Chapter 629: Relationship Movie!

A sliver of sunlight crept through the window, rousing Charlize Theron from her slumber. She stole a glance at Martin, still deep in sleep. Thoughts of the previous night's premiere flooded her mind, keeping sleep at bay. After a quick trip to the bathroom, she slipped into the adjacent room and powered up her computer.

"Word of mouth! Please, let it be good!" She muttered almost like a prayer. Charlize understood all too well that the fate of her career hung in the balance.

Her first stop was Rotten Tomatoes. With bated breath, she clicked on the "Gone Girl" tab, exhaling in relief at the sight of the red tomato icon - 96% freshness!

Critics hailed it as a masterpiece. "David Fincher has delivered yet another gem. Martin Davis and Charlize Theron shine as they breathe life into flawed yet compelling characters. The portrayal of marital complexities is nothing short of mesmerizing!"

Charlize's heart soared as she read the glowing reviews. Encouraged, she navigated to IMDB, where the film boasted an impressive rating of 9.2.

"It's a cinematic marvel! A must-watch for couples," one review proclaimed.

Charlize couldn't help but chuckle, a mischievous thought crossing her mind. Glancing towards Martin's room, she imagined playfully teasing him awake. However, she quickly dismissed the notion, deciding to savor the moment instead.

Turning her attention to MTC, Charlize found an average score of 85 points across various media platforms. The film was receiving universal acclaim.

All that remained was the box office performance.

Unable to contain her excitement, Charlize checked CinemaScore, finding an impressive A rating from audiences. It was a promising sign of success.

With a sense of relief washing over her, Charlize slipped back into her pajamas and returned to Martin's room. Seeing him still asleep, she decided to rouse him for their morning workout routine.

Entering his tent, she leaned in to wake him with a gentle kiss, determined to make the most of the day ahead.

After an invigorating workout, they headed to breakfast, where Martin indulged in a hearty meal while Charlize opted for a light bite, her stomach already feeling full after her morning exchange with martin.

Together with the rest of the crew, they made their way to Los Angeles International Airport, ready to embark on the North American promotional tour for "Gone Girl."

For the next 20 days, they would crisscross the country, drumming up excitement for the film's wide release. Each city they visited would be treated to a showcase of what "Gone Girl" had to offer, ensuring that audiences across America were eagerly anticipating its arrival.

Before the approaching weekend dawned, the film was poised to make its official debut across 3,621 theaters in North America.

Despite its R rating, preventing many teenagers from attending, the theaters showing the film still boasted high attendance rates.

---

In a cozy office on Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Robert meticulously wiped down an old wooden table, his neatly slicked-back hair catching the light. Placed atop the table sat an expired 2003 Coca-Cola bottle.

"This one's fresh. Let's hope Martin's new film follows suit," Robert muttered to himself as he diligently cleaned.

Having resigned from his role as an art director at an entertainment agency, Robert now devoted himself entirely to his role as the high priest of the Coca-Cola Cult, overseeing all matters related to the sacred beverage.

A knock interrupted his task, and his assistant informed him of the arrival of the two Ms. Carters, Elena and Lily, in the reception room.

Robert donned his suit jacket and made his way to greet them. Addressing Elena with reverence, he said, "Good morning, Saint."

Elena, sporting a chastity ring on her left ring finger, nodded in acknowledgement. "Martin sent another new Cadillac. Lily drove it over," she explained, passing Robert the key.

Accepting the key with gratitude, Robert replied, "The latest flagship sedan."

As Elena glanced at her watch, she urged, "You go ahead. We'll follow shortly."

Curious, Robert inquired, "Are you in a rush?"

Lily chimed in, "We're off to see Martin's new movie."

---

Descending to the nearby restaurant, Elena and Lily enjoyed a meal before heading to the cinema just in time for the screening to begin.

As they watched, Lily couldn't help but comment, "It's like watching him in real life. No need for acting; he's a natural scumbag."

Elena agreed, "Indeed. Martin doesn't need to act weak like Nick Dunn."

Lily pondered for a moment before concluding, "Exactly. He's just being himself."

---

After the movie ended, Lily broke the silence, musing, "Is marriage really like that?"

Elena, reflecting on what she had seen, replied, "The marriages I've witnessed are even worse."

Lily, thinking of her parents, Scott and Emma, shrugged. "After watching this, I'm not keen on getting married anymore."

Elena's gaze hardened as she turned to Lily. "What happened between you and Martin?"

"Nothing," Lily insisted loudly before whispering, "I considered it, but he's too timid to make a move..."

Before Lily could finish her sentence, Elena's fist swiftly connected with her sister's head, silencing her.

"Drive," Elena commanded, and Lily obediently started the car, eager to leave the awkward moment behind.

---

Arriving home, they encountered their father, Scott, at the community gate.

Elena, stepping out of the car, asked, "What brings you here?"

Scott, shuffling over with an odd gait, handed Elena a card. "Just watching the Warriors game. Hall's injured. Here's some cash..."

Elena declined, "Keep it. Hall will recover soon, and we're covered for medical expenses."

Scott nodded in understanding, taking back the card. Then, with a sudden change of topic, he asked, "Has Emma reached out to you recently?"

"No," Elena dismissed Emma Carter with a resigned tone. "Last we heard, she was hanging out with those black drug dealers in South City."

Lily joined the conversation, her tone accusatory. "What are you doing with Emma? Do you want to ruin all our lives?"

Scott's sheepish smile belied his unexpected words. "I want to divorce her. Make it official."

Elena's suspicions flared. "What's your plan?"

---

A Hummer pulled up nearby, and Sophia emerged. Her muscular physique strained against her tight sportswear, her figure resembling a female King Kong.

With a thunderous tone, she announced, "I'm marrying Scott."

Elena felt thunder rolling within. "Don't you already have a husband?"

Scott clarified, "He passed away long ago."

Sofia interjected, "I proposed to Scott, and he agreed. But to make it official, he needs to divorce your mother first."

Elena remained skeptical. "We don't know where Emma is."

Sofia, undeterred, asserted, "I'll find her."

Lily, apprehensive of Emma's disruptive nature, interjected, "Sofia, you're invested in Martin. Why not see his new film 'Gone Girl'?"

Unaware of the film's release, Sofia inquired, "Has it premiered?"

Lily gestured to the car. "Elena and I just saw it."

Sofia glanced at Scott. "Let's go. We'll find Emma later. Movie time."

---

The two swiftly procured tickets for "Gone Girl" and settled in to watch Martin's latest creation.

As the film unfolded, Sofia and Scott's occasional exchange dwindled to silence. The movie left even a couple as unique as Sofia and Scott speechless.

---

Exiting the theater, Sophia pondered deeply, while Scott fidgeted in his seat, visibly affected.

After a moment, Sophia spoke. "We can't find Emma, and you can't divorce her. Let's wait to tie the knot."

Scott agreed, "No need to rush. Emma might resurface one day. It's not easy to find someone in South City."

Sofia concurred and steered the car towards the Beast House Club.

---

Observing Martin's image on a giant poster, Scott's frustration simmered. "Why doesn't God take this bastard to heaven?"

As November ushered in the holiday season, "Gone Girl" continued to draw crowds, topping the North American box office with a weekend gross of $20.75 million.