Ava_000

Layla Nightshade, a rising star in the acting world, is determined to become one of the greatest actresses. Her journey is fueled by her admiration for Zaya Swanson, a top model with a mysterious, icy heart. Two years after their first encounter, fate brings them together again when Zaya is forced to take on a lead role in a movie alongside Layla.

As they navigate the challenges of the film set, Layla’s warmth begins to melt Zaya’s defenses. However, Zaya’s reluctance to engage in romantic scenes and her disdain for acting create tension. Layla is determined to uncover the reasons behind Zaya’s cold demeanor and help her rediscover the joy in life and love.

Second act

The door clicked shut softly behind Layla as she left the room. I stayed seated on the edge of the bed, staring at the spot where she had just stood, the words she'd said playing on a loop in my mind.

The word sounded absurd, even as I repeated it to myself. Friends don't kiss like we kissed. Friends don't press their bodies together in a way that still burned in the back of my mind. Friends don't… do what we did.

And, for fuck's sake, friends definitely don't wake up cuddling, hearts racing like they're about to combust.

I buried my face in my hands and groaned. "Is this some kind of joke?" I muttered to the empty room. "Friends." The word tasted bitter. How could I be friends with someone I wanted—needed—to kiss again? Someone who…

I shook my head sharply, cutting that thought off before it could spiral. This was ridiculous.