The Contract : Caught on Tape by QualBird on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Doing tens or so generations for this story, Intended to make a grim and dark one, but scrapped the idea at the last minute, the story will be uploaded in a day or two.
Edit 1: Okay, i have to admit I overdo of writing the back story (8k words), leaving little the transformation part at the bottom of the story ( and not specific and detailed ones ), so skip into the last part for the transformation part

Edit 2: I'm changing the title to purvey the continuation of the story, maybe there's two or three related images/posts


Rachel Fischer was once a shining star in Hollywood, gracing the covers of magazines and walking red carpets with ease. Her career had been on a steady rise since her breakout role as a teenager, but over time, she noticed the spotlight gradually shifting elsewhere. She wasn't the only one facing this issue; it seemed like every actress who had reached her age was experiencing the same phenomenon.

Despite still being able to draw attention from men with her curvaceous figure and striking features above her shoulder, Rachel couldn't deny her dwindling condition. Her phone no longer rang off the hook, and auditions were becoming fewer and farther between. The once steady income from movie roles and endorsement deals was now a distant memory.

Rachel's struggle to fulfill her daily needs became increasingly difficult. She could barely afford to keep up with the current rhythm of the showbiz, let alone maintain her lavish lifestyle. Her beautiful house, which had been her pride and joy, was slowly becoming too big for one person to manage on her own. The mortgage was weighing heavily on her mind, as were the bills she kept piling up.

It wasn't just her financial situation that was dire; Rachel felt like she was trampled by the industry. She had worked tirelessly for years to get where she was, only to see others surpass her. It seemed like every young actress coming up was more talented and more attractive than ever before. Rachel knew how dire her situation was, but she couldn't deny that a part of her felt forgotten.

-,’-

Rachel Fischer listened intently as her former manager, Edwin Higgins, spoke words of caution over the phone. His concern was palpable, and Rachel knew she should trust his judgment; he had always looked out for her best interests when she needed it most.

Just a few days ago, an unexpected call from Sarah Conrad, secretary to Roland Ivers, had piqued Rachel's interest. The prospect of meeting with one of the industry's top producers was tantalizing, especially considering the financial struggles she faced. But Higgins' warning brought her back to reality.

"Roland Ivers, he's a red flag," Edwin emphasized. "Rachel, you heard about him and his vile reputation in the showbiz world." The actress knew too well about Ivers or rather knew what she heard about him; rumors of his shady business practices and treatment of actresses had been circulating for years. The thought alone made her shudder.

Higgins' words were laced with a deep concern that echoed through the phone. "Rachel, there are still opportunities out there," he pleaded. "I'm more than willing to help you find something better. Just wait for a week or so, I'll come up with something that suits your talents and reputation. Don't go to him, Rachel. Please."

The desperation in Higgins' voice was hard to ignore. Rachel knew she could trust him; he had been her rock during the darkest times of her career. But there was a part of her that longed for a chance at redemption, no matter how slim the odds were. And Roland Ivers was offering her exactly that – a chance.

The silence that followed as Rachel pondered Higgins' words seemed to stretch on forever. She knew she had to make a decision soon, but it was one that would change the course of her life irreparably either way.

Rachel Fischer's voice trembled as she responded, "I'll consider your words," trying to hide the doubt that had crept into her heart. The weight of Higgins' caution was significant, and she knew she needed time to think about it carefully.

Higgins replied softly, his tone filled with understanding, "And Rach... you bank account, are they still the same?" Rachel felt a lump form in her throat as she hesitated before answering. Her financial situation had deteriorated significantly over the years, but she hadn't told Higgins how bad it was yet.

Rachel's pause was long and deliberate. Tears began to roll down her face as memories of their past interactions came flooding back. She used to spoil Higgins with lavish gifts and expensive meals out of gratitude for his unwavering support throughout her career. But those were distant memories now, replaced by the harsh reality of her current situation.

The table had indeed turned, and Rachel was now the one in need. Her growling stomach was a constant reminder of how little she could afford these days. She wanted to reject Higgins' good grace, but the desperation in her eyes told a different story. The silence between them stretched on for what felt like an eternity, each waiting for the other to break it.

Finally, Rachel spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper, "I... I'm not as well-off as we thought," she admitted, feeling a mix of shame and desperation in doing so. She had always been proud of her financial stability, but now it seemed like those days were behind her forever.

The sudden buzz from Rachel Fischer's phone startled her, making her jump slightly in her seat. She glanced down at the notification on the top left corner of her screen and gasped when she saw who had sent it: Edwin Higgins.

A large sum of money had been transferred to her account, more than enough to cover her current debts and potentially set her back on track financially. Tears welled up in Rachel's eyes as she tried to process this unexpected turn of events.

"Ed..." she started to say, but found herself unable to finish the sentence. She was overwhelmed with gratitude towards him for such a generous act, yet also felt a bit ashamed at having to accept it.

However, before she could respond further, Higgins cut her off in an affectionate tone, "No Rach... you take it."

The words hung in the air as Rachel struggled to find the right response. She knew that this money was not just a gift but a sign of their long-standing friendship and trust between them. The weight of his gesture was profound, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her at this sudden financial lifeline.

