Beyond the Billionaire's image

Chapter 2/1

LAHAT ng mga actors and actresses ay dumating na para sa isasalang nilang aktingan ngayon.

I clasped my hands to catch their attention. "Alright, today we're choreographing the big showdown. It's going to be intense, so safety first."

I handed him a practice sword and shield. "We start with a parry here, then a quick jab. Nice and fluid. Let's run through it slowly." We went through the motions, I'm guiding his movements.

"Good, good. Now, remember, it's not just about looking tough. Sell the emotion. This fight is a turning point for your character."

Ipinagpapatuloy namin ang pagpapahusay ng choreography, at nagbibigay ako ng mga tips sa tamang timing at expression.

"You're getting the hang of it. Now, let's pick up the pace a bit. And remember, I've got your back. If anything feels off, just let me know."

Nag-practice kami ng sequence sa mas mabilis na pace, at naririnig ang malakas na pagkakabangga ng aming practice weapons sa gym.

"Perfect! That was solid. Now, let's fine-tune a few more details, and we'll be ready to shoot this."

He nods, energized and ready for the challenge as we continue to refine the fight scene.

"Alright, next up is the reaction after the big swing. You've just blocked a powerful attack, so show me the strain, the effort. This is where your character's determination shines through."

I demonstrate the movement, emphasizing the grit and determination in my expression. He follows suit, embodying the intensity needed for the scene.

"Good, good. Now, let's add a spin move. It'll add flair to the fight and keep the audience engaged."

We practice the spin move, ensuring it flows seamlessly with the rest of the choreography. The actor starts to show a natural grace in his movements, adapting quickly to the demands of the scene.

"Aside from the physicality, remember the emotional beats. This fight is not just about showcasing your skills; it's about conveying the internal struggle of your character. Every swing, every parry should resonate with the audience."

We go through the sequence multiple times, each run refining the details and adding layers to the performance. The gym echoes with the sounds of our practice weapons meeting, creating a rhythmic cadence.

"Fantastic! You're nailing it. Now, let's integrate the dialogue. This is the moment where your characters exchange words while still engaged in the fight. It adds depth to the scene."

The director approaches us, observing the progress. "Looks like we're ready to shoot. Excellent work, both of you. Let's get the cameras rolling!"

The gym transforms into a makeshift film set, and the actors take their positions. The crew sets up the cameras, and the director calls for action.

*****

"That was good everyone. We shot the scene without any cuts. Good job!" Praises the director after completing a scene.

I cross my arms, observing the scene. Bumaba na sila sa set at lumapit sa pwesto namin. The actors staff and assistant are busy assisting their actors.

"I'm glad that Andromeda chose us to teach. It's easy to follow her, and she's really effective in teaching..." He winks at me, a gesture I don't reciprocate with any emotion.

"Absolutely! Andromeda is a dedicated woman. She's excellent at this..." He seconds the sentiment. My team is all smiles upon hearing this, but even though I'm pleased, I can't seem to express it.

"That's why you shouldn't have to leave us, Laci." Dumating si Lenox at pinantayan ako. May ngiti siya sa kaniyang labi habang nakatingin lang sa harap.

"Come on, Lenox, you're putting me in a difficult situation," I retort as Lenox levels his gaze at me, a smile playing on his lips.

He chuckles lightly, seemingly unfazed, "But I will wait, Laci, even if it takes several years." The smile on his face suggests it's not just about the job; it's about his feelings for me. However, I'm not ready for a romantic relationship with anyone.

"Don't wait for me, Lenox. You know I'm not into guys." I make it clear, but Lenox seems undeterred.

"Even if you claim to be into girls, I'll still be waiting for you. You'll accept me soon, I know," he insists.

I attempted relationships with men before, but I felt empty. I despise the way they flirt, stare with lust, and engage in physical contact. It's disgusting. The mere touch of a man makes me want to shower multiple times a day. I'm more comfortable with women, but even then, I'm selective.

When I catch those kinds of gazes directed at me, I can't help but feel triggered. It's as if something deep within me rebels against those advances.

Hindi ako sumagot sa kaniya hanggang sa natapos narin ang araw. We celebrate my farewell party at Lenox house. He has a huge swimming pool and he's living alone in a huge house.

We set up outside at ang iba ay naliligo na habang ako ay nakapantalon parin at nagsuot ng common shirt ko.

"Come on Laci, join us!"

I just shake my head and sipping my alcohol. "Water?"

