The bell echoed throughout the building, signaling the start of the dress rehearsal. Excitement mixed with slight tension filled the air as all the actors took their places in the theater. The big day was fast approaching, and everyone knew this rehearsal would be crucial.
The director gave the signal, and the rehearsal began. The dialogues flowed smoothly, and the actors seemed more focused than ever. Caden, playing the role of Jay, and Bella, as Lyra, followed the script flawlessly. The intensity heightened when the key moment arrived: the kiss scene.
Caden, fully immersed in his role, declared with disarming sincerity:
— "My love, you saved me… I am free because of you."
He stepped closer to Bella, gently pulling her into his arms.
Bella, her eyes shining, replied softly:
— "I love you, Jay."
A timid smile formed on her lips, but as they reached the moment of the kiss, she hesitated, her heart pounding.
Still in character, Caden leaned in slightly and whispered in her ear:
— "Close your eyes, I'll take care of the rest."
She obeyed, shutting her eyes, and Caden slowly moved forward. The kiss was tender, delicate, and executed perfectly. Applause erupted, both from their classmates and the delighted director. Everyone was thrilled—except Morgane, who watched from the corner of the room, her face twisted in silent fury.
When the rehearsal ended, the director congratulated everyone:
— "Bravo! You were all remarkable today. We're ready for the big day. Keep reviewing your lines, but I'm sure it will be a success."
The students, filled with pride, began to disperse. Morgane, however, was seething with rage. Her friends tried to console her:
— "Let it go, Morgane, it's just a play."
— "It's not just a play! That was supposed to be MY moment!"
Unable to contain her anger, Morgane abruptly stood up and stormed out, slamming the door behind her. She headed toward the elevator, her mind consumed with thoughts of revenge.
Inside the elevator, her fury boiled over:
— "I was the one who should have been chosen! Me! I'm beautiful, talented, I have everything it takes to shine! She won't steal this from me… not again."
As she continued to vent, a sudden jolt stopped the elevator. The lights flickered, and Morgane found herself trapped. She called for help, but no answer came.
A suffocating silence settled in, broken only by a chilling voice:
— "You're right, Morgane. It's not fair that you were cast aside."
Terrified, Morgane stammered:
— "Who's there? Show yourself!"
A figure slowly emerged from the elevator wall—a woman clad in a black robe, her face concealed beneath a hood. She seemed unreal, almost ethereal.
— "I'm here to help you," she murmured in a silky tone. "I can give you what you desire: glory, admiration, the place that is rightfully yours. But you must accept my assistance."
Morgane instinctively took a step back, wary:
— "Why would you do that? And what do you get out of it?"
The woman offered a mysterious smile and began speaking softly, flattering Morgane, playing on her ego and frustration. Little by little, Morgane, though still cautious, felt her defenses weakening.
Finally, the figure extended a pale hand toward her:
— "So, what do you say? Do you accept my offer?"
After a moment of hesitation, Morgane, blinded by ambition, clasped the outstretched hand. A dark, icy energy surged through her, and she felt a foreign presence seize control of her body.
With a sinister laugh, Morgane—now possessed—whispered:
— "Get ready, Bella. This will be your last time on stage."
She stepped out of the elevator, a wicked smile on her lips, ready to do whatever it took to claim her revenge.