The initial response that came out of Rachel Fischer's mouth was a simple yet sincere, "Thank you." Her heart swelled with gratitude towards Edwin Higgins for such a generous act, but also felt a sting in her conscience and ego at having to accept it.

She knew deep down that she shouldn't feel this way. Edwin had always been there for her, supporting her through the highs and lows of her career. But Rachel couldn't shake off the feeling that his kindness was somehow an insult to her pride as someone who once relied on him financially but now found herself in a different situation.

"I... I'll return this when I have money," she said, trying to sound confident about it even though her bank account was practically empty at the moment. She knew it would take time and effort to earn back what Edwin had given her, but she couldn't accept his generosity without some kind of payment plan in place.

However, before she could elaborate further on how she intended to pay him back, Edwin tried to protest her words with a gentle tone, "But Rach..."

Rachel quickly cut the line, not wanting to be persuaded otherwise. Her pride and sense of independence were at stake here, and she couldn't let go of those feelings so easily.

Rachel Fischer let out a long, exasperated sigh as she felt the weight of her situation bear down on her. Tears continued to well up in her eyes, and before she knew it, they had begun to spill over her cheeks. She hugged her legs tightly against her chest, trying to find some sort of comfort and solace in their embrace.

"God damn it..." she cursed under her breath, the frustration and desperation that had been building inside her finally bursting forth into a raw expression of emotion. The tears streamed down her face as she let out another heavy sigh, feeling utterly defeated by the turn of events that had brought her to this point.

The kindness of Edwin Higgins still lingered in her mind, his generosity a stark contrast to her current state of financial ruin and emotional turmoil. She knew deep down that he meant well, but the fact remained - she was in a position where she could no longer afford to be proud or independent. At least not until she found a way to earn back what she had lost.

As more tears fell from her eyes, Rachel couldn't help but let out another soft curse. It was all she could do at this moment, the only sound that seemed appropriate for her current emotional state.

-,’-

A few days later, Rachel Fischer found herself outside The Java, one of the most popular hot spots in town. The famous diner had been a frequent haunt for many celebrities and well-known figures over the years, but now it seemed like a distant memory for her.

As she stood there gazing at the imposing building, memories of better times came flooding back. She recalled how often she used to visit, savoring their signature dishes and enjoying a relaxing atmosphere with friends. However, those days were now just recollections of the past.

Rachel sighed heavily as she looked around at the other patrons entering The Java. She couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness towards this place that had once been her favorite spot to unwind. But now, she found herself unable to even step foot inside its doors due to their inflated prices.

The Java had become known for being a snob's paradise, where money seemed to be more important than anything else. Rachel couldn't fathom how anyone could justify spending such outrageous amounts of cash on a simple meal when there were far more reasonable options available in the town.

As she stood there, Rachel felt a sense of regret wash over her. She had been so blinded by the fame and fortune that came with being an actress that she failed to notice the changing landscape around her. Now, as she found herself struggling financially, she couldn't help but wonder if she would ever be able to return to the life she once knew.

As Rachel Fischer stepped into The Java, a friendly receptionist greeted her with a wide smile. "Ms. Fischer," the woman said, recognizing the famous actress who had once frequented their establishment.

Rachel couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort at being there now. She had spent all of Edwin Higgins' generous gift on trying to look presentable for her meeting with Roland Ivers. The money would last her for about a month if she managed to eat properly and avoid unnecessary expenses, something that seemed like a luxury in her current situation.

"Hi," Rachel replied almost whispering, feeling a bit out of place. She had always enjoyed coming to this diner before, but now it felt different, like she was an intruder on someone else's territory.

"I... I have a meeting with Mr. Ivers," she said, trying to sound confident even though her heart raced at the thought of facing him again.

The receptionist nodded understandingly and led Rachel towards their private rooms. "Right this way, Ms. Fischer. You can wait in here for Mr. Ivers."

As they walked through the bustling diner, Rachel couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over her. She had always enjoyed the warm atmosphere of The Java, the friendly staff, and the delicious food that filled their mouths with joy. But now, it all seemed like a distant memory.

"Thank you," Rachel said as she entered the private room. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves before facing Roland Ivers.

Roland Ivers sat in the private room of The Java, sipping his expensive coffee while he waited for Rachel Fischer to arrive. He was a stylish man in his mid-forties, with slicked-back hair and well-groomed facial hair. However, beneath his polished exterior lay a complex individual with a different past.

In his college days, Roland had been known as a nerd, someone who spent most of his time studying and coding rather than socializing. Little did he know that these skills would one day turn him into one of the richest men in the world.

Roland's journey to success began when he created a revolutionary application that quickly gained worldwide popularity. He continued to develop more successful programs and apps, each one bringing him closer to his goal of financial freedom and luxury beyond his wildest dreams.

However, as Roland's wealth grew, so did his ego. The nearly unlimited money at his disposal turned him into an indulgent man who used it for his own entertainment. Anything with a price tag became a potential target for his extravagant spending sprees, from expensive cars to luxurious homes and exotic vacations.

As soon as Rachel Fischer entered the private room, Roland Ivers stood up from his chair, greeting her with a charismatic yet intimidating smile. "Rachel Fischer," he said, his voice deep and commanding.

