ELEVEN

The next day on set was a very busy one. Crew members moved around, setting up cameras and adjusting lights while the actors prepared for their scenes. I stood by the monitors with Director Osse, going over the day's schedule. Victoria and Spencer were getting ready for their first scene together, with Wade nearby, running through his lines.

"Places, everyone!" Osse's voice rang out, pulling me from my thoughts. The scene called for an emotional confrontation between Victoria and Spencer's characters, and the set grew quiet as everyone focused.

Just as Osse was about to call action, a loud commotion erupted near the entrance. A tall, striking woman with fiery red hair stormed in, her face a mask of fury. Gabriella West, the actress who had originally been cast in Victoria's role, marched straight up to Osse, her eyes blazing.

"Director Osse, what the hell is going on?" Gabriella's voice echoed through the set. "You replaced me with her?" She pointed her manicured finger at Victoria, who stood frozen in place.

Osse sighed heavily. "Gabriella, we made a decision based on what's best for the project. Now is not the time to discuss this." I was shocked to see he was taking sides with us, I thought he was against us.

Gabriella scoffed, her eyes narrowing as she turned her attention to me. "And who are you? The writer, right? You think you can just replace me with a nobody?"

Her words hit hard, but I forced myself to stay calm. "We chose the best fit for the story, Gabriella. It's nothing personal."

"Oh, it's very personal," she shot back, stepping closer. "I've worked too hard to be replaced by amateurs. This is all your fault. Who do you think you are? Writing some trashy script and thinking you can make it big?"

Wade, who had been watching the scene unfold, moved to stand between Gabriella and me. "That's enough, Gabriella," he said, his voice firm. "You need to leave."

Gabriella's eyes flicked to Wade, softening momentarily. "Wade, I didn't expect you to take her side."

"This isn't about sides," Wade replied, his gaze steady. "It's about what's best for the project."

Gabriella's eyes blazed with anger. "I can't believe you're doing this. After everything…" She paused looking at Wade with disdain. "Hold on, are you sleeping with her too?"

The accusation hit really hard, I can't believe everyone thinks I have to be sleeping with someone to actually have anything go well for me. Sleeping with her too? What did she even mean?

"I don't know what you think you are doing here but the truth is, you are making a mess of yourself. Besides, who I'm sleeping with is none of your business". Whatever history they had must have really ended badly, seeing this side of Wade was new.

She glanced around, noticing the stares from the crew and cast, then turned back to me. "You think you're something special? Just wait. You'll see how quickly they turn on you." She looked at me like I was nothing, her words meant to sting. But I stood tall, refusing to let her see that she had gotten to me. Wade stepped closer to Gabriella. "Leave, Gabriella. Now."

Gabriella hesitated, then with one last glare at me, she turned and stormed out, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "Thank you," I said to Wade, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Don't mention it," he replied, his eyes locking onto mine. For a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the room. The air between us was thick with something unspoken. His gaze dropped to my lips, charged with an unspoken emotion that made my heart skip a beat. The tension was indisputable, and I found myself leaning in slightly, drawn to him in a way I hadn't anticipated.

"Alright, everyone, back to work!" Osse's voice broke the spell, and we both stepped back into our roles.

The day continued, but Wade stayed close, his presence comforting. During a break, we found ourselves alone near the craft services table.

"What was Gabriella talking about? You and her…" I started, unsure how to finish the question.

Wade sighed, looking away for a moment before meeting my eyes again. "There was something between us. A long time ago. It didn't end well."

I nodded, taking in his words. "Oh.. and now?" I asked before I even knew it, making me wonder why I even cared.

"Now it's over. Completely," he said, his voice firm.

Before I could respond, Osse called for another take, pulling us back to reality. Wade gave me a small, reassuring smile before heading back to his mark.

As I watched him go, my mind spun with the day's events. Gabriella's outburst had been worse than I anticipated, but through it all, Wade had been there for me. Maybe Char was right, maybe Wade did care more than I realized.

The scene finally wrapped, and everyone began to pack up. I was gathering my things when I felt a presence behind me. Turning, I found Wade, his expression unreadable.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly, his concern evident.

"I'm fine," I replied, though my voice wavered slightly. "Just a lot to process."

"Want to grab a coffee?" He asked, his voice gentle.

I smiled, feeling a sense of peace settle over me. "I'd like that."

As we walked together, I had a million thoughts in my head, one of which was that if Char was actually right and the two men did like me, could I possibly also harbour some sort of feelings for any of them or both of them?

….

Back at my apartment, I settled on my couch where I most times find myself falling asleep. However, today, my sleep was cut short by the sudden blaring of my ringtone. Sniffling as I stood up, I grabbed my phone and checked the caller ID while I yawned.

"Ivan?" I muttered, picking up his call.

"Hey Wendy, how are you doing?" He asked, his familiar voice sounded a lot soothing tonight.

"Yes sir". I replied, heading for my room. It would be nice to sleep in my very comfortable bed for a change. I stretched, my hand attached to my back which back aches from constantly falling asleep on the so uncomfortable couch.

"I heard about the little scene on set today, I would make sure such never happens again". I am assured me, since it was coming from him, I was sure he had plans. Afterall, he is the big boss with enough influence, and some rising star was no match for him.

"It's fine Ivan, you really don't have to worry". I told him, yawning yet again. It really was a stressful day and I needed my beauty sleep.

"Alright then, have a goodnight sleep. I wouldn't want to bother you". He must have realized how sleepy I was and felt bad for keeping me.

"Oh no, it's not a bother". I quickly replied. "Thanks for checking in".

"Okay! Have fun with Peter". He teased. A smile crept to my face reminding me of my childhood, I had heard enough of that growing up. Unfortunately for me, there after all of these years, there was still no Peter Pan coming to save me or to have fun with.

"Don't tell me… You are not captain hook, are you?" Maybe I shouldn't have played along with his joke because then, we wouldn't have had to talk into the midnight, depriving me of my needed sleep hence leaving me cranky the next morning.