Me And My Billionaire Husband (Aurora and Heath) novel Chapter 108

Chapter 108

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Evelyn Media was pumping out promotional shots of Sophia almost every week. Online trolls were hyping up Sophia’s innocent charm like crazy, predicting that the school drama Youth would be a smash hit.

Meanwhile, Aurora’s project War Against Fate was hitting some snags.

Zane’s acting skills were mediocre at best. He could pull off playing a spoiled rich kid addicted to booze and women in the early scenes, but when it came to the middle part–where his character, Dylan, faces family ruin and has to endure humiliation and bullying–he just couldn’t deliver.

Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Zane had never faced hardship, let alone humiliation or bullying. How could he possibly portray those emotions?

And it wasn’t just any humiliation. The script called for scenes where Dylan gets kicked out of a dance hall and beaten in the rain, has to pull rickshaws and carry goods at the docks, and is even forced to kneel.

Zane was having none of it. “My face is too handsome to be covered in mud and rain, let alone get beaten,” he argued.

Even though he had a bet with Aurora, he insisted on using a stunt double, and no one could force him otherwise.

Both Eastwood and Aurora were strongly against using a double. “This isn’t dangerous or specialized action. There’s no need to compromise the audience’s experience,” they argued.

So, the standoff continued, and production had to be halted. If the male lead wasn’t cooperating, they couldn’t go on.

The director and Eastwood were pulling their hair out. Alaric, hearing about the situation, called Aurora: “Aurora, I really can’t control him. Just use a double if you have to. It’s a shame to stop filming halfway.”

Aurora responded, “Fine, tell Zane he doesn’t need to come to set tomorrow.”

After hanging up, Vespera warned her, “Aurora, don’t be rash. What will you do if Zane doesn’t show up?”

Cheryl chimed in, “Think it over. Replacing him would be a huge loss.”

Aurora shook her head. “I am thinking. That’s exactly what I’m doing.”

Zane sulked at home for a day, waiting for Aurora to give in and let him use a double. Another day passed, and still no word. A week later, still nothing.

Alaric came home and asked, “Why are you still here?”

Zane replied, “I’m waiting for Aurora to let me use a double!”

Alaric paused, “Oh, you can stop waiting. She called the other day and told me to tell you not to bother coming to set. I’ve been busy and forgot.”

Zane was livid. “How could you forget something this important? Are you even my real brother?”

Alaric shrugged, “You didn’t want to film anyway, so what’s the big deal?”

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Speechless, Zane drove straight to the set. When he burst in, the director was busy instructing Cheryl, and everyone else was hard at work. The only thing missing was Zane.

People glanced at him, whispered among themselves, and went back to work. He was probably the first male lead ever to be kicked off a

set.

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When Zane approached the director, he was brushed off: “Can’t you see I’m busy with Cheryl? Talk later.”

He tried to get Cheryl’s attention, but she looked at him coldly. “Zane, I’m busy. I don’t have time to play with you.”

Cheryl had never looked at him so coldly before, despite their frequent on–set bickering.

Frustrated, Zane saw Aurora walking by and confronted her, “Why was I kept in the dark about the filming?”

Aurora chuckled, “You didn’t want to act, right? Well, I’ve agreed. You don’t have to come anymore. We’ll cut your scenes and reshoot with

another actor.”

Zane was furious. He’d been working hard for a month on this film. “On what grounds can you just cut me out?”

“On the grounds that I found the script, I found the actors, and I funded this project. If I say you’re cut, you’re cut,” Aurora shot back.

Zane was indignant. “Are you out of your mind? Do you know how much money you’ll lose by replacing me?”

“I’d have to be out of my mind to think you’re the irreplaceable Dylan,” Aurora retorted. She sighed and looked at him, “Mr. Zane Strider, please leave. How much money I lose is none of your concern.”

Zane was desperate, “It’s just a few scenes with a stunt double. Is it that big of a deal?”

Aurora’s eyes narrowed, “It is a big deal! The entire crew has worked hard, and we can’t let your petulance ruin it.”

“Zane, I invited you to complete this film as Dylan. If you want to be a rich spoiled kid, go home. I’ll find another actor to work with Cheryl. Worst case, we’ll just cut the character of Dylan. But I won’t allow an irresponsible person to be the male lead,” Aurora declared, leaving Zane speechless.

Cheryl came over and pulled Aurora away, “Let’s go, Aurora. Mr. Eastwood is waiting to discuss script changes.”

As Aurora walked briskly toward Eastwood, Zane grabbed Cheryl, “Why are they changing the script?”

Cheryl glanced at him, “Because both Aurora and Mr. Eastwood believe you’re the only Dylan. Without you, the script has to be changed.”

Zane was stunned. Cheryl continued, “I used to think you were just a spoiled rich kid, but at least not a talentless pretty face like the internet trolls say.”

‘Cheryl, I’m not…” Zane tried to argue.

“A true actor wouldn’t quit halfway,” Cheryl turned and walked back to the set, leaving Zane standing there, dumbfounded.

He looked at the bustling Aurora and Cheryl, the crew running around with props, and realized he was now an outsider. Just a week ago, he was their irreplaceable Dylan. Assistants would blush and ask for his autograph. Back then, Cheryl would scoff, and Aurora would push Cheryl to take a photo with him, both of them visibly annoyed with each other.

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Now, everyone was busy, and he felt like he’d been kicked out of the team. Aurora was telling him that the world would keep turning

without him.

He’d come to settle scores but was left speechless by Aurora and Cheryl.

Back home, Zane sat quietly for the first time and asked Alaric, “Bro, was I wrong?”

Alaric felt his forehead, “No fever…”

Zane, *…*

Alaric tossed his coat to the maid and sat down, “What happened? Did Aurora scold you?”

Zane blushed, “No!”

Alaric took out his phone, “Then I’ll call and ask her.”

Zane snatched the phone, “Bro, I’m serious!”

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Alaric sighed and patted Zane’s shoulder, “Kid, Aurora went through a lot to get you for this film. It’s not to mess with you; it’s to build both her career and yours.”

Zane sat silently for a long time, “Bro, I want to play Dylan.“.

Alaric smiled, “That’s not up to me.”

Zane was frustrated, “Bro, stop joking!”

Alaric picked up his phone, “Alright, alright. I’ll arrange for you to meet Aurora. Seize the opportunity.”

Alaric hosted a party at his house and specifically called Heath to bring Aurora along.

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