With a slight bow of his head, he moved towards her, taking her hand in his. Before she could react, he planted his lips firmly on her knuckles, imitating the actions of nobles from fantasy stories. The gesture was unexpected, but it seemed to be part of Roland's persona as a wealthy producer who felt superior to those around him.

"Welcome," Roland said, still holding onto her hand and staring into her eyes with an intense gaze.

Rachel couldn't help but pull away from his grasp, feeling uneasy about the intimate gesture. She had heard rumors about Roland's behavior towards actresses, how he often pushed boundaries that made them uncomfortable.

"I'm here," Rachel replied, trying to sound confident despite the nerves that were growing inside her. "What did you want to discuss?"

Roland Ivers let out a soft chuckle as Rachel Fischer tried to stand her ground and avoid small talk. He gestured towards the chair across from him, inviting her to take a seat.

"Ah straight to point," Roland said with a smirk. "I like that." He took a sip of his coffee before setting it down on the table. "Please, have a seat."

Rachel hesitated for a moment, but eventually she sat down, trying to maintain her composure. She crossed her legs and leaned back in the chair, ready for whatever Roland had to say.

As Roland Ivers sat across from Rachel Fischer, he couldn't help but admire her beauty behind his rimless glasses. She was one of the few women he had adored during his youth when she was unattainable, a flower that seemed out of reach.

But now, as he looked at her with a calculating gaze, Roland knew that this woman was within his grasp. All he needed to do was play his cards correctly and persuade her to do his bidding.

He leaned forward in his chair, resting his arms on the table as he locked eyes with Rachel once more. His voice dropped to a softer tone, almost intimate.

"Rachel," he said, "you know why you're here."

As soon as Roland called the actress by her first name, she felt a slight discomfort wash over her. Only a handful of people were allowed to use such a familiar address with her, and Roland Ivers was certainly not one of them.

Rachel straightened up in her chair, maintaining eye contact with the producer while she responded. "I believe your secretary said you wanted to see me, mostly about a movie you will produce," she began.

She paused for emphasis, letting her gaze drift towards the door as if remembering the words that Sarah Conrad had used earlier. When she returned her attention to Roland, she continued, "And I hope we can keep the subject on that."

The way Rachel emphasized those last two words left no room for ambiguity about what she expected from their meeting. She wanted to stay focused on the topic of the film and avoid any unnecessary personal conversations or advances.

Roland Ivers raised both his hands in a gesture of good faith, as if to show Rachel that he had no intention of causing trouble. "Okay," he said with a short sigh and a more natural smile this time around.

"I'm sorry... but I have to admit, I've always been a huge fan of yours," Roland continued, his eyes fixed on her intently. "It's one of the many strong reasons why I reached out for you in the first place."

He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. "Having my favorite actress play a role in my movie seems like..." He couldn't finish the sentence as he was distracted by her presence.

Rachel Fischer could discern whether people spoke truth or lie, a skill she had honed during the early stages of her career. As she looked at the man sitting across from her, even with his many illicit reputation, she knew that he spoke the truth.

"Okay... I get it," Rachel said as she caught him short. A slight feeling of embarrassment washed over her due to Roland's flattery.

As soon as those words left her mouth, Rachel couldn't help but think to herself: 'Maybe he's not as bad as people told.'

After Roland Ivers' admission of being a huge fan, Rachel Fischer shifted her focus back to the reason why they were meeting in the first place - the movie proposal.

"So... tell me what is your proposal?" she asked, trying her best to stay objective and composed. Her curiosity was piqued by the fact that Roland had reached out to her personally for this project.

Roland's eyes lit up at the opportunity to present his idea. He leaned forward in his chair again, while one of his hand rummaging a small backpack next to his chair.

Roland Ivers pulled a tablet from the backpack, he touches the screen several times before pushing it towards Rachel Fischer. "I have to be truthful," he said as he handed over the device. "It's a silly movie."

He gestured towards the tablet, indicating that she should read the manuscript for herself. Rachel reached out her hand and slowly began reading through the material on the screen.

As she scrolled down, her eyes rolled in frustration at times, while other sections caused her to smile or cock her brows in surprise. There were a few moments when she winced, seemingly displeased with certain aspects of the story.

Roland spoke up again once he noticed Rachel's reaction. "It's a mermaid story-ish," he explained. "There aren't many good mermaid movies out there, and even fewer have a decent storyline and idea."

He paused for a moment, allowing her to process his words before continuing. "So... I don't know how the situation sits with you."

Rachel continued to read through the manuscript, she couldn't help but think about the overall potential of the story. While it was far from a blockbuster-worthy plot, there was still something endearing about it that could make for a decent B movie.

However, as she looked up at Roland Ivers, her eyes were drawn to his reputation and how it might affect this project. The producer had unlimited financial resources at his disposal, which should have been enough to secure top talent for the film.

But despite his wealth, Roland's notorious reputation in the industry posed a significant challenge. Many actors would be wary of working with him due to past rumors about his behavior towards cast and crew members.

Roland seemed aware of this issue as well, as he attempted to justify his reputation by offering promises of wealth and success. However, Rachel couldn't help but wonder if the lure of unlimited financial resources was enough to persuade talented individuals to work under him.

