7. A Devilish Promise

AYRA

My eyes flew wide in shock as I grabbed his hands and wrenched them off my waist. “Are you crazy?” I whispered sharp, but loud enough. I spun around, scanning the area to make sure no one saw.

“More like insane, if we wanna go there,” he smirked.

I shot him a death glare. Every muscle in my body was tense.

“You’re fine, Cupcake. Your secret’s safe with me.” He winked—this infuriatingly gorgeous man winked, and those honey-brown eyes of his practically sparkled.

Focus, Ayra.

What was I worried about again?

Then Raven snorted. I looked up to find her watching us, amused. Before I could say a thing, my manager—the one who’s supposed to look out for me decided the best thing to do was abandon me.

“So…I’ll be in the car, where no sound can penetrate. You two go ahead and… continue whatever this is.” She didn’t give me a chance to protest before she was gone.

I rolled my eyes and gritted my teeth, already plotting how to get her back for deserting me. A spa day filled with painful waxing? Constant reminders that I knew her high school nickname? My options were endless.

“You’re so tense. Want me to fix that?”

The devil spoke again. Or rather, Liam, his voice smooth, teasing, as he closed the space between us. I stepped back. Instinct, really.

What the hell have I gotten myself into?

I didn’t get it. I mean, I wouldn’t call myself unattractive, but I’m not that attractive. Certainly not “haunt your every step after a one-night stand” attractive.

“So I was thinking,” I started, trying to sound cool. Trying to sound like I wasn’t about to combust. “We should move past this. Forget about what happened that night. I didn’t know who you were. If I had known—”

“—You wouldn’t have brazenly mistaken me for a gigolo?” he cut in smoothly. “I told you, Cupcake,there’s no undoing whatever comes next.”

His voice still held that teasing tone, but there was something beneath it. Something real.

“It was just supposed to be one silly, fun night. And that night is done. So can we move on?”

“No.” The word came in immediate and sharp.

I blinked. “Liam, there’s no—”

“I’ve got this bad habit,” he said, cutting me off again. “I don’t know how to let go. And an even worse habit? Getting what I want.” He stepped back, gaze unwavering.

“And I want you, Ayra.”

Then he walked away, leaving me rooted in place, utterly speechless.

My mouth opened slightly, but no words came. I watched his retreating figure, and at that exact moment, I realized: I’d just signed up for way more than I could handle. My brain scrambled to catch up, but my body was completely still.

I stood frozen, dazed, until I heard Raven’s voice snap me out of it.

“Earth to Ayra.”

Finally, I tore my eyes away.

“I’m here, you traitor. You just left me to the wolf! That was brutal. Aren’t you supposed to help me out of tough situations?” I said, my voice laced with mock accusation.

“Hey, I do not want to be all up in that.” She grinned. “So, who’s the hot shot?”

“Chris’s uncle,” I said with a wicked smirk, waiting for it to hit her.

“What? The same Chris?”

“The very one.”

“Girl… You’re crazy! How and when did that happen?”

“I’ll tell you on our way to set,” I said, climbing into the car.

*******

I told Raven and she enjoyed every single second of my misery. She even pulled out her phone like she was tempted to take notes.

When we arrived, they were already shooting a fight scene. Director Phillips was in his element, it was always something watching him work. The way he moved, completely immersed, like the world disappeared and only the scene mattered.

We stood behind two production assistants who were laughing about something. Gossip on movie sets was as normal as breathing. I tried to listen in, casually leaning forward.

A guy’s voice said, “I don’t know why she thinks she can pull this off. The public’s gonna eat her alive when this comes out.”

The girl next to him snickered. “A period drama? When she’s only good for cringy cliché scenes? Whoever picked this script for Gisele is a secret hater.”

They both giggled lowly. I fought the urge to turn around and put them in their place. My fists clenched at my sides.

I remembered Gisele, she was a rookie before my hiatus. Had a breakout rom-com the year after, and ever since, she’s been stereotyped. Her team was probably trying to shift that now.

And the pressure she must be under must be insane. The thing about breaking out of a typecast is that if the movie flops, the public won’t blame the director or the script, they’ll blame you. Especially if you're a woman who is young and even worse if you're conventionally attractive.

I tuned them out and made a mental note to check on her later. Gisele was a sweetheart. She didn’t deserve this.

People were so quick to tear others down especially in this industry. Half the time, they didn’t even need a reason.

“CUT!”

Director Phillips’ voice snapped me back to reality. I made my way over to him.

“Ayra, my darling!” he beamed, pulling me into a hug. “Don’t you dare pull that stunt where you try to quit again.”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry.” I smiled. “I’m here to tell you to work me to death. This movie already looks amazing only you could create a masterpiece like this.”

He laughed. “Oh, stop it. And yes, Gisele’s doing a great job. We were skeptical about her at first, but I don’t regret casting her. Still rough around the edges, this genre isn’t her usual but she’s really stepping up.”

If Phillips thought she was doing well, then she was. Relief flooded my chest.

People think acting is just lights, cameras, and red carpets but they don’t see the target fame paints on your back. One misstep, one flop, one role they think you didn’t “earn", and suddenly you're trending for all the wrong reasons. It doesn’t matter how hard you work sometimes, just being seen is enough for them to hate you.

People love the glamour, but they hate the ones lucky enough to live in it.

“That’s great to hear.” I smiled

“I know we should be meeting somewhere more formal, but I couldn’t find the time. Sorry to drag you all the way here.” He apologised.

“Watching you work is reason enough to be here.”

He nodded. “So what did you think of the script? I saw your announcement and couldn’t believe you took it.”

I chuckled. “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot like that. But it was an instant yes for me.”

“Are you kidding? I was elated. I’ve been sending you scripts for months but you kept turning them down.”

“This one felt right. Wren is the role for my comeback.”

“I’m glad to hear that. We start shooting soon, you got the schedule, right? Oh, and did you speak to Travis yet? He’s playing your love interest. We were still negotiating, but after your announcement, his team reached out to confirm.”

He winked.

“Gary… don’t start with your matchmaking again. It had nothing to do with me. Every little thing around you turns into a love story. Leave me out of it!”

“I didn’t say anything,” he said innocently, raising his hands. “But if something does happen just know I called it first.”

I rolled my eyes.

We spoke at length about shooting plans before he kissed me on the cheek and let me go.

I waved to Raven, who was talking to his assistant, signaling that I was ready.

She joined me, and we headed toward Gisele’s trailer.

We hadn’t taken two steps when a familiar voice cut through the air like a sharp blade.

“Ayra! Long time no see. Decided to take up acting again? Not that you were any good before.”