With consistent practice, both Charlotte and Ben found their rhythm again and swiftly worked through the scenes slated for rehearsal.
With some time to spare, Charlotte, not too occupied, rehearsed early at noon and then awaited at the crew's rest area.
Just then, the staff began distributing boxed lunches.
Charlotte was about to receive hers when Carl called out to her, "Charlotte, your lunch is ready and waiting in Kingsley's private lounge."
Slightly taken aback, Charlotte thanked him with a smile and headed towards the designated area.
Entering Kingsley's private lounge, Charlotte looked around with curiosity.
The simple and sleek decorations matched Kingsley's always impeccable style.
Several exquisite dishes were laid out on the table, kept warm on a hot plate.
Not far off, a small table held scripts and documents.
Charlotte approached, picking up the script and scanning through it, marveling at the dense notes sprawled across its pages.
After enjoying their meal, Charlotte and Kingsley took a brief break in his lounge.
Charlotte couldn't help but blush as she reclined on the soft sofa, catching the familiar scent of Kingsley's presence lingering in the blankets.
Oblivious to her flustered state, Kingsley focused intently on his work, his calm demeanor contrasting with the cold, white light cast by the computer screen, reminiscent of mountain snow, almost intimidating to behold.
Sensing Charlotte's gaze, Kingsley finally glanced up, his raised eyebrows prompting her, "What's the matter? Can't sleep?"
Charlotte shook her head, giggling quietly to herself. She observed the subtle softening of Kingsley's eyes whenever they met hers.
Unable to resist any longer, Kingsley abandoned his work, setting aside his computer. Locking eyes with Charlotte, a mischievous glint danced in his gaze as he teased, "What? Want me to hold you and put you to sleep?"
Flustered, Charlotte vehemently denied, "Certainly not!" She hastily pulled the blanket over her head, hiding her embarrassment.
Amused by her reaction, Kingsley chuckled softly, his warm eyes reflecting fondness as he reassured her, "Rest up for a bit. You'll feel more refreshed for the afternoon rehearsal."
Charlotte nodded, curling up under the blankets, gradually drifting off to sleep.
Completing his tasks, Kingsley sent off an email to the Livingston family's assistant. With his work concluded, he joined Charlotte by the bedside.
Sound asleep, Charlotte appeared serene, her shallow breaths causing her long, dark, curly eyelashes to cast delicate shadows across her face.
Kingsley's breathing unconsciously eased as he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, his eyes filled with contentment.
His cell phone rang softly, and he glanced at Charlotte, realizing she hadn't been woken up, before retrieving it.
There was a message from Carl, reminding him it was time to take his medication.
Kingsley set the phone aside, disregarding it.
He believed all medication was futile; she was his only cure. He was certain that as long as she stayed by his side, he would improve.
Meanwhile, outside the lounge, several people were gossiping about Charlotte's presence in Kingsley's private space.
"I can't believe Charlotte just walked into Kingsley's lounge like it was nothing. You usually need special clearance just to get in there, but she just waltzes in. Maybe Carl escorted her?"
"I had my suspicions for a while now. Remember how abruptly Zelda left the drama club?"
"Charlotte may seem innocent and cute, but she's clearly quite savvy. I mean, it's Kingsley!"
"No wonder, with her looks, any guy would be tempted. Poor Ben doesn't stand a chance."
"Shh, keep it down! Ben's right there."
Next to them, Ben nervously toyed with his lunch box, his gentle smile faltering. Eventually, he rose and walked to a secluded corner to make a phone call.
"I remember you mentioning you had some info on Charlotte. Let's exchange notes, maybe we can collaborate."
The afternoon's scene was supposed to be a rehearsal for Charlotte and Ben, but Ben seemed to have taken a leave of absence and changed to another actor.
Charlotte didn't dwell on it and finished rehearsing her part. As the evening approached, the rehearsal finally concluded. Charlotte received a message from Kingsley and prepared to wait for him to go to dinner.
"Charlotte!" A familiar voice sounded behind her. Charlotte turned around to see Ben, who had been absent for the afternoon, suddenly walking towards her.
"Were you expecting me?" Ben said with a slight smile.
"Hmm?" Charlotte froze momentarily before shaking her head. "I'm sorry, I didn't get a chance to reply to you as I thought you had left."
In the morning, Ben had asked if he could talk about the script with her in the afternoon.
Charlotte had replied at the time that it would depend.
Consequently, when Ben didn't show up directly in the afternoon, she made other arrangements. But who knew Ben would suddenly show up.
"Not waiting for me? So you were waiting for Kingsley?" Ben said, with a flash in his eyes too quick to catch.
Instead of denying it, Charlotte nodded. "Sorry. Besides, we don't have many scenes together, and I'm almost done with mine, so it didn't seem necessary."
"Is that so?" Ben looked at her and said softly, "Let's talk about something else then."
Charlotte frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I've heard you've been with Kingsley? But I don't think he's a good match for you," Ben said quickly, a hint of pleasure and cruelty flickering on his face. "Besides, his family is beyond what you can imagine. There's no way they would accept a girl from a humble background like yours. You won't get what you want!"
Charlotte almost laughed in anger as she listened to his words. Instead of showing anger, she chuckled, "So what?"