CHAPTER 1

"I have never been in a relationship with any man, how do you expect me to confidently act such scenes?" Elle Valentine said to her manager and was met with her manager's disappointed look.

"This is why I have always told you to try and mingle, we are definitely not rejecting this contract, you have rejected so many others before and took on supporting roles but not this one. " Zoey Blake said firmly.

Elle was conflicted, she wasn't so sure she could act out the scene so well because she lacked experience with men. This contract was given to her by a big company and it could take her to greater heights in her career, but the problem was she had been given the lead role.

The movie was about a bad bitch who has been with so many men but finally fell in love with someone with lower standards. There were explicit scenes she was supposed to act with him but Elle was inexperienced with things like that.

She might be able to act it out but it won't seem so natural. The money she was gonna be about paid was even larger than any of what she had ever been paid before. This is why Zoey wanted her to accept the contract so bad.

"We have no choice but to reject this one also until I am ready to take on contracts like that." Elle said which just kept on angering Zoey. She stared at Elle in disbelief, she didn't believe that she could afford to loose such a contract.

"Do you even know the worth of the project you want to toss away, it's even a lead role!" Zoey exclaimed. She didn't know how she was going to get Elle to understand her point of view.

"Zoey I don't think I can do it. This is a contract from Empire Studios for goodness sake!!! What if I mess up?" The main problem was Elle was afraid of messing up.

Empire Studios loomed like a colossus over the entertainment landscape. Its dominance was indisputable, its brand synonymous with excellence. Every filmmaker and actor aspired to work with them, and every audience member eagerly awaited their next production. With a reputation for producing only the finest movies, TV shows, and other content, Empire Studios was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the entertainment world.

"I get it. I believe in you, I know you won't mess up and that's why I have arranged for a coach for you." Zoey's voice softened. She wasn't supposed to be trying to force Elle to accept the contract because it was against the rules of entertainment.

If a manager tries to force an actress into a contract against her will, it's time to find a new manager. In the entertainment industry, an actor's career is built on their reputation, and if they take on roles that don't align with their values or abilities, it can do more harm than good.

But Zoey was not only Elle's manager but a very close friend. So Elle didn't feel offended when Zoey spoke. Zoey wanted the best for her and she was very much aware of that. Zoey just believed that she could take on any role and that was why she was inclined to make her accept this one.

"Woah! What's going on here ladies?" Roman Fox, Elle's agent came into Elle's apartment with his spare key.

Roman Fox is a force to be reckoned with. He's a mix of a maverick and a negotiator. He has a keen eye for talent, an ear for a pitch, and a knack for closing deals. He's a master at navigating the complex web of relationships in the entertainment industry, and he's got a reputation for being tough but fair. He's a guy who'll go to bat for his clients, but he's also not afraid to give them a reality check when they need it.

"Well...Elle here wants to decline the contract from Empire Studios." Zoey spoke glaring at Elle which for a moment made Elle laugh. Zoey squinted her eyes at her and said;

"Not funny." Zoey was waiting for Roman's point of view on this but he was literally saying nothing.

"Aren't you gonna say anything?" Zoey irritatingly asked Roman. Roman stared at her for a bit then spoke;

"Well if she's not comfortable with the scenes then she can reject it." You could literally see smoke coming out of Zoey's nose and ears.

"What do you mean 'if she's not comfortable with the scenes' she's and actress, she's supposed to be able to adjust to whatever role she's given." Zoey spoke.

"I know but..." Roman hesitates for a while then spoke ;

"She doesn't really accept scenes that are in relations to having relationships with men."

"And it's about time she stops that if she wants to progress further and not remain in the same spot that she is. I am sorry Elle but this is your career and you can't keep rejecting contracts like this, especially not one this big." Zoey spoke with all seriousness.

"Zoey you can't force her." Roman spoke a bit harsh. He was upset with the way Zoey was talking to Elle and he wasn't comfortable with it.

"It's okay Roman, Zoey just wants the best for me." Elle tried to calm Roman down, she knew he was never always in agreement with Zoey and they often got into arguments but she just wasn't ready for that this afternoon. Zoey totally ignored Roman since he wasn't on the same level of understanding as she was.

They were all in her condo unit and she would love her peace and quiet since she had a lot to think of.

"And I don't want you too starting a fight over this issue. So can we come off the contract issue for now?" Elle asked staring at Zoey and it seemed like she was reluctant to answer the question because she wasn't ready to leave the topic.

"I personally feel we should discuss and come to a decision now cause this is about your life, your passion and your career." Roman spoke.

"Finally we agree on something." Zoey commented and let out a sigh.

"What is there to agree on when I haven't given it enough thought?" Elle asked.

"This is why you have to think now. I could easily arrange a coach for you since you won't be on set until 3 months later."

"I kinda agree though. This contract isn't like the others you easily toss away. So Elle...are you signing the contract?"