Slap!
A sharp gasp echoed through the room, followed by a stunned silence. It was as if the sound itself had vanished under the weight of the moment. In the midst of it all stood a lady draped in a deep red dress that clung to her like fire, a color so bold and unforgiving that it served as a cruel contrast to the softness of her delicate features.
"Does it hurt?" She whispered, each word laced with ice. "Feel it! It's exactly what you deserve."
The other woman barely swayed. The flowing white dress she wore made her seem soft and small against the backdrop of the woman in red. She looked so pure, so pitiful, as her hair spilled over her face, casting shadows where the sting had bloomed.
Her lips trembled, but only for a moment.
With a slow and deliberate breath, the woman in white straightened and in that split second, she embodied courage in her weak bones.
"Are you done?" She asked in a quiet, almost delicate tone but beneath her words lay something unyielding. Her hands curled at her sides, her nails biting into her palms, yet she refused to lift them to her cheek. Refused to acknowledge the pain. "Or would you like to hit me again?"
"Cut! We got it, thank God." The director sighed, his last word nearly lost under his breath.
Then, at his cue, the crew sprang into action. They began packing up equipment and wrapping cables like a locust plague sweeping through the fields.
It was the final scene of the day and exhaustion hung in the air, mixing with a quiet, unspoken relief. The kind that comes when a long day has stretched even longer than it should have.
CeCe walked silently toward the corner of the room. She was gently but absentmindedly touching her swollen cheek when she heard a soft, apologetic voice behind her.
"Are you okay? Sorry... I guess, I got a little carried away."
With a smile that came naturally to her, CeCe turned around and there she was—Bea Agustino, the rising star, the newest It Girl of her generation and the female lead of this drama.
Her voice was gentle, almost too gentle, laced with sugar that it made CeCe feel like she was drowning in honey.
"I didn't think it would take that many tries, but well, accidents happen, right?" A small chuckle escaped her lips. "You were amazing, though. You really held your ground... like, really"
CeCe's fingers that was still resting against her cheek twitched ever so slightly as they grazed the lingering heat on her skin.
"It's okay, Ms. Bea." She replied, the corners of her lips curving into something sweet and calm as she let her hand fall naturally on her side. "No need to apologize. I understand… not everyone thrives under pressure. It must be hard on you."
Her eyes flickered just for a second, as she caught the way Bea's eyes trembled. That moment lasted a beat too long for it to be just an illusion.
"I mean… it's not like you meant it, right?" CeCe smiled innocently.
"Of course not!" Bea denied, almost too forcefully for her liking.
"Just as I thought!" CeCe nodded like its as expected then she paused and added, her voice light as air. "I'm sure you were just... caught up in the moment."
"Well, I certainly knew you wouldn't mind." Bea allowed a soft smile to appear on her face.
She stared at CeCe with an expression that implied she, was being unreasonable if she said no.
"Of course not, Ms. Bea. Why would I?" CeCe replied, tilting her head ever so slightly as she added with conviction. "It's an honor to work with you."
Hearing this, Bea raised a brow, clearly skeptical, but CeCe remained unfazed. She let her gaze linger on Bea with concern, every expression carefully softened, conveying the empathy she wished Bea to feel.
"But if you don't mind me saying, I just hope you're taking care of yourself, Ms. Bea. Because when you struggle…everyone feels it." She said, even nodding a little, wearing the perfect picture of quiet worry. "It honestly makes me feel so bad for the crew... and of course, for you as well."
Then, before Bea could react, CeCe reached forward and took her hand, giving it a small, reassuring squeeze before continuing.
"Oh, but don't worry. It just looks swollen—thisis nothing." Her smile widened as she tilted her head just enough for the studio light to catch her bruised cheek. "We all have to endure a little pain sometimes… that's what makes us stronger, right?"
A hush fell over the crew.
Their gazes shifted between the two actresses, though more often toward CeCe as they listened to her soft, sincere voice. The longer they do, the more their eyes strayed to the red spot blooming on her cheek.
They remembered how many takes Bea had ruined today, dragging the entire crew down with her.
For someone hailed as an A-list actress, Bea's performance had been unusually sloppy. She struggled through a simple scene that somehow needed multiple takes and yet, every single time, she slapped CeCe like there was no tomorrow.
They were all veterans, so there were things they knew without needing them spelled out. However, there was something almost angelic in the way CeCe carried herself. The slight tremble, the way she seemed to hold back tears not for her own sake but out of compassion for everyone who had to endure Bea's antics.
She felt wrong for the whole crew and could not help but stand up for them, yet she did so while still trying not to hurt Bea's feelings.
That—that was what didn't sit right with them.
CeCe is such a sweetheart!
She's trying to protect everyone's feelings and wronging herself in the process.
They took one last glance at CeCe's bruised cheek
Bea had been a little too much, today.
They thought as they couldn't help but feel a quiet sympathy bloom in their chests.
Bea, on the otherhand, felt the crew's subtle attention toward CeCe settling heavier on her shoulders but she remained as composed as ever.
