It was in the middle of the afternoon and the sun was scorching hot. Since the weather suited well with one of the scenes needed, the team took the chance to film the part where the male lead was beaten up so badly and was found almost lifeless by the roadside outside the city. And that would be Shane playing the male lead.
Audrey had been looking forward to seeing how Shane would look like when he'd be beaten. She knew that most likely he wouldn’t be literally punched or kicked but the idea that he’d definitely get fake bruises and cuts all around his face and on some parts of his body was something she might not see in real life.
He may not look like it but Shane was good at fighting. When she was bullied way back then, the young, skinny Shane personally requested his parents to be enrolled in a various martial arts class. That was all because of her. H
“No good, CUT!”It was the fourth time and Stephanie couldn’t yet satisfy the director with her acting. The praises she got from the crew earlier because of her incredible visual attributes were suddenly used against her. All the flattering she heard turned to elaborated mocks on how she was talent-less when it comes to acting and having a gift for beauty and exceptional voice must be her limitation since her acting skills weren’t as good as expected.The aspiring actress could only grit her teeth quietly while being humiliated. She did every way possible to climbed up a ladder and after all her sacrifices, people still laughed at her. Her body trembled in anger, and she knew it wouldn’t be long before she burst out the swelling feelings inside her. The whispers from the crowd sounded like a taunt coming from faceless demons just like th
The sweet fragrance coming from a bowl of creamy fruit salad was totally appetizing. It was said that sugar the best cure for sadness and Audrey was about to see if it’d work in her case. She ordered a lot of desserts instead of a course meal for lunch and planned to fill her system- not just her stomach, with sweets.She initially wanted to go to some quiet place to take a break if not for the guy who kept following her since they met in the lobby. Audrey tried to ditch him by losing his way after turning to several corners but unluckily, it was her who ended up getting lost instead. The guy who was following her was also the one who helped her find the way back. She thanked him, but he suggested for her to join lunch with him.Audrey was a little hesitant but since he sounded sincere, and she owed him one, she agreed and even offered to treat him. It happened
The stink of alcohol started to grow stronger by the minute. Empty vodka bottles and beer cans were scattered on the floor. Some were even rolling on the bed with its content spilled all over. The white cotton sheets laid on top of the bed were tainted and the smell of liquors would probably linger for a long time even after washing the covers. Shane was crouching on the floor beside the bed. Just seconds ago, he was still on the bed, spreading down on the soft bed until he fell down when reaching out for another can of beer. He looked messier wearing the same clothes he had for filming earlier.The actor felt like his life was over. He was heartbroken after all. If not for Lucy’s warning, he would have already chased after Stephanie and beg her to come back to him. But he couldn’t. All because of his career. For his future’s sake and everything but it didn’t matter anymore when in the end, he couldn&
The heat she felt inside her body moderately subsided. Audrey felt relieved as the cold temperature slowly wrapped around her body. The dizziness she had early on somehow faded away also. The comfort she had painted a carefree smile on her face, and so she closed her eyes. Besides, her vision was still blurry, and she thought it would be better to get some rest first. Meanwhile, at the back of her mind, her subconscious wouldn’t stop banging her head telling her to stay alert.Audrey drifted to sleep with Shane’s face filling her head, blocking her poor subconscious who were trying to warn her senses. But who cares about the slight reminder that her brain sent all throughout her body when she was contended by just seeing Shane’s face. Audrey could also hear his voice calling out her name and it sounded too good to be true. Even so, she would still prefer to stay occupied with everything about him.
