We Lied

Chapter 1

"Cassy! You're so pretty! We love you!"

I smiled brightly at the crowd as I got out of my vehicle. The cheers grew louder and more enthusiastic as I walked towards the set. The fans were holding up signs with my name on them and shouting out words of encouragement. I waved and blew kisses to them, feeling grateful for their support. I took selfies with a few people and hugged them.

When I arrived, the production staff and the other actors and actresses greeted me. I ran and smiled at them gleefully.

"Oh my gosh, you don't have to run! Haha!" Kailey laughed and then hugged me.

"We just met yesterday, why do you always look excited?" Francesca teased. They are friends I made during the movie.

I pouted. "Don't you want to see me?" I asked.

"Oh, come on!" They laughed and invited me closer.

A production assistant greeted me warmly and led me to the dressing room. Inside, the team of stylists and makeup artists were eagerly waiting.

We are shooting the final part of the movie today. My role is about a naive young lady who has travelled back in time and met a noble knight. Today I have to say goodbye to my knight who I have already fallen in love with. Then they'll show a scene where I wake up and let the audience realise it was all just my last vivid imagination. I love the script.

As I was getting ready for my scene, I thought about how much acting had been my emotional refuge. It's the only place where I can express the feelings I cannot show others when I am 'me'. Pretty ironic, I'd say. I wonder how long I can keep this up.

I took a deep breath, trying to get into character. The director called for action and I switched my professional mode on.

The ocean shimmers and sparkles in the fading light, its waves gently lapping at the shore. I stared at the man who made me feel everything. The sun sets as if it was taking away the future that I so desire. I wish I could stay here forever, but fate is too cruel.

I reached out my hand to touch the face of my beloved. He closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of my hand. His thin peasant shirt moulds to his body when the breeze blows. His rough hands, calloused from holding a sword, made me feel safe and secure. Everything about him is perfect and divine.

"I love you," I said with a soft voice. "But you have to let me go."

I could see his expression change, but he remained quiet.

"I do not belong here, Lance. I can feel myself slipping away," I continued.

He looked into my eyes. "I am not a selfish man, Beatrice. But why does the world still choose to take you away from me?" he said in a voice that felt so weak. My heart hurt at the sight of his fragility. "Meeting you was the happiest moment of my existence. And losing you is the most painful wound I've ever obtained. It is too painful. Too painful that I wish I had never met you."

Hearing that broke my heart to pieces once again. "Do you... wish to forget me?" I said as tears rolled down my cheeks. I loathe the universe that forced me into this fate. I loathe it for giving me light and immediately taking it away.

He caressed my hand once again. I closed my eyes, fruitlessly hiding the pain away.

After a few seconds, I heard the director shout, "Cut!" and everyone cheered.

"That was great! Oh my God!"

"Wow! I forgot this is not real. That gave me goosebumps."

I opened my eyes, realizing it was just a scene. Lance, or rather the actor who played him, smiled at me and patted my hand. "Good job, Cassy," he said. "You nailed that scene."

We reviewed the clip and it had a very positive reaction from everyone. I thought we were going to retake it a few times to get it right. We shot extra scenes before it all ended. The sun had almost completely set by now, casting a warm orange glow over the beach. It was a beautiful sight, but I couldn't fully appreciate it with the heavy feeling in my chest. It is difficult to move on after emotional scenes.

A woman who was forced to fit in a world where she doesn't belong. A foreigner and an impostor. I chuckled at the thought. I sat down on a chair and closed my eyes. The internal silence was deafening, and I couldn't help but feel alone despite the constant presence of people around me.

My manager, Christine, ran to me with a towel and water in hand. "You did great, Cassy," she said with a smile. "We will be having a team dinner tonight, but your grandparents have been calling me a lot. They want you to go home."

I smile, forgetting my previous thoughts. My grandparents must have found out about my shooting schedule. They used to complain about my acting career, saying it takes me away from them. I guess that was true.

"Alright, I'll call them and let them know," I said, taking the towel and water from Christine.

"You sure you're okay?" she asked, looking at me with concern.

I smiled. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little emotional from the scene," I said, trying to play it off.

Christine nodded and left to attend to her other duties.

I called my grandparents and assured them that I was safe and that I would be home soon. I didn't tell them about the team dinner, knowing that they would worry even more if they knew I'm busy.

I bid farewell to the crew after everything was finished and headed back to my grandparents' home alone.

It has been months since I visited. I breathed deeply as I rolled down my window in front of the large iron gate that leads to the mansion.

"Hello," I greeted the guards.

"Young lady, welcome back!" they greeted me brightly. "We will notify them of your arrival."

