Chapter 375: Romance in Rome
---
****
Audrey Hepburn, accompanied by a male staff member and a female assistant, arrived at the airport. To her surprise, they were alone.
"I thought I was leaving with the crew. Is it just us?" Hepburn asked curiously.
The male staff member replied, "Yes, we'll be traveling alone. The company has arranged everything, so don't worry."
"Can't you tell me what the drama is about? There's no script?" Hepburn inquired further.
"Rest assured, everything has been arranged," the staff member assured with a smile.
Hepburn decided not to press further. Since the company had everything under control, she opted to go with the flow, her easy-going nature making it easy for her to wait patiently.
After a flight that first took them to New York and then to Rome, spanning two days, Hepburn found herself in a city she had never visited before. Fascinated by the unfamiliar surroundings, she could only observe the city through her hotel window.
The car pulled up to a luxurious hotel, adorned with columns and reliefs, resembling a Roman palace.
"Wow, are we staying here?" Hepburn exclaimed with excitement, marveling at the opulence.
"Yes, this will be our accommodation," the staff confirmed.
Once checked in, Hepburn admired her room's décor before sinking onto the soft bed. Feeling the fatigue from the journey and jet lag, she took a quick shower, changed into cozy pajamas, and fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, Hepburn awoke to warm sunlight streaming through the window. Glancing at the alarm clock, she realized it was past 10 o'clock.
"Oh no!" she exclaimed, startled by the late hour.
She quickly got ready, washing her face, combing her hair, and applying light makeup. Dressing in a white plush sweater and simple cyan jeans, she paired her outfit with flat leather shoes—her usual choice due to her ballet training and height of 1.7 meters.
After dressing, she rushed to find her assistant, Trish.
"Sorry I got up late. Am I not working today, Trish?" Hepburn asked.
The assistant smiled, "Yes, there's no work today."
Hepburn breathed a sigh of relief. "What's next?"
Trish shrugged, "We'll be dining soon, and afterward, we can explore Rome. The city has many historic sites and shopping opportunities."
Hepburn's face lit up with excitement.
At eleven o'clock, the two women headed down to the hotel's high-end restaurant. Hepburn marveled at the restaurant's opulence and the diners. It looked like a place where a meal could easily cost hundreds of dollars.
As they were about to sit down, the male staff member approached them. "Hepburn, Mr. Hardy is also here. Please join him."
"Mr. Hardy?" Hepburn asked, confused.
"Yes, Mr. Hardy, the owner of HD Pictures," the staff member clarified.
Hepburn and Trish looked over and saw a young man who resembled someone from the newspapers and TV. Trish became nervous.
"It really seems to be Mr. Hardy," Trish whispered.
Hepburn was taken aback. She hadn't expected to encounter Mr. Hardy and felt nervous as she approached his table.
"Hello, Mr. Hardy. I'm Audrey Hepburn," she greeted, her voice trembling slightly.
"Hello, Miss Hepburn," Hardy replied with a warm smile. "I know you well. I saw your Dutch promo and believed you had great potential, which is why I recruited you for HD Pictures."
This revelation clarified why HD Pictures had sought her out in the UK.
"I haven't had lunch yet. Would you like to join me?" Hardy offered.
"Join you? I'm afraid I'd be intruding," Hepburn responded, startled.
"It's no trouble. I often dine alone and would enjoy the company," Hardy assured.
Hepburn glanced at Trish, who nodded encouragingly.
Seeing the opportunity, Hepburn agreed. "Okay, Mr. Hardy. I hope I won't disturb you."
She sat down, and the waiter arrived to take their orders. Hardy noticed Hepburn's modest choice and ordered additional dishes for her.
As they dined, Hepburn's initial nervousness faded. Hardy's friendly demeanor helped her relax. They chatted about Hepburn's acting experiences, and she warmed to the conversation, revealing her passion for her work.
The meal was pleasant, and Hardy suggested they explore Rome together in the afternoon.
"I promised Trish I would tour Rome with her," Hepburn hesitated.
"Invite Trish along," Hardy said with a smile.
Trish, seeing the opportunity, declined. "I have work to attend to this afternoon."
Hepburn and Hardy set out alone. Hardy suggested they start with the nearby Republic Square, famous for its fountain from "Roman Holiday." They explored the area and then visited the ruins of the Roman City Garden, where Hepburn relaxed on a stone bench.
Hardy, noting Hepburn's enjoyment, asked, "How do you feel?"
"Very relaxed," Hepburn replied, her earlier tension now a distant memory. She had found comfort in Hardy's company, enjoying their conversations about Rome's architecture and history.
The day unfolded beautifully, with Hepburn appreciating the charm of Rome and the pleasant company of Hardy.
-