Ara starts attending workshops to improve her talents, just like Tyler. The casting for The Emperor's Secret has been finalized. Both The House of Flame Entertainment and Demon's Fang Entertainment hold a joint press conference for the first time. The partnership between two of the top ten owners of the biggest entertainment companies makes waves worldwide. Other big-time companies try to reach out, sending investment and profit proposals. However, President Demonfire and President Hellgazer announce that their partnership is exclusive. The merging of the two entertainment giants threatens other companies within the same industry. The public holds high expectations for the collaboration, believing it will create a stable flow of profit between the two.
What they don't know is that both presidents have their own motives, each beneficial to their own interests.
The press conference ends with the announcement of their first joint project: The Emperor's Secret, funded by both companies. They also publicly reveal the cast. The lead roles that everyone has been waiting to hear are finally announced.
"The lead role of the Emperor will be played by Timothy Bright from The House of Flame Entertainment. The Empress will be portrayed by Elizabeth Brown of Demon's Fang Entertainment. Supporting roles will go to the rookies who passed all auditions and workshops. From DFE, Tyler Johanssen will play the general who falls in love with the Empress. The Empress' rival, the High-Rank Concubine, will be played by Ara Khalil from HFE. The rest of the cast will be posted on the film's website. We hope for your support and good reviews. Thank you for coming."
Secretary Li steps down from the podium and shakes hands with President Hellgazer's secretary. Both presidents shake hands and smile for the cameras. They play the pretending game so well, no one would even guess they have deep-rooted conflicts with each other.
The first day of shooting marks the beginning of Ara and Tyler's own pretending game.
Talents from HFE arrive together at the shooting location, transported by the company's private vehicle. Manager Daniels escorts the talents and will oversee their public appearances and activities. As their vehicle stops, the crew rushes to greet them. Stacy and two other actors, who came from the same audition as Ara, exit first. Since then, Stacy has always stayed close to Ara, waiting for the perfect moment to humiliate her publicly and steal her role if she can.
Timothy follows, holding out his hand to help Ara step down. She takes his hand and carefully exits the car. Stacy raises an eyebrow at the scene, her hatred for Ara growing.
The director, unaffiliated with either company, remains neutral and values talent over bribes.
"Ara, watch your step," Timothy says, closing the car door.
"Thanks. But aren't you being a little too nice to me today? Putting on a show for the public eye, I guess?" she smirks, letting go of his hand.
"Can't you just be grateful and stop talking nonsense?"
> "Oh really? I don't think your kindness comes free." She chuckles.
"Tch. Rude girl." Timothy walks ahead and greets the director.
Manager Daniels begins introducing HFE's talents one by one. DFE's talents are already on set. Tyler and Elizabeth's closeness immediately catches Ara's attention. She feels a pang of sadness but hides it well. She steals glances now and then, but Tyler never looks at her. His attention remains fixed on Elizabeth.
Manager McCain of DFE approaches and greets the director. Both talent managers introduce their actors to one another.
"Manager Daniels, your talents are quite the lookers these days."
"Manager McCain, they're products of our latest auditions. Your talents have the aura of stars as well."
"You're exaggerating, Manager Daniels. Anyway, let's introduce them."
McCain calls his actors and introduces them.
"This is our famous actress Elizabeth Brown. Her last film was a blockbuster hit. She even won Best Actress. She'll be playing the Empress."
>"Hello everyone." She waves and clings to Tyler's arm.
Ara struggles to stay composed, knowing exactly why Tyler is letting Elizabeth do whatever she wants.
"Congratulations on your award, Miss Brown. We also have the best actor in our company. Timothy Bright is the most in-demand actor of this generation. They'll be a perfect match."
Timothy stays silent, his cold and arrogant reputation well-known, yet no one can deny his acting talent.
"The rest of the cast are also rookies. Here's our rising star: Tyler Johanssen. Not only is he good-looking, but he's also smart. He just signed with us, and he's already swamped with work."
Tyler ignores the compliments, his gaze never meeting Ara's. The managers sense the tension and decide to prepare for the next scenes.
"Tyler, that girl over there... I keep catching her looking this way. Do you know her?" Elizabeth leans closer.
He wants to push her away, but he can't. His heart aches seeing Ara talk with another guy.
"What girl?" he asks calmly.
"You didn't even notice? Maybe I'm overthinking. You really are handsome, every girl would fall for you." She whimpers on his shoulder like a cat.
Ara's heart feels like it's being crushed. Elizabeth clings like a snake, and Tyler doesn't even seem to mind. Timothy notices the sudden change in Ara's mood.
"Is something wrong, Ara?"
"N-nothing. Heh. It's just... there's a scene that breaks my heart." She stares at the script to support her excuse.
"Is it the part where your character is forced to become the Emperor's concubine and leave her true love behind?"
Ara smiles. Good thing Timothy buys the alibi.
"The most heartbreaking part is when she has to pretend to be happy in front of the man she loves. Don't you think?"
"That's tough. But I know you can play that role and capture all the emotion it needs."
"I already know how it really feels. Acting it out will be a piece of cake."
The director calls for Tyler and Ara to prepare for their scene, where the general must let go of the woman he loves, for her own future, which he can't provide.
They're already immersed in the moment. Their hearts scream to hold each other, but they must resist.
"Okay, everyone get ready. In 3... 2... 1... ACTION!"
"I've been waiting for you. Good thing you arrived just in time. About what you said the other day... that we should run away, I... I'm going with you. No matter where it takes us." She embraces him tightly.
But he grips her arms and pushes her away. His eyes are cold and fierce, he's no longer the man she loved.
"Run away? Tch. I would never run away with you. What I said was just a trick to get you here."
"What's going on with you?"
"I realized I'm disgusted with you. I don't love you."
"You don't mean that!" Her tears fall, her heart shattering.
"I mean it. I'd never love someone like you. I'm done pretending. Finally, I'm free!" He chuckles as she breaks down in tears.
"This can't be! I hate you!" She runs off, crying.
"Yes. Hate me. It's for the best. You'll live prosperously under the Emperor's care. Being with me will only bring you harm." He clenches his fists, trembling. Leaning against a tree, he cries silently.
He had to let go of the most important person in his life. He longs to hold her, tell her he loves her, wipe away her tears, and beg her not to leave. But now, he's alone. His heart cries over the loss. The only woman he's ever loved now hates him. He reaches out in hopes she'll return. But minutes pass. She never comes back.
"CUT! Excellent job, Ara and Tyler. You both captured the emotions perfectly!" the director praises.
Timothy approaches and gently wipes Ara's tears.
"Told you, you'd nail it."
"Thanks. But I can wipe them myself." She rushes to her seat, drying her face. Deep down, she wants to run into Tyler's arms and never let go. Tyler feels the same but keeps his distance.
The shoot wraps up. The director is impressed by their performances and praises the entire cast. The HFE talents board their private vehicle, which drops them off at their homes. Ara thanks everyone and says her goodbyes.
When she reaches her apartment, she hesitates before opening the door, silently hoping Tyler is there.
She opens it, and a familiar warmth embraces her. Tyler welcomes her home with a smile and a loving kiss.
There's no denying the strength of their feelings, for them to endure so long, this love must be real.