Pretending

Ara's audition is up next. Timothy's smile proves that he will surely give her a hard time. She has no choice but to push through the audition and pass it no matter what. The success of her mission lies in this audition. She takes a deep breath and smiles. As Timothy sees her smile, he flusters and looks away. Ara notices and takes advantage of it.

"If he looks away, it's only for two reasons: one, it could be that he's holding a grudge for not getting an apology earlier, or maybe I think too highly of myself and assume he's interested in me. Haha, I'm so silly." All in her head.

She then walks toward the center and greets the judges while still smiling. She focuses her eyes on Timothy, provoking him.

"This girl has guts to stare at me like that! Tch. But... I must say, she smiles beautifully... The heck! What am I thinking?!" He shrugs off the thought and clears his throat.

"Tell us what the company can benefit from you?"

"Dear judges, I may not be the most beautiful lady here, but I've got the charm that will captivate everyone around me." She smiles even more cutely with a giggle. She lets out a captivating aura she discovered not long ago. This ability helps her breeze through effortlessly. But it has its limits, those with hatred or true love in their hearts won't be affected.

"I can see the company's new star!" the director says with a wide smile.

"My new designs will fit you perfectly," the designer adds, his eyes sparkling as he daydreams of his creations worn by Ara.

"I'll surely sign you up as a new talent right now!" the talent manager tells a staff to hand her the contract.

"I guess there's nothing else for me to say." Timothy's cheeks turn red. He looks down at the papers to hide it.

"But I haven't done anything yet. At least let me sing a song as my audition piece." She immediately begins singing, pouring emotion into a love song that strikes deep into their hearts. Even the staff shed tears at her astounding voice. Timothy's heart races uncontrollably. She leaves a great impression on everyone, except Stacy.

"This bitch really knows how to play innocent! I stuck with her because I didn't see her as a threat. Tch." Stacy glares. Ara feels a sudden chill on her spine. She knows someone in the room hates her, but she can't pinpoint who. The aura of hatred fades before she can identify the source. She finishes her song and looks back, everyone applauds. She must remain cautious around everyone until she identifies who bears a grudge.

"Ara Khalil, you pass the audition! Welcome to House of Flame Entertainment!" the talent manager says as she walks up and squeezes her hand. Ara smiles happily and thanks the judges. She hurries to Stacy and hugs her. In that moment, she feels that same unsettling aura.

"Stacy's the source. Her friendliness was just an act. I need to play along if she makes it in. I won't let her know I'm aware of her hatred." Ara smiles at Stacy and wishes her good luck. Stacy, despite her annoyance, pretends to congratulate her warmly.

The audition ends. Only five new talents pass, including Stacy. The rest leave the room. Ara and the others are told to stay a while longer. The talent manager hands them the talent handbook with do's and don'ts. After a few minutes, they all say their goodbyes. Stacy leaves first without a word to Ara. As Ara walks down the hall, a man stops her.

"Miss Ara, Mr. Bright is waiting for you in the parking area."

"Eh? What does he want from me?"

"Please, just come and follow me."

"O-Okay." She follows the man and soon sees Timothy leaning against a car.

"I thought you wouldn't come." Timothy walks toward her and leans in close.

"Is there something you want to say?" Ara asks coldly.

"Aren't you afraid I'll get you fired?"

"Not at all. From now on, you and I are equals. I'm a talent in the same company. Just because you're famous doesn't mean you can bully me." Her eyes are fierce.

"Tch. How ungrateful. If I hadn't passed you, you wouldn't have made it." He blurts out in annoyance.

"Oh really? Even if you didn't, I'd still have passed. That's 3 to 1 in my favor." She smiles to irritate him.

"You sure you want to make an enemy out of me? Don't think too highly of yourself. You're just a rookie." He stuffs his hands into his pockets and turns around.

"Why do you care? You shouldn't waste your time on a rookie like me. Mr. Bright, I won't back down, even if you make things hard. I look forward to the challenge. Hopefully, our paths won't cross again." She turns to leave. Stacy is just around the corner, eavesdropping. She bites her lip in anger and walks off.

Meanwhile, Tyler's audition goes smoothly. He lands the role of the Emperor's most trusted imperial guard. He could've been the lead, but he tells Slacovich not to cast him as such. The Demonfire Group of Companies invests a large sum in the film The Emperor's Secrets. Secretary Li contacts Volton's secretary with Slacovich's proposal. Volton can't resist the tempting offer. He leaves the audition midway and sends a replacement judge. Slacovich is informed late that Volton is one of the judges. Volton may have seen Ara, but not long enough to sense her unusual scent. Vampires can easily detect one of their kind up close.

As expected, President Hellgazer shows up. Only President Demonfire and his secretary are present. He greets Volton and shakes his hand before offering him a seat and handing him the proposal.

"Let's set aside our conflicts for now. Business is still business, personal issues aside, right?" Slacovich eyes him sharply, aware Volton's men are outside, ready to ambush.

"That's true."

"Then what's with the little army waiting outside?"

"Just making sure I'm not walking into a trap. You've got a keen eye, but you brought backup too."

"I don't trust you. That's why."

"Very straightforward. Same here. Shall we move on to why we're really here?" Volton opens the folder and reviews the proposal.

"What do you say?"

"Not bad. Your proposal's nicely done. But why my company?"

"And why not? Demon Fang Entertainment is still the largest in the industry. A temporary truce could benefit us both."

"I get your point. But why House of Flame Entertainment? I may be old, but I'm not ignorant." Volton senses there's more than just profit behind this deal.

"House of Flame has the most famous leading actor. I want him for the lead in our film. Think of it as a win-win."

"Using my actor gives your film exposure, and my company name. You'll profit a lot from this. Not a bad deal." Volton signs the contract, followed by Slacovich. The final page states that neither side may harm anyone working under the other. They agree. A final handshake seals the deal before Volton leaves with his men.

Sofie and Diego arrive and sit across from Slacovich.

"Are you sure this will work?" Sofie asks.

"It's the only way to monitor Volton and keep Ara safe. Tyler came up with it. We know how much he values her."

"Tyler will do anything to protect Ara. That proves he truly loves her. But…" Diego fakes a sad expression.

"But what?" Sofie asks, concerned.

"But when will you two admit you love each other?" He grins. Slacovich flicks his forehead while Sofie blushes furiously.

"You jerk!!" Sofie tries to punch him, but he turns into a bird and chirps away. Li giggles, trying to hold back laughter. Slacovich frowns and leaves.

"Wait for us!" Li exclaims, hurrying after him.

Tyler waits for Slacovich's update. His phone rings, Slacovich confirms Volton signed the contract. Tyler is relieved. Ara will now be under close watch, along with Volton. But what he doesn't know is that humans can be more dangerous than vampires. His love for Ara is obvious, but for the mission's success, he must hide his feelings and pretend not to know her once casting begins. It hurts to not see her for a day, let alone pretend she's a stranger. It feels like being stabbed repeatedly. He longs for her.

Ara must never learn of his plan. Unable to bear the loneliness, he rushes to her apartment. At that moment, Ara is changing clothes. A sudden gust of wind enters through the window. She knows who it is.

"How did you know I'm already at my apartment?" she asks with a smile, walking toward him.

"I'll always know where you are." Tyler pulls her close and embraces her with the warmth of his love. Ara wraps her arms around his neck and gives him a comforting kiss.

Tyler stays the night. Everyone knows they're inseparable. And knowing Tyler, he won't just sit and reminisce. He'll find a way to always stay by her side.