I smiled gratefully and waited as the gates opened. I drove along the familiar winding road, surrounded by lush gardens and fountains, until I arrived at the front door of the mansion, where the maids were lined up in front. My grandparents, Ophelia and Marcus Adelais, showed up soon after and waved at my car.

I got out of the car and let someone park it. I smiled at my grandparents and said, "You didn't have to greet me this way."

"Maybe if you come home more often!" Grandma laughed. Grandpa just goes with her flow.

I hugged both of them. "I missed you," I said.

"Have you been eating well? We know too well you've got a habit of working until you pass out from exhaustion," Grandma asked with a worried look.

I nodded. "Yes, Grandma, I've been well. Christine helps me a lot."

"Good good."

We entered the mansion and headed to the dining room. It looked like a feast. As we approached the dining room, the savoury aroma of food made my stomach grumble with hunger. The room was decorated with fresh flowers, and the table was set with crystal glass, silverware, and china dishes.

"Wow, you really went all out," I commented as I took a seat at the table. I sat down in my usual spot, the exact one where I first learned the truth. I have been acting as a lovable grandchild for so long that I'm starting to believe it, too.

Even as we conversed happily, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disconnection.

"So, how has work been, Cassy?" my grandpa asked as he sliced his steak.

"It's been good, Grandpa. We just wrapped up a shoot today, and I'm taking a short break before starting on the next project," I replied, taking a sip of water.

"That's good to hear," he said, nodding in approval. "Take a long one, if you must."

We shared how we've been in the past months. It was a very cheerful atmosphere. I guess this was how I realized I had a knack for acting. After a while, Grandma changed the topic.

"Cassy, there is going to be a party hosted by Creed International. I would like to show you off to my friends. And I think it would be a nice way for you to meet someone," she said in a sweet voice. "I will be really happy if you decide to go, but I know you're at the peak of your career. If you want to focus on that, it's okay if you refuse."

"I will go if Grandma wants me to," I said with a smile.

"Really?" she asked.

I nodded. "Yup."

She beamed. "Good, good! The chairman's eldest son is a bachelor and he's only five years older than you. You said before that you like smart men. You might like him. Your grandpa met him," she said excitedly and looked at Grandpa. He usually only talks when asked.

Grandpa side-eyed her and shrugged. "I think he's an excellent man. Smart, rich, and handsome," he said as if he was forced. "But he's too perfect. He looked like the type of man who wouldn't fall for beauty."

"Oh, come on! Our Cassy is a lot more than just beauty!" Grandma said and rolled her eyes.

"What I'm trying to say is it's hard to get ahold of someone who needs nothing. I don't want our granddaughter to be hurt if she gets ignored by that boy. Because it seemed to me he was a total ladies' man," Grandpa explained.

I chuckled at my grandparents' banter. While I appreciated their concern for my well-being and happiness, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pressure and expectation.

"I'm sure he's a great guy, but let's not get ahead of ourselves," I said, trying to keep things light.

Grandma nodded. "Of course, of course. We just want you to be happy and find someone who will take care of you," she said, patting my hand.

"I know, Grandma. Thank you," I said, smiling at her.

As we finished our meal, my grandma turned to me and said, "You know, Cassy, we just want what's best for you. And we're always here to support you, no matter what you choose to do in life."

I smiled. "Thank you, Grandma. I appreciate that more than you know."

I know I said that, but to be honest, I don't know if any of those words reached me. Times like this make me hate myself.

As dinner wrapped up, I excused myself and headed to my room. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that I had earlier at dinner. I'm so tired of this life.

I lay down on my bed and thought about everything that had happened since I arrived. It was great to see my grandparents again. They are so kind. Too kind. Their kindness makes me feel even worse. I wish they would just treat me badly.

I knew that my grandparents meant well, but their well-intentioned words and actions aren't for me. I looked around my large room. It was beautifully decorated, with plush carpets, a large soft bed, and antique furniture. But it felt empty and sterile, devoid of any personal touches or traces of my personality.

As I lay there, I tried to remind myself of my goals. Earn money. Payback. Tell the truth. Leave. Just a bit longer. I just need to endure a bit longer.

Like a fool, I couldn't stop my tears again. I am very tired of life, but I don't want to die. I want to run away, but I'm a coward. I want to stop pretending, but I always end up trying to fit in and be liked. All these contradictions are fighting too loudly inside of me. I hope it ends before I lose myself.

"Haha," I laughed at my madness. "I'm so f****d up in the head, man."

I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to clear my head. Maybe I was just tired from work, and everything would look better in the morning.

I have to be happy.