Ding dong.The sound of the bell echoed outside as Mika froze, her fists still trembling. She swung the door open. Standing there was Jaden, his face a mix of confusion and concern.“Oh my God, what happened to your face, babe?” Jaden's voice cracked with worry, his hands instinctively reaching toward her.Mika crossed her arms, glaring. “Can I come in before you start interrogating me?” Her voice was sharp, her body rigid.“Mika…” Jaden’s voice softened as he stepped aside, letting her storm past him into the living room. “Did you get into a fight with someone?”Mika began pacing the room, her shoes clicking against the hardwood floor.“Mika, babe, can you stop for a second and talk to me? Please,” Jaden pleaded, his eyes following her every move.“Don’t touch me!” Mika snapped as Jaden tried to place a comforting hand on her shoulder.Jaden froze, confused and slightly hurt. “What happened, Mika?” he asked, his voice firm but tinged with worry.She stopped pacing and turned to face
Mika walked into Mr. Richards' office with an air of confidence, her every step deliberate, her poise commanding the room.“Good morning, Richard,” she greeted casually, her voice smooth, yet laced with a hint of mischief.Mr. Richards leaned back in his chair, his eyes lingering on her figure as if assessing the power dynamics between them. A slow, knowing smirk spread across his face.“Won’t you come give Daddy a hug?” he drawled, his tone teasing yet dangerous.Mika raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “Richard,” she began, her voice cool and clipped, “I’m your girl. You should be the one coming to me for a hug.” She turned her head slightly, exposing the graceful line of her neck in a calculated move that exuded both defiance and allure.His smirk widened as he stood, the intensity in his gaze unwavering. “What’s the matter, Mika?” he asked, stepping closer, his voice dropping to a velvety murmur.Her expression hardened, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of vulnerability. “Emily,” she sa
“You are late,” Emily said sharply, her voice laced with annoyance as Mika strolled into her office without a hint of urgency.“I know, boss,” Mika responded mockingly, emphasizing the last word with a playful smirk. She carelessly tossed her bag onto the nearest chair. “I just had a few… little things to attend to before coming to work,” she added, dragging out the words as though daring Emily to react.Emily didn’t flinch. “We don’t tolerate lateness here,” she said bluntly, her tone carrying the weight of authority. She straightened her posture, leaning slightly over her desk to assert her dominance. “If you’re working with me, Mika, you are going to be punctual. Is that clear?”Mika folded her arms and tilted her head, feigning amusement. “I won’t stand here and let you dictate rules to me, Emily. You’re not the one who hired me.”Emily’s eyes narrowed, her lips curving into a faint, humorless smile. “Oh, I see,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She stood, slowly and del
“That was a lot of drama she pulled there,” Rachel said, pushing the office door open with her shoulder, a stack of papers balanced in her hands. Her tone was light, but the exasperation in her voice was unmistakable.“I know, right? I just wonder how she was hired here in the first place,” Emily replied, not looking up from her laptop, her fingers flying across the keyboard.Rachel let out a short laugh and dropped the files on the desk with a soft thud. “Here’s the script for the audition.”Emily glanced at the stack briefly before resuming her work. “Thanks. You know, I’ve always wondered why she left Red Carpet Productions. It seemed like such a cushy gig.”Rachel raised an eyebrow, leaning against the desk. “You think she left? The way she acts, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was pushed out. People like her don’t just walk away from opportunities like that.”Emily frowned, her gaze momentarily shifting from the screen. “I try to ignore her bad attitude, I really do, but lately, i
“Good morning, Mom,” Emily greeted with a smile on her face.“Good morning, darling. Breakfast is ready,” her mother replied warmly.Emily inhaled deeply, taking in the aroma of the food wafting through the house. “Hmmm, it smells nice,” she said with delight.Both of them laughed. Mrs. Petals walked over to the dining table and took the seat next to Emily. She gently placed her hand on Emily's arm, her touch firm yet tender.“I’m proud of you, my daughter, and I always will be,” Mrs. Petals said, her voice filled with love and pride.Emily smiled at her mother, her heart warming with the words. “Thank you, Mommy.”Mother and daughter embraced in an emotional hug, a moment of love and connection. Just as the hug lingered, Emily’s phone buzzed sharply, breaking the serene atmosphere.“Work call, Mom. I have to go,” Emily said apologetically, answering the phone as she stood up from her seat.“Hello, I’m on my way,” she said briskly, grabbing her bag.She turned to her mother before ste
CHAPTER 13–humiliate me“Cut, and it’s a section,” the director of the audition announced with satisfaction. The room filled with applause as Emily finished her scene, her graceful presence captivating the audience. She had just performed a romantic scene alongside another actor, their chemistry impeccable.Whispers of admiration rippled through the audience.“She always gives an unbeatable style,” one young woman murmured, her eyes glued to Emily.“I know, right? I’d give anything to be like her,” another chimed in, her voice tinged with envy. “The star in the spotlight, adored by everyone—it must feel magical.”“I don’t even want to be a celebrity unless I can be like Emily Petals,” a third added fervently. “She’s my role model.”Rachel, seated a few rows ahead, overheard their gushing remarks. Amused, she chuckled softly and leaned toward them. “Why don’t you tell her how you feel? She’d be happy to hear it. Emily loves inspiring others.”Behind them, Mika sat stiffly, her arms cro
