"Alright, you can leave now."
Michael Sheen's audition lasted less than twenty minutes. With the record label people pushing things along, Martin Jackson called it off. "We'll let your agent know the results later."
The audition with makeup was over. The cameraman turned off the camera, and others started packing up. Nobody paid Michael Sheen any more attention. He stood there, staring at Martin Jackson, hoping for even a small sign—maybe a glance—but Martin kept talking to the cameraman, not even looking at him once.
"Let's go."
Seeing that Michael was still standing there, York, a crew assistant, came to nudge him. "You need to take your makeup off."
He opened the door of the audition room as he spoke.
Michael took one last look at Martin Jackson. Still no reaction.
York frowned slightly. This actor had no sense of the situation. The casting team had to start their discussion now—why was he still standing around, getting in the way?
Compared to Matthew, another struggling actor, Michael Sheen really didn't know how to handle things.
"Move it!" York had to raise his voice. "Don't just stand there like a statue!"
Michael turned to see York's annoyed face. He was about to say something, but York snapped again, "Hurry up!"
With no choice, Michael followed York out, walking awkwardly. He told himself the results weren't out yet—there was still a chance.
"Just because it was a short audition doesn't mean I'm not getting the part," he muttered. "Maybe I was already chosen, and this was just for show…"
Back in the makeup room, ready to remove his makeup, he saw that Matthew, already changed out of costume, hadn't left yet.
"Hey, Mike." Matthew greeted him cheerfully. He really enjoyed this method of blending acting into everyday life. "How'd it go?"
Michael stood in front of the mirror, waiting for the makeup artist to return from a quick break. "I'm not sure," he replied, then glanced at Matthew. "What about you? You were in there for quite a while."
Matthew had stayed behind on purpose. If Michael got the part—fine. But if it ended up being him, he had to be careful. Michael had given up a lot for this chance. Would he really accept losing?
"It was supposed to take just ten minutes," Matthew said, using the line he'd prepared earlier. "But Director Martin Jackson stopped me. He insisted I try out another scene."
He shook his head. "I'm not even sure why."
Michael looked confused. Why would Martin Jackson do that? Was he still interested in Matthew? If that's true, then what about the promise he made to him?
Back in the audition room, the actors' union rep and a few assistants had already left. Only Martin Jackson, a representative from the record label, and Britney Spears with her agent remained.
The final decision for the makeup audition rested with the first three. Britney's agent stayed just to protect her interests.
"So, what's your opinion, Martin?" the record label rep asked. "Who do you prefer?"
Martin Jackson already had his pick. "Michael Sheen! I think he's the best—"
"No! He's not right!"
He hadn't even finished when Britney Spears cut him off. "He walks funny! Like a duck!"
Being interrupted and shut down by a girl not even nineteen wasn't a great look for Martin. Sure, directors of music videos often had to give in to record labels and stars backed by them, but he didn't want to back down so quickly. After all, he'd given Michael a promise—and Michael had paid the price.
"Why not?" Martin asked. "Yesterday you said he was pretty good."
He had recommended Michael to both Britney and the label rep. While neither had fully agreed, they hadn't objected either.
Now, just one day later, she changed her mind?
"I watched today's audition," Britney said. Even if she wasn't the brightest, she knew not to say the real reason out loud. "His walk is just horrible. Matthew Horner is much better."
Normally, Martin would've let it go. But this time, he'd taken payment—he had to at least push back.
"Matthew's only played three roles and has been acting for less than four months. Michael's been in the industry for three years and has way more experience. Based on today's performance, he was better too."
Martin was the director—he could spin the results however he liked.
Everyone looked at Britney, especially the record label rep.
But the rep didn't say anything. The company was about to negotiate a contract extension with Britney, and her preferences came first.
"Walking style can be adjusted," Martin argued, confused why that 'guy' was still so hard to let go of.
"I just don't like him!" Britney said, getting impatient. "I don't want him as the male lead in my MV."
"Uh…" Martin was speechless.
He had no counter for such a strong, irrational reason.
The label rep quickly added, "Alright then, let's go with Matthew Horner." He turned to Martin. "Inform Matthew's agent. We'll sign the contract this afternoon."
Keeping Britney happy was the most important thing if they wanted her to sign a long-term deal.
With both the label and the singer in agreement, Martin had no power to fight. After thinking for a moment, he nodded. "Alright, I'll ask someone to inform Helen Herman."
Once Britney and the label rep left, Martin called his assistant. "Call Helen Herman. Let her know the audition result."
Back in the makeup room, Michael had finished removing his makeup. He walked out with Matthew, heading towards the studio exit.
"I wonder when they'll announce the result," Michael asked anxiously. It was written all over his face.
Matthew was calm. "Should be soon. It's just a music video, not a feature film."
As they reached the studio door, Amanda and Helen Herman came in. From a distance, Amanda was already waving at Matthew.
Matthew instantly understood—he got the part!
He felt excited inside, even a little thrilled, but didn't show it on his face.
"Good, I was about to look for you," Helen said to Matthew, not even glancing at Michael. "Don't go anywhere. After I finish talking with the crew, you're signing the contract."
That was basically the official result.
"Me?" Matthew glanced sideways at the stunned Michael. He acted shocked. "How can it be me?"
Amanda gave Michael a quick look, then winked at Matthew.
Michael stared at Matthew, confusion mixed with disbelief. Was he really surprised? Or just pretending?
Helen didn't even respond to Matthew's words. "Come with me. We need to talk about the contract."
She nodded at Amanda. "Let's go."
Amanda and Matthew followed her into the studio.
"What the hell…" Michael muttered after they left. "Why did Matthew Horner get the part? Why not me? Martin Jackson promised me!"
He turned, but the three had already disappeared inside.
Where did things go wrong?
Suddenly, he remembered what Matthew said earlier—Martin had added another audition scene just for him!
As the director, Martin held major power in casting decisions. Usually, the label and artist respected the director's opinion.
Michael's mind kept spinning along the path Matthew had laid out—why did Martin give him an extra scene? Was he still interested in Matthew? Just like in romantic relationships, maybe people always want what they can't have?
And Matthew—maybe he was just pretending to be innocent on the outside. What if he hooked up with Martin that night and was only playing him?
Those two bastards!
Inside the studio, Matthew looked back—Michael was already out of sight. He couldn't read his exact thoughts, but he could guess Michael must be furious.
He'd done all this hoping Michael would feel completely used and explode—maybe even lash out at Martin.
Michael might not act out like that. But even if he didn't, Matthew lost nothing. And if he did, well… maybe he could help him get revenge for what happened that night in the hotel.
Outside the studio, Michael's face was burning red. Was he really just going to accept this?
Accept it? How?
He clenched one fist tightly. His other hand subconsciously reached for his backside. After all he'd endured, this was the result? Martin Jackson used him, then kicked him away and moved on to a new target?
"He promised I'd get the role," Michael whispered to himself. "He promised…"
Compared to Matthew, Michael hated Martin Jackson even more. That man had taken advantage of him and broken his word—left him humiliated, unpaid, and discarded.
Bastard!
Feeling something strange again in his lower back, Michael remembered everything that happened that night. His whole body trembled. Then, without another word, he turned and walked back into the studio.