Chapter 42: Heaven or Mundane

[Chapter 42: A Thought of Heaven, A Thought of the Mundane]

After 11 PM, guests began to leave the party one by one. Eric had just sent off the last of them, Jeffrey Hanson, and returned to the living room, where he found Julia Roberts curiously flipping through a stack of photos left behind by a group of girls who had attended the party.

These girls had come well-prepared; each photo had a detailed personal profile on the back, including some intimate measurements. Eric, who had struggled at the bottom of the entertainment industry in his past life, understood the ambition these girls had to make it big. So when they nervously handed him the photos, he didn't decline but politely said he would reach out if he saw a need.

"Mr. Williams, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to pry into those," Julia said quickly as she noticed him.

He waved it off, settling onto the sofa and began enjoying the photos one by one.

"You know, Julia? Thousands of young men and women came to Los Angeles each year chasing their dream of stardom. Even among those who managed to snag temp roles in some productions, hardly one in a hundred ever made it. And the chance of becoming a globally recognized movie star? It's slimmer than that."

As he spoke, he gazed thoughtfully at Julia and continued, "Most people waste a few years, finally coming to terms with reality, pack their bags, and return home to their original lives. That's the best outcome. Those who stubbornly cling to the glamorous life of the entertainment industry often find themselves lost and struggling in the maze of greater Los Angeles. Some even give up their dreams and slowly descend into becoming drifters, sex workers, thieves, drug dealers, con artists, pimps, or adult film actors..."

Julia wasn't thickheaded; she gradually picked up on his indirect lesson about the significance of opportunity for actors. This young man seemed to have a lot of determination. She wondered why Eric jumped to such conclusions about her after just one encounter.

She didn't believe in love or hate that appeared out of nowhere, and she certainly didn't think too highly of herself to believe Eric was after her body. Several other girls at the party were much prettier, actively throwing flirtatious glances his way, yet none had succeeded in spending the night with him.

Finally, Julia couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Williams, why me?"

Eric put down the photos and stood, walking over to Julia. He pulled her into an embrace, wrapping one arm around her slim waist, and his right index finger gently traced her youthful face, finally hovering over her luscious lips.

Julia was taken by surprise by Eric's sudden boldness, instinctively placing her hands protectively over her chest. Her mind went blank, and she forgot to protest. As she looked up into Eric's eyes, filled with a mix of admiration and playful interest, her lips quivered.

"Because I want to!" His confident and assertive voice echoed in her ear, and she finally started to grasp the situation.

"Please... don't do this," Julia whispered softly in protest, though her feeble pushing against Eric lacked any real strength.

The playfulness in Eric's eyes deepened. He cradled her face in his hands and kissed her deeply on her soft lips.

"Mmm..." Julia let out a muffled sound, struggling for a moment before getting lost in Eric's skilled kiss. Her body gradually softened until she leaned against him weakly.

"Cough, cough..."

A sudden voice broke through the moment, startling the two into separating. Eric savored Julia's delicate taste when he spotted the plump figure of Vanessa standing at the kitchen door. He frowned. "Hey, Vanessa, why haven't you left yet?"

The chubby chef, holding a box of kitchenware, jested, "Sorry, Eric. I didn't mean to interrupt. I just wanted to ask if Julia needed a ride home. It's late."

"Sure..." Julia started to reply, but Eric interrupted, "No need, Vanessa. You can go ahead. I'll take Julia home."

Vanessa seemed oblivious to the discontent in Julia's gaze as she knowingly blinked and jauntily left the room, her ample figure wiggling out the door.

"Now we won't be interrupted. Let's continue," Eric said with a cheeky smile aimed at Julia.

The interruption snapped Julia back to reality, and she realized she had just shared a passionate kiss with this boy, whom she had met for the first time. Throughout, her emotions had been tightly controlled by him. Julia, who had ventured out into the world at a young age, prided herself on being independent. The inexplicable sense of dependence she felt during their earlier kiss made her resentful; she didn't want to be anyone's plaything.

With a slight lift of her chin, Julia tightened her expression, forcing her voice to come across as cold and assertive. "Mr. Williams, shouldn't you apologize for your inappropriate behavior? We've only just met, and you...you..."

"If you want, I can apologize, Miss Roberts. Then, shall we continue?"

Hearing his insincere words only fueled Julia's anger as she swatted away Eric's hand reaching for her again. "Not a chance. It's late, and I want to go home. Please... just take me back."

"Alright, before I take you home, I have a proposal," Eric said, wiping the playful smile from his face and taking on a serious tone. "I've thought it over -- I will quickly acquire a talent agency, after which I will offer you a generous management contract. I'll personally arrange your future, and I will make you someone every actress in Hollywood looks up to. What do you think, Julia?"

All those talent scouts must have used the same pitch when wooing bright-eyed newcomers, thought Julia. Listening to Eric's arrogant claims, she crossed her arms and scoffed, "If it were really that easy to elevate a girl to the status of Audrey Hepburn, Hollywood stars wouldn't be worth much. Do you think you're Steven Spielberg or George Lucas?"

"Of course not. I'm not anyone else; I'm Eric Williams," he said, casually pulling a photo from the stack and glancing at the details on the back. "I think this 'Julia Roberts' looks promising. What do you think?"

Julia involuntarily took the photo from him. The girl resembled her, yet was undeniably prettier, tall, with flowing blonde hair, light blue eyes, and equally striking lips that didn't appear overdone.

Julia flipped to the back and noticed the girl was only 19, a graduate of the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in Los Angeles, and had already played supporting roles in three films. She seemed to outshine Julia in every aspect, making a wave of self-doubt creep in.

Eric didn't give her much time to process her feelings. "Now, Julia, soaring in paradise or falling into the mundane -- are you willing to take a chance?"

Looking at Eric's infuriating expression, for a moment, Julia thought about throwing the photo at him and walking out. But the desire deep within her stifled that thought. While Eric's bright portrayal of her "substitute" seemed laughable, seeing the young star from Home Alone now commanding attention in Hollywood made Julia hesitate.

What aspiring actor or actress didn't yearn for money, fame, and the feeling of being adored by the masses?

"D-do you promise?" Julia clutched the photo tightly, paused in silence, then raised her gaze to Eric's, but a moment later, she looked away.

A smug smile flickered at the corner of Eric's mouth. He pulled Julia closer. "I promise."

With that, he again leaned in to kiss her sensually.

Having already made her choice, Julia surrendered to his advances, letting the man savor her lips.

A minute later, Eric grew restless, pulling her shirt out from her jeans and slipping his hands inside.

The two finally broke apart, Eric lightly pressing on her shoulder. Julia understood what he wanted her to do, her flushed cheeks betraying her desires. The little resistance she had melted under the weight of his compelling gaze, forcing her to yield to him.

In the hazy night, the dim lights outside seemed tinged with a soft pink hue of intimacy.

*****

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