Connected Blood

12 - Under the Spotlight

Back inside the van, heading to our next destination at Victorina Studio for the premiere night fittings. I glanced at Maxene beside me, who was busy organizing files. Curiosity got the best of me. “Where’s Matthew? I haven’t seen him around lately.”

Maxene didn’t look up. “He’s at the company, swamped with calls, meetings, and sorting out your schedule. Since he’s juggling another artist right now, we agreed I’d manage you full-time for now.”

It hit me how much work they put in behind the scenes. While I hustled from one shoot to the next, they dealt with endless paperwork and logistics to keep everything running smoothly. I respected them even more for that.

We soon arrived at Victorina Studio. I donned my mask and hat as always; I hated being photographed off-camera. The staff welcomed me warmly, guiding me to the VIP room. As I settled on the plush couch, they wheeled in racks of dresses, each one stunning but overwhelming.

“What should I wear?” I whispered to Max, unsure of what would suit the event’s theme best.

She smirked. “Something that’ll make Win regret everything.”

I swatted her playfully. “Be serious!”

Max stood and spoke with the staff, who promptly removed dresses that clashed with the premiere’s theme. Left with three choices, I studied each closely. The first was a sleek black gown, its thigh-high slit revealing just enough to exude elegance while golden accents cinched the waist. The second was a bold red tube dress, paired with gloves and a cape, radiating confidence and allure. Lastly, a silver glittery gown caught my eye, its flowing cape and ribbon-like sleeves giving it a graceful yet striking look.

Maxene smirked. “Why don’t we let Draco decide?”

I blinked, surprised. “Draco? Seriously?” I glanced at him, standing quietly near the couch. His tall, imposing figure and stoic expression gave nothing away.

“Right, Draco?” Max called him. He nodded, his sharp gaze unwavering. Great, I thought. The man who barely speaks is now my fashion judge.

Sighing, I had no choice and headed to the fitting room.

The dress hugged my figure perfectly, emphasizing every curve. I walked out with a confident stride, spinning once before stopping in front of Draco and Max. The staff gasped, clearly impressed. “Well?” I asked, looking directly at Draco.

“Next,” Draco said curtly, barely sparing me a glance.

I scoffed. “Not even a compliment?” I mumbled, retreating to change into the red dress.

No response.

With an eye roll, I stormed back to the fitting room and slipped into the red dress. It screamed confidence and boldness, a look that could stop anyone in their tracks. I strutted out again, this time striking a pose.

“Next,” Draco said again, his voice unwavering. He leaned back on the couch, looking like he was swiping through a catalog rather than judging my look.

My frustration grew. “Unbelievable,” I muttered, stomping back to try the last dress.

Still no reaction. Frustrated, I stomped back to the fitting room and put on the silver gown. Its shimmer caught the light beautifully, and the intricate ribbon design at the back added a touch of elegance. This time, I walked out casually, standing in front of them without fanfare.

“That’s it,” Draco said, rising from the couch.

“What do you mean, ‘that’s it’?” I asked, crossing my arms.

“That’s the one,” he replied firmly before walking out of the room.

I stood there, stunned and speechless. Maxene grinned as she approached me. “He has good taste. That dress brings out your best features. You look radiant.”

Her compliment softened my irritation, and I returned to the fitting room to change, feeling a bit more confident.

---

Later, as we headed to the screening, Max could sense my growing anxiety. “Act normal. Don’t let him get to you,” she advised, her tone firm but supportive.

“I won’t,” I replied, though my hands trembled slightly. I took slow, deep breaths, mentally preparing for what lay ahead.

The meeting room was buzzing with energy. Cast members, supporting actors, and staff were all gathered, exchanging greetings and laughter. I plastered on a bright smile as I greeted everyone.

“Sync! You’re glowing!” Director Heidi beamed as she hugged me. She had been one of my favorite directors, her unique vision always bringing out the best in her cast.

“I missed you, Direk,” I said warmly.

“You and Win came together?” she asked, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

My smile faltered for a moment. “No.”

It wasn’t public knowledge yet, but Win and I had broken up shortly after the series wrapped. The pain was still fresh, but I couldn’t bring myself to share it with anyone, not even the people closest to me.

“Oh, there he is!” Heidi exclaimed, waving at someone behind me.

I turned slowly, my chest tightening as I saw him. Win, with his perfectly styled black hair and charming dimples, wore a sleek black outfit that exuded confidence. He looked as composed as ever, while I felt like my insides were unraveling.

He approached us, his smile as disarming as ever. He hugged the director before acknowledging me with a polite nod. Our eyes met briefly, and I forced myself to smile back, though my heart was pounding.

“Let’s start the screening!” Heidi announced, and everyone took their seats.

To my dismay, Win and I ended up seated next to each other. As the lights dimmed and the opening scene played, I could feel the tension between us, a palpable weight that neither of us acknowledged. I focused on the screen, determined not to let him see how much he still affected me.

Yet, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Draco, seated a few rows behind, his gaze fixed not on the screen but on me. It was as if he was silently observing, reading every flicker of emotion I tried to suppress.

And for a fleeting moment, amidst the shadows of my past and the glaring spotlight of the present, I felt a strange sense of comfort in his unwavering presence.