Broken Bond: Claimed by My Ex-Husband's Alpha Billionaire Uncle-Chapter 56: First Day On Set (2)

Relationships like this weren’t exactly uncommon in the industry, but still ... Seeing Charlotte, someone who had been through so much, look genuinely happy warmed their hearts.

She deserved this. After everything, she deserved someone who treated her like she was precious.

"Would you like us to keep the flowers somewhere safe for you, Charlotte?" Noella asked gently. "We can take care of them while you’re filming."

Charlotte lifted her head, her smile softening with gratitude. "That would be wonderful. Thank you."

With her makeup done and her costume on, she was finally ready for her first scene.

Thankfully, they weren’t jumping straight into the heavier parts of the story just yet. No violent outbursts, no heart-wrenching breakdowns. Today’s scenes were about Lena’s daily struggles—exhaustion, frustration, survival.

Her first take was with Lily.

Lena arrived at the daycare, gently guiding her sleepy daughter, Olivia, inside. Before she could even catch her breath, the daycare owner pulled her aside, scolding her for always picking Olivia up late.

Charlotte, fully immersed in character, could only bow her head apologetically.

Lena wasn’t a neglectful mother. She loved Olivia more than anything. But love didn’t pay the bills.

Love didn’t stop her from working three jobs just to keep food on the table.

Washing dishes in a back-alley diner.

Serving tables for customers who barely acknowledged her presence.

Standing behind a supermarket counter, scanning groceries until her vision blurred.

Day in, day out.

This was Lena’s life now. And Charlotte had to bring that exhaustion, that quiet desperation, to the screen.

The cameras rolled, capturing every emotion that flickered across Charlotte’s face as she embodied Lena’s struggle.

Her grip on Olivia’s tiny hand was firm but gentle, her shoulders slightly hunched from exhaustion, her eyes carrying the weight of sleepless nights and endless worries.

"Miss Carter, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to remind you," the daycare owner said, arms crossed. "Olivia needs stability. She can’t be the last child here every single day."

Charlotte swallowed, letting Lena’s shame sink into her bones. "I understand, Mrs. Holloway. I’m really sorry."

The woman sighed. "I know you’re trying your best, but something has to change."

Charlotte gave a small nod, her fingers tightening around Olivia’s hand as she led her daughter inside.

"Cut!"

Diego’s voice rang out, breaking the heavy atmosphere.

"That was great, Charlotte," he praised. "You really captured Lena’s exhaustion and guilt. Let’s reset for another take."

She exhaled, releasing the tension from her body as Lily beamed up at her.

"You’re really good at this," the little girl whispered.

Charlotte smiled and ruffled her hair. "And you’re a great Olivia."

The next few hours passed in a blur of takes and retakes.

They filmed Lena rushing between jobs, her hands red and raw from washing dishes, her uniform slightly wrinkled as she took orders at the restaurant, her tired smile forced as she scanned items behind a supermarket counter.

By lunchtime, Charlotte was drained—but it was a good kind of exhaustion.

She sat in her dressing room, sipping the tea Noella had made for her, when her phone vibrated.

[Damon: How’s my superstar doing?]

A small laugh escaped her lips.

[Charlotte: Tired, but surviving.]

[Damon: You’ll do more than survive. You’ll shine.]

Her heart fluttered.

Before she could reply, someone knocked on her door.

It was a food delivery from Damon, to be exact.

A neatly packed meal sat inside the delivery bag, along with a small note tucked under the lid.

[Sweetheart, I know you’re busy today, so I had them prepare something light for you. No pressure, just eat what you can.]

Charlotte slowly opened the container from Damon. Inside was a simple but carefully prepared meal—soft-boiled eggs, lightly buttered toast, and a side of fresh fruit. Something easy on her stomach. Something that wouldn’t overwhelm her.

She took a deep breath and picked up a slice of apple, nibbling at it as she leaned back in her chair.

A message popped up on her screen.

[Damon: Did it arrive?]

[Charlotte: Yes. Thank you, Damon.]

[Damon: Good. And don’t overthink it. Just eat what you can, alright?]

Her grip on the phone tightened.

He always knew. Even without her saying anything, he understood.

A warmth spread through her chest, easing some of the tension that had built up throughout the day.

She took another small bite, feeling just a little bit lighter.

• •

The sun had long since set by the time Charlotte finally wrapped up filming for the day.

She stretched her stiff limbs, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle into her bones.

As she stepped out of the studio, the cool night air kissed her skin. A sleek black car was parked near the entrance, and leaning against it, with his hands casually tucked into his coat pockets, was Damon.

Her heart clenched.

She couldn’t help but feel content—this was the first time in days that she got to see Damon outside of the rushed moments in the early morning or late at night.

Dressed in his usual tailored black suit, he looked effortlessly handsome, his dark eyes finding her instantly. The streetlights cast a soft glow on his sharp features, highlighting the slight curve of his lips when he saw her.

Charlotte quickened her pace, and as soon as she reached him, Damon opened the passenger door without a word.

"Tired?" he asked once she was seated inside.

She let out a small sigh. "Completely drained."

Damon chuckled as he slid into the driver’s seat, his fingers brushing against hers for the briefest moment before he started the car.

"I figured." He reached into the center console and pulled out a small bottle. "Drink some water."

She accepted it without argument, taking a slow sip as he pulled onto the road.

For a few moments, there was only silence—comfortable, steady.

Then Damon spoke, his voice softer than usual.

"I saw some of the pictures from set today."

Charlotte turned her head toward him. "Oh?"

"The makeup. They really went all out to make you look exhausted."

Charlotte twirled her fingers together, lowering her head as warmth spread across her face. "You’re really spoiling me today, but in return, you have to see me looking all messy like this."