HEIRESS REBORN: MARRYING HER EX-FIANCÉ-Chapter 84: After the New Year (2)

’’Thank you for sparing a bit of time with us, Actress Bella.’’

Miss Mia grinned, shaking hands with Arabella at the backstage. The show had just concluded with successful high ratings—a success no doubt boosted by the presence of their guest; the newly crowned movie queen, Actress Bella.

’’The pleasure is mine, Miss Mia.’’ Arabella replied with a gracious smile before heading off with her manager, Gwen, keeping up after her.

’’.....’’ Miss Mia stood on the spot, her gaze lingering on the famous actress

’She’s different....’ She observed, then mumbled under her breath. ’’No...she’s still the same.’’

’If she was different, she wouldn’t be looking down on me with those demeaning eyes.’ She inwardly scoffed and walked away, not feeling surprised.

As someone who had been in the entertainment industry for more than a decade, Mia could distinguish between the trues ones and the fakes.

Even if an artist smiled and acted as a generous and kind person in the public, eyes were the windows to one’s true character

She had seen many artists hiding their true selves behind a mask, and Arabella Kingston was one of them.

’I guess it’s because of what happened four years ago.’ Miss Mia’s mind reeled back to when the popular actress had publicized her birthday banquet, and the series of events that followed after.

Many had titled that incident as the ’bankruptcy disaster.’

The news agencies suddenly just bankrupted one after the other, and the reporters became jobless reporters.

All because of one person’s influence.

The cousin of the Actress Bella, President Kingston.

A globally recognized young woman of power and wealth.

Many had also speculated that this cousin was behind Actress Bella’s big scandal back then. However, there was no evidence to prove the claims and every speculation just ended as rumors.

Miss Mia knew that a normal actress would have been utterly finished with that kind of scandal and exposure, but the actress in question was Actress Bella from the prestigious Kingston family.

The same family as her wealthy cousin.

No one knew what went on behind the scenes, but the victims of the scandals suddenly came out sometime after and stood up for Actress Bella, all saying the pictures online were pure misunderstandings.

Actress Bella also held a public conference and cried tearfully to the media, saying she only wanted to celebrate her twenty-second birthday with her dearest cousin.

Articles also popped out about her anonymous donations to different orphanages, and her charity foundation to the sick children.

All in all, the public immediately reversed their negative opinions about her, and she became the beloved Actress Bella once more. Gradually, the entire incident became forgotten as other new and different scandals topped the old ones.

However, Miss Mia surmised that the incident had taught the actress a good lesson. If not, she wouldn’t have less active on social media all these years.

Actress Bella of then had always held live broadcasts, participated in different popular shows, advertised for many luxury brands and what a typical famous celebrity would do to keep up their popularity. Her social media page basically refreshed with different pictures of her rich daily lifestyle.

Now, she was more restrained and somewhat low-key. Sometimes, she wouldn’t post on her social media page for a month or two, which would incur the concerns of her fans.

’Her family is more or less on social media. This year will obviously be the same.’ Miss Mia thought, guessing that birthday banquet would be the same old, same old, without any drama. Watching a celebrity with a rich background flaunt her wealth wasn’t exactly appealing to someone with a job like hers.

Unless the President Kingston would unexpectedly show up to the birthday banquet, which might never happen if she hadn’t bothered to attend the past years.

****

’’Actress Bella!’’

’’Kya! I’m a fan of A kiss in summer!’’

’’OMG! You’re prettier in real life!’’

’’I’m a fan of A kiss in summer!’’

On the way out, Arabella kept on signing autographs and posing for the pictures with smiles for her fans. This lasted for quite a while until her manager and bodyguards struggled to make a path for her to her vehicle.

Once inside, Arabella sank into the leather seat with a tired sigh. Her expression shifted to one of distaste.

’’One of them has a terrible body odor.’’ This was her first remark about her fans and it was one of sheer revulsion. Her eyes flashed with disgust as her nose still remembered the awful smell.

’’.....’’ Gwen, at the front seat was unsure how to respond to her words as always. It wasn’t the first time her artist had insulted her fans who had always supported her.

’’Where’s the sanitizer?’’ Arabella demanded, straightening her back.

’’Here, ma’am.’’ Gwen brought out a half-filled bottle of sanitizer and pumped a few squirts on Arabella’s palm.

Arabella rubbed the cool gel on her hands and mentally noted to herself that she must properly wash her hands at the company.

’’Ma’am, Manager Luna asked if we could pick Actress Eve from the supermart?’’ Gwen cautiously inquired as she continued reading the messages from her fellow manager friend.

’’Eve? Of course we can. It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to her.’’ Arabella readily agreed much to her manager’s relief.

