My Beloved Has Risen from Death’s Embrace

[Xan, have you arrived at schoot yet?]

[Xan, how is the thesis revision?)

[Xan, why didn’t you reply to my message? I was worried about you.]

The incessant buzz of texts from Matthew had Xanthea tossing her phone aside in irritation when suddenly her ringtone blared.

Tm kinda swamped right now.”

“Xan. are you super busy?”

It was Oliver on the other end, and Xanthea quickly changed her tune, “Oh, Uncle! Not too busy. I thought it was a telemarketer.”

Ah, I’ve got a bit of a thing to discuss today.”

“What’s up, Uncle? Just lay it on me, I’m all ears!”

*Director Hawthorne is shooting a music video to promote the upcoming festival. It’s a big deal, filled with A–list celebrities. It’s a golden chance for newcomers to get some spotlight! We need someone to play the ‘Queen of Pop‘ and I immediately thought of you. After your win on The Masked Singer, you’ve become quite the sensation online, nearly ten million followers on Twitter! Director Hawthorne is quite impressed with you!”

After hearing him out, Xanthea refused immediately, “Uncle, that stint on ‘The Masked Singer‘ was just a spur of the moment thing. I’m not looking to break into the scene. Please don’t set up any gigs for

me. I’m not interested, and I can’t act.”

“It’s just a music video, love. Your personal shots won’t take more than five minutes, no lines to memorize, no acting needed. Just follow the director’s cues, and post–production will handle the rest!”

“But…”

“Xan, do it as a favor for me, would you? Remember the hustle I went through for your appearance at The Masked Singer‘?”

“Fine.”

“Oh, you’re an angel! I’ll send you the details soon. Make sure you’re there day after tomorrow, on time!”

Hanging up, Oliver sighed deeply.

Oliver had navigated the entertainment industry for years and his ultimate dream was to mentor a superstar. Despite his efforts, the talents in his company always seemed just shy of that breakout potential. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Seeing Xanthea on stage that day, he believed he’d found his star.

Now at the Elevation Building on the day of the shoot,

In the makeup room, assistant Wendy burst in, whispering excitedly to the star in the chair, Isabella, “Isabella, have you heard? Judy has been replaced. The new actress is on her way here!”

“Really?” Isabella stopped dabbing lip balm in surprise. “Someone managed to oust the industry’s darling?”

ཇན ༤ གང ་ ༩ ྋ༅

“I know, right? It’s a dog–eat–dog world. Finally, someone’s put Judy in her place! She’s been so arrogant, flaunting her connections. Thinking she could overshadow you, a mere singer–turned–actress wanting the lead in a music video? She even had several haute couture gowns ready to outshine everyone!”

“Apparently, she spent a fortune and got replaced before even stepping on set. Must be fuming now!”

Laughter filled the room as Isabella admired her fiery red lips in the mirror, “I’m curious about this replacement. Who could she possibly be?”