In the deep of the night, when Balfour returned to his room, Ivy had already fallen asleep, clutching the script.
After ensuring Ivy was tucked in snug beneath the quilt, Balfour climbed into bed to catch some sleep.
Come dawn, Balfour was off to the office well before the sun peeked over the horizon.
Not long after, Ivy roused from slumber.
With a busy morning of filming ahead, she needed to rise early for a strong cup of black coffee to de-puff her face. Otherwise, she would be all swollen when the cameras started rolling.
Despite Colton insisting repeatedly that she could show up bare-faced to his set and still shine, Ivy was not one to slack off. She was determined to present her best self as a latecomer to the acting game.
Initially, she had not imagined herself in front of the camera, but now, Ivy had truly fallen for the craft of acting.
She reveled in the challenge of bringing another persona to life, adored the spotlight, and, in those moments, could shed all her worldly concerns, whether it was the weight of debts or heartache.
"Alright, let's roll! Scene three, take one, Action!"
Colton and the producer watched Ivy through the lens as she performed in a rain-soaked scene.
Even though Ivy repeatedly apologized that morning for her slightly puffy face, Colton never tired of assuring her that she was picture-perfect the moment she stepped into the frame.
The camera told no lies.
"Wow, it's been years since I've seen such a natural," the producer murmured, fumbling for a cigarette. Late nights were par for the course in their line of work, and sometimes, a hit of nicotine was just the kick needed.
A look of pure satisfaction spread across Colton's face. Discovering a talent like Ivy was rarer than a blue moon.
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