"And cut! That's a wrap, people. Good job," the director yells out to the crowd. People clapped their hands in relief that the day was now over. The director congratulates everyone he passes by until he reached the main star of his film.
"Donna, darling you were amazing as always," he praised his beloved award-winning actress.
Donna Paulsen. The two-time Oscar awardee Donna Paulsen. Ever since she was a child, all she ever wanted was to be an actress. When she turned 15, her parents surprised her with a casting call for a new show. It wasn't much, just a side character, but that was enough for her. After years and years of being a supporting actress, she made her mark in the industry when she was 23, with her debut film "This Love".
Two years later, she's still as big as ever. Everyone wanted her in their films. Everyone wanted to be her. Who wouldn't? She's Donna.
"Thanks, I loved this scene when I read it, glad to bring it to life," she said, kissing the cheek of the director in gratitude. "I don't know how you do it, really. Your work is art. Your work is–"
"Why do I feel like you want something from Donna, Dad?"
"Rachel! Oh my god, you're here!" Donna exclaimed, hugging her best friend. Rachel has been Donna's best friend ever since she started the acting business. She was the daughter of a famous director, Robert Zane, the director Donna is working with right now. Donna wondered why Rachel didn't try to be in the industry but Rachel doesn't want that. She's a best-selling author and comes to visit Donna in sets from time to time.
"I missed you, of course, I had to see you! Now Dad, why were you praising Donna so much? You never do that," she eyed her father suspiciously. Robert laughed in response. "I always praise Donna, my dear. But you're right, I do have a hidden agenda."
"Oh? What is it?" Donna asked. Robert cleared his throat before continuing. "Well, I'm trying to change the movie a little bit. On how your character's story ends."
"Really? I thought we were almost done with the filming. Why change the ending?"
"We are almost done. It's just that your character ending up alone feels so lonely."
"Her character ends up alone?" Rachel comments, confused about why Donna accepted the offer. Donna always chooses roles that end up in a happily ever after.
"She ends up happy with her family, shut up," Donna jokingly punched Rachel's arm. Rachel laughed and gestured for her dad to continue.
"We would like the character to end up with someone. Your character's childhood friend, maybe?" Robert suggested. "Mike's character? I thought you banished him from the set when you found out he's dating Rachel?" Donna teased. She and Robert laughed while looking at an offended Rachel.
"Donna! Let us not bring back the past. Mike and I are happy. Dad is cool with us," Rachel said. "Oh, am I?" her dad said, still laughing. "You are insufferable! I'm leaving you two. I have a date. With Mike. You two continue whatever you are doing. Bye Donna, I'll text you later!" Rachel breathes before making her exit.
Donna shook her head in amusement. Rachel is just something else. "So what do you say, Donna?" Robert asked again. Oh, right. She forgot about the new changes to the film.
"Of course, I'm okay with anything. It's your film, Robert. I trust your judgment."
Robert burst into a big smile, "I knew you were amazing."
"I always am, I'm Donna," she points out the obvious.
"That you are. I'll send you the new script tonight. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Donna. See you tomorrow!"
"See you!" she replies before watching Robert go. She looked around the set and saw the tech team wrapping up. In the corner, she saw some of the cast talking and their teams glamming them down.
She decided to retreat right away to her dressing room instead of mingling with her other cast members which is what she usually does after set. When she reached the hallway to her dressing room, she saw her two personal bodyguards stationed outside her room.
She sighed. Louis, her manager, was so overprotective of her that he just had to assign two bodyguards to follow everywhere she went. "Your dad would kill me if something happens to you," he reasons out.
"Good evening, Miss Paulsen," the bodyguard to the right greeted her. She smiled and nodded in acknowledgement then proceeded to open her door. But before she could fully go inside, she took three steps backward and looked at her bodyguard.
Donna raised an eyebrow at him. "You're not Mitchell."
"I am not," he responded coldly. Donna looked to her other side to see if Stephen was replaced but he was there standing in his usual place. She faced the new guy again and crossed her arms to interrogate him.
"What happened to Mitchell?" she asked.
"I don't know, Miss Paulsen. I was recently assigned to you just this morning. I didn't know who I was replacing," he said in a neutral tone.
"And who might you be?"
"Specter, Miss Paulsen"
"Specter? Is that your first name or last name?"
"Last name, Miss"
"What's your first name?" Donna kept pushing.
"Is this really necessary?" he asked, annoyed. Donna chuckled. Yeah, this she could work with. He was nothing like Mitchell. Mitchell was a sweet bodyguard. Always making conversation with her, makes her not want to strangle Louis for being so overprotective.
This Specter guy, though. He's different. His aura is intimidating and he looks like he doesn't have fun. All work, no games. Louis always made sure that her bodyguards were good-looking. So that they could "match" her beauty. She found that absurd, no one could match her beauty, but in this case, maybe someone could. Specter is attractive, he looks like he could treat a girl right. Like he is good in– what the hell is she thinking about?!
She banished her thoughts and focused on their conversation again. "Yes, it is necessary. If you're going to be with me 24/7 I should know your name. I know Stephen's full name. Why can't I know yours?"
Specter looked her in the eyes as if telling her she didn't want this and god, he was so infuriating. "Well?" she asked impatiently.
"Harvey," he finally caved. "Harvey Specter, Miss Paulsen."
Donna smirked. "Welcome to your new job, Harvey Specter. This could be your daydream or your worst nightmare," she winked at him before entering her dressing room and locked the door.
Oh, how she loves new recruits.