She decided to address her concerns directly with Roland, hoping that they could find a solution or at least better understand each other's perspectives on this matter.

"The problem is how far does your reach? How many good talents have you reached out to?" Rachel asked aloud, trying to make sense of the situation. "Surely, with your unlimited financial resources, there should be no problem with funding." She paused for a moment before adding, "The problem comes with your reputation."

Hearing his favorite actress uttering her concern about rumors circulating around him, Roland let out a bitter laugh at the irony. "Guilty as charged," he admitted, "I'm indeed someone with bad temper, and I'm also guilty for hardly control my tongue."

His admission was followed by an awkward silence, where Roland gazed away, seemingly lost in thought. His eyes seemed to be fixated on some distant point as if trying to escape the reality of his past actions.

"But," he began again, turning back towards Rachel with determination in his eyes, "I will be more than willing to spend my all to chase those talents if you agree to be part of this movie."

Here's an expanded version:

As Roland Ivers spoke about his willingness to spend unlimited resources on securing talent, Rachel couldn't help but question why he was so fixated on her specifically.

"Why me?" she asked sporadically, trying to understand the rationale behind his actions. "Being my fan is something," she began, "but I'm pretty sure there are a lot of younger actresses with skyrocketing numbers of fans who would be willing to act if you showered them with the right number of money."

Rachel paused for a moment before adding her own self-deprecating remark about her age. "I'm not in my prime anymore, Mr. Ivers." She couldn't help but feel that her age might work against her in this situation.

The producers listened to Rachel’s words and couldn't help but smile at her self-deprecating remark about being out of her prime. However, his response was candid yet endearing.

"Yet," he continued, "you have your own charm." It was as if he accepted her with every flaw she had. "So," Roland said, "instead of those names that buzz in the net recently, I would rather pick you."

He paused for a moment before adding what seemed to be his heart's desire. "My favorite actress."

As Roland spoke about his rather ‘cute reason of choosing Rachel instead of newer, trendier actresses, a smile slowly spread across her face. It was the unexpected sign she had been waiting to see, and now that it was here, Rachel couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her.

She looked at Roland with new eyes, seeing him not as just another producer trying to secure talent for his film, but as someone who truly appreciated her for who she is. The concern she had about his reputation began to fade away like it never existed in the first place.

"Flattery surely has its own charm," Rachel commented as she smiled for the first time since entering the diner.

His smile widened as if he realized that he now had Rachel Fischer within his grasp. He pulled out his phone and quickly navigated through several icons before pushing it towards her.

The calculator app displayed a figure with a lot of zeros, indicating the amount of money Roland was willing to pay for her services in this film. It was clear that he was serious about his offer and wanted to make sure she knew how much he valued her talent.

"Now," Ivers asked as he looked at Rachel intently, "is it too small for you?" The question hung in the air, leaving a sense of anticipation between them.

The last vestige of doubt dissipated from the actress's heart as she looked at the number on Roland Ivers' phone. It wasn't as big as what she used to receive in her prime, but it was still a considerable amount for a forgotten actress like herself.

She couldn't help but feel touched by Roland's willingness and how much he seemed to value her talent. His offer was so generous that it made her want to press the erase button on his phone just to erase one of the zeros.

"No," she replied after a moment, trying to maintain some sense of professionalism despite the temptation. "It's fine as is."

The producer pulled his phone back and began punching several buttons on the screen. Moments later, Rachel Fischer's phone buzzed with a notification from her banking app.

Her eyes widened as she read what was displayed. The number in her account matched the one that Roland had shown earlier on his calculator app - it was millions of dollars.

"Sir... Mr. Ivers... what do you mean by this?" she stammered, her hand shaking wildly as she stared at her phone screen. She couldn't comprehend what was happening and struggled to process the enormous amount of money now in her account.

"Well," Roland replied casually, as if transferring millions of dollars to someone he had just met was nothing out of the ordinary. " your downpayment, of course."

He spoke lightly, seemingly unfazed by the substantial sum of money that he had just transferred into Rachel's bank account.

As soon as he finished speaking, he reached out and took Rachel Fischer's hand in his own. The gesture was clear - it was a sign of acceptance, and one that Rachel welcomed with open arms.

"Welcome to the crew, Ms. Fischer," Roland said with a smile, looking into her eyes. The words were simple yet profound, encapsulating all that had been discussed thus far.

-,’-

Weeks passed since their meeting, and Rachel couldn't help but feel the hushes that Roland Ivers had contracted her with were nearly everywhere. She was constantly improving her connection with him, always having his back and showing him a better option when it came to decisions.

Since their meeting, Roland always sought her opinion on his choices. He would ask for her input before making any major decisions, valuing her insights highly. Rachel took pride in being able to correct him and provide guidance that was more suitable than his initial ideas.

As a result, they were often spotted together, visiting several famous talents around town. Their close relationship seemed to be the talk of the town, with news about them being together surfacing everywhere.

Rachel couldn't deny that she had grown accustomed to Roland's company over time. She found herself looking forward to their outings and enjoying his presence immensely.

