Chapter 534

"Okay, let's not talk about it," Arianna said, changing the subject. "When will you finish filming today?"

"It's going to take a while!" Brittany replied. She'd wasted a lot of time, and her mood was affecting her performance. "Why?" she asked.

Arianna looked around, stood up, and patted her hands. "It's nothing. I'll wait for you to finish, then let's go shopping."

"Shop?" Brittany shook her head. "I'm not in the mood."

"They say shopping helps," Arianna said, "but your beloved is getting married, and you're not the bride."

"Whether or not I'm in the mood, I still have to pick a gift, right?" Arianna continued.

Brittany blinked, confused. "Gift?"

Seeing Brittany's blank expression, Arianna shook her head. "Don't tell me you forgot about the New Year's shopping. Even if you don't want to visit relatives and friends, you decided not to visit the Russells this year, right?"

Brittany admitted she had forgotten. Every year, she visited the Russells. Although Alexander's relationship with them was strained, she believed he still considered them family. More frequent visits, she hoped, would strengthen her relationship with them, eventually leading Alexander to see her as the best choice for him. His upcoming marriage, however, had completely thrown her off.

"Ah…" Brittany sat up, then slumped back down. "Forget it. The marriage is decided. There's no point in going."

Arianna softly took Brittany's arm. "Why such depressing words? Things were going great earlier. It's not decided until the very last moment. How can you be so sure things won't change? Besides, you've been pursuing this for years. Wouldn't it be a pity to give up now?"

Arianna leaned in close and whispered, "Didn't you say Mrs. Russell likes you very much? She even said you'll be a star."

Those words struck a chord. Brittany felt Arianna understood her better than anyone.

"You're right!" Brittany exclaimed, sitting up straight. "I've been at this for years, and I don't believe the Russells are powerless to influence his thinking. Even a little influence is better than nothing. I'll have more chances!" She stood up. "Let's go now! I'll just change my clothes, then we'll pick a present!"

"Don't you have to finish filming?" Arianna asked, surprised.

"Shooting? I'm not in the mood, and it's a waste of time! I'll do it another day," Brittany declared, heading for the dressing room. She addressed her assistant who arrived after a break: "Tell the director I'm not feeling well and am taking the day off. You know what to do!" She patted the assistant's shoulder and smiled.

The assistant sighed silently; it was a difficult job, taking the blame for Brittany's actions. Arianna grinned, looking towards the dressing room. Nothing was truly predetermined, she mused; everything was in their control.