Actor in Hollywood

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Time flows quietly, like sand through an hourglass.

On the big screen.

Michael finally looked up at Mia.

Mia gazed quietly at Michael, unable to hide her anxiety and unease.

But this time, there was a mask between them, like armor drawing a line. Though their eyes met, it was as if an ocean separated them.

In the audience, Gloria was stunned—

Like everyone else, she couldn't see Michael's expression, hidden behind the mask, making the already tense atmosphere somewhat comical.

However.

Gloria could see his eyes, looking through the mask, as if they could pierce the screen and communicate directly with each audience member.

A deep blue, serene and profound, magnificent and brilliant, so full of emotion yet so fragile; in truth, there were no tears, no sadness, no disappointment—quite the opposite, there was a faint smile, but behind that tenderness, you could deeply feel the heartache and bitter disappointment.

Deeply, so deeply, Michael looked at Mia, and at the same time, at every audience member.

No words were needed, not even expressions or movements. Gloria could hear Michael's inner voice, stirring ripples deep within her soul.

Suddenly, Gloria was overwhelmed.

The entire theater fell silent; not a sound could be heard, even the trivial sounds of breathing and heartbeat seemed to disappear. Everyone held their breath, staring at the pair of blue eyes hidden behind the mask on the big screen, quietly listening to the sound of time slipping through the hourglass.

In reality, it wasn't a lack of love, nor was it a dead heart; it was fear.

Precisely because the feelings were so strong and overwhelming, after experiencing disappointment and hurt, fear began to creep in.

Cautiously, distance was maintained, afraid of being disappointed again, afraid that the feelings they had cherished would fall apart and disappear.

The more this happened, the more exposed their emotions and anxiety became. The feelings were so intense and overwhelming.

Gloria couldn't help but feel a bitter taste in her mouth. She hadn't expected this moment from "The Princess Diaries," and neither had the other audience members.

That somewhat ridiculous mask turned out to be a stroke of genius, those deep blue eyes capturing a moment that became eternal, lingering for a long time.

Emotions swirled in her mind, a mix of feelings, falling deeply into the film like a moth to a flame, unable to escape as she continued to fall and sink.

Gloria felt it, and so did Mia on the screen.

She looked into Michael's eyes, trying to find the strength to continue speaking.

"I'm still planning to attend Genovia's national day ball, and I'm inviting you to join me."

"It'll be fun, you know, I'll be dressed up, barely able to breathe… even Lilly has a dance partner…"

Michael didn't rush to speak, his hand holding the mask stiffened slightly.

There was a pause, the air seemed to grow quiet and cold.

Then, Michael said, "Josh would probably look great in a tuxedo."

Mia was stunned, a bit flustered, her pupils shaking violently, "Oh, um, but, look, the thing is… I really want to share this moment with you."

Michael still didn't move.

The eyes behind the mask seemed slightly blurry, with a faint flicker visible in them, yet it was impossible to see clearly or distinguish any emotion.

His right hand stubbornly and stiffly remained in front of his face, covering all expressions, drawing a chasm between the two.

"You don't need to wear a tailcoat; you can wear sweatpants, I don't care." Mia continued to try, her voice tinged with a hint of pleading.

Finally, Michael lowered the mask.

His face, calm and serene, bore a slight smile. He raised the corner of his lips at Mia and said, "Mia, you don't need to worry about me. I just believe that I have no connection with royalty."

Michael saw Mia's invitation as an act of sympathy.

And he didn't need that.

Michael met Mia's gaze, smiling to express his gratitude, and then placed the mask back on the table. After looking around, he realized that he had been holding the envelope in his left hand the entire time. He gestured to Mia, performing an awkward and clumsy knight's bow, then turned and walked away.

Mia watched Michael's departing figure, her shoulders and smile drooping, filled with sadness and heartbreak.

Someday, we must learn to grow up, and learn to face the growing pains and scars, even though it's not easy.

But at least, Mia was learning.

When Lana and her cheerleading squad picked on other students, Mia finally mustered the courage to stand up for those who were being quietly bullied.

At the same time, Mia could now calmly sit down and talk with the Queen. Although she felt she wasn't suited to be a princess, this didn't affect her relationship with the Queen.

For the first time, Mia called the Queen "Grandma," which made the Queen lower her guard, giving Mia a big hug. They both found their peace.

Barring any surprises, Mia would, like millions of other teenage girls, return to a peaceful life, far removed from any notions of princesses or royalty. However, a small surprise awaited Mia when she discovered a letter from her father in the diary the Queen had given her.

"My dearest daughter,

Today is your sixteenth birthday, congratulations.

I gift you this diary so you may fill it with your unique thoughts about a beautiful life. It is a tradition in our family to pass down wisdom as the children reach a certain age, just as my father passed it down to me, and now I pass it to you.

Amelia, courage is not the absence of fear but discovering something more important than fear. Perhaps courage is not invincible, but fear is of no use. From now on, you will embark on a journey and choose between who you think you are and who you can become. The key lies in allowing yourself to embark on this journey.

I also want you to know that I deeply loved your mother and still think of her often.

Happy birthday, my Mia.

With all my love, Dad."

Mia curled up in the chair, hugging her knees, her big watery eyes filled with confusion and hesitation.

In the theater, the sound of people quietly wiping away tears could be heard—not just for the father's love for his daughter but also for every teenage girl's anxiety and fear.

The Genovian National Day banquet began, and Mia became energized again, seemingly with a plan.

However, she hadn't expected a sudden downpour in San Francisco, causing her Mustang to act up again.

First, the convertible top wouldn't close, and then the car broke down on a San Francisco hill, leaving Mia stranded in the middle of the road like a soaked, helpless kitten.

In the midst of the heavy rain, Michael, who was home alone, heard a knock at the door—

Could it be Mia?

As the audience eagerly awaited, Michael opened the door, only to find... a delivery man with a goatee holding a pizza.

Michael looked puzzled. "I didn't order a pizza. Sorry."

The delivery man flashed a big smile. "So, is there another Michael Moscovitz on this street?"

Michael's smile froze.