However, deep down, she knew that their connection was still fragile and needed to be nurtured carefully. Rachel decided to have a heart-to-heart conversation with Roland about their relationship status, hoping to establish some clarity on their feelings for each other.

"Hey," she said as they sat together in the car after another successful meeting with a talent scout. "Can we talk?"

Roland Ivers replied with a smile as he fastened his seatbelt in preparation to drive himself home for once. It had been a while since he drove on his own, usually relying on his driver due to the crowds of people who recognized him everywhere they went.

But when he was with Rachel Fischer, Roland felt more at ease, and their outings seemed less chaotic. He enjoyed having her by his side as they navigated the busy streets together.

"Are you okay?" Rachel asked gently, knowing that she was getting close to pushing his limits. "I mean, with all the buzzes?"

She already knew his gestures well enough to recognize when he had reached his capacity for attention and affection. Roland couldn't deny that it was growing more challenging to manage his feelings for her in public.

"Well..." Roland Ivers began firmly. "Can’t say I'm completely fine, but I can manage." He spoke as if he wasn't bothered by all the attention they had been receiving since their meeting. “Yet…” he paused before uttering what he’s thinking

"I'm more concerned about you though," he continued. "I'm afraid I will tarnish your reputation."

He looked at Rachel with concern in his eyes, worried that his eccentric behaviors and bad rumors might reflect poorly on her and affect her career negatively.

She chuckled upon hearing his words, shaking her head playfully. "Oh please, a forgotten actress like me?" Rachel asked rhetorically, emphasizing her current status in the industry.

"I believe you have to look after your reputation," she said with a smile. She was well aware of Roland's unique temperament and how it often made headlines in the news.

Yet despite his erratic behavior, she couldn't deny that he had an undeniable charm that drew people to him like magnets. And whenever their names were mentioned together in the media, her name always seemed to follow his, leaving the impression that they were closely connected.

Rachel took pride in being able to maintain a level head throughout all of this chaos and keep things grounded for Roland when needed.

Suddenly, just as Roland Ivers was about to start the car engine, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and sighed, knowing that he had no choice but to answer this particular call.

Rachel nodded slowly, acknowledging that Roland had to pick up the call. She understood how important it could be for him to handle these types of situations promptly.

"Yeah... yes... splendid," Roland began as he listened intently on the other end of the line. "Send it to the airport, and tell the pilot to prep the jet. Okay, thanks Conrad."

After ending the call, Roland turned towards Rachel with a thoughtful expression on his face. She asked him curiously, "What is it?"

Rachel could see the gears turning in his mind as he processed the information from his conversation. Her curiosity was piqued and she wanted to know more about what had just transpired.

"The 'thing' is ready," Roland Ivers began as he shared the news with Rachel Fischer. "The scientists have finalized the product. They've tested it numerous times, adding more backdoors as failsafes."

He paused for a moment, acknowledging that this was just a prototype and many bugs and glitches might come up along the way. However, despite its imperfections, Roland seemed determined to push forward with his vision.

"Although I've asked you countless times before," he continued, looking at Rachel with hope in his eyes, "will you play this role?"

Roland's tone was serious, yet there was an undercurrent of vulnerability that resonated within his words. He had been seeking her help for a while now, and it seemed like this particular project held great significance to him.

Despite the many requests, Rachel couldn't deny the pull she felt towards Roland's eccentric nature and unwavering determination. She knew deep down that he wasn't going to stop until he saw his vision through to fruition.

So, as much as her heart ached at the thought of getting entangled with another one of his wild schemes, she found herself nodding slowly in agreement.

-,’-

As Roland Ivers sat in his private jet with Rachel Fischer, he couldn't help but reflect on how he had come to own such a luxury item.

Despite being someone with unlimited resources, renting a private island wasn't an impossible feat for him. He had struck a deal with the Bahamian government for a twenty-year lease on one of their islands.

On this secluded piece of land, Roland had erected a cottage that was not as large or extravagant as some people might imagine. However, it sufficed his needs and provided all the necessary amenities he required for comfort and solitude.

From the moment he acquired the island, Roland had been secretive about its existence, even keeping it hidden from those closest to him - his trusted colleagues. He cherished his private sanctuary, seeing it as a place where he could escape the chaos of the outside world and focus on his own interests.

"We'll need to reach it by boat," he told the actress, "or rather, my yacht."

Rachel's curiosity piqued as she looked at Roland with newfound perplexity. She couldn't fathom how someone could have such resources at their disposal and yet remain so secretive about it all.

The thought of owning a private island was one thing; the fact that it required an entire day to reach by boat seemed almost surreal to her.

"What else do you own?" Rachel asked, her mind racing with possibilities.

As the plane began its descent and Roland mentioned that he would make Rachel's requests come true if she asked, she couldn't help but chuckle at his enthusiasm.

-,’-

A day later, they found themselves standing on the shores of Roland Ivers' private island. The solitude and seclusion were indeed as he had described, with only a satellite phone serving as their primary means of communication.

The electricity was provided by solar panels that lined neatly along one part of the island. Fresh water spring added to the island's charm and made it an ideal place for retreat.

It was still early in the morning, but as an early riser, Roland had already prepared everything in the kitchen. Rachel couldn't believe how efficiently he had set up their little haven.

