Chapter 9 - Unplanned Kiss

Cassandra bowed her head and remained silent, she was at loss how to answer Marty’s question 

Marty felt a sting in his heart, he couldn’t care less what others think about him. However, in Cassandra’s case he didn’t want her to see him as the infamous Casanova of the film industry.

“I am waiting for your answer, Cassandra.” Marty wanted to hear what’s in her mind. 

“I don’t know how to answer your question, Sir Marty.” Cassandra’s voice quavered. 

“Look at me” Marty held her chin up. 

Cassandra felt waves of electricity pass through her body as Marty touched her. This feeling was new to her, she didn’t feel this way every time her co - actors touched her. 

Marty’s silver eyes twinkled like it contained all the stars in the universe. Cassandra averted her eyes the moment she felt being drawn to Marty. She couldn’t let her guard down, the last thing she wanted was to ruin herself. 

“You don’t need to answer my question. But you still buy me dinner.” Marty retracted his hand and took a sip on his coffee. 

Cassandra heaved a sigh of relief and smiled at Marty.

“This is how I want my coffee” Marty wanted to hear Cassandra’s voice hence he made the conversation lighter. 

“Thank you for this” Marty continued wanting to get a response from Cassandra. 

“It’s my way of thanking you sir.” Cassandra smiled.

“Don’t be too polite, just call me by my first name.” Marty felt like the way Cassandra addressed him put a big gap between them.

“I… I can’t just call you by your name sir.” Cassandra stammered, she felt awkward to call him by his first name. 

Marty’s lips twitched. ‘Do I look old that she refused to call me by my first name? This woman is really something.’ 

Later, while they were filming. Alexia, a diva actress, arrived. She went straight into Marty and hugged him from behind. Marty called for a break so he could talk to Alexia. 

Cassandra has no idea who Marty's girlfriend is. Knowing Alexia, who is an A - list actress is Marty’s girlfriend she was somewhat relieved that Marty wouldn’t be interested in her. Nevertheless, there’s a bit of pain in her heart, seeing Alexia hug Marty’s neck while Marty’s hand rested on her waist. 

She turned her back on them so she wouldn't see them. She fears that her true feeling for Marty becomes obvious to others. She better bury this feeling and let it die before it ruins her. 

They resume filming after a few minutes. This time the scene is a heavy drama. The pain Cassandra is feeling at the moment became a blessing in disguise as it  enabled her to perform naturally.

After 3 hours of filming, Marty finally called it a night. 

Cassandra sat in the dressing room for half an hour as she didn’t want to run into Marty and Alexia. Only then did she remove her makeup and wash her face and change her clothes. When she left the dressing room everyone was gone. While she was walking the lights went off.

Cassandra rummaged through her bag to look for her phone but unfortunately her phone ran out of battery. 

She groped trying to find her way out and suddenly she bumped into someone. She was about to scream but was muffled as her lips were sealed with someone’s lips. Cassandra was stunned as she felt the soft lips that sealed her lips. A man’s cologne wafted into her nose as though it was enticing her. 

Not long before she recovered she pushed the man’s chest and started to scream but the man held her tight and kissed her to muffle her scream. Cassandra started to whimper as she became afraid. 

“Shhhh, don’t be afraid, it’s me” Marty spoke while his lips were on hers. 

Cassandra’s heart beat wildly, banging against her rib cage. Her head was spinning and felt weak - kneed as though she got intoxicated by wine. 

Suddenly the lights went on while their lips still locked. Caught unawares, Cassandra’s eyes were open wide in shock. Her flushed cheeks were a sight to see. She pulled away from Marty’s arm and turned her back on him. 

“I am sorry. I didn’t mean to kiss you. I was in a tight spot, I wasn’t able to come up with a better way to stop you from screaming.” He stretched his hand to pull her but stopped midway and retracted his hand. 

Who would believe him, being known as a notorious playboy. But he was indeed telling the truth. He didn’t want to cover her mouth with his hand, afraid that she might struggle and will leave marks on her face. He didn’t want her to scream as the guards might mistake him for a rapist and beat him up. So, he resorted to muffle her scream with his lips. What a good idea. 

There was silence that even a pin drop can be heard. Marty, who couldn’t stand the deafening silence, walked in front of Cassnadra. 

“Please, forgive me.” It was Marty’s first time to ask forgiveness. Cassandra remained silent. 

“What should I do, for you to forgive me? Please tell me.” Marty held Cassandra’s hand. 

Instead of answering him, Cassandra asked him, “Why are you still here?” her voice is a little shaky. 

Marty’s brows furrowed, “Aren’t you going to buy me a meal tonight? You forget about it, aren't you?

Cassandra was ecstatic that he still remembered their ‘date’. Nonetheless, she kept her emotion in check so as not to show how she feels for him. 

"I thought you had already left with Ms. Alexia” she said non - chalantly 

“No, my chauffeur drives her home.” Marty took Cassandra’s luggage. 

“Let’s go, I’m famished” Marty held Cassandra’s hand and pulled her gently as he walked toward the door.