Days had passed since Scarlett's sly implication. Ellie tried to convince herself she was overthinking it, pushing the thought away. But that insidious snake her eyes had held a sharp, knowing glint when she'd hinted at a fake relationship. Ellie couldn't have imagined that feeling out of nowhere, could she?
Fortunately, in the several days since, everything had proceeded normally. So, she focused on her work.
She had grown accustomed to the rhythm of the set, got along well with the entire crew, and tried to be helpful to everyone. She was learning constantly, improving her craft. Throughout it all, Kyle had been especially supportive.
That morning, the set was a hive of activity, buzzing like an anthill. The technical crew was running final checks, while the actors were in hair, makeup, and wardrobe. Today, they were shooting a dramatic argument scene between Emma and Jake by the sea. The script was heavy, requiring deep emotional resonance. And Ellie... Ellie was panicking. Musical numbers were her forte; she trusted her voice. The daily dialogue scenes were challenging, but she'd managed to figure them out. But dramatic scenes? They were her nemesis.
The long monologues, maintaining her expressions even while crying it all overwhelmed her. And today was the day for that particular nightmare.
In her trailer, she stared at her reflection, mouthing the lines. But the words slipped her mind, the sentences tangling together.
"No, no, no!" she muttered to herself. "Jake, you don't understand me! I can't do it... I'm a different kind of wind...?" What came next? God, what was the line?
A moment later, a knock came at the door. "Ellie? You ready? You're on set in five."
Ellie took a deep breath. "Yes! Coming!"
But she wasn't ready. Not at all.
Soon, the crew had finished their final preparations. The beach was windy. The sky was clear, but strange, dark clouds gathered on the horizon. Ellie wore a white dress, her hair whipping around her face. Kyle stood opposite her, his gaze locked on hers.
"Okay!" David shouted. "Positions everyone! And... ACTION!"
JAKE (Kyle): "Emma, why do you keep running from me? Every single time I try to get close, you take a step back!"
EMMA (Ellie): (Eyes welling up) "Because... because you and I are from different worlds. We can't be happy together..."
JAKE (Kyle): "No! No, my love. We can overcome anything!"
EMMA (Ellie): (Tears in her eyes) "Jake, you don't understand me! I can't... I'm a different kind of wind..."
Ellie said it, and then she froze. Her mind went blank. What was the line? "Because you don't understand me?" No, that wasn't it. "Because I don't deserve you?" That wasn't it either.
The silence stretched. Kyle watched her, waiting. The camera kept rolling.
"Cut!" The director's voice was sharp and irritated. David sprang from his chair and marched onto the set. "Ellie! What's going on? Did you forget the line?"
Ellie's face flushed crimson. "I'm sorry, I... I forgot."
David rubbed his forehead. "Okay, okay. Let's try it again. Back to one!"
Second take. Same spot.
EMMA: "Because you... you're too good for me! I... I just..."
She stopped again. The words had vanished. Ellie's eyes filled with tears, real ones this time.
"Cut!" David was angry now. He strode toward Ellie. "Ellie, please. Focus, okay? It's a simple line! 'Because I'm not from your world!' That's it! How can you forget?" he demanded.
Ellie bowed her head. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I can do it again..."
"No," David said, raising his hand. "Not now. We're taking a break!" He started to walk away, then spun around, his eyes boring into her. "Do some homework, alright? Come to set prepared. We're on a tight schedule; we need to wrap this scene in a few days. We don't have time for basic mistakes."
Ellie's chest tightened. The entire set was watching her. In that moment, she wanted the ground to swallow her whole.
Just then, Kyle stepped forward. He came to her side, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"David," he said, his voice calm and measured. "Maybe that was a bit harsh. Ellie is still new to this; let's have a little patience."
David frowned. "Kyle..." he began, locking eyes with him.
"It's been a long day," Kyle continued, cutting him off. "Maybe we should all call it a day. We can come back tomorrow with fresh minds."
David took a deep breath, then scowled. "No, we're finishing this scene today. We're taking a short break now." He turned to the crew. "Fifteen! Be back here in one hour!"
The crew began to disperse. Ellie still stood rooted to the spot, her eyes fixed on the ground, her body writhing with guilt.
Kyle leaned in close, his face just a breath from hers. "Hey," he said softly, "You okay?"
Ellie looked up. Her eyes were glistening. "I... I let everyone down," she murmured.
Kyle understood her guilt. He was trying to comfort her. "No, you didn't. You're just tired. We're all tired."
