Valerie: A bridgerton story
Valerie Parker had walked onto many sets in her lifetime, but none had ever carried the electric thrill that Bridgerton did. There’s a quiet magic to stepping onto a Bridgerton set, The kind that makes you feel like you’ve been transported. The grandly constructed grounds of Aubrey Hall stretched before her, a perfectly crafted illusion of Regency era England, it felt as though she’d truly stepped into another world. And not just to Regency, but to the sort of world you dreamed about as a little girl, swishing gowns, whispered romances, and secrets traded in gardens at twilight. Landing the role of Sophie opposite Benedict Bridgerton was nothing short of a dream. She paused for a moment to take it in, the cascading ivy, the polished stone steps, the vivid green lawn, the carefully curated costumes, before giving herself a firm nod.
This was her moment.
She’d been in the business long enough to know first days were a blend of excitement and chaos, but this was Bridgerton. The kind of show that had always made her heart race as she watched. The kind that reminded her why she became an actress in the first place.
Her gown was a pale lavender, layers of satin and lace cascading down her form, cinched perfectly at her waist, the work of the costume department’s meticulous hands. Valerie stood in front of a gilded mirror and smiled. She wasn’t just an actress dressing for a role, she was entering a world she had admired for years. She had always adored Bridgerton, long before Shonda Rhimes even brought them to life on screen. It was one of the few shows that made her smile during sleepless nights when Daniel was likely absorbed in some tech development. But to be part of it? To embody Sophie? It felt like fate. The producers had called her a perfect fit for Sophie, and though she was flattered, Valerie didn’t take it for granted. Sophie was a character full of grace and resilience, but also wit and intelligence, a woman who knew how to play her cards right, but never let go of her sense of self. She identified with Sophie more than she expected. Valerie had always been a woman who knew what she wanted, who made her own way, unafraid to be herself in a world that often belittled her, and told her to step aside.
By mid-morning, Valerie found herself on set with Luke Thompson, who played Benedict Bridgerton. “Valerie,” Luke said, extending a hand. “Or should I say Sophie?” His grin was warm, infectious even. “Welcome to the chaos.”
Valerie took his hand with a playful smile, her grip firm. “Chaos is my middle name, love” she quipped. “But if we’re going with Sophie, I’ll need a mask and a glass of champagne. It’s the only way to survive this masquerade.” Luke laughed, a deep sound that carried across the set, and from that moment, the ice was broken. Their banter had come easily from the start. She had been nervous during their first read-through, but Luke’s genuine warmth and wit had melted the tension. Their chemistry wasn’t just convincing, it felt organic. there was an unspoken understanding between them. The chemistry was effortless, as though their characters had been destined to collide. Luke had this easy charm, a quiet confidence that made him approachable, yet unshakably sure of himself.
The director called for quiet, and Valerie adjusted the delicate mask on her face, her gloved hands steady. Luke was already in position, leaning casually against a marble pillar, his expression one of practiced indifference that would soon melt into awe. As the music swelled, Valerie stepped into the room, her gown sweeping the floor like liquid silver.
The ballroom was a masterpiece of gilded opulence, chandeliers casting fractured rainbows across the crowd of elegantly dressed extras. Valerie moved with deliberate grace, her steps a blend of Sophie’s hesitant humility and the quiet confidence she brought to every role. Beneath the delicate mask, her sharp eyes scanned the room, just as Sophie’s might have, seeking, waiting, dreading the moment Benedict’s gaze would find her.
Luke played his part effortlessly, the disinterest melting from his expression like frost under the sun as his eyes locked onto hers. For a moment, even Valerie was taken aback by the sheer intensity of his gaze, but she reminded herself this was Benedict, not Luke. And she was Sophie, guarded, vulnerable, and desperately pretending she belonged in a world that wasn’t hers.
“Cut!” the director called, though the scene hadn’t even begun. He approached, gesturing animatedly. “Valerie, that entrance was stunning, but I need just a touch more hesitation, remember, Sophie is walking into a dream she never thought was long gone.”
Valerie nodded, taking the feedback in stride. “Got it. Less queen, more… Cinderella trying on glass slippers for the first time.” The crew chuckled at her quip, and even Luke smirked. “More like a queen undercover,” he murmured as she passed him, earning a quick glare of mock irritation.