“Hija!”Mrs. Vargas’ called when Audrey stepped out of the bathroom. “How are you feeling? Did the herbal bath help? We were surprised to see you unconscious on the floor when we arrived,” her mother-in-law continued.Audrey said nothing with indifference in her eyes. First, she had no idea how Mrs. Vargas knew where they went for filming. Shane must have mentioned the possible location but not exactly where. Then, Mrs. Vargas knew where exactly their room was. Audrey was aware that the elder could possibly ask about it from someone in the reception area but would the staff here easily provide this information even she would introduce herself as Shane’s mother? Nah, since this resort was booked by the production team and no other guests were allowed to enter except those tenants and workers whom they referred to as ‘locals&rs
There was a long deafening silence in the room after Audrey stormed out. Shane couldn’t move from where he was standing and Mrs. Vargas was still sitting composedly on her seat. Everything happened so fast for Shane. He got dumped by Stephanie and a little later he lost his best friend and well, his wife.“Are you just going to stand there and do nothing?” His mother broke the silence and stared at him with her glaring eyes. “If you don’t want to have more things to regret with, just follow her.”Shane remained quiet. He was keeping his mouth shut although he couldn’t help but faced his mother’s gaze. He knew it all along. His mother who was sweet and gentle was actually cunning and manipulative. After all, he took that side of him from her. However, the way she treated Audrey all this while was what her heart really de
The rain had finally stopped, leaving the sky clear; with no heavy, dark, rain clouds blocking the moonlight. The sunny afternoon was gone in a blink and the hours of raining seemed like forever. The important thing was, the rain was over. It wouldn’t be too cold at night to sleep anymore nor too dark outside with the thick clouds. When nightfall came, it was time for the moon to shine and illuminate the earth, guiding the lost soul to the right path and pulling those in despair from the abyss.Audrey opened her peepers when she felt uncomfortable in her position. She was crying for hours again until she fell asleep on the floor. She clicked her tongue. “I’m wasted,” she whispered. Her legs felt numb, and she had to wait for a while until she could finally move them. It was bothersome to stand up when she could barely feel her legs, she was scared she might fall on the ground. Anyway, who would care a
“Hmm…”Audrey moaned while arching her back to stretch her limbs. She pushed away the blanket draped on her body and spread her arms on the bed, looking up at the ceiling. She realized that most ceilings were painted white, giving anyone a hint of excitement early in the morning when waking up and facing the blank space above. Just like how she felt while staring at it, it made her want to paint a story she had of the day before she went to bed again at night. And the next morning, she would be sure to see the white ceiling again, inviting her to stand still on her feet and create a meaningful day to paint at it again when the night comes. Her mind felt a little refreshed after getting a nice sleep. She was thankful she survived after a painful night due to her bleeding heart. IShe got off the bed and dragged the curtain apart to let the sun
The reddish lights painted across the sky meeting the sea ahead was more than a magnificent view to witness at dusk. A rare beauty to find in the middle of the ocean. Between the vast sky and the deep sea, a couple was found hugging each other. Loving gazes flashes across the other and sweet smiles were inscribed on their lips. It was a rare affectionate sight, filled with joys and hope melted on their faces. “Isn’t it wonderful?” Shane whispered to the woman in his arms. He prompted her to turn around and enjoy the scenery in front. “They say, watching the sunset together promises a happy life ahead till the last breath. Do you agree?” He bent down his face to smell the floral fragrance coming from the beauty in his hold. “Hmm… If I have known that watching the sunset will guarantee a happy life with you, I would have had already dragged you to watch the setting
The following days were hectic for the Vargas family. Mrs. Vargas was a perfectionist at times and was the most reliable to handle the wedding preparation. She didn’t want his son to get more embarrassed after his epic-failure when asking for Audrey’s hand. After all his cheesy plans to surprise Audrey, Shane ended up getting surprised instead. The elder couldn’t forget how her son blushed while answering ‘Yes’ to her future daughter-in-law’s proposal. It was a rather unique marriage proposal she ever witnessed. Well, who would even want to give up her diamond engagement ring for the man she loved only to make up with him after giving him a tease during the crucial moments? Only Audrey was willing to do.Mrs. Vargas was told that the ring Audrey removed and inserted on Shane’s finger was the same ring that her son bought from overseas and used to get back with Audrey when they once had a major
