Chapter 4: Rivals In The Wings
1020 Words
Cia's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the soft glow of hospital lights. She winced, her head throbbing. As she sat up, a gentle hand supported her back.
" Easy, Cia. Take your time ," Max's soothing voice said.
Cia's gaze fell on her trusted assistant, Max, beside her bed.
" Where...where am I ? " she asked, confusion clouding her mind.
"Doc Kay's hospital," Max replied. "You're safe now."
Memories of last night began to resurface – the party, the masked man, and...him. The handsome, mysterious stranger who saved her.
Cia's heart skipped a beat as she recalled his amber eyes, his strong jawline, and his bravery.
" Doc Kay ", Cia called out.
Her personal doctor entered, a warm smile on her face. "Good morning, Cia. How are you feeling? "
" Who brought me here ? " Cia asked.
Doc Kay hesitated before answering, "A gentleman, Cia. He didn't leave his name, but he ensured you received the best care."
Cia's heart swelled with gratitude. She longed to thank her mysterious savior.
" Is he...is he here ? ", she asked.
Doc Kay shook her head. " No, Cia. He left immediately after ensuring your safety ."
Disappointment washed over her.
Just then, her bodyguards, Mark and Alex, entered, looking somber.
" Cia, we're so sorry," James said. "We failed to protect you."
Cia reassured them, " No, it's not your fault. You were drugged, and I'm safe thanks to...thanks to him ."
As they apologized further, Cia's phone rang. She answered, and the Hollywood manager's voice filled her ears.
" Cia, darling, we have an incredible new project. Please come to the industry today. It's urgent ."
Cia made up her mind. "Doc Kay, discharge me now. I have things to do."
Doc Kay nodded. "As you wish, Cia."
With Max's support, Cia prepared to leave.
" Inform James to get the cars ready ", she ordered Alex who quickly passed the message.
*
Cia marched into the Hollywood industry's conference room, a vision of elegance Her custom-made, floor-length gown shimmered under the lights, accentuating her poised confidence. The fitted, strapless bodice highlighted her toned shoulders, while the flowing silk chiffon skirt rustled softly with each step. A delicate silver necklace adorned her neck, complementing her understated yet radiant makeup.
Heads turned, and whispers followed.
" Wow, Cia's looking stunning ."
" Did you see her last film? She stole the show ."
As she entered, the room fell silent. Industry professionals, actors, and managers rose from their seats, greeting her with reverence.
" Cia, darling! So lovely to see you ."
"Cia, you're a vision."
" Cia, your beauty never ceases to amaze me ," said Rachel, the manager, with a warm smile.
Cia smiled graciously, exchanging pleasantries. However, not everyone shared the warmth.
Victoria, a rival actress, sneered, "Cia, still riding the coattails of your last success?"
Emily, another actress, chimed in, "Yeah, and still relying on your looks."
Ethan, a charming but arrogant actor, added, "I'm surprised she doesn't have a entourage to speak for her."
Cia's gaze locked onto the trio, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Oh, Victoria, still struggling to find relevance? Emily, your last film bombed, didn't it? And Ethan, I didn't know self-absorption was an Olympic sport."
The room fell awkwardly silent. Victoria's face reddened, Emily's eyes widened, and Ethan's smirk faltered.
Rachel intervened, "Cia, please, join us. We have an exciting project."
As Cia took her seat, Rachel continued, "We'd love for you to star in our new film. You're perfect for the lead."
Cia listened intently, her interest piqued.
"We envision this film as a solo showcase for your talent," Rachel added.
Cia's expression turned firm. "I'm not interested without Max."
The room exchanged puzzled glances.
"Max?" Rachel repeated. "But—"
"He's my partner, my friend since elementary school," Cia explained. "We've shared every step of our careers. I won't do this without him."
Max and Cia's history flashed through her mind:
Elementary school playmates, bonding over shared dreams.
High school drama club, rehearsing lines together.
College, landing their first roles, side by side.
Their friendship deepened, a symbiotic relationship.
Max knew her strengths, weaknesses, and quirks.
Cia understood his fears, passions, and ambitions.
Together, they navigated the cutthroat industry.
Their rivals whispered, envy etched on their faces.
"Special treatment, as always," Victoria muttered.
"Guess being Cia's friend has its perks ," Ethan sniped.
" Unbelievable ," Emily added.
Rachel's smile remained unwavering. " We'll make it work, Cia. Max will be welcomed aboard ."
Cia's eyes sparkled, a silent thank you to Rachel.
As the meeting concluded, Cia rose, her presence commanding respect.
" I'll review the script. Let's make this happen ."
With that, she exited, leaving a trail of admiration and envy
*
Damien lounged in his swivel chair, lost in thought. His mind was consumed by Gwen, his long-lost mate. He wondered if she had kept her promise to .He have waited for several years but there are still no sign of her.
What if she's not yet born? Then he'll wait till she's born and he finds her. And what if she's married somewhere ?
" Master, your tea is ready ," a maid interrupted, serving him black tea before departing.
Damien's gaze remained fixed on the ceiling. Nothing brought him joy like black tea.
Just as he raised the cup, his phone pierced the silence.
" Who dares disturb me ? " he growled, answering.
"Hi, Damien," a female voice cooed.
He recognized the sugary tone. The rude crybaby." Miss Star. How delightful ."
"Cut the sarcasm, please," she snapped. " Meet me at Griffith Observatory at sunset ."
Damien chuckled. "You think I'd obey your summons? You're bold, I'll give you that. I don't go to places ".
" Your arrogance won't save you ," Cia hissed. " You'll regret ignoring me ."
" Is that a threat ? " Damien's voice dripped with amusement. " How quaint ."
" Mark my words ," Cia spat before the line went dead.
Damien sighed, rolling his eyes. " Pathetic humans ."
- Writer
