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 fast-food place Nicole had insisted on was pure chaos. Kids darted between the sticky booths like caffeinated squirrels, their shrieks of laughter occasionally interrupted by a stern parent's scolding.

A frazzled cashier juggled an endless line of orders, the sound of beeping fryers and the hiss of soda machines blending into a cacophony of grease-scented madness.

The air was thick with the smell of fried everything, clinging to my clothes the moment I stepped inside.

I stopped just past the entrance, my regret growing by the second. Bright primary colors coated every inch of the restaurant, from the garish red booths to the obnoxiously cheerful posters advertising new "limited edition" milkshake flavors.

This was so far removed from my usual haunts it might as well have been another planet.

Nicole practically skipped ahead, throwing an arm around Maya and grinning back at me. "Come on, Zaya. Don't look so scared. It's just food!"

It's just food !