"You cook?" asked a feminine voice that just emerged from another bedroom.

Roland turned to face her and smiled, "Yes, I do."

He then motioned towards the kitchen. "Would you like me to serve us something? Or maybe join in?"

The woman walked closer, her eyes reflecting a blend of amusement and curiosity. "I'd love to," she replied with a smile.

As they sat down for breakfast together, Rachel couldn't help but feel a sense of unease about the task that lay ahead.

"Rachel," Roland began, his voice filled with anxiety

He paused for a moment, unable to deliver what he intended to say to her.

"We do it today?" Rachel asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

She could feel her heart racing as she contemplated the weight of their decision.

As Roland expressed his concern about the task ahead and his desire to listen to Rachel's reservations, she couldn't help but feel touched by his care for her well-being.

"To be honest, I'm still doubtful," Roland began. "Doesn't matter what the R&D people told and convinced me." He paused, slowly expressing his own concerns.

"Listen, if you wanted to not do it, then be my guest," he said, looking at Rachel with understanding in his eyes.

"But you prepped this far... not to mention the people we contacted," she replied, unaware that Roland's hands were already touching hers. "If I'm back down now, many will be disappointed. We've passed a point of no return."

She couldn't deny that there was truth to her words. They had indeed invested time and resources into this project.

"But if something went awry..." Roland stressed his words, concerning himself with Rachel's wellbeing.

Unexpectedly Rachel found herself squeezing Roland's hand gently. It was a gesture that seemed foreign to her just weeks ago.

"I believe you and your team," she said firmly.

The words came out of her mouth without much thought, but as soon as they left her lips, she knew it was the right decision. Despite all her doubts and fears, she trusted Roland's judgment and his team's expertise.

She squeezed his hand again, showing him her silent confirmation of her commitment to their shared venture.

Roland Ivers had a satellite company that specialized in robotic systems, specifically nanites.

He had poured nearly half of his wealth into these microscopic machines, despite early setbacks. Lately, however, they showed promising results.

When Rachel signed her contract, he cautiously revealed to her about this side project. The main idea was not just for her to wear a mermaid costume and artificial tail. No, Roland wanted something more ambitious.

He proposed that she be administered with nanites that would alter her lower body at the cellular level - essentially making her a real mermaid in every sense.

Rachel's reaction surprised him. Instead of being alarmed or skeptical, she was unexpectedly thrilled by his idea. She asked him to let her to learn more about the research and even requested to visit the lab by herself.

Her eagerness was infectious, but also raised some concerns for Roland.

It was an experimental project with many hidden bugs and glitches. And the setbacks had already caused devastating results for some of the test users.

But thanks to these failures, the researchers learned a lot and improved the nanites, adding several failsafe options to prevent unwanted things from happening.

Despite this progress, Roland couldn't shake his own doubt. His head researcher had assured him that they were prepared for any eventuality, but now, they were in the middle of nowhere.

If something happened to Rachel during the process, things would quickly go south, not to mention any potential unforeseen side effects.

He wanted to tell her about his concerns, but after all the preparations and sacrifices they had made up until this point, he felt it was too late to back out now.

As if reading his mind, Rachel suddenly spoke up: "So... where's the thing?"

Her casual tone belied her intensity as she leaned in closer.

Roland swallowed hard, realizing he had to make a decision now. He looked around nervously and then turned back towards Rachel.

"The nanites," he began slowly. "They're still experimental."

He took a deep breath before continuing, trying to sound calm despite the growing unease within him.

"Many things could go wrong," Roland admitted. "I don't want you getting hurt."

The words hung in the air between them as Rachel's expression changed from excitement to concern.

"Mr. Ivers," she said, her voice growing still as she reigned in her own emotions. They had gone this far and she knew there was no use in backing out now. “I’ve been with you for what? Four weeks or so? And I committed on doing my part, granted your money was my initial motivation but weeks with you, seeing you and your ‘hidden’ company, your researchers that doing their tireless effort, I wanted to see how it went,” she paused, her eyes fixated on Roland erratic eyes.

"Let me do it..." she pressed, calling him by his surname as she had earlier. The fact that he tried to call her by her first name but called her by her last name made Roland anxious.

"Rach," he tried again, hoping to invoke the familiar nickname they used lately. But his growing concern overshadowed any sense of comfort from using their usual terms for each other.

"Fine..." was all he could muster in response before giving in to her request.

-,’-

Minutes later, they found themselves at the beach, not far from the cottages. Roland was dressed in a simple outfit - just a plain black T-shirt and beige shorts. Meanwhile, Rachel had carefully prepared for their task by donning a white bikini top and wrapping a black sarong around her lower body.

In Roland Ivers' hand was a futuristic choker with green liquid surrounding it - it contained the experimental nanites. He gripped it tightly in his palm, as if unwilling to let go of the precious device.

Rachel reached out her hand, extending towards him, signaling that she would do what he initially tried to stop. Roland's eyes widened as he watched her approach, his heart pounding within his chest with a combination of dread and resignation.

He knew now that no matter how much he protested, Rachel was determined to see this through - whether he liked it or not.

