As previously mentioned, Kristen Stewart had auditioned for the role of "Bella."
At first, she joined the open casting with a half-hearted, why not give it a shot attitude.
Rumors were swirling that this so-called audition was just a publicity stunt by Meyers Studios, and that the role had already been promised to one of Martin's many notorious girlfriends.
But the truth turned out to be different.
Not only was the audition real—it was Kristen who actually landed the part.
Only God knew how giddy she was when she got the call from the casting director.
As her manager put it, "Chris, you nearly died laughing!"
If she had died laughing, it would've been the biggest joke of the century.
During the shoot, Martin Meyers visited the set multiple times.
He wasn't just a teen idol. No—"idol" wasn't even the right word. Target was more like it.
Every actor under twenty in Hollywood dreamed of being the next "Martin." From his debut film onward, each project had been a hit. And now he was even directing—and still succeeding.
Even in terms of acting experience, Martin was the ultimate Hollywood success story.
Of course, he'd made a name for himself in plenty of other areas too.
To Kristen Stewart, this guy was simply born to win.
Some called him "God's favorite child." Kristen thought that sounded about right.
Whatever the case, Martin's presence on set always caused a stir.
The younger cast would swarm around him, eager to get a photo, a hug, or toss out praise like, "You're my idol!", "I've admired you since I was a kid!", "Can we take a selfie?"
But the one moment that stuck with Kristen the most was Robert Pattinson.
This guy, who normally played the aloof and handsome type on set, turned into a squealing fanboy the moment Martin walked in. Kristen was stunned the first time she saw it—left literally speechless.
Not wanting to stand out as antisocial, Kristen joined the others in hugging Martin.
She thought it would make her uncomfortable again, like every other time she had to hug a man—but surprisingly, it didn't. In fact...
It actually felt... warm. Natural. Even nice.
She couldn't believe it. Wait—does this mean my so-called "fear of men" only applies to the ugly ones? Is it just that my standards are too high? Maybe it takes someone at Martin's level of hotness for me to feel... nothing gross?
After that, she tested it a few more times.
And so, in the eyes of the rest of the cast, Kristen soon became another Robert Pattinson—someone obsessed with winning Martin's favor.
But Kristen didn't care what they thought. She only cared about one thing:
She didn't mind getting close to Martin.
By the end of July, the filming of Twilight had wrapped.
Kristen turned down a dinner invite from Robert Pattinson. Funny thing was, the guy thought they were the same—ambitious, hungry for fame, driven. He figured they'd hit it off.
But the truth? Kristen found him completely off-putting.
To reward herself for wrapping her first big lead role, Kristen decided to catch a movie. As it happened, Wanted was still dominating the box office.
Why not? she thought. At the very least, that face won't make me nauseous.
It was the kind of feeling that let her forget she was "different."
Despite having acted in plenty of films, Kristen wasn't yet a household name. Dressed in her usual casual style, she could easily blend into the crowd—just like she had earlier with that annoying guy who tried to hit on her.
The whole thing left her feeling both amused and strangely unsettled—a mix of comfort and frustration.
But as her manager said, "Enjoy this peace while it lasts. Once Twilight comes out, your name's going global."
Showtime came quickly.
Kristen turned and made her way into the theater.
Her manager had already bought the ticket in advance.
The lights were dimming. The screen was playing the last few trailers.
She made her way through the dark to her seat, only to hear a voice beside her—surprised and delighted.
"It's you! What a small world!"
Kristen stiffened. She turned—and sure enough, it was that guy from earlier. The annoying one.
"Shut. Up."
"Uh..."
Harold Brooks didn't even get the chance to launch his usual charm before she dumped a bucket of ice water on him.
The movie started.
Soon enough, Harold forgot all about the hot girl next to him.
Damn, this movie is insane! Absolutely badass!
———
Meanwhile, at a private party in Will Smith's upscale residence...
Blake Lively stood off in a quiet corner, watching Martin chat with the host across the room, locked in an internal war with herself.
Martin's more handsome than Leonardo. More powerful, too. So what am I hesitating for? I should just go for it! This is Hollywood, damn it! Why am I still holding back...
She'd grown up in the business. Blake knew exactly what Hollywood demanded—and what it cost to climb to the top. Your body. Your morals. Your dignity.
And yet, every time she was about to make the decision, she'd see that slightly pudgy face of Leonardo's in her mind, whispering: Don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do it...
Damn it! We're not even married! What gives him the right to make me feel guilty?!
I can be with whoever I want. It's my life.
Just as she was wrestling with herself, Leonardo's voice rang out behind her: "Hanny, I've been looking all over for you. What are you doing hiding back here?"
Blake jumped, startled, and snapped, "I just wanted some peace and quiet."
"You okay?" he asked, noticing something off in her expression.
"It's nothing. Just a little tired."
"Wanna head home, then?"
"Uh... go back now? Won't that be rude?"
"Nah, Will's a friend. Besides, to me—you matter most."
In that moment, Blake made her choice.
Sure, the man in front of her was starting to put on weight. And sure, he wasn't as successful as Martin. But...
Why do I still like him so damn much?!
"Alright. Let's go."
Blake's eyes lit up with visible joy.
And for reasons he couldn't explain, Leonardo found himself smiling too.