Back at Starlight Entertainments, Mika stormed into her office, the air around her crackling with her anger. Her sharp heels echoed against the sleek tiles as she paced back and forth, her movements sharp and agitated. Her brow furrowed, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.“Mika, can you calm down?” Jaden's voice broke through her furious muttering. His tone was measured, though his eyes held a hint of apprehension. He knew her temper too well and braced himself for her outburst.“Don’t you dare tell me to calm down!” Mika snapped, her voice cutting through the room like a blade.Jaden sighed but stood firm. “You’re being unreasonable, Mika. I don’t know why you’re so consumed by anger right now. Just sit down and let your brain work this out.”Mika froze mid-step and turned toward him, her eyes blazing. “How dare you, Jaden? You’re supposed to be on my side, not hers—not Emily’s!” Her voice cracked with frustration as she spat Emily’s name like poison.Jaden held her gaze, his v
The morning was breathtaking. The golden sun stretched its radiant arms across the city, kissing the skyscrapers with warmth and illuminating the streets with an ethereal glow. It was as if the world itself had paused, basking in its own reflection. The crisp air carried a promise—of power, of opportunity, of something shifting just beneath the surface.Mika stepped out of the sleek black car, her heels clicking against the polished marble driveway of Red Carpet Productions. She barely noticed the admiring glances that followed her; she was used to them. Today, however, admiration meant nothing—results did.Her pink silk gown, meticulously tailored to her form, shimmered with each graceful step. It wasn’t just a dress; it was armor—a reminder that she was untouchable. That despite the chaos beneath the surface, she was in control.Or at least, she needed to be.Her dark hair was swept into an elegant updo, revealing the delicate curve of her neck. Power, after all, wasn’t just about p
The day was drawing to an end. The once-bustling company now stood quiet, its halls almost deserted, save for the faint echoes of footsteps from the few remaining employees. The soft hum of computers shutting down filled the air as workers hurriedly packed up, eager to leave for the night. But Emily remained at her desk, lost in thought.“I will be leaving now, Emily,” Rachel’s voice broke through the silence, pulling Emily from her swirling thoughts.Emily looked up, managing a small nod as Rachel adjusted her bag.“It’s getting late. You should leave too,” Rachel advised, concern flickering in her eyes. She hesitated before adding, “And don’t think about things too much.”With that, Rachel turned and walked away, her figure disappearing down the dimly lit corridor.Emily’s lips barely curled into a smile before it vanished the moment Rachel was out of sight. Her mind was far too crowded to hold onto something as simple as a smile.Noah.His name lingered in her thoughts, entangling
Jaden paced the living room, his hands clenched into fists as he waited. His jaw was tight, his patience thin, and his thoughts chaotic. The minute Mika walked through the door, his eyes narrowed, filled with suppressed anger."Where are you coming from, Mika?" His tone carried clear annoyance.Mika barely glanced at him as she walked past, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. She exhaled tiredly, dropping her purse on the nearby couch."Can you at least let me walk in and relax before you start interrogating me?" she retorted, her voice indifferent.Jaden’s lips pressed into a thin line. He inhaled deeply, trying to contain his frustration. But he wouldn't let it slide—not this time."I said, where are you coming from?" His voice was calmer this time, but there was an underlying steel to it.Mika finally turned to face him, her gaze holding no trace of guilt or concern. "I went for a meeting with Mr. Richard," she said with a nonchalant shrug as she sank into the plush seat, s
The morning was breathtaking. The golden sun stretched its radiant arms across the city, kissing the skyscrapers with warmth and illuminating the streets with an ethereal glow. It was as if the world itself had paused, basking in its own reflection. The crisp air carried a promise—of power, of opportunity, of something shifting just beneath the surface.Mika stepped out of the sleek black car, her heels clicking against the polished marble driveway of Red Carpet Productions. She barely noticed the admiring glances that followed her; she was used to them. Today, however, admiration meant nothing—results did.Her pink silk gown, meticulously tailored to her form, shimmered with each graceful step. It wasn’t just a dress; it was armor—a reminder that she was untouchable. That despite the chaos beneath the surface, she was in control.Or at least, she needed to be.Her dark hair was swept into an elegant updo, revealing the delicate curve of her neck. Power, after all, wasn’t just about p