The reset was quick, the energy on set buzzing with the kind of excitement only a pivotal scene could inspire. Valerie adjusted the mask again, letting her breathing settle into Sophie’s rhythm. When the director called “Action,” she stepped into the room once more, this time with a slight pause at the doorway. Her gaze darted around, as though afraid she might be caught in a place she didn’t belong, before she took her first hesitant step.
Luke’s reaction this time was flawless. His head tilted slightly, his lips parting just enough to convey the breathlessness of Benedict seeing the woman who would change everything. The director hadn’t called “Cut” yet, so Valerie continued, descending the short staircase into the crowd. When their paths finally crossed, Valerie felt the tension crackle in the air, a sensation so tangible she wondered if it was just good acting on his part or something more. Luke extended a hand, his voice rich and soft. “Might I have this dance?”
Valerie hesitated, just as Sophie would, before placing her gloved hand in his. “I suppose one dance shall not do us harm,” she replied, her gaze meeting his with a glimmer of both mischief and invitation.
As the scene neared its end, Valerie felt the weight of the character slip away, replaced by the woman she truly was. She could see the admiration in Luke’s eyes, his gaze lingering on her even as the scene ended. It was a subtle thing, but it made her heart flutter all the same. He was good. Damn good.
“Cut!” the director called, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. “Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful.”
“Well,” Luke said, breaking the silence as the director called cut. “If that doesn’t get the fans talking, I don’t know what will.”
Valerie’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “Don’t worry, darling. They’re already writing the fanfic as we speak.”
—–
The front door clicked softly behind Valerie as she stepped into the quiet warmth of her home. The day’s glamour and chaos still clung to her, the memory of the set’s grandeur vivid in her mind. But here, surrounded by the familiar scent of home, fresh tea and Daniel’s cologne, it all melted away. She kicked off her heels, leaving them by the door, and let out a deep, satisfied sigh. “Long day, love?” Daniel’s voice carried from the living room, smooth and familiar, wrapping around her like a favorite blanket. She smiled, following the sound to find him seated on the couch, a cup of tea on the table and his laptop balanced on his knees. The glow of the screen lit up his face, dressed in a plain white t-shirt and joggers, his hair slightly mussed, he was the complete opposite of the polished Benedict Bridgerton she’d been sparring with all day. But as she looked at him, her heart gave that same familiar flutter it always did. This was home.
“Long,” she confirmed, crossing the room. She leaned over the back of the couch, kissing him softly on the cheek. “But good. Really good.”
Daniel closed his laptop, setting it aside as he turned his full attention to her. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, taking in the trace of exhaustion mixed with the unmistakable glow of fulfillment. “Tell me everything.”
Valerie sank into the couch beside him, a small laugh escaping her lips. “First day, you know, lots of moving pieces. It was a ballroom scene, so everyone was in costume. Masks, gowns, the whole nine yards. lots of swirling and twirling in gowns that weigh more than my childhood dreams, I nearly tripped over it like five times.”
Daniel smiled, his arm draping around her shoulders as she settled next to him. “What was that word you described Sophie… graceful, was it?” he teased, his voice light with amusement.
“I am graceful,” Valerie shot back with a wink. “Just… sophisticatedly clumsy.”
He raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. “Sophisticatedly clumsy? I’ve heard a lot of things, but that’s a new one.”
With a dramatic sigh, Valerie leaned back into his side, her head resting against his shoulder. “It’s an art form, darling. You wouldn’t understand.”
Daniel’s smile softened as he pulled her a little closer. “Then I’ll just have to catch you every time, love.” he replied, with a soft smile that made her heart melt just a little more.
Valerie’s lips curled into a mischievous grin. “Careful, Daniel. At this rate, the fans might start shipping us as a real-life couple.”
He smirked, a knowing glint in his eye. “Let them. They don’t know what they’re missing.”
Valerie smiled, her head resting on his shoulder as she tilted her face up to meet his. “Oh, I think they know exactly what they’re missing,” she whispered, her lips brushing his in a soft, lingering kiss…
He pulled back slightly, his thumb grazing her cheek, his voice low and teasing. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re stuck with me,” she replied with a grin, her heart full as she nestled back into his embrace.
“Good,” he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Because I wouldn’t have it any other way.”