Boss you did absolutely good today, your scenes were perfect," Esmee said handing him towel.
"Of course I am Lucien. Because everything I do is perfect. You also did great today Esmee, you are the best secretary I've ever had," he replied.
"Don't go around flaunting, I'm the one who is always thankful. You found me by the roadside and rescued me," she said.
"Esmee, tonight I will treat everyone to dinner. Bills on me," Lucien announced.
Everyone bursted with excitement.
"Lucien, over here!" The director called.
"Yes on my way," he replied.
"These two pictures are really nice. The creative art team just can't pick one. So it will be a good thing for you, yourself to decide," the director said.
"This a tough decision. But I think the one on the left will do. It seems out confidence," he said.
"The billboards across the entire country will carry your image," the director said with satisfaction.
Lucien straightened and looked ahead with a slow, pleased smile. "I am about to see myself on the billboards again."
Esmee appeared at his shoulder. "Boss it is almost time for your interview at the entertainment show on Buzz TV. You are going with your co-actress. The van is ready outside."
"Let us go," he said.
At the Waiting Room
A staff member moved briskly through the room counting heads. "We have ten actors here already. Just a few minutes to airtime and one is still missing."
"I am here." Lucien's voice carried down the corridor before he appeared in the doorway, perfectly composed, arriving with the particular ease of someone who has never once believed they would be late. "Right on time."
Every actor in the room turned and the laughter came immediately, warm and unforced, the kind that arrives when someone walks into a room and the room is simply glad they did.
"Lucien," they said, shaking their heads and laughing.
He settled into the remaining seat and looked around at all of them with quiet satisfaction.
"And now," the host announced, "the most anticipated movie of the season, The Boss, is here and we are welcoming its cast to our show tonight."
They walked out in a line to a wave of applause and settled into their seats as the audience noise filled the studio.
"Thank you all so much for being here tonight. Our viewers and our audience are absolutely delighted to have you," the host said.
"We are equally happy to be here. We feel the love, the energy and the devotion from the fans and it means everything to us," Elodie said warmly.
The host turned. "Lucien, as the male lead, Lucien Devereaux, how did it feel stepping into this role?"
Cheers rose from the audience before he could open his mouth.
"I have worked on many sets and played many roles across different movies and different countries," Lucien said when the noise settled. "But in this movie, for the first time, I am the male lead." He paused. "I feel a little nervous. But also very proud."
Another wave of cheers.
"Elodie, as the female lead, what has this experience meant to you?"
"This is my second time as a female lead and it feels extraordinary," Elodie said. "I am working with people from all over the world, great actors from the most celebrated productions, and sharing a set with them makes me feel genuinely special."
"Now," the host leaned forward with a smile, "who has the easiest role in this movie?"
"Lucien," Aurélie said without hesitation.
"How?" Lucien turned to her with complete indignation. "The male lead is not easy at all."
"It is easy because the role simply fits him," Elodie said, laughing. "He is natural in it. He is jovial, lively and composed. He did not have to reach for it. It was already him."
The audience laughed and applauded.
"And who has the most difficult role?" the host asked.
Theodora did not hesitate. "Aurélie."
"There is going to be a transition mid movie," Aurélie said, leaning forward. "I turn from the sweetest girl to the villain by the end. Even though I am being tortured through the first part."
The audience reacted with a ripple of excited murmuring.
After the Show
"Lucien," Elodie called out as the cast moved through the corridor.
He turned. "Do you need something?"
"I noticed you have not eaten anything today. So I prepared a vegetarian sandwich for you," she said holding it out.
His face opened into a genuine smile. "Just what I have been waiting for. You are an angel, Elo."
Elodie laughed. "You are already giving me a pet name."
"Is that bad? I apologise," he said.
"No it is funny actually. I have never been given a pet name before." She pressed the sandwich into his hands. "Have this."
"Thank you," he said. "I will find your contact from the group and send you my rating for the food."
She walked away smiling.
Beside her Chloe leaned in immediately. "Miss you did it."
"Chloe." Elodie kept her voice low. "Did he notice that I like him. I do not want to create any bad atmosphere between us."
"No you handled it perfectly. Now he will contact you personally," Chloe said.
Lucien unwrapped the sandwich and turned to Esmee. "Want a bite?"
"No I am good Boss. I do not like vegetarian sandwiches," she replied.
"Are you saying it is bad to be vegetarian?" he asked.
"No Boss. I am allergic to soya. Please do not worry about me. I will stop by the supermarket on the way," she said.
Lucien looked at her for a moment then nodded, taking a large satisfied bite of his sandwich.
Take care. Call me when you get home," Lucien said.
"Sure Boss," Esmee replied, heading out.
"You are Welcome sir," the maids called after her in unison.
"Thank you," he replied.
"Lucien the lady your brought last night found her way home",Betty said