[Welcome Host]
A 3D hologram was the last thing Irene saw before she feasted her eyes on the new world before her.
The body she occupied has the same name as hers, and was also a well-renowned actress. However, unlike her, this Irene Blake was an orphan. But it didn't stop the original from achieving her dreams.
From sunrise to sunset, she poured all her blood and sweat to get the recognition she had. Irene was glad to know that they embody the same dream: To become the greatest actress of all time.
Sadly, the original wouldn't be able to achieve that.
Irene reviewed the original's memory and conveniently found that they have the same personality. She didn't need to care much about people suspecting her for acting differently.
She had no idea what happened to the former owner of this body, but it wouldn't prevent her from transforming this character to become a villainess, to trek the path created for her.
For her sister's life, she could do anything. Besides, they were just cannon fodders of the story.
Their existence was devoted to the protagonist. They would always be the supporting character, never the lead.
Irene's sight was glued to the mirror. Much to her surprise, they looked the same.
The same name, body, and personality. Were they mocking her? The uncanny resemblance was too much. Not to be narcissistic, but she would've thought this was a fanfiction written by one of her fans if not for her being the villain.
A knock interrupted her thoughts. Her body went rigid in full caution.
"Open."
The door welcomed a man dressed in casual formal attire. He had a charming smile and sparkling eyes that could hit anyone in the heart.
Behind that cheery look, Irene could discern the irritation brewing within. She raised an eyebrow. Though she was curious how long he could hold it in, her body was still alert.
Irene exhibited a relaxed look, concealing her stiffness masterfully. Her years of acting paid off.
Alex was caught off guard. Is there something on my face? This was just a moment of thought and wasn't reflected in his actions. He strolled like nothing transpired and said genially, "I'm done straightening things up. All that's left is for you to share the promotional video they'll post. You good?"
Irene replied, "I'm good."
Despite his jolly countenance, his swift and neat packing of their belongings proved that he was more than ready to leave this place. He looked like an inmate about to depart prison. He couldn't be happier.
Still, it was bad to display such zealousness lest some gossipmonger ruin their image. He controlled his tone and said,"Then we should return to the company."
His actions were brisk as he took off.
Irene remained standing. It wasn't until Alex's back was facing her that she could move her body, albeit with difficulty. She followed Alex and studied his broad shoulders from behind.
Alex Davidson was this body's manager. Apart from his youthful aura and strict adherence to guidelines, no one came close to this person's skills.
At least Irene wouldn't feel so alone in this world; his charisma was like a fire attracting flies.
They left the studio together through the back exit. A tinted black van was waiting for them downstairs.
Irene got in, followed by Alex.
"This shoot was tiring. That director was too full of himself. Just because he shot a viral video once doesn't mean he's that great. I don't know what the Macey's management was thinking when choosing a conceited person to shoot their product. Ugh."
There it was. He finally erupted. She thought he could bottle it up till they arrived at the company, but apparently not. Irene's tired eyes held amusement. Bummer.
When a heated argument broke out between Irene and the director, he mediated it. Yet when Irene left, it was his turn to get riled up.
Alex ranted his heart out, expressing the annoyance he suppressed. Beside him, Irene laid back and closed her eyelashes. The fun was over and she tuned him out.
Before Irene's eyelids covered her emotions, Alex caught a glimpse of those chuckling pupils. He didn't find that weird. In fact, he expected that. He understood Irene well enough to correctly guess how she would react to some things. But what was that slight disappointment? As if she was expecting something else.
All of a sudden, a warm touch landed on Irene's forehead. She instantly sat straight and stared at Alex. The warmth came as a surprise to her. Her lips were ajar, wanting to speak but couldn't. She was at a loss.
Alex said, "Are you sick?"
"No. Why would you think that?" Irene replied.
He shouldn't have noticed a thing, right?
The moment he took back his hand, the warmth gradually dissipated. Irene was at a loss at what happened.
She checked and found that the original was easily exhausted after every shoot, no matter the degree of physical exertion. So regardless of the oddity, once she reasoned she was burnt out, she was sure he would be convinced. No need to worry. I think.
"Nothing. You just seem more tired than usual." It was as she expected.
But what he really wanted to say was "you've changed". That eyebrow lift and amused eyes weren't there in the past. These two actions made him realize that Irene was aware of his frustration the second he stepped inside the room earlier. In the past, she wouldn't have spotted the minute details in his facial expressions. But now she did.
Irene didn't bother to reply. She was already immersed in her thoughts.
This world was familiar to her, and at the same time, it was not . For Irene, who was suddenly brought here, it felt surreal. She knew this was different, but at the back of her mind, she longed for everything to be a nightmare.
That when she opened her eyes again, she would be at home, with her sister's sweet voice reaching her ears.
But even before she opened her eyes, Alex's face emerged in her thoughts, bursting her bubble.
Ha, all she could do at the present was daydream.
A lump formed in Irene's throat. She thought about Alex's last sentence and softly whispered, "I am tired."
Irene shifted to the side and watched the skyscrapers swish past her. Her words were buried beneath the honk of a car, forever in the abyss.
Seeing her turning her back to him, Alex made a mental note to leave her schedule blank for a couple of days so that she could unwind.
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