Finished

As the director's applause faded away, Isabella's chest still heaving with exertion, she looked up at him with a mixture of exhaustion and expectation. Her voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried a hint of determination. "Do I get paid now?" she asked, her eyes locked on the director's face.

The director's grin faltered for a moment, before he burst out laughing. "Ah, Isabella, you're a true professional," he said, chuckling. "Yes, of course, you'll get paid. Ricky, take care of it, would you?"

You nod and step foward with a check.

You hand Isabella the check, your eyes locked on hers as you say, "This is for your work today. It's $7,000." Isabella's gaze drops to the check, her eyes scanning the amount before her face falls. She looks up at you, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "I thought it was $10,000," she says, her brow furrowed in concern.

You look at her still grinning from ear to ear. "Ah, Isabella, I think there's been a misunderstanding. The $10,000 the gross pay, you owe me 2,000 as your agent to get you the job, plus there is 1000 for the makeup person, wardobe etc. But don't worry this was just the start."

You watch as Isabella's face falls, her eyes scanning the check again as if hoping the amount will magically change. She looks up at you, a hint of disappointment and frustration etched on her face. Her voice is laced with a mix of anger and resignation as she speaks, "I was told it was $10,000. I didn't know there were going to be deductions." She pauses, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looks at you. "I guess I have **** but to accept it."

Isabella's shoulders slump slightly as she takes the check from you, her fingers brushing against yours.

As you hand Isabella the check, you can't help but notice the mix of emotions on her face. She looks disappointed, frustrated, and slightly angry, but also resigned to her situation. You decide to try to put things into perspective for her, and as the two of you walk out of the room, you lean in close and whisper in her ear, "At least you can pay for some of your parents' bills unlike before. This is three months of working your other job, be grateful."

Isabella's expression doesn't change, but you notice a slight tightening of her jaw as she processes your words. She doesn't respond, but instead keeps walking, her eyes fixed on some point ahead.

You watch as Isabella's expression remains stoic, her eyes fixed on some point ahead. You can sense a mix of emotions swirling beneath her surface, but she doesn't let them get the better of her. After a moment, she nods slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know," she says. "I just wanted to make even more."

You place a reassuring hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry, Isabella," you say. "There will be more jobs. You're talented, and you have a certain... spark. You'll do well in this industry." You smile, trying to reassure her.

As you continue to walk alongside Isabella, you notice the tension in her shoulders begin to ease slightly, her stride lengthening as she seems to accept the reality of her situation. You decide to offer her a ride home, hoping to break the silence that has fallen between you. "Hey, do you need a ride home?" you ask, nodding towards the parking lot. "I'm headed out anyway, and it's no trouble."

Isabella hesitates for a moment, her eyes flicking towards the parking lot before returning to the path ahead. "Yeah, that would be great," she says finally, her voice a little softer than before. "I don't have a car here."