[Chapter 257: Nicole's Confession]
Guess Pictures announced the project for the movie To Die For in July and began filming in August. Nicole Kidman held the leading role, while Joaquin Phoenix, Ryan Phillippe, and Casey Affleck portrayed rebellious young men manipulated by the heroine.
After filming started, Nicole called Link to discuss the movie. However, he had been too busy during those months to find the time, and they never had the chance to chat face-to-face.
Nicole probably heard that Link was directing the sequel to Batman and wanted to discuss the role of Dr. Chase, the female lead. But Link planned to give that role to Monica Bellucci, leaving no room for other women to interfere.
"Link, are you busy?" she asked.
"Not at all. I'm just handling some work at the office. How's filming for To Die For going?"
"Very smoothly! We should wrap up next week. It's a shame you haven't visited the set; I really wanted to talk to you about the film. It's such a missed opportunity."
Nicole's voice was warm and friendly, with an approachable intensity. If it had been anyone else speaking that way, it might have been considered intrusive. But Nicole was a beautiful woman, and most men would feel excited by her enthusiasm, even exhilarated. Link, however, had too many beautiful women around him and felt little flutter -- even she couldn't make his heart race anymore.
"I read the script for To Die For. It's excellent, and the lead role of Susan is perfect for you. I believe you'll perform wonderfully."
"I'm glad to hear that! Link, you're such an amazing man. Joaquin, Ryan, and the others frequently talk about you on set. They greatly admire you and see you as an idol. I do too!"
"Thank you. I'm honored to hear that."
Link chuckled as he continued jotting notes on a piece of paper. After becoming a major director and billionaire, he faced flattery and praise every day. While Nicole was indeed beautiful, her compliments didn't carry more weight than anyone else's.
"Link, do you have time next weekend? Once I wrap up my filming and return to Los Angeles, I'd really love to meet and talk. Ever since the last time we bumped into each other at the bar, I felt you were such a kind and graceful man. I've found myself drawn to you. Every time I see news about you in the papers, I can't help but read all about it. You keep getting better and brighter. I often mention you when I hang out with Naomi Watts, who teases that I must be in love with you."
Nicole babbled on, her voice soothing and sincere. Link didn't find her tiresome -- rather, he just didn't feel the butterflies anymore. He was surrounded by so many women who adored him that nothing surprised him anymore.
Every time they finished having sex, women would lean in close, professing their love, vowing to be with him forever, or saying they wanted to be his personal possession. There were more emotional women like Winona Ryder and Jennifer Aniston, who would call him often, expressing how much they missed him and wanting to date.
Then there were Monica, Lily, and Jennifer Connelly, who might not voice their feelings frequently but showed their affection through actions, mirroring his emotions and interests unconditionally.
He found himself completely surrounded by the love of women. Their affection acted like armor, making it difficult for any other woman to break through his defenses with love.
"Link, do I sound annoying? I usually don't ramble like this. I don't know why I can't help myself when I talk with you. I just want to spill everything hidden in my heart. And before I know it, I'm rambling on."
Nicole ended her long-winded confession. Surprised, Link put his pen down. "Nicole, I don't mind hearing what you have to say. But I'm surprised to hear this from you. You're Tom Cruise's wife, and as far as I know, he's a very successful actor."
"Him?" she scoffed, a cold laugh escaping her. "Before we got married, I thought he was a great man too. But after marrying him, I felt hopeless. He's a man with bizarre beliefs, selfish, conceited, proud, and he has an intense need for control. After we got married, I couldn't wear what I wanted, couldn't wear high heels, and couldn't be alone with another man. He tried to control me and make me his property. You know, Link, I felt like I couldn't breathe in these four-plus years; it was like he had his hand around my throat."
Nicole's voice grew hotter, nearly turning into a shout as emotion choked her words.
"Really? I've seen news about you two and thought you were very much in love."
"Ha, it's all a facade. He insisted that I act very much in love with him in front of cameras, but in reality, I hated him. There's a physical disgust I feel towards him. I regret saying yes to his proposal more and more."
Nicole's voice cracked as she spoke.
Link remained silent. On one hand, he didn't know if Nicole was speaking the truth; Hollywood was filled with actors, all skilled at playing roles. One could never take everything seen and heard at face value -- believing too strongly could lead to disappointment. On the other hand, this was Nicole and Tom's personal affair; he didn't wish to get involved.
"Link, I'm so sorry to burden you with this. I just can't explain why I feel so compelled to share even the most private parts of my life with you. You're the only person I've told about my marriage problems, not even my parents know."
"It's my honor. But if possible, I'd love to hear more about the happy things in your life. A wonderful woman like you deserves to live happily, and that's a friend's wish and blessing."
Link resumed writing.
Hearing his words, Nicole laughed happily. "Link, it makes me happy to hear that! I didn't miss my judgment; you're indeed a really good man -- maybe even better than I noticed. Suddenly, I understand why so many women love you and want to be around you; you truly are worthy of it."
Link chuckled again, feeling that perhaps he was indeed a good man.
Nicole brought up the idea of meeting over the weekend once more.
Link politely declined. After taking on the Batman sequel project, he had to write scripts and shooting plans, and he personally designed the props and costumes for Batman, Harvey Dent, and the Riddler -- serious work that demanded focus. He didn't want any distractions at work, even if it was Nicole Kidman on the other end of the line.
Additionally, Saturday was Monica Bellucci's birthday, and he planned to spend extra time with this woman, who had been with him the longest.
He had another reason that he didn't disclose to Nicole: since she was a married woman and he was a notorious playboy, meeting her without being hounded by paparazzi would require subterfuge. He had no interest in that; it felt pointless.
Understanding his explanation, Nicole felt very disappointed and asked if she could call him often in the future, mentioning how enjoyable their conversations were. After speaking with him, her mood improved significantly, and she hoped for more opportunities to chat with him.
Link agreed.
Nicole excitedly kissed the phone.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.