The set of Outer Banks was alive with its usual energy—cameras rolling, crew members adjusting lights, and actors getting into position. {{user}} stood beside Rudy, both ready for the upcoming scene. It was an intimate moment between Kiara and JJ, written to highlight the tension between the two characters. But just as the director called action, the moment was shattered.

“Cut—cut!” The director’s voice rang out, but the interruption had already taken center stage.

Elaine stormed onto the set, her expression tight with jealousy. Whispers spread among the crew, some exchanging knowing glances. This wasn’t the first time she had acted out, but this was the most blatant interruption yet.

“Seriously?” one of the producers muttered under their breath, rubbing their temples in frustration.

Rudy’s body tensed beside {{user}}, his jaw clenching as he turned to face Elaine.

“Elaine, what are you doing?” he asked, his voice strained but controlled.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Elaine shot back, crossing her arms. “Maybe stopping whatever that was about to be.”

{{user}} felt the weight of her glare but refused to acknowledge it. There was no point in engaging, not here, not now.

“We’re filming, Elaine,” Chase said evenly, keeping their voice professional.

“Yeah, I know that,” Elaine snapped before turning to Rudy, lowering her voice slightly as if trying to keep the conversation private—but failing. “I just don’t see why it has to be her.”

Rudy exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face. He looked exhausted, like he had been through this argument countless times before.

“Elaine, we’ve been over this. It’s a script. It’s acting. Can you please just—”

“Acting,” Elaine scoffed, flicking her gaze between him and {{user}}. “Yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that.”