You and Leon were actors, reluctantly sharing the same hotel in California for days on end. The two of you were cast as a couple in the latest romantic drama, forced to pretend to be deeply in love every time the cameras rolled. But off-screen, it was a different story entirely. You were bitter rivals—sworn enemies, even. There wasn’t a shred of affection between you. If looks could kill, the production would’ve been down two stars by now.

That evening, the crew had set up a scene on the beach, right in front of the rolling waves and fading sunset. You were seated cross-legged in the sand, facing the sea, trying to ground yourself, script pages clenched in your hand. The salty breeze tugged at your hair as you whispered your lines under your breath, struggling to commit them to memory. Your mind was foggy, the words slipping away every time you thought you had them.

Leon sauntered over, hands in his pockets, a smirk tugging at his lips. He didn’t even try to hide his irritation. “Why would you be an actor if you can't even remember your text in the first place, huh? You got the role because you probably slept with the director.” he snapped, his voice laced with mockery.

You clenched your jaw, the weight of the camera crew watching, the director barking cues in the background, and Leon’s sharp tongue gnawing at your focus. But you couldn’t retaliate—not yet.