Ellie began, "But I—" she mumbled, but Kyle gently cut her off.
"Ellie,look at me," he said.
When she lifted her head, she saw his sun-bright smile. That sweet, warm grin.
He reached out and gently stroked her cheek. "Don't be so hard on yourself. There's nothing you can't do with a little practice, okay?"
Ellie swallowed, a warm feeling spreading through her. She nodded slightly in agreement.
An hour later, the returning crew was back at their posts.
But Mother Nature was not on their side today.The wind suddenly picked up. Waves rose from the sea, foam flying onto the shore. The sky was darkening, as if someone had drawn a giant curtain.
The crew scrambled to pack up the equipment. Cameras, lights, reflectors... Everything was hastily moved into the tents.
David was furious. He was yelling at the production manager: "DIDN'T YOU CHECK THE WEATHER REPORT? IT'S BEEN PRISTINE FOR DAYS! WE SCHEDULED THE INDOOR SHOOTS FOR THEN! WERE YOU SERIOUSLY THINKING OF LEAVING THE EXTERIOR SHOOT FOR TODAY?" he roared.
The production manager went on the defensive. "David, the forecast was clear! We checked; this is a sudden storm..."
David grumbled, grabbed his megaphone, and addressed the entire crew. "That's a wrap for today! Everyone, head home! We start early tomorrow!"
The set had descended into pure chaos. People were running, shouting. The rain began to pick up, from a drizzle to a downpour.
Ellie ran to her trailer, her wet hair plastered to her face. Once inside, her dress was soaked, her body shivering. She immediately grabbed a towel and started changing.
After pulling on dry clothes, she collapsed into the chair, weighed down by the day's negative energy. She was truly exhausted today. But what tired her out more was the relentless pace she had to keep every day. Beyond the set's demands, there was a judgmental society she had to constantly win over. Hair care, hair color, nails, makeup, and clothes—she felt like a little doll being prepped for a ball, a decorated Barbie.
Back when she was obese and invisible, she didn't have problems like these. If she could ask that girl now, would she have agreed to this parade of preening just for a bit of attention and visibility?
As these thoughts wore her out, she caught her breath and closed her eyes for a moment. Right then, a knock came at the door.
"Just a second!" Ellie called out, quickly smoothing her hair and glancing in the mirror.
But the door knocked again, this time more urgent.
Ellie hurriedly opened the door. Kyle was there. He had changed into black jeans and a grey sweater. His hair was damp, and that mischievous, dimpled smile was on his face.
"How are you holding up?"he asked. "What are you up to?"
Ellie shrugged. "We wrapped. I'll probably go home and run my lines. I let everyone down; I should at least be prepared for tomorrow."
Kyle's face grew serious. He took a step inside, closing the distance between them.
"No,"he said firmly. "You're not going home this early."
Ellie looked up; his tall, built frame cast a shadow over her. She swallowed, asking in confusion, "Why?"
Kyle extended his hand. That familiar glint was in his eyes. Dangerous, exciting, roguish.
"You can practice your lines for a few hours tonight. But right now... Get up. I'm kidnapping you."
Ellie's heart began to race. "What? But where?"
Kyle grinned. "No hesitating. Come on. Come with me."
Ellie looked at him. There was something irresistible in Kyle's eyes. A challenge. Freedom. Adventure.
She hesitated for a second. Then... she smiled.
"Okay."She quickly grabbed her jacket and phone.
She was diving headfirst into this roguish adventure.
Kyle's car was a glossy black sports car. The interior greeted her with leather seats and the scent of new car. Ellie slid into the passenger seat, curious, and buckled her seatbelt.
Kyle got behind the wheel and started the engine. "Ready?" he asked. The happiness on his face was plain to see.
"Where are we going?" Ellie asked.
Kyle glanced sideways, that mischievous smile still playing on his lips. "Surprise," he said, pulling the car away.
The car sped off. Kyle immediately turned on the heater, warming the interior. "You must be freezing. You got soaked in the rain."
Ellie was surprised by even this small gesture. "Thank you. I'm warming up."
Kyle looked at her face, but his attention was caught by her nose, bright red against her pale skin. His concern wasn't eased; he pulled a small blanket from the glove compartment and placed it on her lap. "Here, use this too."
Ellie took the blanket with a timid look and draped it over herself. She loved the texture of the blanket. It was warm and soft. And it carried Kyle's scent lavender and a hint of sandalwood.
"Are you... always this thoughtful?" she asked quietly.
Kyle shrugged, but his smile deepened. "Only with people I care about."
