Chapter 1

              Serena

I knew I applied in an acting agency but I NEVER expected it to be in Asterion Entertainment. It’s literally one of the biggest productions in Asterion City.

I’m just so proud of myself for being able to get in THAT big job.

As I stood on the floors of the agency, I felt my breath choke on my breath, trust me, it’s possible. The ground was made with marble, cold and too shiny, like it didn’t belong under normal feet. The lobby was massive, echoing with chatter, footsteps, and voices of famous actresses I only ever saw on screens.

It was only my first week so I don’t really expect to get any big role.

But still… my chest didn’t calm down.

“Hi, I’m Serena Blaire…” I said as I walked towards the lobby host.

My fingers slightly curled in front of me without me noticing, like my body didn’t know where to place itself.

She looked up and greeted me with a smile.

“Please head to the 12th floor, you’ll find everyone and everything there.”

Her tone was polite, but it felt… practiced. Like she had said it a hundred times before to a hundred different nervous people like me.

As I entered the elevator, I met HER. Sofia Romano.

She was one of those names you hear before you even see the face. Her blonde hair was a massive wave of perfection, falling like it had been styled by people who didn’t believe in mistakes. Her features… damn. Everything about her looked unreal- curvy figure, sharp elegance, confidence that didn’t ask for permission.

“Hi!” I waved at her. And I immediately regretted it. My hand felt too stiff, too awkward mid-air.

She looked at me...and rolled her eyes.

Like I was air she didn’t want to breathe.

I think I got off to a bad start… but I don’t care, because I don’t tolerate people who show no respect either.

So I just looked away, focusing on the elevator numbers instead.

The atmosphere was totally weird...just both of us, no sound except the soft mechanical hum of movement.

2…

4…

7…

And she took her exit.

Thank god-

As the door opened on the 7th floor, I barely had time to relax.

Because as she stepped out...

she greeted a tall man standing there.

Hands in pockets. Black suit. Still posture.

Those green eyes-

I didn’t even need to see the full face to feel something tighten inside my chest.

No no no........

It can’t be.

Our gazes locked before I could immediately turned my back, like movement alone could erase what I just saw. But I could still hear them. So freely. So casually.

I never saw that smile on his face… not like that.

After 4 years… never once did I think I would run into him here...in my dream job of all places.

Tristan Salvatore.

Ding.

And finally, the door closed.

I bent down slightly, my breath feeling unsteady, like my lungs forgot how to work properly. My chest tightened so hard.

How…

How is he here?

Last I saw him on the news, they said he was in LA.

So why now?

Why show up when I’m finally letting go?

Or at least… that’s what I thought.

Had I even let him go?

7… 9… 10…

Never in those years have I once stopped thinking about him. Not after he stopped replying to my messages. Stopped remembering me.

11… 12.

As the door opened, I got up. Barely finding the strength to stand, but I managed.

My mind was totally blanked. In space. I felt sweat running through my hairline as I walked forward.

It wasn’t because of the director.

It was because of him.

How could he smile like that…when he left me?

“Ah, Miss Blaire! It’s an honour to meet you.” A cheerful voice snapped me back.

I didn’t even realize I entered the room if it weren’t for him greeting me so brightly.

“Good afternoon… it’s an honour to meet you too,” I managed to smile.

But my mind was still stuck somewhere else.

“Did something happen Miss Blaire? You look a little pale… we can continue later- ”

“No… no I’m fine. We can start.” My mouth moved on its own. I didn’t even recognize my own voice.

He offered me a seat and water as I treaded forward.

My throat was dry like a frying pan, but I dared not take the water. My hands didn’t feel steady enough and I had about 90% chance of dropping that glass.

“So… we recruited you a week ago, and it’s going to be your first project. I can assure you, you’re pretty lucky than most newcomers this year.” He laughed lightly as he took a sip of his coffee.

The scent of it made me slightly nauseous.

I don’t even know if it’s because I hate coffee or because my stomach was already twisting itself into knots.

“Have I been assigned to any casting?” I asked, placing both hands neatly on my lap.

The door opened.

“Right on time,” he said casually.

“You’ve been personally assigned to a cast with Tristan Salvatore. I’m sure you’ve heard of him, right?”

My breath stopped. My fingers tightened slightly against my lap.

“…what do you mean, with him?” I mumbled, turning my head slowly.

And then I saw him.

Tristan.

Walking in and taking the seat to my left like the space had already been decided for him. He sat so casually without bothering to look at me. It's not like I want him to look, but atleast give a look that says oh-serena-you're-here.

Such a douchebag.

He spun a ring around his thumb slowly, the same habits he did back then.

The director continued.

“For the new series The Last Take, Sir Tristan will be the main lead, Miss Sofia Romano will be the female lead, and you will be the supporting character.”

Pause.

Then-

“Tristan’s ‘ex-lover’.” he continued.

Something inside me went still and I swear I could've passed out in the spot.

A film, with the lady who acted cocky, and this douchebag who doesn't even care to give me a damn explanation.

My body went numb.

Like my body stopped agreeing to participate. There's only an amount of things I can handle a day, and right now, I'm at my limit.

“Okay… just give me some time…” I said as I stood up.

My legs felt heavier than they should.

“You only have until tonight.”A voice cut in.

Low.

Familiar.

Too familiar. A voice that I could delete from my mind.

My body froze again. Slowly, I turned my head.

Tristan still hadn’t looked at me.

Still spinning that ring.

Still acting like I was just another name on a list he didn’t need to care about.

“…sure,” I whispered.

And I left.

In the hallway, I finally felt the air again.

Sofia was there.

Waiting. Waiting for what, I don't know.

Smirking like she already enjoyed something I hadn’t even processed yet.

“Seems like you’ll always be a second lead after all.”

I possibly couldn't argue with her on my first day, I pushed forward past her.

No reaction.

No energy left for anything else.

Just movement.

“Bit*h,” I heard her mutter behind me.

I don't know why she's so pissed at me but I've no spare care to give her. I didn’t turn.

Not now, not ever.

Because the only thing my mind could think was:

tonight…

I am going to turn it down.