Rachel tied her light brown hair into a small ponytail. She could feel the anxiety and excitement coursing through her veins as she contemplated what was about to happen.

The nanites were programmed to change her body, turning her into a real mermaid. She had already registered her bodily fluids to Roland's researchers weeks ago, ensuring that the process would not cause major damage to her body.

She casually pulled the string of her sarong, revealing her bare lower body - no bikini, no underwear, just her shaven nether region exposed before him.

"Rach..." Roland spoke anxiously as he watched his favorite actress strip in front of him. He knew it was part of the procedure, but he couldn't help feeling uneasy about exposing such an intimate area.

He knew that for the transformation to happen smoothly, she must not wear anything - not even underwear. Any unexpected alteration during the process could be dangerous and irreversible.

Despite his reservations, Roland knew he had to let her go through with it. He took a deep breath and handed over the choker to her.

As she quickly fastened the choker around her neck, Rachel turned to Roland and smiled mischievously.

"Hey, I was thinking..." she said, trying to sound casual despite the excitement building inside her. "Would you mind filming this whole process? You know, so we can document everything."

Roland's eyes widened in surprise at her request. He couldn't believe that his favorite actress was asking him to film their private encounter.

"You what?" he asked, unable to hide his shock and curiosity about her proposal.

Despite her light-hearted tone, Rachel was serious about her proposal. She wanted to document the entire process so that if something went wrong, people wouldn't blame Roland for it.

"Hey, I've been thinking a lot about you lately," she said with a playful smile on her face. "All those illicit rumors and reputations you've gained were just misunderstandings from people."

Rachel knew that Roland had a reputation for being somewhat shady, but she believed there was more to him than what others thought.

"And I don't want if anything bad happened to me during this procedure," she continued, her voice soft yet determined. "I'd hate if it reflects badly on you."

Roland's eyes locked onto Rachel's as he pulled her close, his hands wrapping tightly around her small frame.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he said with a chuckle, trying to play it cool despite the warmth spreading through him at her touch.

But Rachel wasn't having it. She ran her hand over his broad back, feeling the muscles beneath his shirt.

"For a someone with a bad reputation, you surely have some unusual soft spots," she teased, her voice husky as she leaned in close to him.

Roland's smile faltered for a moment, and he looked away, trying to hide his emotions. But Rachel could see right through him - she knew that deep down, he was a complex man.

As they parted ways, Rachel walked towards the ebbing waves, her feet sinking into the warm sand. The sound of the gentle lapping of the water against the shore was soothing, and she felt a sense of calm wash over her.

Meanwhile, Roland pulled out his phone and rotated it counterclockwise to switch to landscape view. He raised it up, focusing on Rachel as she stood before him.

"Okay, let's get this started," he said, his voice steady despite the excitement and nervousness brewing inside him.

Rachel nodded, a small smile playing on her lips as she gazed out at the ocean. The sunlight danced across the waves, casting a warm glow over everything.

As she asked, Roland began to film Rachel, capturing every moment.

With trembling hands, Rachel reached for the small button on the side of the choker. It was the safety switch, a crucial step in preparing the nanites for deployment.

She slowly made her way down to the warm sand, sitting with her legs parted slightly apart. The cold water from the ocean began to hit her bare skin, causing it to shiver and tremble.

As she sat there, Roland continued filming her, his phone capturing every detail of this momentous occasion. He couldn't help but feel a sense of anxiety at what was about to happen.

Rachel's hands moved slowly over the choker, feeling for the correct sequence of buttons to press in order to activate the nanites. Her heart pounded in her chest as she realized that there was no turning back now.

Series of minuscule needles punctured her neck skin, administering the nanites into her system, Rachel felt a mixture of sensations that she hadn't expected. Her body began to sweat profusely, and she sensed discomfort all over.

Her expression faltered as she struggled to maintain her composure. She took a glance at Roland, who was still filming her with an intense focus. He had seen the change in her expression and was ready to rush to her side at any moment.

Despite her growing unease, Rachel forced a smile onto her face, trying to reassure both herself and Roland that she would be okay. She wanted him to know that this was part of the price she was willing to pay for making this decision.

"Keep filming," she mouthed.

Roland nodded, his eyes locked onto hers as he continued to film her transformation. Rachel could see the concern etched on his face, but also a hint of determination to see this through.

As she sat there, feeling the nanites coursing through her veins, Rachel couldn't help but wonder what was happening to her body. The discomfort was intensifying by the second, and she felt like she was being rewritten from the inside out.

As the transformation began, Rachel felt a strange sensation coursing through her body, accompanied by an otherworldly noise that was almost imperceptible amidst the sounds of the waves and seagulls crying out in the distance. She knew it well, it’s sounds of her bones rearranged.

Despite the relatively painless process, she could sense that something fundamental was changing within her. She looked down at her feet, and what she saw left her breathless.

Her toes began to merge together, flattening into a more fin-like structure. The milky skin on her feet started to take on a bluish-green hue, as if infused with an underwater world of colors.

Rachel's eyes widened in wonder as the changes accelerated, her body adapting to its new form at an alarming rate. She felt like she was being rewritten from the molecular level up, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

The actress felt a growing sense of constriction in her feet, which were now rapidly merging into a single column. Her shin and calves began to wrap together, forming a streamlined shape that was ended with unmistakably fin-like shaped feet.

