Strings of Destiny

Ethan's point of view

I patiently waited backstage for me to be called, while my manager was busy chatting with some staffs here. I could hear the cheering of the crowd as the host kept on saying things that motivated such cheers, and finally my mind was at peace when I heard him call for me.

" On tonight's show we have a very special guest, one of the most prominent figures in the entertainment industry, who has achieved so much and is still clearly achieving more, join me to welcome Mr. Ethan Wyatt!".

The crowd roared with excitement, from behind the curtains I could see people already giving me a standing ovation when I haven't gone on stage yet, Daven gave me a thumbs up and I just smiled and went on stage.

The applause, the whistles, the screams, the words of love that came from them was really beautiful. I bowed in greeting before taking my seat and the crowd finally settled down.

" Good evening Mr. Ethan, welcome to the tètè a tètè show, it is an honor to have you here".

" Well the honor's all mine Mr. Franklin, I find it very peaceful and loving whenever I'm in the presence of such adoring fans and I thank God for this beautiful blessing and opportunity, I'm really happy to be here".

Even though right now I would rather go home and relax but I can't say that on live TV so it doesn't affect my reputation.

" So we've got some questions for you, we saw your shoot with Sophia Yvette, the rising star. Now I hate to pry into your social lives, but there was just something about those pictures and videos, the chemistry you both had was undeniable. Is there something your fans should know?".

" Well, ummm, Sophia Yvette is a talented and beautiful woman, she has a great personality and beautiful charisma. It's actually my first time working with her but we developed a mutual understanding of each other and we were able to deliver our work perfectly well".

Here I was lying through my teeth while hoping that I never see that woman again.

" That's a very beautiful thing to say about a coworker, seems like you've developed a lasting impression about here and thank goodness it's a good one. But em, we noticed that there are no behind the scenes videos of your shoots, all the laughter and chaos from meeting someone new, I'm sure your fans would love to see that".

At his statement the crowd screamed yes and applauded

" Yes I'm sure they would, but the issue is those videos have been deleted due to private reasons which I can't say here, so there's no way to access them, but rest assured if Sophia and I ever work together again then I'm sure you'll get some behind the scenes videos".

" Okay then, now, is there any new project you're working on, I mean it's been forever since we saw you on the big screen with a movie, are we getting anything like that soon or do we have to wait for another two years?".

I laughed at this point, two years, I usually take two years off acting or any serious work due to my brother's health

" Umm no, I'm already reviewing some scripts, though I haven't found the right one for me yet, when I do you'll see me back on screen".

" Good, your movies and series has always been exceptional, you embody the character you play, it's like you become one with it, I think that's why you're highest paid right".

We laughed and continued the interview, sailing through was relatively easy, though I had to watch my words so as not to reveal much or speak rudely and finally the interview was over and it's time to go home.

*Sophia's point of view*

" How I'm I supposed to fit inside this dress, I know I won't be eating anything solid the whole day but this is still way too tight".

" You'll have to manage ma'am, it's the best fit for the fashion show".

" Show me the clothes, I'll pick something myself".

They looked skeptical, and boy was I about to yell at them.

" Show her the clothes, when it comes to picking outfits she's a pro in that".

I just gave him the side eye and went through the clothes, picking up a black gown I looked at Carl.

" This dress reminds me of the black gown one of my favorite actress wore to an event, it's black, has a slit and a somewhat open chest. It's expressive and I think Kaidia Atelier wouldn't mind me wearing this".

" Try it on first".

I tried it on with the help of my assistant and as I expected it was magnificent

" See, it suits me well, I look so much like her".

" I don't care who you're talking about but the dress suits you and as usual you wear the clothes, not the other way around, that's a good sign. Oh and the agency just called to say your interview has been cancelled and would probably be rescheduled, so you have a little time to rest".

" Can I go to the orphanage then, even if it's just one hour, please".

" No, now have the little thing you'll be having for dinner, freshen up and go to bed while I go have some pizza".

He winked at me and left, gosh. I freshened up, ate salad for dinner and went to bed, already used to eating so little and grateful that I could sleep for awhile I didn't even know when I drifted off. It felt like I was sleeping for a whole day, I can't remember when last I slept this well.

" Sophia, Sophie wake up it's morning".

I heard Carl's voice from dreamville and I didn't want to wake up.

" Sophie, Sophie come on, wake up or you'll be late, the shoot is fixed for this morning".

I got up, definitely looking exhausted, stepped out of bed and headed straight for the bathroom, I heard Carl shut the door, he left, definitely to check on the arrangements. I hurriedly took my bath, got dressed and went outside.

" Put on some glasses".

" Why?".

