Can't Hear the Voices in His Heart

Getting Closer

The next day, the first scene was my duel with Tyler. His emotions were direct and abundant, and I absorbed the feelings he conveyed, responding naturally from my character's perspective. Finally, the director didn’t call "cut," and we made it through. A sleepless night of studying films had paid off.

As we watched the playback, I felt a genuine spark of emotion in my eyes for Tyler. The director turned to me and said, “Not bad, great progress, Eli.”

Relief washed over me as I smiled. I thanked both the director and Tyler, saying, “I appreciate your patience and guidance, Tyler. That’s why I’ve improved so quickly.”

The director gave Tyler a meaningful look. “Guidance?”

Tyler smiled and replied, “Not really guidance; she has a good instinct.”

His smile made him seem approachable, but when he wasn’t smiling, he felt distant.

In the distance, Joanna approached, her disdain barely concealed. “Can we film my scene first? Director, I have to step out tomorrow,” she said, her gaze fixed on Tyler, completely ignoring me. In her mind, I was already labeled: “a woman who uses her body to get ahead.”

“Your scene is scheduled for tomorrow. Eli, do you have your lines prepared?” the director asked. I knew Joanna had no plans for tomorrow; she was just looking for trouble, her thoughts echoing her desire to see me fail.

I nodded and replied, “I’m ready. I can manage.”

“Then let’s get started. Director, I’m ready,” Joanna declared, striding confidently into the studio.

“Smack! This is none of your business, you clueless maid. Get out of my way.” Tyler slapped me, and the next part of the scene required him to pull Joanna away. However, she missed her mark, forcing us to repeat the take.

For the next hour, she made various excuses, and my face began to swell from the repeated slaps. Tyler suggested using a stand-in, but I sensed the director's disapproval and refused.

Finally, on the tenth take, Tyler leaned in and whispered something to her. After that, she stopped deliberately messing up. It seemed he had said something that pleased her, filling my mind with her satisfaction.

“Master, you can’t leave. Your father will be furious,” I said, my voice carrying a pitiful quality, likely due to my swollen face.

“Get lost! This is my business. If you dare to spill any secrets, I guarantee you won’t see the sun tomorrow,” he shot back.

As the shoot wrapped up, I iced my face and watched them leave together, a surge of unfamiliar emotions rising within me.

The assistant director approached and offered some comforting words. I smiled, assuring him it was fine; the director’s praise was my greatest reward.

Back in my room, I collapsed onto the sofa, feeling immobile. Despair sometimes enveloped me, and I needed to draw strength from my family to push through. I thought of my dad and wanted everything to improve for him, which gave me the courage to continue.

A knock on the door broke my thoughts. I opened it to find Tyler standing there.

“Here, use it; you willll feel better soon.” His tone was calm, devoid of emotion. I assumed he should be with Joanna at this time.

“Thank you, Tyler.”

“Can I come in and sit for a moment?” he asked, though it felt more like a command as he stepped inside.

He glanced around the room before sitting on the sofa, leaning back and crossing his legs, exuding an air of relaxation. I felt awkward, standing as if I were a guest.

“Sit down,” he said.

I complied and sat across from him. “I’m sorry you had to go through that today,” he said sincerely.

“It’s fine; it’s not your fault,” I whispered.

“Your performance has improved rapidly; you’re the fastest learner I’ve seen,” he praised, making me genuinely happy. I looked up at him and thanked him.

“Did you know your eyes are very beautiful?” His unexpected compliment left me at a loss for words, and I simply lowered my gaze.

His long fingers reached toward me, and I instinctively flinched away. His hand paused, as if waiting for something.

After a moment, he stood up and said, “Get some rest!” He strode out, leaving the scent of his cologne lingering in the air.