The four of them had lunch. With several different dishes and a huge bowl of soup, it was a simple but rather healthy meal.
Gabrielle and Remy noticed Michelle's lack of appetite. Remy wanted to ask her and get her some food, but he couldn't.
"Michelle, is the food not to your liking? You haven't eaten much," Gabrielle interjected.
"Oh, Gabrielle, it's nothing like that. I love these dishes you cooked and they're very delicious. It's just that tomorrow's shoot was suddenly rescheduled for this afternoon. I can't eat too much or else I'd be bloated. I'm afraid I'd look ugly," Michelle explained, her expression, troubled.
Of course, as celebrities, they had to keep a perfect figure. Some of them even went on a strict diet to be able to lose or maintain their weight.
It was an unhealthy practice.
"I understand, Michelle... but are you sure? You don't want to get a stomachache out of hunger, do you?" Gabrielle asked, feeling worried.
"It's going to be fine, Gabrielle. I'm used to it. There are times when I'm too busy and couldn't even eat anything the whole day. It's the life of a celebrity. If we want to show our most beautiful side to everyone, we must pay the price. As they say, beauty is pain." Michelle had already seen it through a long time ago.
Before entering this industry, she had known that the more glamorous they wanted to look in front of everyone, the more effort they had to put in. In places where there were no cameras to record them, they had cried buckets of tears. And when the world was against them, they would have to mend their hearts alone and learn to heal themselves.
"Michelle, if you're tired, it's okay to take some break. Westley is here, he will protect you." Gabrielle held her hand. Even though she knew that being a star meant you'd have to undergo difficult situations and choose a hard path, Michelle was Westley's cousin and Gabrielle really liked her a lot. She didn't want to see her in a tight spot.
"I really appreciate how much you care for me, Gabrielle. With Westley here, I have a strong backup and I can even feel superior... but I don't want to use that privilege. I want to do things my own way, no matter how hard. I want to struggle and take one step at a time until I reach the top. I want to push myself to achieve greater things. It's the only way I can grow stronger. I don't want to be reduced to someone who's dependent on other people's protection." Michelle was an optimistic woman with a positive outlook in life.
It was truly astounding, considering that Michelle was born and raised in a rich family.
After listening to her words, Gabrielle admired her even more and agreed to what she said. People would only mature when they experienced all sorts of hardships in life.
"Michelle, you really are an inspiring person. But remember, if you need any help, don't hesitate to call Westley. He will always be there for you." Gabrielle saw Michelle like her own little sister.
"I know, Gabrielle. I won't hesitate to call. I have such a great support. I'll definitely hit you guys up when I need help," Michelle replied with a bright smile.
"Eat a little bit more so you'll have energy for the shoot after lunch." Gabrielle picked up some beef for her.
"Thank you, Gabrielle," Michelle happily replied.
After lunch, Michelle's agent came to pick her up for the shoot. Gabrielle and Westley had planned to see Star and Ms. Glyn in the afternoon.
When they headed out, they saw Remy sitting on the sofa in the living room, staring
blankly with a big apple in his hand.
It was unusual for him to be in a daze.
"What's up, Remy? Are you gonna eat that or just keep staring at it? We're going to the hospital to see Star, are you going with us?" Gabrielle interrupted him.
"No, you guys go ahead. I have to see Nellie later." Remy pressed his lips together and didn't look at the apple anymore. It seemed like he wasn't going to eat it anytime soon.
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