Geraldine happened to be on a break, so every word I’d said had landed squarely in her ears. She was furious; she marched over and jabbed a finger at my nose. “What do you know about acting? Have you ever been in a movie? Attended film school? You know nothing, yet you dare to criticize me. Raelyn, you’re just jealous I’m better than you!” I gave a light laugh, spreading my hands. “You’re right, I haven’t done any of those things.” Geraldine gave a sharp snort. “Exactly. So hurry up and apologize, or I’ll make sure you regret it.” I stared at her in silence. That spoiled, arrogant temper, had Aiden really liked her once? Looking her square in the eye, I said seriously, “When I said you were overacting just now, I wasn’t making it up.” Her eyes went wide. “Overacting? What do you mean?” “When you were gazing at the male lead, you could have dipped your head slightly, shown a touch of shyness. That would have fit a palace maiden better; instead, you just stared straight at him, so bluntly it threw him off his lines.” Thinking of it made me laugh again. “Real acting draws your partner into your world; only then can you perform with truth and emotion. Tell me, Ms. Geraldine, did you manage that?” There was no way Geraldine would admit to bad acting in front of the whole crew. She glared daggers at me, then let out a mocking laugh. “Talk is cheap. If you’re so clever, why don’t you show us?” At that moment, the director walked over as well, face dark. “Since Ms. Beck seems so knowledgeable, why not demonstrate for us? Let’s all see it.” I froze. I had never acted a day in my life; having opinions was one thing, but being asked to perform? This was clearly a setup. Still, I couldn’t deny it—I had insulted Geraldine’s acting right in front of them, which was as good as insulting the director too. Geraldine tilted her chin high, smug now that I was silent.Tammy immediately stepped in front of me. “This is bullying! Raelyn isn’t an actress—how could she possibly act?” Geraldine pounced, her voice ringing. “I thought Ms. Beck came here to prove something—she talks so big, yet she’s just a coward with empty words.” Her taunt sparked my competitiveness. I chuckled softly. “It’s not that I don’t want to try; I’m just worried the male lead won’t be able to keep up.” The director sneered. “Ms. Beck, the male lead was handpicked by me, an actor of award-winning caliber. If anything, it’s you who won’t be able to keep up.” Clearly, there was no way out now. “Fine,” I said. “Let’s try.” The director quickly had someone bring over a costume for me. I shook my head. “No costume.” “Without one, the actor can’t get into character. I’m giving you a chance, and you’re too ungrateful to even accept it,” he mocked. Just then, the male actor himself walked over. He smiled warmly. “Hello, I’m Johnny, the lead in this drama.” I nodded, shaking his hand lightly. Of course I knew him, Johnny was a rising star, an award-winning actor, on par with Adam. “Let’s just begin like this.” I reached for the script, flipped through a page, and stopped. “This scene—the general’s departure, and the heroine’s farewell.” Geraldine scoffed. “Picking the easiest scene; no wonder you’re so confident.” I only smiled, saying nothing. Stepping to Johnny’s side, I softened my voice. “Shall we start?” Johnny nodded. I didn’t pause to summon emotion; instead, I slipped straight into character. My eyes fixed on his, filled with hope and sorrow. “Captain Hardis, you leave for battle today, who knows when you’ll return?” Johnny frowned slightly, lowering his gaze in thought. “Mira, you know, as a general of the Empire, my duty is to defend our homeland above all else.”“I know, the nation will always come before me in your heart. But I cannot bear to part with you.” Tears spilled from my eyes, soaking the fabric of my clothes. Johnny startled, flustered, and reached to wipe them away. “I’m sorry, I—” Before he could finish, I lifted my hand and gently pressed my fingers to his lips. “Just don’t forget me.” My eyes were still red as I lowered myself into a graceful bow. “I ask for nothing more than for my general to return from the battlefield unharmed. When that day comes, I’ll ride a hundred miles to welcome you home in triumph. My words rang with such sincerity that Johnny’s eyes misted. Overcome, he pulled me into his arms. “I won’t go. I’ll stay. Let fame and glory be damned!” I slowly pushed him back, my expression returning to calm. “Mr. Johnny, thank you for the performance.” He stood stunned, still caught in the scene. And the entire crew was the same, every one of them remained rooted in that moment, unable to shake off the weight of it. “Cut!” The director was the first to recover, snapping the spell with a sharp shout. Johnny blinked as if waking from a dream; his face flushed crimson.