Five years passed in the blink of an eye.
Ever since Raiquèn confessed her dream to her parents that night, they had never once faltered in their support. To keep her safe from the dangers that came with their family's global recognition, they decided against enrolling her in a regular school. Instead, private tutors filled her days.
For four years, Raiquèn was guided in academics at home—her studies strict yet balanced, tailored carefully to nurture both her mind and her spirit. And when she turned ten, her parents took the next step toward her dream.
They brought in an acting tutor.
That entire year was unlike any she had ever experienced. It wasn't just about memorizing lines or copying expressions—it was about unlocking the emotions buried inside her, learning to transform them into a language the world could understand. Her tutor often remarked that Raiquèn had a rare gift: she didn't simply act, she became.
Each lesson shaped her, day by day, molding the little girl who once stared at a stranger's beauty into someone who began to believe she, too, could shine beneath the stage lights.
"Hah…"
Raiquèn let out an exhausted sigh, brushing back the loose strands of hair clinging to her face.
"That's all for today," Professor Wren finally said, her voice calm yet carrying the weight of authority that came naturally to her.
Wren Minterio—a woman whose name once lit up marquees across Italy—was now an older lady, her days on stage long behind her, yet her presence still commanded respect. Her sharp eyes softened as she regarded her pupil.
"Thank you!" Raiquèn bowed politely, her small hands still trembling from the effort of her final exercise.
"You are improving greatly…" Professor Wren remarked, her tone laced with both admiration and disbelief.
"I cannot fathom that you've only been learning for a year."
The words made Raiquèn's chest flutter. Coming from a woman who had once captivated audiences across Europe, it felt like being handed a fragment of a dream made real.
Later that day, Raiquèn rested in the sunlit lounge of their estate in Italy, lazily curled against the velvet of a soft couch. Her gaze drifted toward the television, where a flicker of movement caught her attention.
"Oh…" she breathed, almost inaudibly, as a familiar figure graced the screen.
They praised her often—her instructors, her parents, even strangers who happened to see her practice. Natural talent. Born for the stage. A future star. Yet, beneath those words, Raiquèn felt a quiet ache she couldn't silence.
"They keep complimenting me about my acting… and natural gift," she murmured, her voice trailing off into the stillness of the room. Then, with a faint, almost reverent smile, she whispered..
"But gods… her acting is still untouchable."
On the screen played a series clip of Yeira Inès Lefevre Monteval—the child prodigy turned rising star, her presence still amazing as ever, her eyes carrying worlds in a single glance.
Five years had passed since Raiquèn first heard her name, and in those years, admiration had rooted itself deeply in her heart. She had watched countless clips, replayed performances until she knew them by heart, yet still each time Yeira appeared, Raiquèn felt as though she was seeing her for the first time.
Her acting… it's beyond her age. Beyond any measure. I wish… I could act like her.
The thought lingered, half dream, half prayer, as Raiquèn's reflection faintly shimmered against the dark screen—two girls in different worlds, one chasing, the other already shining.
"Hm?"
Raiquèn's thoughts broke when her smartphone buzzed beside her. She reached for it, the glow of the screen reflecting faintly in her eyes.
It was a message from Ryo, her older brother.
Curious, she tapped it open. A picture filled the screen—Ryo, already dressed in sleek attire, standing tall backstage at a runway event in New York. Beneath it was his short but eager message:
"Make sure to watch me live later!"
"Pft…" Raiquèn let out a small giggle, shaking her head in amusement.
"Right… brother is also pursuing his dream modeling," she murmured, fondness lacing her words.
She typed back, fingers dancing lightly over the screen:
'Of course! Don't trip or I'll laugh at you forever.'
With a satisfied smile, she hit send, imagining his playful scowl on the other end.
Then another notification popped up on her phone.
From Aunt Sera: Little Angel, are you free right now? If yes, give me a call.
"Oh, it's Aunt Sera… I wonder what she needs."
Rai mumbled, then immediately clicked the call button.
"Hello?" Rai started.
"My precious little Angel!" Sera squealed on the other line.
"How are you doing with your studies? I heard you've started practicing acting," Sera added.
Rai looked up at the ceiling before answering. "It's so-so, Auntie. What about you? When are you coming to Italy?"
"Aww, do you miss me already? I'll come home after I finish my shooting here in New Zealand."
"Gifts, please~ hehe." Rai mumbled sweetly.
"Of course. Anyway, Rai, the reason I called today—"
"Yeah?"
"Do you remember my friend Mika? The one you met when you were five, during your stay in the Philippines?"
"Yes, I do. What about her, Auntie?"
"Well, she's in Italy at the moment. They need a side character for their movie, and I thought maybe you'd like to hear the details~"
"Oh!?" Rai immediately stood up.
"Yes! Yes! I do!" she said excitedly.
She could hear her aunt giggle on the other side. "Alrighty~ I'll send you the file and her contact. Make sure to reach out to her later."
"Ah! But on second thought… uh…" Rai's voice trailed nervously.
"Hm? Is our little Angel nervous?" Sera teased, already noticing it.
Rai groaned slightly. "Well… it's my first time…"
"Uh-huh, and that's all the more reason to do it. Don't worry, I know you can."
"Okay, I'll call you again when I have the time. Bye-bye, little Angel! Ti amo!"
"B-bye-bye, Auntie!" Rai stammered, her voice carrying both nerves and joy.
The call ended.
Immediately, Rai jumped up like a child celebrating.
"Omg! Omg! Finally! An opportunity!" she exclaimed, her smile stretching ear to ear.
Overcome with happiness, she pressed one hand against her lips, as if to keep her giddiness from spilling out.
"I can't believe it… I'm really doing this," she giggled softly to herself.
Just then, another notification popped up on her phone—this time from her Aunt. It was the file containing the details of the role, along with Mika's contact information.