The set was quiet, but the air felt heavy.
Scarlet Monroe stood by the tall glass window, wearing a golden dress that shone under the lights. Across from her stood George Rowe, tall, calm, unreadable. He had always been like that.
"You think locking me out will hide the past, Evan?" Scarlet's voice cut through the silence, sharp and full of bite.
George's reply was low, his tone cold but steady. "No, Clara. But it keeps the vultures out."
"Cut!" the director shouted, his voice echoing through the set. "Scarlet, that was perfect. George, as always, solid. Let's reset for the close up."
The crew scattered into motion, adjusting lights and moving cameras. Extras shifted back to their marks. Lydia stayed near the snack table, clutching a cup of coffee she didn't really need. She could feel her heart pounding, her nerves fraying.
But it wasn't the scene that had her shaken.
It was him.George Rowe.
When her new manager informed her the previous night about an opening for extras in this movie, she didn't take time to look into it. She had no idea who the Lead actors were.Was fate playing a trick on her?
Five years..that's how long it had been since she last saw him. Back then, he was just George, her brother Chris' quiet best friend. He was the boy who used to come over, hang out in their garage, and fix up his old car. The boy who barely said a word to her. The boy she had crushed on in secret, but couldn't say a word because he always kept his distance from her. From everyone really, except Chris.
He was eighteen when he left Illinois, heading to LA with nothing but a scholarship and a dream of becoming an actor. Lydia was sixteen then, still living in her parents' mansion. Heartbroken, she had kept herself busy with school.
Now, George was an A list actor. His face was on billboards and movie posters. And Lydia? She had spent the last two months waitressing in a small LA diner after Jack, her boyfriend, now ex-boyfriend, cheated on her. She had packed what was left of her pride and moved into a tiny apartment, trying to start anew.
This role in 'Endless Pursuit' was supposed to be a step forward. A small part, sure, but it was something. But now, standing on this set, watching George command the room, Lydia felt like the universe was playing a cruel joke.
"That's George Rowe, right?" a makeup artist whispered nearby. "Single. Hottest actor in Hollywood."
"He's not really friendly," another added. "Keeps to himself. Ice cold."
Lydia's stomach twisted. Ice cold. That's what people thought of him. But he has always been like that, hasn't he? Quiet. Distant. Always watching from the sidelines. Back home, he never said much to her. She used to think he hated her.
Maybe he did.
"Are you okay?" Kendra's voice broke her thoughts. Kendra was another supporting actress she had just met at the set.
Lydia nodded. "Yeah. Just…just surreal."
Kendra followed her gaze. "George Rowe up close. It's like spotting a wild animal in the city. Beautiful but dangerous. Word is, he never talks to anyone unless he has to."
Lydia smiled faintly. "That sounds about right."
Kendra gave her a sideways glance. "Wait, do you know him?"
Lydia shook her head quickly. "Not really. I'm just guessing. I mean, he is rich and famous."
Kendra's eyes sparkled with curiosity but didn't push. "Well, if I knew him and he knew me, I'd milk that. Everyone wants a piece of George Rowe, but no one gets close. Not even Scarlet, and she has tried."
"Places, everyone!" the assistant director called. "We're rolling again in two!"
Lydia's heart thudded as she made her way to her mark. She was just supposed to blend in, a silent guest at a fictional party. But it felt impossible to stay invisible with George so close.
As the cameras set up, Lydia's eyes drifted to him. George stood next to Scarlet, his body relaxed, his expression blank. But then, as if feeling her stare, his gaze shifted.
Their eyes met.
It wasn't a glance. It was a look, a long and direct look. His grey eyes locked onto hers, sharp and unreadable. Lydia's breath caught. Her hands curled into fists at her sides.
Then, George looked away. Just like that. No smile. No frown. He turned his focus back to Scarlet, like nothing had happened.
Lydia's heart kept beating hard.
Kendra appeared beside her, practically vibrating. "Did you see that? He was staring at you."
Lydia shook her head. "He was probably deep in thought, trying to remember his lines. He doesn't know me."
Kendra's grin widened. "But you're gorgeous, maybe he noticed you. Which would make you the only person on this set who has got his attention."
Lydia forced a laugh, though her chest felt tight. "Highly unlikely. He doesn't even know I exist."
But that wasn't true.
Because George had looked at her with recognition. Not surprise. Not curiosity. Recognition.
The director called "Action!" and the scene restarted. Lydia did her best to melt into the background, but her thoughts wouldn't settle.
After he left, It took months and years to get over George, but here, now, after five years, one look had undone all of that. Maybe if she pretended not to notice him, she could survive.