic and not edited together from multiple attempts to get a perfect version. Dıscover more novels at novel·fire·net

That was precisely why Astrid had agreed to appear on the program. Since it was broadcast live, every moment would be captured on camera. If Valentine tried to deliberately make him look bad, the evidence would be there for everyone to see. No matter how large Valentine’s fanbase was, Astrid was confident that if he remained professional and composed, he could defend himself against any underhanded tactics.

But on a personal level, he truly hoped that Valentine would do nothing like that. He hoped the other man would not try to target him during the show. Not that he was afraid of a confrontation. The truth was, he had a great deal of respect for Valentine as an actor. He had watched most of the man’s films and he genuinely felt that Valentine had earned his spot as the number one on the [Star List]. If Valentine proved to be someone who was actually that petty and vindictive, then the positive image and professional respect Astrid had for him would be completely destroyed.

Astrid let out a quiet sigh. He was sitting in one of the dressing rooms the show provided for its guests. His hair and makeup were already done. Now, he was just waiting for a staff member to call him to the set for the start of the program.

He did not feel nervous or excited. Because he was considering the possibility that Valentine was just using him to get back at Wulfric, he found he did not really feel anything about the show at all. He just wanted the program to be over.

The sound of the door opening pulled him from his thoughts. He looked over his shoulder and saw Ellis stepping into the room, holding a drink and a snack box.

“Valentine Davis just arrived,” she said as she placed the drink and a small box of snacks in front of Astrid. “It might be a little while before they start recording, so you should have something to eat and drink first.”

Astrid gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you, Sister Ellis.”

He picked up one of the snacks, a small glazed doughnut, and took a bite. The burst of sweetness actually helped improve his mood a little.

Ellis watched Astrid closely. She had noticed that ever since she picked him up from his apartment, he had not seemed very excited about appearing on this program. This was unexpected. Having worked with Astrid for almost a year, she knew how ambitious and driven he was. She had thought he would see this chance to share a program with Valentine Davis as a great opportunity to increase his fame. That was why she could not understand his subdued reaction.

No, she should have realized this earlier when she first noticed Astrid’s unusual reaction when she told him about this program. Could it be that he secretly disliked Valentine?

Finally, she could no longer hold back her curiosity. She leaned in slightly and asked in a low voice, “Astrid, be honest with me. Are you perhaps not a fan of Valentine?”

Astrid nearly choked on the piece of doughnut he was eating, the sensation almost triggering the trauma from his past life. He quickly grabbed his drink and took a sip to clear his throat. He turned to Ellis, wondering why she would ask that. But seeing her serious expression, he thought back on how he had acted ever since she told him about appearing on the program with Valentine, and he quickly understood why she had asked.

He gave her a small, helpless smile. “It’s not like that, Sister Ellis. I’ve watched most of his movies and I enjoyed them. I think he is a great actor.”

That was not a lie. He did not elaborate any further though. If he were to comment on Valentine’s personality, that would be a completely different matter.

Ellis nodded slowly. “Then why do you not seem happy to be on the same program with him?”

Astrid’s mind quickly formed a believable excuse. He put on a slightly awkward expression. “I’m just worried that I might make a mistake and make Valentine’s fans angry with me.”

Ellis’s face finally cleared with understanding. She reached out and gave his hand a gentle pat. “Don’t think like that. Just be your natural self, like you always are. If you go out there already fearing a mistake, you’ll tie yourself in knots. His fans will surely see that you’re doing your best. You’ll be fine.”

Astrid simply smiled and thanked her.

A short while later, a staff member arrived to inform them that the recording was about to begin.

***

The host of the program walked to the center of the set as the cameras focused on him. He was dressed in a well fitted dark suit. The set behind him was modern and elegant. Two comfortable looking chairs were arranged on a raised platform against a backdrop of warm, muted colors and soft lighting.

“Good evening and welcome to another episode of [Stage of Two],” the host began, smiling warmly at the camera. “Our first guest is a name you have been hearing everywhere lately, the hot rookie who is taking the industry by storm. Please give a warm welcome to Astrid Townsend!”

From the left side of the set, Astrid walked out to a warm round of applause from the audience. He offered the crowd and the host a gentle smile as he made his way to the chairs.

“And our second guest needs no introduction. He is the undisputed king of film, the actor who has held the number one spot on the Star List for years. Welcome the incredible Valentine Davis!”

From the right, Valentine emerged. He waved and flashed a brilliant, confident smile at the audience. The crowd responded with a wave of cheers and applause that was noticeably louder and more enthusiastic.

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