Her posture was impeccably flawles, still smiling, still effortless. Still the very picture of grace. It's as if she weren't the one whose carefully crafted mask had cracked just moments ago.
"Your optimism is quite admirable." Bea said, pulling her hand away gently. "But you must be tired. It's just right, my assistant's here. How about I give you a lift?"
CeCe's smile only brightened. "That's very kind of you, Ms. Bea. But no need. My manager will be here soon."
Bea said nothing more.
She simply gave CeCe a look—deep and knowing—before turning away with her skirt flowing behind her every movement.
CeCe's smile never faltered.
It only grew stronger as she watched Bea walk away, step by step, until she disappeared from view.
Then, as if on cue, Ms. M came rushing over.
"Sorry! Traffic was a total nightmare. I should've left earlier. Are you done filming—" She stopped mid-huff, noticing the distant look in CeCe's eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Red looks better on me."
Ms. M frowned. "Look what?"
CeCe's lips curled into a practiced smile, the kind that seemed effortless but was anything but.
She straightened her posture, smoothing out invisible wrinkles on her white sleeve as if brushing away a part of herself she couldn't quite grasp.
"Nothing, Ms. M." She said lightly. "Shall we?"
Ms. M's brows furrowed slightly but before she could ask further, CeCe was already walking ahead, making it clear she wasn't in the mood to talk.
They had just reached the parking lot when Ms. M noticed the faint swelling on CeCe's cheek.
"What happened to your face?"
"We had to do several takes to get the scene right. It took longer than expected," CeCe answered, her smile mirthless.
"I see." Ms. M gave her a brief glance. "Let's stop by a convenience store and get you some ice."
CeCe hummed in agreement, never bothering to explain the taping's twists and turns. There was never a need to.
After that last-minute role-switching fiasco, CeCe went on to audition for another part. The replacement had left her in a bad mood for a few days, but she was tenacious to the bone or maybe just naturally hardheaded. She began convincing herself that what happened was nothing but a minor hurdle. A temporary setback on her path to success.
She would find a new role soon, something no lesser than the one she lost and with enough self-hypnosis, she did.
CeCe put herself out there again, and eventually, she landed a part in this production.
It's a romance series filled with love, betrayal and revenge and she played the stereotypical mistress of the female lead's husband.
She was actually quite satisfied with what she got. After all, no matter how generic the role, sometimes you just had to keep moving forward to reach the next level. She believed this would also be the case this time.
Things were looking rather optimistic, CeCe thought, as she listened to Ms. M recount her schedule for the month.
"You've got a deodorant ad shoot tomorrow. Call time's at 3. I've got other appointments so I can't drop you off. Just book a rideor something."
CeCe nodded absentmindedly but was already thinking of just grabbing a motorbike taxi. It was cheaper and could zip through traffic faster than a car.
"By the way, remember Director Cabangon?"
"Of course." How could she ever forget the director from that failed Female Lead #2 role?
"He called and said he's offering you a cameo in a new rom-com series. If you're interested, that is."
"Of course, I'll take it!" She said, excitement bubbling up.
Finally, she had another 'little something' to look forward to again.
"By the way Ms M, are there any upcoming auditions? I'm almost done with my scenes here so I was thinking of trying out for a new role."
"Now that you mention it, one of my sources says the Prime Time King is making a comeback movie this year. Director Kiko is set to direct and produce. He's one of the rare ones who prioritize talent over backstage deals. If you start preparing now, this could be your big break."
"I'll give it a try then."
Ms. M briefly glanced at her through the rearview mirror and in that fleeting moment, noticed how CeCe's face seemed to glow like a flower suddenly infused with new vitality.
***
CeCe tilted her head as Dina dusted the last bit of powder across her cheekbones. "Done?" She asked, blinking up at her through the mirror.
It was Saturday and she was getting her makeup done by her friend, Dina, on the set of Under the Nightsky.
They had first met two years ago on a certain production where CeCe was just an extra and Dina was a rookie makeup artist. The two hit it off right away, and so to this day, Dina remained one of her closest friends in the industry.
"Yup...you don't need a ton of makeup afterall." Dina stepped back, eyeing her work with satisfaction. "Perfect! You're honestly my favorite to work on. Your skin makes everything look good."
CeCe smirked. "Well, I do wake up flawless."
"Yeah, yeah… keep telling yourself that." Dina snorted, earning CeCe's laugh on the process.
She zipped up her kit with a huff. "Anyway, I gotta run. The production next door's short on MUAs so guess who they roped in for today?" She rolled her eyes and shoved a few palettes into her bag. "Yep. Me. As if I don't already have enough on my plate."
"Wow. Abandoning me for another set? Rude."
"Ugh, the betrayal." Dina smirked but lowered her voice as she leaned in. "But guess why they're short-staffed?"
CeCe perked up. "Why?"
Dina glanced around, making sure no one was eavesdropping. Then, with flair, she whispered, "You know that petite girl with the curly hair?"
CeCe frowned, thinking. "The one who somehow always gets assigned to the big names?"
