18 SLAP

The place was more chaotic than the one Yanarym had on the upper floor. Almost everyone was busy bustling around, which was normal since it would be the anniversary release of a famous make-up brand. They invited veterans and rookies that were already famous enough to promote their products.

At the center of the room, she saw the heroine modeling with a lipstick set. She had silky, straight amber hair that shone brightly and a face so small it complimented her petite body. At first glance, she was almost similar to a modern doll princess admired by little girls worldwide. And staring at her from afar, Yanarym had realized that the woman was worth becoming the main lead specifically in terms of appearance. After all, their world revolved around fame and beauty.

In comparison with Alyana's build, hers was more sexually appealing to be perceived as an innocent type. Of course, Alyana was meant to have that kind of look as she was designed not to become a slut but a renowned actress who will be admired by many. Her angelic features were already her signature as an actress, plus most of her roles required innocent yet alluring beauty.

The second male lead hadn't met the female lead yet. Yanarym thought that it could be the reason why Alvan had his eyes fixed on her instead of Alyana. And once Alvan met the girl who would be the cause of his death based on the original plot, he would soon trigger the emotions he was supposed to feel for Alyana.

Considering the fact that she still had the lead's halo, she should be the one gaining the attention of the male leads—not Yanarym.

Everyone knew Alvan was a notorious playboy. He never stuck around a single woman, hence would most likely have a taste of them all instead. He wasn't the type to be begging for someone's affection. Not at all.

That was why, Alvan's feelings towards her were still a mystery to her herself. Other than their sexual interaction, she wasn't sure what else could be the cause but, still, there should be a reason why she had triggered his romantic side. They even did not have contact for many weeks after that steamy session, she almost forgot him, because she thought he would get over her.

"Okay! Next!" Alyana got off the set and headed towards the dressing room to change into her next outfit. The other models were preparing as well, however, they were clearly isolating Alyana. It was obvious they were being jealous of her sudden stardom when she was just starting in her career. Alyana was aware of it but she just let them be. Unless the group would try to become physical with her, she would fearlessly fight back.

Yanarym peeped in, wearing her casual t-shirt and a pair of dark blue fitted pants. No one would even recognize her as an actual rising star being supported by one of the greatest gold masters an artist could have. She wondered if she would be caught here, it could be trouble. Or maybe not? Still, she wanted to make sure by keeping it low-key.

"What are you looking at? How did you come in here?! Are you a reporter?!"

'Speaking of', she thought.

Yanarym was startled. She took a step back and pushed the door open. She almost fell to the ground but it was a good thing she immediately regained her balance.

"Yanarym?" The others exclaimed, attracting the attention of the rest inside the dressing room.

"Wow. Sluts are around the place, aren't they? Now that you're here, kindly confirm whether you fucked Alvan or not," the woman demanded. She was the meanest-looking in the group who somehow seemed to be the lead bully.

Yanarym then recognized her as one of the minor villains in the book—the one with the striking blonde hair and chestnut eyes named Eliza. This would be a funny scene for her, supposedly, the original was one of Eliza's minions, the original is part of this minor villain too.

Jealousy, the second thing people would use as a motivation for everything and the emotion responsible for it wasn't entirely love but hatred. In this case, Yanarym was the target of that hatred. 'Oh dear,' she sighed.

Yanarym smiled sweetly then raised her left arm. "Hi, girls."

"Such a shameless bitch. People like you ruin the industry!"

In a blink of an eye, a palm had landed hard right on Yanarym's flawless face.

Her eyes widened as she touched her right cheek that was still burning from the impact. She almost forgot how it felt to be slapped until now. She was more surprised when she tasted a metallic flavor in her mouth. She wasn't done with her photoshoot yet! What would happen with her talent fee?!

Guide-sama: "I think that's not the point, Yanarym."

'What else is there to think about? Money is my biggest priority!'

"What? A cat got your tongue?" Yanarym only stared at Eliza who furiously hit her face. She was contemplating what she should do in this situation. She wasn't exactly being locked up but it's not like she could easily run away either. "What's with your stare, huh? You wanna fight? You whore!"

'Alright. Sweet. She'll be Mary Sue—a princess in distress waiting for her prince-charming to save her ass.' She grinned when she heard about Guide-sama's report.

Just when another slap was about to hit her face, she made sure her pained reaction would look more realistic. Yanarym took the impact and this time, she pretended to be frail and badly hurt, like what normal damsels in distress were supposed to react.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" A deep voice thundered across the room as she limped on the ground and started to sob inaudibly.

"Rym, I'm here, it's alright, I will protect you." He comforted her while she hugged his torso tight and shamelessly buried her face on his chest, which triggered Alvan's protective instinct as a man.