There was a common unspoken rule among the crew to ask for sexual favors, especially when one was auditioning the public for minor roles. Obviously, casting for major roles had its own set of rules too.
Hence, they were unlucky to have the assistant director taking advantage of young girls before auditioning actually started.
Before the matter blew up, Yael tried to manage the fallout. She had hoped to insulate the crew and the movie from the scandal.
If the news got out, everyone would link the unspoken rule to Clarissa’s movie.
Given how important first impressions were, having the movie tainted would greatly affect the readers’ and audiences’ perception of Clarissa & Matthew.
Therefore, they tried their best to ensure the filming of the movie would go on as smoothly as possible.
With Yael handling the situation, Clarissa closely monitored the latest developments.
As the group of victims had filed a lawsuit against the crew of Clarissa & Matthew, investigations began accordingly. On one hand, Clarissa had to deal with the lawsuit. On the other, she had to begin conducting auditions for the cast and promoting the movie.
The moment he heard about it, Ryler was the first to offer himself for a role.
He had returned from overseas to see Clarissa on purpose. Firstly, it was about work. Secondly, he missed Damian.
In the evening, he was invited to dinner at Zen Highlands.
Matthew wasn’t pleased by Ryler’s presence. Despite his resentment, he knew he had to play the role of a gracious host still. Both men chatted a little but were well aware of the animosity they felt against one another.
“Clare. Have you decided on your male lead?”
Clarissa shook her head. “No, it has been difficult to find one. The ones with the popularity and acting stills might not want the role. As for the mediocre actors, I feel that they are not up to the task. Therefore, we are still in the midst of discussing it. Director Yates has told me that he would help out.”
“In that case, do you think that I’m suitable?”
Clarissa was shocked. To have someone as famous as Ryler act in her movie was considered overkill.
Nevertheless, he was perfect for the role. He was at the right age, had the right aura, and had excellent acting skills. The idea had occurred to her early on. She just happened to be too shy to ask.
However, now that Ryler offered himself, she was pleasantly surprised by it.
“Of course you are. Ry, you are the best. However, isn’t it too much to ask of you given how small the role is? I’m worried that your manager and fans would not agree. After all, this is just a romance movie, and it’s also my directorial debut. If you… end up getting criticized for it, please don’t blame me.”
Ryler raised his eyebrows confidently. “I beg to differ. Perhaps, I might even end up saving your movie. Haha… just kidding. Anyway, I’m sure you will do a good job. Besides, don’t you have Director Yates as your producer? He will definitely be of great help. Besides, didn’t I tell you back then that I’m the best person to play your male lead?”
Filled with excitement, Clarissa didn’t know what to say to express her gratitude.
All she could do was give Ryler a hug and utter, “Thank you.”
Meanwhile, Matthew, who was playing with Damian, squinted his eyes at the scene. This isn’t good.
When Clarissa caught Matthew’s gaze, she instantly knew what was going through his mind.
Restraining her emotions, she released Ryler so as to prevent Matthew’s jealousy from brewing further.
Just as expected, Matthew joined them carrying Damian. After placing Damian into Ryler’s arms, he sat next to Clarissa and put his arms around her. With an awkward smile, he remarked, “Damian, Uncle Ryler adores you. Hence, you should spend more time with him.”
Oblivious that he was being manipulated, Damian hugged Ryler to show his welcome and excitement.
Matthew gave Clarissa a kiss before asking attentively, “You look delighted. What are you talking about?”
However, Clarissa could sense the tension in his tone when she leaned onto him, causing her to mentally roll her eyes at him.
Nevertheless, she knew she had to take his ego into consideration when they were in public.
Feeling amused, she replied, “We are talking about my movie. I’m delighted that Ryler has agreed to be the male lead. With such a famous actor, the battle is half won.”
Due to her excitement, Clarissa didn’t notice the disapproval on Matthew’s face.
“Hehe… is that so? I feel that Ryler may not be suited for the role.”
Matthew’s objection didn’t elicit a response from Ryler. Focused on playing with Damian, he pretended not to have heard his comments.
However, Clarissa conveyed to Matthew a look of displeasure. “Why do you think so? I feel that he fits the bill perfectly. More importantly, he is really popular. At the very least, people would watch my movie just because he’s in it.”