Ellie's face flushed instantly, burning with excitement and shyness. She turned her head to the window, watching the world go by.
Kyle turned on some music to make the drive more enjoyable. A light, calm melody filled the car. A comfortable silence settled between them, not stagnant, but peaceful.
After a while, Kyle began to speak. "You know, on my first set, I did the exact same thing," he said.
Ellie turned to him, curious. "What do you mean?"
Kyle smiled. "Forgot my line. Three times in a row. The director was so mad he almost fired me. But the lead actor stepped in. 'Be patient, the kid's new,' he said. His support taught me a lot that day."
Ellie was shocked. "No way, you? The famous superstar Kyle! I'm amazed." She smiled.
Kyle watched her smiling face. He loved seeing her shake off that gloomy mood. "Everyone starts somewhere, Ellie. Nobody is born perfect. But what matters is... trying, not giving up."
As she listened to Kyle's words, Ellie felt a warmth spread inside her. "Thank you. Today... it would have been so much worse without you."
Without taking his eyes off the road, Kyle reached over and lightly brushed his hand against hers. "I'm always on your side. You deserve that."
The shift in his tone, from gentle to something more masculine and possessive, startled her slightly. But she couldn't control her wildly beating heart. Kyle's hand was warm, strong. And Ellie... Ellie was melting at his touch.
Half an hour later, they arrived at a small coastal town. Colorful houses, cobblestone streets, old fish restaurants... Everything looked like something out of a fairy tale.
Kyle parked the car and turned to Ellie. "Welcome to paradise," he said, gesturing to the town laid out before them.
Ellie looked out, her eyes lighting up. "This place... is amazing!"
Kyle got out, opened her door, and offered his hand. "Come on, princess. Let me show you around."
Ellie was embarrassed, but she was utterly captivated by the moment. She took his hand. The moment her fingers touched his, she felt an electric jolt.
Was this the touch of real love?
They went to a fish restaurant first. It was a small, intimate place. Old photos adorned the walls, the tables were wooden, and it had a sea view.
"Table for two,please," Kyle said. The hostess greeted them warmly and led them to a window seat.
Ellie looked at the menu. "Everything looks so good! Seeing the menu made me realize how hungry I am."
Kyle smiled. "Then let's get two grilled sea bass, what do you say?"
Ellie nodded in agreement. It was the first thing that had caught her eye.
Kyle gave their order to the waiter. Then he turned back to Ellie. "I trust your judgment; you choose the wine."
Ellie smiled. "Okay... Let's think of a wine that will crown the sea bass. I think a white, light, refreshing..." She made eye contact with the waiter. "Do you have a Sauvignon Blanc?"
The waiter smiled. "Yes, ma'am," he said, nodding.
"Perfect. A bottle, please."
After the waiter left, Kyle was watching Ellie with admiration. "You're truly incredible," he said. His eyes held a warm gaze. 'You're dazzling in every way.'
Ellie shrugged. 'Don't exaggerate, you'll spoil me. I'm afraid I might actually start to believe I'm the woman you describe.'
A soft expression crossed Kyle's face. "You should believe it!" he said. Then he reached out and took her hand. "Every moment I spend with you, I feel truly alive."
Ellie looked up, meeting his gaze. In his eyes, she saw pure sincerity. No lies, no games. Just... truth. And it was making her head spin...
When their food arrived, they ate, laughing heartily. Kyle told funny stories, and Ellie shared her own awkward memories. For the first time, they were truly getting to know each other.
"One time, I went to an open mic night," Ellie said. "While I was singing my song, a drunk guy got on stage and tried to dance with me. Then he fell over, knocked my microphone down, and the sound system blew. Everyone looked at me like it was my fault! It was a terrible night."
Kyle laughed so hard tears came to his eyes. "Oh my god! I wish I could have seen you in that moment!"
"It was awful!" Ellie was laughing too. "But thinking about it now... it's kind of funny."
The meal was wonderfully enjoyable. A while later, they left the restaurant and explored the town. They wandered through the market, visiting the little shops.
At one stall, Kyle bought a necklace Ellie had been admiring. And he gave it to her. "This is for you," he said, fastening it gently around her neck.
Ellie genuinely loved the necklace. "Kyle... it's beautiful. But..."
Kyle smiled. "No arguments. A souvenir of today."
Ellie was truly happy. This evening felt like a fairy tale coming true. "Thank you," she said, shyly leaning in and placing a warm kiss on his cheek.
Had Ellie Harper finally found true love?