Booth was, unsurprisingly, the male lead. The supporting male roles were filled by a mix of popular young idols and seasoned character actors from the industry.

Yvonne was the dark horse victor, landing the female lead role. The third female lead went to Shirley, as expected. The second female lead was a talented actress who was also enjoying a recent surge in popularity.

York had wisely chosen not to cast an A-list actress for the second lead role. Making a top star play second fiddle to a newcomer like Yvonne would have undoubtedly caused a massive backlash against her.

As expected of an internationally acclaimed director, York was meticulous in his considerations.

Yvonne had certainly exceeded expectations during her audition, but she and Sandra both knew the true extent of her acting abilities.

Therefore, Sandra hired an acting coach for Yvonne and put her into intensive training to focus solely on her performance.

York's productions had zero tolerance for subpar acting.

There had been instances in the past where he had fired an actor after filming had already begun because their performance wasn't up to his standards.

Yvonne, with her playful and active nature, felt like she was on the verge of a breakdown every day from being forced to study acting.

She would call Bennett to complain, but since he was at the military base, her calls often went unanswered. When he did find a moment, he would patiently soothe her.

It wasn't until her twentieth birthday that Sandra finally took pity on her and gave her a day off.

"I wish it were my birthday every day," Yvonne couldn't help but sigh.

"If it were your birthday every day, I'd go broke," Sandra retorted, placing a gift box on the vanity. "So, what's the plan for today? Do you want me to celebrate with you?"

"I know you have to accompany another artist to an audition today. You don't have time for me. You're just teasing," Yvonne said as she opened the gift.

Sandra had given her an Hermès bag-a limited edition in a rare leather the kind that cost a fortune

just to be eligible to buy. No wonder

leto

Sandra looked like she had made a

huge sacrifice.

A good bag can cure all ills. Yvonne loved it.

"For the sake of this gift, I'll forgive you for not being able to celebrate with me."

"When it's your birthday, it's not my turn to celebrate with you anyway. Isn't there Mr. Bennett Thompson?" Sandra said, examining her nails.

"Bennett's still at the base, so I don't know if he can make it back. But Bruce said he'd celebrate with me," Yvonne replied with a smile.

Today wasn't her real birthday; she was celebrating the birthday of the body she now inhabited.

But regardless of which birthday it was, she had her parents' company, her lover's presence, and her friends' blessings. Yvonne couldn't ask for more.

Finally free for a day from her acting coach, Yvonne took her time with her makeup and chose a vibrant long dress, a rare a rare departure from her usual style.

Her looks leaned toward the alluring, so she actually suited brighter colors better.

She picked up her new bag and was about to head out when her phone, which was on the entryway cabinet, suddenly rang.

She glanced at the caller ID and frowned instinctively. After a moment's hesitation, she answered.

The voice on the other end was Jeffrey Spencer's.

"Yvonne, it's your birthday. Mom has cooked a whole meal and is waiting for you to come home and celebrate."

"I can't..." Yvonne began to say she was busy, but Jeffrey cut her off.

"You didn't even come back for the

even

holidays. Mom doesn't say anything, but I can see she misses you. Before the Spencer family fell, we always threwa birthday party for you every year Even though we've lost everything, Mom is still here She cooked herself, so please just come home and try some of her food."