"Uh-huh." CeCe's brows lifted. "What about her?"
Dina smirked, zipping up her kit before leaning in again. "A young investor visited the set the other day. You know, one of those rich types who actually looks good and not like some crusty old businessman?"
CeCe snorted. "Rare breed."
"Exactly! Anyway, she caught wind of it and like clockwork she glued herself to the guy. I mean, full-on'strategic wardrobe adjustment, unnecessary arm touches and a laugh that could shatter glass' mode."
"Not the wardrobe adjustment!"
Dina nodded solemnly. "Oh, you know the classic 'let me lean forward just enough to remind you I have assets' kinda move."
CeCe covered her mouth. "She did? What about our guy?"
"He shoved her off. Literally. Like at one point, she leaned in too close and the man just firmly redirected her away like he was closing a refrigerator door that wouldn't shut properly."
"Oh my..."
"I swear it was like watching someone swat away a persistent mosquito except the mosquito had heels and a full glam look."
CeCe covered her mouth, laughing. "And then what? Did she finally get the hint?"
Dina clapped her hands together. "Oh no, honey. The director had to throw her out. Like, Miss, we're working here not hosting a meet-and-greet for desperate flirts."
"Wow."
Dina shrugged. "Well, to be fair, the girl's pretty. She's got the capital to seduce but clearly, the market wasn't buying, so..."
CeCe paused, as if contemplating something, then gave Dina a knowing smile.
"I do get where she's coming from. I mean, I'd like to think I wouldn't pull the same move, but if the opportunity presented itself...well, who's to say I wouldn't get a little creative?"
She shrugged with a playful smirk.
Dina grinned, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Fair enough. But if you're gonna gamble at least know when to fold. Hold on too long when the other's not even betting? You're just embarrassing yourself." She wiped away a fake tear. "Anyway, I gotta run before the next set starts screaming for their MUA."
CeCe crossed her arms. "And you're planning to haul all that by yourself?" She pointed at the makeup kit which was almost as big as Dina's ego.
"I do it every day, ma'am." Dina rolled her eyes, slinging one bag over her shoulder.
"Not today. Come on, I'll help you carry some of it."
Dina gave her a look. "Since when did you become this helpful?"
CeCe flipped her hair dramatically. "Since I realized I'm an angelic soul."
Dina snorted. "More like you're stalling because you don't want to go back to work."
CeCe gasped. "How dare you? I am a dedicated professional!"
Dina cackled. "Uh-huh, sure. Fine, come on then, Saint CeCe of the Merciful. You can carry the lightest bag."
CeCe scoffed but grabbed a bag anyway, and the two walked off, still bickering like a reality show duo until they reached the next set.
"There. You're all set." CeCe dusted off her hands and turned back toward the hallway. "I'm heading back now."
"Thanks, girl!" Dina called after her.
CeCe grinned, waving lazily over her shoulder but as she made her way back, she barely took two steps before—
Her foot slid.
Yeah, it was a total cliché but because the universe had a twisted sense of humor the floor just had to be wet, and lucky CeCe? She got the full romcom heroine eats-the-floor experience free of charge!
The world seemed to slow down, and for a split second, CeCe just accepted her fate.
So this is how I go. Death by wet floor?!
NOOOOO!!
In that split second, her brain started working faster than it ever had. Maybe if she posed like a mermaid after the fall, it would look like she was striking a dramatic modeling pose?
Or—wait—what if she glided and slid like she was rehearsing for an action scene? Yeah, that could work! Like a dedicated professional actress who did her own stunts. Never mind that she wasn't filming an action movie or that this was a rom-com. Details.
But before she could hit the ground something, or someone caught her.
A strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her before she could even process what was happeningnd then just as fast, she was standing again with both feet planted firmly on the floor.
CeCe's heart hammered. She swallowed, staring at the ground or more specifically at the pair of impossibly expensive-looking shoes in front of her.
Luxury. Custom-made. She didn't even need to look up to know.
Embarrassment prickled at her skin.
"S-Sorry." She mumbled, still staring at his shoes.
The man simply shrugged. "No problem." Then he walked away without another word as his polished shoes clicking against the floor.
CeCe let out a slow breath, still processing what had just happened.
"OMG! Girl, are you okay?"
Dina's voice snapped CeCe out of her daze.
She turned just in time to see Dina rushing toward her, eyes wide with concern but beneath it there was definitely something akin to excitement mixed in.
"Yeah, just shookt." CeCe muttered.
Dina let out a dramatic sigh of relief then immediately switched gears, practically vibrating with excitement. She grabbed CeCe's arm. "Do you even realize who that was?!"
"Ummm?"
Dina smacked her. "That's Philip Benedict Garcia! As in, the CEO! As in, the investor!"
CeCe's mouth fell open slightly. She glanced over her shoulder but the man was already gone.
Dina kept gushing beside her however CeCe was barely listening. Her mind was stuck on the way he had caught her. His firm grip, the effortless strength, that deep and composed voice. Then—
He smells really good.
And that was her biggest takeaway from the whole ordeal.