Chapter 115: Why Are You Wearing Taylor's Clothes?

[Chapter 115: Why Are You Wearing Taylor's Clothes?]

"Action!" the staff member hit the board.

Dressed in a pink knitted sweater and a black wig, Taylor arrived in a sleek Z4 convertible, her large sunglasses slowly coming off as she lifted them, making contact with her lips. She looked straight into the camera, giving a subtly disdainful look.

"Beautiful! Taylor, your acting keeps getting better," Trey exclaimed, giving her a thumbs up.

Wasn't it because I trained her well? Ryan stood next to the monitor, observing every smile and frown from Taylor. When they had first met, she had been a bit naive, but now there was a hint of sultriness in her demeanor.

While Ryan didn't know if Taylor's "artistic vibe" had rubbed off on him, he could see that she had certainly changed in many ways.

...

"The male lead is about to appear," Trey said into the intercom.

Ryan wore a gray jacket over a white t-shirt, his hair deliberately styled to look a bit messy -- an intentional choice by the stylist to maintain some youthful innocence for his role. Initially meant to be played by the male lead in the movie Hannah Montana: The Movie, in another universe, rumors had also swirled about Taylor and this guy during their chart-topping days. However, he hadn't gained much fame, and Taylor quickly lost interest, moving on to another famous relationship.

But despite the awkward outfit, Ryan was undeniably good-looking. It caught the attention of Daddario, who stood nearby, her gaze somewhat mesmerized.

Ryan embodied the youthfulness of a high school student, but she has adult thoughts in her mind.

...

"Stand-in get ready," Trey said, glancing at Daddario.

She wore a messy blonde wig and dressed down in an unflattering outfit on purpose. The script for the You Belong with Me music video had already been finalized, and Ryan had seen it. It drew inspiration from the hit show Ugly Betty. In essence, it was a story about a plain girl capturing the attention of a handsome guy, while Taylor, with her dark-haired look, played the "villain" in the short skit -- portraying both characters.

The current scene required two "Taylors" to be on screen at the same time, necessitating a stand-in.

Daddario didn't quite resemble Taylor and had a completely different body type, but she was the closest in height to Taylor on set. Trey had originally selected another stand-in, but Ryan vetoed that decision and opted to give Daddario a chance, even if it was just as a substitute.

"Actors in position. Daddario, sit on this bench and look toward the car with the two of them in it. Ryan, you know what to do, right?" Trey directed.

Ryan nodded, fully aware it involved kissing -- something he and Taylor had practiced frequently.

...

"Action!" the crew called out once more.

Ryan kissed Taylor, and this was no fake-out; it was a genuine kiss.

"Taylor, look up, yes, give Daddario a condescending look!"

Taylor lifted her gaze, one hand on Ryan's neck while she threw a challenging stare toward Daddario.

Daddario folded her arms, unbothered, staring right back at Taylor.

"Okay, cut!" Trey shouted.

...

But Taylor and Daddario were still locked in a gaze.

Ryan felt a pang of unease -- these two weren't pushovers.

"Daddario, go grab us some coffee," Ryan said directly.

Daddario didn't budge, as Taylor had already stepped out of the car and walked over to her.

"Let me introduce you; this is Erica, my assistant. She will be working with Ryan while you transition your responsibilities to her. Then you'll come to my side," Taylor stated, nodding thoughtfully. Her windblown black wig added to her demanding appearance, complemented by bold eyeshadow and vivid lipstick, giving her an even more fierce look. It wouldn't be until two years later that she tweaked her brows for the iconic look she's known for later, but at that moment, she did radiate a more villainous aura.

"Sorry, but I'm Ryan's assistant, so you don't get to boss me around," Daddario retorted with a smile.

"True, you are Ryan's assistant, but Ryan already agreed with me. After all this time, you deserve a break. Coming to my side will be much easier for you," Taylor replied with a smile.

Previously, during stressful moments, Taylor had leaned on Ryan, but that didn't mean she was without her own opinions. As Daddario grew closer to Ryan, Taylor instinctively felt a need to defend her place, much like a territory marking instinct in animals. She used her words as a reminder that her bond with Ryan was unlike anything Daddario could compete with.

"Now, go and get me and Ryan a coffee. I want it with ice and cream, no sugar, and..." Taylor rattled off four or five additional requests. "Got that? If you can't remember, write it down but make sure not to get it wrong."

Anyone could tell that Taylor was intentionally making things difficult. Ryan knew this too, but he didn't plan to stop her. In their world, there was always a pecking order, where someone had to take the lead while another followed. Daddario had definitely been walking a fine line lately, and it was just right that Taylor teach her a lesson.