" You're bare faced and fans could come out of anywhere, we're going for a make-up shoot so Lumina would definitely be the one to take care of your makeup this morning".

I had no choice but to put the glasses on, when we arrived at the location for the shoot, they immediately hurried up to do my makeup, which expectedly took so much time, I changed my outfit and the camera noises began again. Carl just stood by the corner applauding like a mad man, probably to put a real smile on my face which worked because I was laughing throughout the shoot till it ended.

" Why did you do that, applaud and behaved crazy?".

" To put a smile on your face, Lumina is known for showing a sneak peek into the preparation of their shoots and the behind the scenes, so it's good you were laughing so hard, fans would be happy to see you laugh whether it's real or fake".

" So you didn't do it for me, like personally for me".

" I did it for you too silly, frown so much and you'll end up getting wrinkles".

He gave me a little hit on the forehead with his fingers and I just laughed, he laughed too and this was the happiest I've been in awhile. A staff called him, he gave me the car keys to hold while attending to the staff, I looked around and the bodyguard who followed us was too busy talking with a female staff to even notice me, and then it struck me, this might be my only chance to see those children.

I took in a deep breath before quietly slipping away, I got into our car, took another deep breath because if Carl catches me then it's over for me, I started the engine and zoomed off. Bright Stars orphanage here I come. It was a thirty minutes drive, getting down from the car I texted Carl not to search for me so he wouldn't get scared and alert the agency. I put on my glasses and went inside, preparations were already made for the event, I heard happy noises coming from a room and I knew the children were already kept in one place due to the event.

I walked up to where the laughter and cute voices were coming from and there they were, little mischievous angels, running around and laughing with each other, so carefree, I felt my heart sting as I could feel tears build up in my eyes, they were just being children but I was about to cry because of that, when last was I able to be carefree without worrying about my image, growing up sucks.

The event was about to start so I had to leave before someone would recognize me, I quickly walked out of the orphanage but I was shocked at what I saw, Ethan Wyatt coming out of a car and a man following him, why is he coming to this orphanage, and he has a gift, from the way they spoke and laughed though I couldn't hear what they were saying I knew that wasn't his bodyguard, maybe his friend, or manager, or both since Carl is my manager and only friend.

I quickly hid at a corner so they wouldn't see me, I felt someone coming to where I hid, I closed my eyes in fear, could it be a fan, a hater, are they taking videos of me, oh no.

" Sophia, get out of there".

It was Carl's voice, he immediately took my hand and led me to the car, I felt like he was gonna shout at me and I would cry if he does.

" How did you find me, I turned off my phone's location".

" I have known you for ten years Sophia, ten years so I think that question answers itself".

He didn't say another word, he just started the car and we drove home. It was afternoon already so I had to rest up and prepare for the event by 07:00pm. Carl ran me through the basics again and I went through the list of celebrities who would be attending again. Time flew fast because before I knew it, it was time to start preparing, Carl got a phone call so he left to answer it.

I looked at myself in the mirror and I felt good in this dress, Carl came back, took my hand and led me to the car. The event bubbled with life, papparazi everywhere, people rushing to take pictures of me and fans screaming my name from the side, this life isn't so bad sometimes.

I sat with the other celebrities who also wore clothes from Alier's fashion line, like dolls lined up in a row. The dresses from the line was pretty impressive although I imagined myself in very few since I'm quite selective with what I wear, and soon the event ended, I answered a couple of questions from some reporters before leaving for home, finally.

I arrived home pretty late but Carl let me eat some rice and grilled meat, oh heaven, after eating and freshening up, he asked to see me.

" I've got news Sophie, apparently The Gold Dawn took a liking to you, they offered a contract buy-out negotiaton, and as expected, Harvey's studio accepted, you can't blame them I mean they need the money so".

" And what did you say?".

" I said yes of course, The Gold Dawn is one of the biggest, if not the biggest agency around, do you know what you would achieve working with them.

The Gold Dawn is home to stars like Stella Matthew, Jacob Connell and the great Ethan Wyatt. Just being under that agency alone makes you a big name already, there's no way I could let such a lifetime opportunity pass you by, think with your head Sophie not your heart".

He was right, this is a lifetime opportunity

" Okay, I guess fate keeps on bringing Ethan and I closer, even though I can't stand his stupid face".

" That's a face you'll have to put up with and one that can potentially benefit you, rest up, we'll have to go to the agency tomorrow so you can sign some papers, don't think about it too much, that's why I'm here, just be pretty and rest your tired head".

He kissed me on the head before leaving, I can't believe it, the same agency with Ethan Wyatt, and to think I just saw him today, oh God, I hope things go well for me.