If it were any other artists, her own artist wouldn’t bother with them. However, this was Actress Eve. A rising B-List Actress who could potentially rival Arabella, an A-list actress.

The last time Gwen questioned if she could help a manager with their artist, Arabella had scolded her saying she couldn’t do her job well, yet had the nerve to assist others.

The reason why she tried again was because her artist and Actress Eve had a good relationship, to the point that her arrogant artist would sometimes extend a helping hand.

Gwen would have never expected the arrogant Arabella Kingston to lower herself for another artist who was less privilege than her.

Then again, this was Actress Eve. The actress had a very good reputation in the company and was well-liked by everyone. She was known for being kind and thoughtful just like the company’s golden boy, Prince Liam.

There have been rumors of the two artists dating each other.

Since she had gotten her artist’s approval, Gwen directed the driver to stop by the nearby supermart where Actress Eve was expected to be waiting for them.

The sleek black car pulled up at the roadside of the supermart and Gwen glanced out the window, quickly recognizing the Actress Eve standing by the curb. She was dressed casually in a pastel winter jacket and jeans, her hair tied into a simple ponytail.

Even in such understated attire of a rising B-list actress, she radiated a warmth and charm in contrast to the cold that drew the attention of passersby.

The only conspicuous element in her outfit was face mask, sunglasses and the face cap that drew questioning and curious glances.

Actress Eve spotted their vehicle and lightly jogged to them.

She took off her facemask and rest of her cover to express her gratitude. ’’Thank you so much for agreeing to this, Bella.’’ She settled inside on the leather seat. "I didn’t want to bother you, but Luna kept pestering me, saying you’d probably agree without hesitation."

’’Thank you too, Gwen.’’ She flashed a smile in Gwen’s way.

Gwen silently nodded with a small smile before facing ahead on the road. In her mind, she wondered once again, the reason someone like her ended with a person like her artist.

Why couldn’t the company have given her the likes of Prince Liam and Actress Eve.

Had she perhaps offended someone in her past life?

’’It’s no trouble at all, Eve.’’ Arabella’s gaze softened at her dear friend before glancing down at the plastic bags with a light sneer. ’’Though I wonder why you can’t just send your manager to buy these for you?’’

The bags were filled with snacks and other junk foods that was a big No to artists in general.

’’They are literally there to serve us as their artists. Your manager takes advantage of your kindness.’’ She snorted slightly, knowing that her own manager wouldn’t tried this with her.

’’Haha...well, I like to do this by myself since it’s my cravings.’’ Evelyn chuckled softly, brushing a loose strand behind her ear. ’’Even if my career is going well, that doesn’t stop me from being...me you know.’’

’’Hmph! I still feel your manager can do this for you.’’

’’Don’t worry, Bella. Luna takes care of me very well.’’ Evelyn reassured with a smile before expression brightened suddenly. ’’By the way, how’s your trip to France? Did you enjoy the fashion show?’’ Her excitement lighting up her features.

Arabella’s gaze shifted slightly at her words before saying after some thoughts. ’’It was nice. The models were okay. Nothing to feel excited about.’’

The indifference in her tone was very clear. She talked like it was no biggie travelling to one of the biggest fashion shows in the entire world.

Evelyn shook her head at Arabella’s poor enthusiasm. ’’Only our Bella will say something like this.’’ She let out a dreamy sigh. ’’It’s my dream to attend one of those amazing fashion shows.’’

’’I’ll take you some other time.’’ Arabella said casually as though lifting someone to a grocery store. She couldn’t see the fun in watching models exhibiting outfits to others. Countless times in the past, she had watched live fashions shows with her mother.

There was no to feel excited about unlike Eve’s eagerness.

’’I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I’ll try to go on my own with my hardwork.’’ Evelyn gratefully denied the gesture. ’’I don’t want people thinking that I’m using you for resources in our friendship.’’

’’Then let them say it.’’ Arabella scoffed. ’’They are just jealous of your success, Eve.’’

Evelyn chuckled softly, then shifted the subject. ’’Right, Aunt’s birthday is coming up soon. I hope I won’t be too busy this time around.’’

’’You should tell your manager to clear up your schedule.’’ Arabella said matter of fact. ’’ I have yet to introduce you to my mother.’

’’Luan will find a way, if possible.’’ Evelyn did not immediately agree. After a moment, she asked. ’’ Will your cousin be attending?’’

’’I doubt it.’’ Arabella replied flatly. ’’We hardly speak to her when she’s too busy for us.’’ She failed to notice the brief flicker of disappointment in Eve’s expression.

’’My family’s not worthy of bothering one of the youngest female billionaire in the world.’’ She added with a sneer, a hint of envy flashing in her eyes.