Stars of My Heart

Chapter 108: Chapter 108: Busy Day



Upon arriving at the hotel, Emily walked past the reception desk, barely noticing the concierge's polite greetings. All she wanted to do was get to her room as quickly as possible. She took the elevator and leaned against the wall as it slowly ascended. The day had been longer than she had expected, and Roberto's screams still echoed in her mind.

Upon entering the room, she dropped her bag on the couch and plopped down next to it, sighing deeply.

Matthew appeared in the living room dressed casually in a simple t-shirt and sweatpants. He was carrying a glass of water in his hand and looked at her, amused.

"Tough day again?"

Emily opened one eye, lazily, and pouted.

"I think Roberto is trying to win the award for biggest bully of the year."

Matthew laughed and sat down next to her on the couch, running his hand through her hair.

"Looks like someone needs a massage."

"Don't tempt me," she replied with a tired smile, before closing her eyes again.

They stayed like that for a few minutes, in comfortable silence. Emily felt the tiredness of the day dissipate with Matthew's gentle touches.

"I'm going to take a shower," she said, standing up lazily. "I need to feel human again."

"Do you want me to pick out something comfortable for you to wear?" Matthew offered, standing up with her.

Emily smiled slightly.

"That's okay. Surprise me."

She disappeared into the bathroom, while Matthew went to her suitcase to look for something comfortable. He separated a loose t-shirt and cotton shorts, leaving them on the bed before returning to the living room.

When Emily got out of the shower, already feeling refreshed, she found her clothes ready. She smiled to herself as she put them on and went to the living room. Matthew was sitting, reading something on his tablet.

"I'm ready for the next round of yelling tomorrow," she joked, sitting down next to him.

"Maybe you should make a playlist of relaxing music. Something to listen to in between scoldings."

Emily laughed.

"Or just wear earplugs."

They talked for a bit longer before Matthew suggested she get an early night.

"Tomorrow's going to be another busy day, and you need to be at your best."

"I know. But I don't want to go to bed yet," she said, her tone slightly stubborn.

"Okay, but only if you promise not to let Roberto get on your nerves."

"I promise to try," she replied, laughing, before finally saying goodbye and heading to her room.

The next morning, Emily woke to the soft sound of the alarm Matthew had set for her. He was already up, making coffee in the small kitchen in the room.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," he greeted her as she appeared in the doorway, still stretching.

"Good morning," Emily replied, sitting down at the table as he placed a cup of coffee in front of her.

As they drank coffee together, Matthew suggested,

"How about taking some photos on set today? Your fans would love a behind-the-scenes look."

Emily grimaced.

"My fans don't need to know what goes on behind the scenes. They just need to see the finished glamour."

"You know they love you just the way you are. A little transparency can strengthen that connection."

She sighed, considering the idea.

"Maybe I'll take a few quick photos... nothing too elaborate."

"That's a start."

After getting ready, Emily said goodbye to Matthew and left for the set. The day began with Roberto in his usual posture: gesturing and demanding perfection from everyone.

"Today we're going to shoot the park scene. I want raw, genuine emotions. No superficiality!" he declared, as the crew adjusted the set.

Emily found Artur near the makeup area. He seemed more relaxed than the day before, but he still couldn't resist a joke.

"Ready for another day of creative torture?"

"Always. And you?"

"I just hope Roberto doesn't make me repeat the scene twenty times. My patience limit was already reached yesterday."

Emily laughed, but before she could answer, Roberto appeared, calling them for the first take of the day.

The sun was rising on the horizon while. The strong coffee she had drunk before leaving seemed insufficient to prepare her for another exhausting day.

The crew worked quickly to adjust the costumes and touch up the makeup. The park, which would be the main setting for the next scenes, was decorated with lights and details that captured the romantic and slightly melancholic tone of the film.

The first scene of the day was the moment when Ana and Léo discussed the design of the square, exposing their differences in approach and personality.

"More emotion, Emily!" shouted Roberto after the third take. "You're an architect passionate about structure, not a robot!"

Emily took a deep breath, Artur, next to her, made a discreet gesture with his hands, as if to say "take a deep breath".

"Let's go again," Emily said, adjusting her posture and preparing for the next attempt.

Finally, after seven takes and many adjustments, Roberto gave the thumbs up.

"That was it! Perfect!"

Emily exhaled in relief.

In the break between scenes, Emily found an empty bench in the park and sat down, picking up her cell phone. She decided to follow Gabriela's advice and take some photos.

She adjusted her cell phone camera and captured the surrounding scenery: the lights hanging from the trees, the well-kept lawn and even a quick selfie with a tired but genuine smile.

She posted it on Instagram with the caption:

"Between scenes and cafes, a little beauty in the chaos. #BehindtheScenes #Filming"

Within minutes, the post began to receive likes and comments from fans:

"What a beautiful place!"

"I can't wait to see the movie!"

"You look amazing, Emily!"

The comments brought a smile to her face. Despite her tiredness, it was good to feel the support of her fans.

The next scene to be filmed was one of the most emotional. Ana and Léo sat on a swing, sharing personal stories on a quiet night.

The crew adjusted the lights to create an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Emily and Artur were positioned on the swings, while the director of photography made the final adjustments.

"Come on, guys. I want genuine feelings. No exaggerations!" Roberto shouted.

Emily closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on the emotion she needed to convey. When the camera started recording, she immersed herself in the scene, her voice full of melancholy as she talked about Ana's frustrations.

Artur responded with the same intensity, and the exchange between the two was so natural that the crew fell silent, completely immersed in the performance.

"CUT!" Roberto shouted, this time with a satisfied smile. "Excellent work!"

During another break, Emily took the opportunity to take a few more photos. This time, she captured the swing illuminated by soft lights and a discreet shot of Artur talking to the crew.

She posted on Stories:

"Between one scene and another, the magic happens. #BehindTheScenes"

Gabriela quickly responded with a message:

"It's getting great! Keep it up."

Emily laughed and put her phone away, heading back to the set for the next scene.

The last scene would be a night shot, with Ana and Léo walking together through the newly renovated square. The crew was tired, but Roberto insisted on capturing perfection.

"I want to see chemistry between you two!" demanded the director.

Emily and Artur exchanged a knowing look before getting into character. They walked side by side, their lines flowing naturally as the camera followed them.

After a few attempts, Roberto finally gave the signal to end.

"That's it for today. Good job, guys."

As the crew began to dismantle the equipment, Emily said goodbye to everyone with a tired smile. When she passed Artur, he joked.

"How about a bar to relax?"

Emily stopped, gave him a serious look and snorted.

"No."

She left before he could answer, eager to get back to the hotel and rest.

In the car, Emily picked up her phone again and checked Instagram. The comments on the photos posted throughout the day kept coming in, and she smiled as she realized that even the most chaotic moments could be turned into something special.


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