Back at Starlight Entertainments, Mika stormed into her office, the air around her crackling with her anger. Her sharp heels echoed against the sleek tiles as she paced back and forth, her movements sharp and agitated. Her brow furrowed, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.“Mika, can you calm down?” Jaden's voice broke through her furious muttering. His tone was measured, though his eyes held a hint of apprehension. He knew her temper too well and braced himself for her outburst.“Don’t you dare tell me to calm down!” Mika snapped, her voice cutting through the room like a blade.Jaden sighed but stood firm. “You’re being unreasonable, Mika. I don’t know why you’re so consumed by anger right now. Just sit down and let your brain work this out.”Mika froze mid-step and turned toward him, her eyes blazing. “How dare you, Jaden? You’re supposed to be on my side, not hers—not Emily’s!” Her voice cracked with frustration as she spat Emily’s name like poison.Jaden held her gaze, his v
CHAPTER 13–humiliate me“Cut, and it’s a section,” the director of the audition announced with satisfaction. The room filled with applause as Emily finished her scene, her graceful presence captivating the audience. She had just performed a romantic scene alongside another actor, their chemistry impeccable.Whispers of admiration rippled through the audience.“She always gives an unbeatable style,” one young woman murmured, her eyes glued to Emily.“I know, right? I’d give anything to be like her,” another chimed in, her voice tinged with envy. “The star in the spotlight, adored by everyone—it must feel magical.”“I don’t even want to be a celebrity unless I can be like Emily Petals,” a third added fervently. “She’s my role model.”Rachel, seated a few rows ahead, overheard their gushing remarks. Amused, she chuckled softly and leaned toward them. “Why don’t you tell her how you feel? She’d be happy to hear it. Emily loves inspiring others.”Behind them, Mika sat stiffly, her arms cro
“Good morning, Mom,” Emily greeted with a smile on her face.“Good morning, darling. Breakfast is ready,” her mother replied warmly.Emily inhaled deeply, taking in the aroma of the food wafting through the house. “Hmmm, it smells nice,” she said with delight.Both of them laughed. Mrs. Petals walked over to the dining table and took the seat next to Emily. She gently placed her hand on Emily's arm, her touch firm yet tender.“I’m proud of you, my daughter, and I always will be,” Mrs. Petals said, her voice filled with love and pride.Emily smiled at her mother, her heart warming with the words. “Thank you, Mommy.”Mother and daughter embraced in an emotional hug, a moment of love and connection. Just as the hug lingered, Emily’s phone buzzed sharply, breaking the serene atmosphere.“Work call, Mom. I have to go,” Emily said apologetically, answering the phone as she stood up from her seat.“Hello, I’m on my way,” she said briskly, grabbing her bag.She turned to her mother before ste
“That was a lot of drama she pulled there,” Rachel said, pushing the office door open with her shoulder, a stack of papers balanced in her hands. Her tone was light, but the exasperation in her voice was unmistakable.“I know, right? I just wonder how she was hired here in the first place,” Emily replied, not looking up from her laptop, her fingers flying across the keyboard.Rachel let out a short laugh and dropped the files on the desk with a soft thud. “Here’s the script for the audition.”Emily glanced at the stack briefly before resuming her work. “Thanks. You know, I’ve always wondered why she left Red Carpet Productions. It seemed like such a cushy gig.”Rachel raised an eyebrow, leaning against the desk. “You think she left? The way she acts, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was pushed out. People like her don’t just walk away from opportunities like that.”Emily frowned, her gaze momentarily shifting from the screen. “I try to ignore her bad attitude, I really do, but lately, i
“You are late,” Emily said sharply, her voice laced with annoyance as Mika strolled into her office without a hint of urgency.“I know, boss,” Mika responded mockingly, emphasizing the last word with a playful smirk. She carelessly tossed her bag onto the nearest chair. “I just had a few… little things to attend to before coming to work,” she added, dragging out the words as though daring Emily to react.Emily didn’t flinch. “We don’t tolerate lateness here,” she said bluntly, her tone carrying the weight of authority. She straightened her posture, leaning slightly over her desk to assert her dominance. “If you’re working with me, Mika, you are going to be punctual. Is that clear?”Mika folded her arms and tilted her head, feigning amusement. “I won’t stand here and let you dictate rules to me, Emily. You’re not the one who hired me.”Emily’s eyes narrowed, her lips curving into a faint, humorless smile. “Oh, I see,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She stood, slowly and del
Mika walked into Mr. Richards' office with an air of confidence, her every step deliberate, her poise commanding the room.“Good morning, Richard,” she greeted casually, her voice smooth, yet laced with a hint of mischief.Mr. Richards leaned back in his chair, his eyes lingering on her figure as if assessing the power dynamics between them. A slow, knowing smirk spread across his face.“Won’t you come give Daddy a hug?” he drawled, his tone teasing yet dangerous.Mika raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “Richard,” she began, her voice cool and clipped, “I’m your girl. You should be the one coming to me for a hug.” She turned her head slightly, exposing the graceful line of her neck in a calculated move that exuded both defiance and allure.His smirk widened as he stood, the intensity in his gaze unwavering. “What’s the matter, Mika?” he asked, stepping closer, his voice dropping to a velvety murmur.Her expression hardened, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of vulnerability. “Emily,” she sa