Lumapit sa akin si Lenox dala ang isang basong tubig. I'm always requesting a glass of water whenever I drink alcohol. It's a habit. Inabot ko ito at nagpasalamat.

"Why aren't go for swimming? It's your last day today before you go?"

I know what they thinking. For several years na magkasama kami ay hindi pa nila nakita ang buong katawan kong naka bikini. I'm always using men clothes.

Because this body is the main reason why I feel so disgusted.

"Pass."

Tumawa lang siya sa sinabi ko. "I can't force you though. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, the papers you want me to work are already done. Do you want to check?"

Hindi na ako sumagot at tumayo agad. Ngumiti lang siya dahil alam niyang hindi ako nagpapaligoy pa.

We headed to his room where his computers and other things are settled. And he give me bunch of papers that I requested for him to work for a weeks now.

I read the content and nodded. I will send it to the producers we are working with. Ito rin kasi ang guide sa kanila upang mas ma adapt agad ang stunt na gusto nilang gawin sa pelikula and Lenox is the one who will assist them since he's now the team leader while I'm away.

My body halted when Lenox put his hands on my shoulder. Napalunok ako dahil nagsimula na naman ang kalbaryo ko. I'm okay with normal touch but when I feel that the touch is something flirty, namumutla agad ako. I don't want to touch like I'm a slut.

"Get your f*****g hands off me, Lenox.."

Hindi ito natinag at mas hinimas pa ang aking balikat hanggang braso and I feel my body started trembling. Hindi ako makagalaw dahil para akong nahihilo. I can't even move my limbs.

"Why are you so hard to get, Laci? If you just show your body, I won't let my body obsessed to touch you."

He whispered into my ears na mas nagpataas sa aking balhibo. I want to curse him and punch or even kill him but I can't, I can't move!

Fuck you Lenox! Hindi ka mauumagahan kapag nakakilos na ako!

He starting kissing my neck and all I could do is to close my eyes while cursing him in my head. f**k it!

Bumilis ang t***k ng puso ko at pinilit kong ikuyom ang aking kamao. When he slid his hand into my shirt, buong lakas kong kinuha ang kamay nito at binali upang makasigaw siya sa sakit.

My head are blank. I can't think of anything and I only want him to disappear.

"f*****g s**t! Laci!"

We heard multiple shouts from people behind us but I'm still holding his arm tightly na isang galaw nalang ay mapuputol na ito.

Hindi nila kayang hawakan ako dahil alam nilang hindi ako nagpapahawak ng basta- basta.

"Is he trying to touch you?" Mahinahon na tanong ni Hayden. Hindi ako sumagot na kinamura nilang lahat.

"f**k man, you shouldn't do that!"

"Please my hand! It's going to snap!" Natataranta niyang daing dahil hindi ko pa iyon binibitawan.

"L-laci, can you please let it go? I promise that it won't happen again." They begged me because they know that I can do an impossible thing, even killed people.

Lumuwag ang hawak ko rito na kinaatras niya agad. Takot na takot siyang nakatingin sa akin na pilit rin siyang pinapatayo nila.

Lenox already know me but he's insisting that I'm just trying to act not to touch by anyone. Akala niya ay special siya dahil pumayag akong maghalikan kami na ako naman ang unang naghalik rito to test but it's not triggered when I'm the one who initiated.

"I'm sorry Laci.. we know that he has an eye on you since day one but we thought it's just a talk.." Hayden apologetic.

Kumalma na ako ang tinitigan siya."It's up to you if you let him work with the team, Hayden but if I were the one who decided, he can still lead the team. He has a talent to do that. I will just forget what happened because I won't see him for a year.."

Nag aalala siyang tumingin sa'kin. " Is it really okay? Like, he--"

I raise my palm to stop him for talking." It is okay, don't worry.."

Nagsimula na akong maglakad palabas at ramdam kong nakasunod lang sila sa akin. Hindi ko na nakita pa si Lenox at wala akong pakialam. Nang kinuha ko na ang bag ko, hinarangan ako ni Hayden at hindi parin mawawala ang pag aalala sa mukha niya.

Pagod ko lang siyang tiningnan. "What is it, Hayden?"

He scratch his nape. "Can I at least take you to the airport? But if you won't, I'll understand." Bawi niya agad dahil wala man lang ako ng reaksiyon.

Nilampasan ko lang siya ngunit bago ko pa mabuksan ang gate, nagsalita na ako.

"6:30 am sharp. Don't be late."