“Are we there yet?” Audrey asked while being guided by Shane somewhere outside the house. The actor came back in the evening with a bright face. He surprised her with a hug and kisses while she was preparing dinner. Thankfully, it was a weekend and Audrey didn't need to go out for work. Furthermore, she could spend more time with her fiancé which boosted her mood tenfold. She was so happy that she forgot about the 'pregnant' dilemma she had after the housekeeper mentioned something about it.“Almost there,” Shane replied as he held her hand by the hand. He made her wore a blindfold to add spice to his surprise. “Be patient, baby. There's no need to rush,” he continued.Audrey may not be around the house every time unless she got no plans during her week offs and had to stay home if not visiting at Nathan's place to have a ch
The white ceiling in Lucy’s office was always boring but somehow, Shane took an interest in it and even stared at it the whole time since he entered his manager’s office. The actor chose to face the ceiling rather than looking at Lucy’s fuming face. If was born with a talented hand, he could have already drawn her cartoon version with the smoke-like effect coming out from her nostrils. He was thinking about how his manager would look like when he heard him call his name in her infamous low voice.“Shane,” Lucy mumbled his name slowly and with an accuracy of the sound of every letter containing his name. “What do we do now?” Her tone remained the same though her voice went lower than before. Shane could guess, Lucy was in a not so good mood.A month ago, he did something on his own without telling his manager again. Just
The soft breathing sounds woken up Audrey. She smiled upon seeing the man beside her. His face was an embodiment of manly beauty. She could watch him all day long and would be certain not to get bored at all. Her hand fount its way to his cheek. She chuckled when she remembered how she pulled it off until it turned red though she was glad it wasn’t swollen.“Good morning,” Audrey greeted with a smile when Shane opened his eyes. His dark brown irises were always fascinating. They were like magical crystals that drew her in whenever she looked at them. “I love you,” she mumbled and moved closer to kiss him on the lips. It was a quick smack, and she found it sweet yet sincere.Shane smiled back at her after mouthing ‘Good morning,’ as his reply. He pulled her closer to his bare chest, rubbing their skin against each other.
An awkward silence filled the car while Shane was driving home. He would throw glances at Audrey who kept wearing a serious face that terrified the other. The trip was long and the actor wished he could make the car sprint to the villa just so to avoid Audrey’s occasionally cold gazes. After what happened back in the restaurant, Shane suddenly felt intimidated. Why not? Audrey effortlessly beat him almost to a pulp. If not for Nathan and Francesca’s interruption, pulling Audrey away from him, the actor would be less than admirable with his bruises. Well, he didn’t blame Audrey a bit. He was aware of her ‘violent’ side beforehand. After all, he earned a kiss from her in advance. It was more than sufficient for him.“Have you had dinner?” Audrey took the chance to break the silence when Shane was parking the car on the driveway. She took a peek at the time on her digital wristwatch. Sh
Tears welled-up in Audrey’s eyes when she finally saw the man she was longing for after a month which seemed to be years of waiting. Her hands automatically moved to reach out to his face, she caressed him softly with nothing but tears of joy in her eyes.“Shane…” Audrey called out his name again. She blinked her eyes several times to make sure she wasn’t dreaming but her tears just blurred her sight instead. Shane wiped her tears with his thumb and smiled at her. “Shane,” Audrey whispered. She had a lot of things to say but her mouth didn’t want to cooperate with her. All she could mutter was his name and it had been three times since she called him out.“Yes, baby. It’s me, I’m back,” was what Audrey heard him say. The lady still couldn’t believe her eyes, but she was genuinely glad to s
It had been a month since the last time Audrey saw Shane in person. She was missing him so much though she couldn’t lift her phone to dial his number nor compose a message. Her long face became her everyday mask. The staff in the restaurant were never tired of cheering her on. Not that she wanted to worry them, she could still do what she had to. And her current situation was something she had to face alone. She decided to trust Shane and while she was at it, Audrey thought it would be wiser not to bother the actor in the meantime. Calling him should be easy for her but who knew? Her action might cause him more trouble. She decided to wait, and she would endure it how long it may take.“Auddie, aren’t you going to take a break? You can let Nathan take your place for a while. You need to eat,” Francesca who became more talkative than usual said. She rarely talked in Italian thus the others could easily
The function hall was filled with media reporters coming from all over the city with their crew in tow. It was late in the evening, yet they couldn’t miss the rare opportunity to be present during one of the celebrity’s press conference. Especially when it was someone who never had any press con before unless it was regarding promoting his movies and shows. Not when it was about his personal life which people were more curious about.Camera flashes stopped and the hustling of the crowd slowly went down when the superstar and movie king, Shane Vargas stepped on stage. He was wearing the same suit he had when he attended the movie premiere earlier. With his inborn beauty and appeal, he took over everyone’s attention. The noise inside the hall died down when he prompted to speak on the mic prepared for him. “Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming,” Shane started with his ‘charming tone’, ac