“Is not that. I feel that the role isn’t suitable. He is better placed to act as the supporting actor in the book.”
Clarissa was stumped.
“I can’t believe how that idea even crossed your mind. If he is the supporting actor, who’s going to be the lead? Who would even have the gall?”
Smiling, Matthew tousled Clarissa’s hair to reassure her. “The vibe is different. Ryler is too gentle. That’s why he isn’t suited. The male lead had to be cold and aloof.”
Given that Ryler was supposed to play Matthew in the movie, there was indeed a big difference in their dispositions.
However, Ryler protested with a smile. “Matthew, I’m an actor. I can exude any kind of vibe while acting.”
Just as both men made eye contact, Clarissa could feel the electrifying tension of the stare-down.
Somehow, something was amiss.
“I feel that this isn’t…”
Clarissa interrupted Matthew.
“Enough. I’m the director, the original author, and the screenwriter. Hence, I have the last word on this. Since you hardly know anything about movies, you should keep your opinions to yourself. I am eternally grateful to Ryler for offering to play the role. therefore, you should stop messing around.”
After giving Matthew a nudge, she discussed with Ryler their schedule. When he was about to leave, she even gave him a copy of her novel.
Although the publishing firm had given her a few copies, it wasn’t officially on sale yet.
After Ryler had left, Clarissa tucked Damian in. When she returned to the bedroom, she was greeted by Matthew’s upset face.
Clarissa was already expecting him to express his displeasure one way or another.
Just when Clarissa had the urge to ignore him and leave him to brood, she remembered what she had recently said. Due to her flaws, she had caused him a lot of anguish. Hence, there was no point in giving each other the cold shoulder.
Therefore, she had reminded herself that whenever there was a problem, she needn’t wait for Matthew to apologize first. Sometimes, she had to make the first move in mending the fence.
At that moment, Clarissa experienced a paradigm shift. Breaking into a smile, she walked up to Matthew and hugged his neck from behind. With a gentle and alluring voice, she tried to pacify him.
“Hubby, why are you upset? We have to be professional when it comes to movie production. After all, this is a field you aren’t familiar with. We have to look at his acting skills and influence objectively. To be honest, no one fits the role better than him…”
“Isn’t there anyone else other than him?”
“There is. But, they aren’t interested in this simple movie of mine. Given that this is a romantic movie, it isn’t profound enough for them.”
“As long as we pay them enough, someone will come. Just let me know who you want, and I’ll hire him as your male lead.”
“Don’t. Actually, Ryler is a really good match.”
Matthew grabbed her arm and pulled her in front of him. Pinching her chin, he looked at her with a tense expression.
“I insist that he isn’t suitable.”
He was resolute in his opinion.
“In that case, you have to give me a reason as I don’t get what you mean. Explain to me properly and don’t bring up something ambiguous like the vibe he emits. His acting skills are good enough to portray anybody.”
Clarissa insisted that Matthew give her a proper reason.
Narrowing his gaze, a tinge of iciness flashed in Matthew’s eye.
“I think he doesn’t just want to portray me, he wants to be me.”
In truth, there was more to Matthew’s thoughts than he was letting on. Given that Ryler couldn’t be with Clarissa in real life, he would still gain satisfaction from portraying Matthew and getting together with Clarissa’s character. In a way, he had won Clarissa’s heart still.
Although there were many elements of fiction in the novel, Matthew was still well aware that a lot of it was true.
And that was how he saw Ryler. To him, Ryler was relentless in his pursuit of Clarissa, even if she was just a movie character.
Although Clarissa didn’t really understand what he meant, she could smell his jealousy a mile away.
Maintaining her patience, she let out a gentle smile as she stroked Matthew’s face. “Hubby, you’re making too much out of it. The movie is just based on a novel. In real life, I’m still yours even if you insist the novel is true. Besides, it’s the same for the male and female leads in the story too. So, please don’t overcomplicate things, alright?”
“You’re the one that’s oversimplifying it.”
At the back of his mind, Matthew began to rack his brains. Since Clarissa insisted that Ryler played the male lead, he had to use a different tactic to have Ryler replaced.
All I need is a famous actor, right?
Ryler can’t be the only one. I’m sure I can find someone more suitable than him.
