Scarlett Vance stepped out of her trailer as if she were strutting down a runway, each step slow and deliberate. The thin white robe she wore clung to every curve of her body. Many of these curves were sculpted, and it showed. Her blonde hair cascaded in perfect waves, and a pair of sunglasses hid half her face. Every step radiated the elegance of a model.
As she approached, part of the crew turned their heads, while the others scattered like an army of ants. She was pure royalty. Nobody said hello. Nobody smiled.
One of the technicians whispered to another, "God, she's here again."
"Shh," the other replied. "If she hears that, we're dead!"
Scarlett heard them, of course, but didn't care. She plastered on that artificial smile of hers.
Director David tensed the moment he saw her, turning away from Ellie. When Scarlett drew near, he muttered something under his breath and looked the other way.
"Good morning, David," Scarlett said, her voice syrupy sweet. Anyone hearing it for the first time might think she had a wonderful personality. But this woman was a chameleon.
Her gaze slowly drifted from David to Ellie. "And you… must be Ellie Harper!"
Ellie blinked, surprised. Scarlett's warmth was unexpected. Considering she was Kyle's ex, this felt odd. Yet, a new friend could be nice. "Y-yes, I'm Ellie," she stammered, smiling. "Nice to meet you."
Scarlett grinned, her flawless white teeth gleaming with exaggerated charm. "Delighted, sweetheart!" She leaned in, kissing both of Ellie's cheeks. "It's wonderful to meet you! I can't wait to work with you."
Ellie relaxed slightly. "Really? Me too! I'm excited."
"I'm sure you are," Scarlett said, glancing around. "The set looks amazing. David, as usual, perfect."
David forced a smile. "Thanks, Scarlett."
Scarlett turned back to Ellie, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Ellie, if you need anything, just ask me. I know it's tough being new here. But I've got your back, okay?"
Ellie smiled warmly. "Thank you so much, Scarlett. That's really kind of you."
"My pleasure, sugar!" Scarlett said, checking her watch. "Ah, I'm late for hair and makeup. See you!"
And she walked away still moving with that model like grace.
Ellie just stared, thinking, "What did I just experience?" She took a deep breath to shake off the shock and turned to David. "She seems really nice," she said.
David exhaled, turning to Ellie with a serious tone. "Ellie, listen. You don't know her. Don't get too close."
Ellie frowned. "But… she was so kind."
"Seems like it," David said. "But everyone here knows her. And trust me… she's dangerous."
Ellie swallowed. "Why?"
David hesitated, then, hearing the crew's commotion, quickly turned toward the noise. "Just… be careful, okay?"
Ellie nodded, still confused. How could one woman instill both fear and hatred into an entire crew?
David clapped his hands. "Alright! Let's get you ready for the set. Hair and makeup, quickly!"
"MAX!" he called.
A young, energetic man appeared. Short hair, colorful glasses, stylish attire, he was impossible to miss.
"Yes, boss!" he replied.
"This is Ellie Harper," David said. "From today on, you'll be working with her. She's our new star!"
Max's face lit up. "ELLIE! Finally! Great to meet you!" He hugged her. "I'm Max, your magic maker for today! We're going to have so much fun, girl."
Ellie laughed. Max's energy was contagious. "Wow! Hello, Max. Nice to meet you."
"Same here!" Max said. "Come on, I'll take you to your trailer. We've got a lot to do!" He linked arms with her and led her toward the trailer.
Ellie glanced at James with a mix of panic and excitement.
James gave her a small signal, "I'm here," with a smile.
Soon, they reached the trailer, and Ellie held her breath. When Max opened the door, her mouth fell open. The trailer… was incredible.
Mirrors covered every surface. A massive makeup station with lights, costumes, a wardrobe full of clothes. A small seating area in the corner, a mini fridge, even a small desk.
"Oh my God…" Ellie whispered. "Is… is this mine?"
Max laughed. "Yes, beautiful! For the next six weeks, this is your home!"
Ellie stepped inside, touching everything. She explored the mirrors, shuffled through costumes, inhaled the flowers on the desk. Snacks, drinks, even a motivational note were all prepared for her. The care made her feel valued. Now she wanted to give her best performance in return.
"This is incredible," she said, eyes glistening. "I… I've never had anything like this."
Max approached, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Now you do. Because you're a star, Ellie Harper. And stars have their own trailers."
Ellie laughed, tears of happiness threatening to spill, but she quickly regained her composure.