Scales, bluish and greenish in color, began to carpet her skin, covering every inch of her lower body. Rachel tried her best to separate her legs, but it was already too late - the process had accelerated beyond her control.

She felt like she was being reshaped from within, her bones reconfiguring themselves to accommodate this new form. Her mind reeled as she struggled to comprehend what was happening to her body.

The sounds of the waves and seagulls faded into the background as Rachel focused on the sensation of transformation that was sweeping over her. She felt a sense of disorientation, like she was floating above herself, watching in horror as her body changed before her eyes.

Roland, meanwhile dutifully continued filming, his face pale with concern. He knew that this was just the beginning of Rachel's transformation - and he had no idea what other changes lay ahead.

Rachel's lower body had already merged into a single streamlined column. The scales that covered her once thigh were a striking copper-like color, while those below what used to be her knees had taken on a vibrant green hue.

Her caudal fin, what was once her feet, remained compact and still, but she could sense its energy building up, ready to spread wide at any moment. Rachel knew that it was only a matter of time before the transformation reached its final stage.

She felt like a work of art in progress, with each passing second revealing more of the intricate details of her new form. Her mind reeled as she tried to process the sheer magnitude of what was happening to her body.

As the transformation accelerated, Rachel felt her body begin to shift and contort in ways she never thought possible. Her skin itched and prickled as the scales grew thicker and more vibrant, covering every inch of her new form.

The copper-like colors on her thighs deepened, while the green hue on her knees spread wider, creating an iridescent effect that seemed almost otherworldly. Rachel's breath caught in her throat as she realized just how far this transformation had taken her...

Seeing the whole things changing before her very eyes, Rachel felt a mix of emotions welling up inside her. Tears began to roll down her cheeks, merging with the beads of sweat that covered her skin.

The slowing pace of the changes told her that it wouldn't be long before this process was complete. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart and steel herself for what was to come.

"Rach..." Roland called out to her from a distance, his voice laced with concern.

A weak smile was Rachel's only response, as if to reassure him that she was holding up well despite the pain and discomfort.

And it’s happening, the transformation reached its climax, the actress felt the changes in her body come to a sudden halt. She gazed down at her new form in awe, taking in the breathtaking sight of her completely replaced legs.

In their place was a majestic mermaid tail, shimmering with iridescent colors that seemed to dance across its surface like the shifting hues of a moonlit ocean. The copperish and greenish scales glimmered in the sunlight, radiating an ethereal beauty that defied all description or depiction.

Rachel's heart swelled with wonder as she realized that she had become something truly magical - a live and breathing mermaid, brought to life by the revolutionary nanites. The transformation was so complete that it seemed almost impossible, like she’s been dragged into twilight realm.

As she sat there, taking in the full extent of her new form, Roland approached her cautiously, his camera still rolling as he captured every detail of this momentous occasion.

"Rachel," he breathed, his voice barely audible over the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.

As Roland approached Rachel, still filming her majestic mermaid form, she let out a soft chuckle that was laced with tears.

Her emotions were mixed - amazement at the sheer wonder of what had happened to her body, and anxiety about the unknown consequences of this transformation.

Roland's voice brought her back to reality as he knelt down beside her. "You... okay?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

The actress nodded slowly, still trying to process everything that was happening. She looked at Roland with a mix of gratitude and trepidation.

As soon as Roland finished asking if Rachel was okay, he didn't leave any room for hesitation. He quickly wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"Roland..." Rachel whispered, feeling a sense of comfort and security in his arms. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the sound of his heartbeat.

"Oh god... you're such a beauty," Roland murmured, his voice filled with awe as he gazed at her shimmering mermaid tail.

He gently ran his hand along the scales, feeling their smooth texture and marveling at the way they seemed to shine in the sunlight. Rachel couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and wonder at her new form, and she knew that Roland felt it too.

It took a while for the producer from finishing admiring Rachel's mermaid tail, he couldn't help but tease her about the next step in their underwater adventure.

"So... supposedly I carry you to a shallow and lower you gently, like in those cheesy mermaid films?" he said with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood after the intense transformation process.

Rachel laughed, feeling more at ease now that she was getting used to her new form. She playfully rolled her eyes at Roland's comment, but couldn't deny the excitement building up inside her.

"I guess so," she replied with a smile, "but make sure you're gentle, or I'll drag you underwater, kissing you until you breathless."

Roland's response sent a shiver down Rachel's spine as he leaned in close, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Sound like a good idea," he repeated, his voice low and husky.

Rachel felt her heart skip a beat as she realized the double entendre behind his words. She couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all, feeling a sense of freedom and excitement that she hadn't experienced in years.

Without another word, Roland scooped Rachel up into his arms, cradling her mermaid form gently as he carried her towards the shallow water's edge. The waves lapped against their skin, cooling them down as they prepared to take the plunge into the unknown.

As Roland lowered her into the crystal-clear waters, Rachel felt a rush of exhilaration mixed with a hint of trepidation. She knew that this was just the beginning of an extraordinary adventure - one that would change their life forever.