Chapter 8: A New Opportunity

Nate leaned back on his couch, gripping his phone.

Adrian Holt.

In his past life, Holt had started with indie films, but within a few years, he had become a major Hollywood director. His movies weren't just successful—they were Oscar contenders.

And now?

He wanted to see Nate.

Nate kept his voice calm. "I appreciate the opportunity, Mr. Holt. When's the audition?"

"Tomorrow afternoon. 2 PM. My assistant will send you the script excerpt."

"Got it. I'll be there."

"Good. I look forward to seeing what you can do."

The call ended.

Nate exhaled slowly. This was huge.

He had barely started filming Fading Echoes, and already, his performance was making waves.

He checked his email. The audition script was already there.

---

The film was called Shadow District—a crime thriller with noir elements.

Nate's audition was for a supporting role—Ethan Cross, a detective with a dark past.

The scene?

A tense interrogation between Ethan and a suspected murderer.

Nate read the dialogue carefully, breaking it down:

Ethan was sharp, controlled—but there was an edge of suppressed rage.

His words were calm, but his eyes told a different story.

He wasn't just seeking the truth—he was battling his own demons.

This wasn't just about delivering lines.

He had to embody the character.

Nate practiced in front of the mirror, adjusting his posture, his expressions.

Then, he filmed himself, analyzing every detail. Too stiff? Too exaggerated? Every movement had to feel natural.

By midnight, he wasn't just playing Ethan Cross.

He was Ethan Cross.

---

The next afternoon, Nate arrived at the audition location—a sleek office space in downtown L.A.

The waiting room was filled with actors, some nervously flipping through scripts.

Competition.

But Nate didn't let it shake him. He had an advantage no one else did.

He knew what kind of actors made it. He had watched it happen before.

A casting assistant stepped out. "Nathaniel Carter?"

Nate stood. "That's me."

She led him into a dimly lit room. A camera was set up, and behind it sat Adrian Holt.

The director studied him. "You're younger than I expected."

Nate smirked. "Is that a problem?"

Holt's lips curled slightly. "We'll see. Let's get started."

The camera rolled.

Nate sat across from the casting director, who was reading the suspect's lines.

The interrogation began.

At first, Nate played Ethan cold, detached. He leaned back, hands resting on the table, watching the suspect with quiet intensity.

Then, as the scene escalated, his demeanor shifted.

His voice stayed calm, but his eyes darkened. His body tensed slightly, like he was holding something back.

And then, the breaking point—a sudden outburst, raw but controlled.

The room was silent.

Nate let the tension hang before delivering the final line.

"You think this is a game? People are dead because of you."

Silence.

Then—

"Cut."

Holt sat back, tapping his fingers against the table. "Not bad. Not bad at all."

Nate met his gaze. "Good enough?"

Holt smirked. "You'll hear from us soon."

Nate stood, confident. He had nailed it.

As he walked out, he knew—this was just the beginning.

Chapter 9: A New Opportunity (Part 2)

Nate stepped out of the audition room, his pulse steady.

He had felt it—that click—when everything came together. When the role wasn't just something he was performing, but something he became.

Now, it was just a matter of waiting.

He grabbed his phone, sent a quick text to his manager, Claire:

"Audition went well. Think I got their attention."

A response came almost instantly:

"Good. I'll keep an ear out. Also—Serena Vale asked for your number. Should I give it to her?"

Nate smirked.

Serena Vale? Making the first move?

Interesting.

He typed back:

"Yeah, give it to her. Let's see where this goes."

---

The next few days passed in a blur.

Fading Echoes filming continued, and Nate kept delivering strong performances. Word spread quickly—he wasn't just some newcomer. He was bringing something real to the screen.

Even Lucas, who had been indifferent at first, started warming up to him.

"Not bad, man," Lucas admitted after a scene. "You've got some serious chops."

"Likewise," Nate replied. "Good actors push each other to be better."

Lucas smirked. "Yeah? Then let's make this a damn good movie."

On set, the energy was changing. The crew respected him. The other actors noticed him.

And then, three days after the Shadow District audition—he got the call.

---

His phone rang in the middle of the day. Adrian Holt.

Nate answered immediately. "This is Nate."

Holt's voice was cool, measured. "I liked your audition."

Nate waited.

"You've got the role," Holt said. "Ethan Cross is yours."

For a split second, Nate closed his eyes, absorbing the moment.

He had done it.

"Appreciate the opportunity," Nate said smoothly.

"We start filming in three months," Holt continued. "I'll have my assistant send over the contract. And Nate?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't make me regret this," Holt said.

Nate smirked. "I won't."

As the call ended, Nate exhaled.

His career wasn't just moving forward. It was accelerating