Daddario's pleading look didn't escape Ryan's notice, but ultimately, she turned to follow Taylor's orders.

...

When she returned, Taylor and Ryan were resting, and Taylor was playfully flirty, likely for Daddario's benefit.

She would be stepping away from Ryan for a bit. Daddario built herself up mentally while handing the coffee over. After tasting it, Taylor found no faults with it.

"How is it? It's all according to your wishes, nothing missing," Daddario said, maintaining a cool demeanor.

"Perfect, darling. Please give us some space; I want to have a little chat with Ryan," Taylor suggested, moving further away from Daddario.

...

Three days of shooting flew by. After outdoor scenes, Taylor filmed indoor shots, changing her look to channel an "Ugly Betty" vibe, complete with braces and oversized cartoon pajamas. Next, she went to Hendersonville High School to capture scenes with the football team, cheerleaders, and marching band. The last part involved a party scene where Taylor donned two completely different outfits, showcasing her "Black Taylor" and "White Taylor" personas. The final shot ended with a passionate close-up of Ryan and "White Taylor" kissing.

...

When Trey called wrap, rather than showing joy, Taylor appeared visibly downcast.

Dressed in a white gown, she held hands with Ryan as they stepped outside of the shoot. After that, Taylor would enter a very busy period for her new album promotions, along with performances set for the World Series. Ryan was busy too, signing new talent and continuing performances at nightclubs, plus his usual chaotic schedule.

"We'll talk every night," Taylor insisted.

"Sure," Ryan replied.

"Remember to eat more fruit, drink more water, protect your voice, and lay off the soda."

"Understood," Ryan nodded.

"Wear more layers; it's getting colder," Taylor continued to remind him.

"If you have requests, just tell Erica; I've already briefed her to take good care of you, don't feel shy," she added.

This was the first time she found herself mothering Ryan, realizing how much she cared about him. Though she still seemed like the typical carefree girl, perhaps her evolution was more significant than Ryan had anticipated.

...

Later that night, after parting ways with Taylor, Ryan encountered a new situation. Taylor had appointed three female assistants, all of whom had been arranged by him. Additionally, two personal bodyguards, who were Berwick's trusted subordinates, would accompany her, alongside a full-time driver. With Taylor's mom tagging along during her promotion, everything seemed secure.

On Ryan's side, he had three assistants too, including Erica and Daddario. Erica took on some of Daddario's previous responsibilities, helping schedule appointments, while Daddario focused on the nightclub-related matters, and the third one is in charge of record company-related matters. Each of the three people has a mobile phone for Ryan.

...

Ryan took a flight back to Florida. With Erica in tow, things wouldn't be the same as before where Daddario would cozy up to him the moment Taylor was out of sight. During the flight, they barely spoke, and once they landed in Florida, it was Erica who drove Ryan home.

After Erica left, however, Ryan heard a knock on the door.

Opening it, Daddario immediately leaped into his arms.

"Were you just going to watch her push me around?" she pouted, playfully hitting him.

"Did I? I just reminded you not to get too proud and to remember what I told you in the beginning," Ryan responded.

"Did I forget? Was I talking back to her? I waited all these days for you to finish your little world with her before coming over. I've helped you out so much, and what did you give me in return? I wanted nothing! I just wanted you to spend time with me. Where were you when I needed you?"

"Where were you?" Daddario repeated, looking intently at him.

A different voice echoed in Ryan's mind: ♫Where are you now?♫

"When you were busy preparing for the nightclub, who was with you? Where was she? I never left your side," Daddario pressed on.

"Who took care of you daily? Those groceries in the fridge didn't just magically appear. I admit I can't write songs and I'm not as talented as her, but I too helped you in my way..."

"Don't leave me..." Daddario looked up at him, her voice earnest.

Then Ryan noticed a red dress peeking from under her jacket.

He pulled her jacket back, revealing more.

"You... why are you wearing Taylor's dress?" Ryan furrowed his brow.

"I know you like it, so I snuck it out after filming wrapped. I can act just as well -- I can be the mean girl, remember? I'm capable!" Daddario insisted, shedding the jacket to reveal the revealing outfit Taylor wore during the last scene of the music video.

But Ryan was too preoccupied with other thoughts swirling in his mind... He envisioned a flood of imagery.

Each frame played like a chalkboard doodle, bombarding his mind and causing a splitting headache. In those illustrations, a faint silhouette emerged. As the light burst forth, the silhouette became clear, and Ryan was stunned to realize -- it was an adult Justin Bieber?!

*****

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