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 stale scent of cigarettes clung to my fingers as I stared blankly at the ashtray overflowing on the table.

I'd lost count of how many I'd smoked, each drag doing nothing to ease the storm raging inside me. My chest ached, a dull, relentless throb that matched the pounding in my head.

The image of her smirking face taunted me, and my blood boiled all over again. She knew exactly what she was doing, didn't she?

She knew I'd see them. Maybe she even wanted me to. And Layla—God, Layla. Her hands on Maeve, her lips brushing hers—it played on a loop in my mind, a cruel reel of betrayal I couldn't stop watching.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I lit another cigarette. Was I really surprised? I'd always been second best, hadn't I? To Leo, to my parents, and now, apparently, to Maeve. The thought made me grip the lighter harder, my knuckles whitening.

Bad time