He leaned in close, his lips just an inch away from hers.
"From this moment on," his voice dropped low and deep, "you're in love with me."
Noelle's heart skipped. Her breath caught in her throat. "W-What? Love?"
"Yes." His breath brushed her skin, warm and steady.
She turned her head aside, raised her hands, and pressed against his chest, pushing lightly. "I'm sorry, but I can't do th—"
"Tsk." Jace's tongue clicked sharply. The warmth in his tone vanished. "You can't even handle simple acting?"
The words sliced through her.
He didn't stop. "This mentality…" His eyes narrowed, his voice heavy with disdain. "This is why you're stuck in third-rate roles."
Her lips parted, but nothing came out. His words had hit where it hurt the most.
Jace stepped down from the bed. His tone was cold, mocking. "This is why people like you never succeed. While others rise to stardom in no time."
He reached the minibar, picked up a bottle, and poured a drink without looking at her. Then his voice cut through the silence like a blade.
"Kyra. Come and see Miss Noelle out. She doesn't have what it takes."
The door opened. Kyra stepped in, silent, her footsteps soft on the carpet as she walked toward Noelle.
Noelle's chest tightened. No… not like this…
Her voice broke free, desperate. "Sir! Please… give me another chance!"
Jace paused. He turned slowly, eyes locking on her with that cold, sharp stare.
"Why should I?" His tone was dark, low, carrying a weight that made her knees weak.
"I… I'll do better. I promise. Just one last chance. Please."
He started walking back to her, unhurried, each step heavier than the last. When he stood in front of her, his gaze bore into her.
"Do you even know how many chances I've already given you?" His words were calm, yet merciless.
"Opportunities people only dream of. And you…" He leaned closer, his voice pressing into her ears. "Were you ever sincere, even once?"
She couldn't answer. Her lips trembled.
"Skinship is the most basic thing for an actor." His tone sharpened. "If you can't even do that much…"
His voice rose suddenly, heavy like thunder.
"GIVE UP ACTING."
The sound echoed through the room.
Noelle bit her lip so hard it stung. Her hands clenched into fists on her thighs. The silence dragged, pressing on her until she finally spoke, her voice shaking.
"…Please… just one more chance. I'll try. I'll do my best. I won't disappoint you."
Jace stared at her for a long moment. Then, without a word, he flicked his hand toward Kyra. She turned and left the room quietly.
Jace went back to the minibar and downed another glass in one swallow.
Noelle watched him, fear twisting in her chest. Her thoughts spiraled with regret, hesitation, and self-blame.
After a while, he walked back to the bed. The smell of whiskey lingered on him now. He sat close, his voice dropping to a low, heavy tone.
"Darling…" His eyes ran over her slowly, from head to toe. "Tonight, you look beautiful. And…" His lips curved faintly. "Sexy."
Her breath hitched. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to stay calm. This is my last chance… I can't lose it.
She nodded faintly. "I'll do my best."
A faint smirk touched his lips. He leaned back slightly, his eyes glinting. "Good. Let's start."
Noelle knelt on the bed, legs folded neatly beneath her, her back straight. She gave a soft smile, sweet and tender.
Jace lay down, resting his head on her thighs. Her body stiffened, her breath shaky.
But her voice came out gentle, almost a whisper. "You've worked hard today…"
Jace smirked faintly. His hand slid up her thigh, slow and deliberate. Her pulse jumped.
He caught her trembling hand resting on the side and lifted it. Then pressed his lips against her palm. The kiss was soft, warm, lingering just long enough to make her shiver.
"Exquisite," he murmured, his voice smooth and low. "Every inch of you tempts me."
Heat spread through her chest, curling down to her belly. Her breathing grew shallow.
In all her years of acting and even in her relationships, no one had ever said something like that to her.
Her cheeks burned red as she lowered her eyes. In a shy tone, she whispered, "You praise me too much…"
Jace let out a soft chuckle and kissed her hand again, slower this time, letting his lips linger against her skin.
Her heart pounded harder. A soft tremor ran through her fingers.
Then he rose, his gaze locking with hers. His hand slid to her cheek, his thumb brushing the corner of her lips.
He pulled her closer. Slow. Unyielding. Until their faces hovered a breath apart.
Her mind spun. Is this okay? Am I crossing a line? But she had already made her choice. She had decided to give her all.
Her lashes lowered. Her eyes closed. She let the inevitable happen.
Their lips came close. Too close.
They touched. A slow press that stole her breath.
Then it was gone. He pulled back almost instantly, leaving her trembling, her chest heaving, her body burning for more.
"That should be enough practice for today." His tone was calm. Steady.
She blinked, dazed, struggling to breathe. Heat curled deep inside her, an ache she couldn't name.
"Miss Noelle."
She didn't respond.
"Miss Noelle."
She stayed frozen, her mind blank, trapped in that lingering sensation.
"NOELLE."
She jolted. "Ah! Y-Yes?"
Jace smiled. "My next shoot is the day after tomorrow. You'll help me practice tomorrow too, right?"
Her lips parted. "Tomorrow…?" Her voice barely carried.
"Will you?" His eyes didn't move from hers.
"…Y-Yes. Sure, Sir."
His smile deepened.
She changed back into her clothes in silence in the changing room, her legs unsteady.
"It's eleven," Jace said. "Let Kyra accompany you home."
Noelle shook her head. "N-No, it's fine."
"She has to go home anyway. Let her keep you company," he insisted.
He leaned closer, his voice dropping low near her ear. "She won't say it, but it's probably boring for her to travel alone."
Then he gave a small look, his eyes glinting with mischief. "So please, keep her company."
Noelle couldn't stop a tiny smile. Seeing this side of him, less cold and almost teasing, eased the tension that had gripped her since she stepped into the room. "Sure, Sir."
Jace smiled faintly and called out, "Kyra. Accompany Miss Noelle."
"Yes, Sir." Kyra appeared silently, like a shadow.
"Safe travels," Jace said.
Both women nodded.
The door closed behind them. Jace slipped on a deep navy silk robe and loosened his shoulders, ready to sleep.
Outside, Kyra drove while Noelle sat in the passenger seat.
Noelle tried to start a conversation, but Kyra's replies were short. Sometimes a single word. Sometimes just silence.
When they reached her place, Noelle offered a soft smile. "Thank you for dropping me off."
Kyra gave a brief nod. Nothing more.
After Noelle went inside, Kyra unlocked her phone. The screen glowed, revealing her gallery.
Pictures filled the screen. Jace with his head resting on Noelle's thighs. Jace kissing her hand. Jace touching her cheek.
And the last photo—
Their lips touching, captured in perfect focus.