"Okay, I'm ready. What's next?" she asked eagerly.
Max guided her to the makeup station. "Time for transformation! Let's turn you into a stunning leading lady!"
Ellie sat down. She noticed a thick folder on the table. Curiously, she asked, "What's this?"
"The script," Max said. "For today's shoot."
Ellie's eyes widened as she opened it. The first page read:
Scene 12: Sunset on the beach – Emma and Jake's first kiss.
Her face went pale. She gasped.
Max noticed immediately. "Ellie? Are you okay? Did I pick the wrong foundation?"
She shook her head. "N-no… It's not that. I… I'm always pale. But sometimes shock just… happens."
Max frowned. "Shock? Why? Did they write something bad in the script?"
Ellie handed him the folder. "There's a kiss scene."
Max smiled. "Yes! So? It's beautiful. Passionate, fiery… I love it as a viewer."
"Yes, but…" Ellie swallowed, bringing her hands to her face. "I… I don't know if I can do it. Especially with someone like Kyle across from me." Her cheeks burned at the thought.
Max studied her for a moment and then grinned. "Ellie… you like him, don't you?"
Ellie blinked. "I… I…"
"I heard you're together," Max said. "I didn't think you were this passionately attached. Just thought you were casually dating. With someone like Kyle…"
Ellie nodded quickly. "No! That's not it. We… we really are together."
Max laughed. "Then no need to worry! Just act as if you're in a normal day together. The cameras are the only difference."
Ellie's inner voice screamed: Oh no… how many times have I kissed him in real life? Three? Five? God! I'm going to ruin everything.
Soon, Ellie was ready. She wore a white summer dress. Despite her ample chest and hips, the dress was perfect. She felt beautiful. Her hair flowed in waves. Makeup flawless. But her heart raced uncontrollably.
Director David barked orders to the crew. "Alright, everyone! Positions! Camera rolling! And… action!"
Kyle and Ellie sat on the sand, the sunset casting a warm glow across their faces.
JAKE (Kyle): staring at the sea "This view… is perfect."
EMMA (Ellie): smiling "Yes. Beautiful."
JAKE: turning to Emma "But you… you're even more beautiful."
Emma blushed, lowering her gaze. "Oh, Jake, you're making me embarrassed. I'm not that beautiful."
JAKE: placing his hand gently under Emma's chin, lifting her face "Emma… can't you see your light? You… are perfect."
Tears welled up in Emma's eyes. "No one… no one has ever told me that."
Jake leaned closer. "Then I'll tell you every day."
Ellie's breath caught. She focused on Kyle's lips as they inched closer, wet, full, and curved. She tried to stay calm, not break the scene. God! When was the last time I kissed someone? High school? Drunk? With someone two grades older? Her mind raced as Kyle's face came nearer. Closer. Ah, a little closer… And then, those wet lips touched hers.
Ellie closed her eyes. For a moment… everything else disappeared. Only Kyle existed. Only this moment. Only this kiss.
Kyle's hand cradled Emma's cheek, gently stroking, pulling her lower lip in a soft, controlled bite.
Ellie felt like she wasn't herself anymore. It was as if she were truly kissing for the first time. The touch felt real… though painfully, it was just a film scene.
The kiss deepened. Kyle's passion for the "crazy" theme was evident. And Ellie matched it. Finally, he slowly pulled back.
Ellie opened her eyes. She looked at Kyle. He looked back. His expression was strange a mix of surprise, curiosity, and… something else.
JAKE (Kyle): whispering "Emma… you…"
But he didn't finish the sentence.
"CUT!" David shouted. "PERFECT! YOU BOTH WERE AMAZING!"
The crew erupted into applause. The entire set felt like it had been wrapped in a pink cloud. Love, passion, and plenty of chemistry filled the air.
"My God, they were made for each other," Max muttered from afar, watching the scene.
The scene had ended, yet Kyle's gaze remained fixed on Ellie. Something had shifted. Perhaps this little game might end on a joyful note.
Not likely a fairy tale, though.
Scarlett watched from her trailer window as Kyle and Ellie kissed. Her teeth clenched together in frustration. Her face was icy, but inside she was burning.
The coffee cup in her hand was gripped so tightly it almost cracked.
"Kyle… my Kyle… he's kissing that chubby girl…"
Her vision blurred. Jealousy spread through her veins like poison. "No. This cannot happen. I will not allow it," she muttered. It was clear the fangs of this viper were sharpening like a knife.