CHAPTER 26: EDITED VERSION.

For the first time in a long while, Deloise arrived ten minutes early. She took a spot by the set, rehearsing her lines in preparation for the day's shoot. Unlike other days, she felt pressured to be at an immortal level with her craft.

It wasn't news - the rivalry between the top female leads of the production. A rivalry that somehow managed to spread through the set, creating a competitive air around the two women.

It grew to a point where her skills were always measured to that of Stella - who was more than happy to be in the toxic judgemental cycle. Deloise prepped her mind for the day's job, with all her scenes involving Stella, she armoured herself for the judgment that undoubtedly followed their interaction.

" Hello there," Stella's unpleasantly sharp voice jolted her from the brewing thoughts. " I see you're still learning the lines."