Slap!
There's a sharp gasp followed by a moment of stunned silence.
A lady stood tall, draped in a deep red dress that clung to her like fire—bold, unforgiving. A cruel contrast to the softness of her delicate features, her innocent face twisted with something far darker. Her manicured fingers still tingled from the slap, but her eyes never wavered.
"Does it hurt?" She slowly whisper, each word laced with ice. "You should be grateful. It's exactly what you deserve, you filthy little slut."
Across from her, the other woman barely swayed. The soft, flowing white dress she wore seemed like a desperate shield, as if purity could disguise the sin she carried. Her hair spilled over her face, casting shadows over the place where the sting bloomed. Her lips trembled—but only for a moment.
Then with a slow, deliberate breath she straightened.
"Are you done?" She spoke in a quiet—almost delicate—tone, but beneath her words lay something unyielding. Her hands curled at her sides, nails biting into her palms yet she refused to lift them to her cheek. Refused to acknowledge the pain. "Or would you like to hit me again?"
"Cut! We got it—thank God," the director sighed, his last word nearly lost under his breath.
At his cue, the crew sprang into action, packing up equipment and wrapping cables. This was the final scene of the day, and exhaustion hung in the air, mixing with a quiet, unspoken relief, the kind that came when a long day had stretched even longer than it should have.
"Are you okay? Sorry... I guess I just got a little carried away."
CeCe touched her swollen cheek, fingertips grazing the heat radiating from her skin. Then came the voice—soft, apologetic.
It's Bella Agustino. A rising star- the newest it girl of this generation and the female lead of this drama.
Her voice was gentle, almost too gentle, laced with a sweetness. "I didn't think it would take that many tries but, well... accidents happen, right?"
A small chuckle escaped her lips, "You were amazing, though. You definitely held your ground, like really."
CeCe let her gaze linger just for a second. Her eyes flickered slightly as she said in her soft, syrupy voice:
"It's okay, Ms. Bella. I know you didn't mean it."
Letting out a small breath then lowering her gaze with her lashes fluttering, she added, "I mean... it's really not your fault, is it? Not all people can handle this kind of pressure. It must be hard on you."
"I just hope you're taking care of yourself, Ms. Bella.'' She tilted her head, studying Bella for a moment before gently saying, ''Because when you struggle, everyone feels it."
"Don't worry, though." CeCe then reached forward, taking Bella's hand in hers. Her fingers squeezed just slightly. "It just looks swollen—this is nothing." And with a reassuring smile she uttered, "We all have to endure a little pain sometimes."
A hush fell over the crew as they listened to CeCe's gentle voice, their gazes shifting between the two actresses. There was something almost angelic about the way CeCe spoke. The slight tremble in her voice and the way she held herself together—it's giving: ′she's-aggrieved-but-she's-still-thinking-about-you′ look.
What a sweetheart, they thought.
She's so understanding.
Bella felt the quiet glances and the subtle weight of the crew's unspoken sympathy for CeCe but her posture remained relaxed. Still smiling effortlessly as if nothing had happened.
"You must be tired. My assistant's here to pick me up. Should I give you a lift?" She then pulled her hand from CeCe's as she softly offered.
"That's very kind of you Ms. Bella, but no need. My manager will be here soon."
Bella walked away without a word, her skirt flowing gracefully with each step. CeCe's smile, on the other hand, never wavered as she watched Bella's disappearing figure. Then, Ms. M came rushing over.
"Ugh, CeCe! Traffic was a total nightmare. I should've left earlier," she huffed, then paused, noticing the distant look in CeCe's eyes.
"You good?"
"Red looks better on me."
Ms. M frowned. "Huh?"
CeCe's lips curled into a practiced smile, the kind that seemed effortless but was anything but. She straightened her posture, brushing off invisible wrinkles from her white sleeve.
"Nothing, Ms. M," she said lightly. "Shall we?"
Ms. M hesitated but CeCe was already walking ahead, making it clear she wasn't in the mood to talk.
"What happened to your face?" They had just reached the parking lot when Ms. M noticed CeCe's swollen face.
"We had to do several takes to get the scene right. It took longer than expected." She answered with a mirthless smile.
Ms. M glanced at her briefly, "I see. Let's stop by a convenience store and get you some ice."
CeCe hum, never bothering to explain the taping's twists and turns. After that last minute role—switching fiasco, she landed a part in this small production. She played the stereotypical mistress of the female lead's husband. She's actually quite satisfied with what she got, after all, no matter how small, you sometimes just have to keep moving forward to reach the next level.
She saw this as nothing more than a small hurdle, a temporary setback on her path to success. Ever the optimist, CeCe listened as Ms. M recounted her schedule for the month.
"You've got a deodorant ad shoot tomorrow. Call time's at 3. I've got other appointments, so I can't drop you off. Just book a Grab or something."
CeCe nodded absentmindedly, already considering just booking an Angkas— it's alot cheaper and could zip through traffic faster than a car.
"By the way, remember Director Cabangon? He called. Said he got you a cameo role in a rom-com series, if you're interested."
"Of course! I'll take it!"
How could she ever forget the director from that failed Female Lead #2 role?
"By the way, Ms. M, are there any upcoming auditions? I'm almost done with my scenes here so I was thinking of auditioning for a new role."
"Now that you mention it, one of my sources says the Prime Time King is making a comeback movie this year. Director Kiko is set to direct and produce— he's one of the rare ones who prioritize talent over backstage deals. If you start preparing now, this could be your big break."
"I'll give it a try then."
Ms. M briefly glanced at her through the rearview mirror and in that fleeting moment, noticed how CeCe's face seemed to glow-like a flower suddenly infused with new vitality.
***
CeCe tilted her head as Dina dusted the last bit of powder across her cheekbones. "Done already?" she asked, blinking up at her through the mirror.
Today is Saturday and she's on the set of Under the Nightsky, getting her makeup done by her friend, Dina. They first met two years ago in a certain production where CeCe was just an extra and Dina was a rookie makeup artist.They hit it off right away and to this day, Dina remained one of her closed friends in this industry.
"Yeah, yeah. Not like you need a ton of makeup anyway."
Dina stepped back, eyeing her work with satisfaction. "You're honestly my favorite to work on. Your skin makes everything look good."
CeCe smirked. "Well, I do wake up flawless."
Dina snorted. "Fine... Whatever you say, Dyosa."
"Anyway girl, I gotta run. The production next door is short on MUAs, so they roped me in for today," Dina said, shoving palettes into her kit.
CeCe pouted. "Ugh, the betrayal."
Dina smirked but lowered her voice as she leaned in. "But guess why they're short-staffed?"
CeCe perked up. "Why?"
Dina glanced around, making sure no one was eavesdropping. Then with the flair, she whispered. "You know that petite girl with the curly hair?"
CeCe frowned, thinking. ''The one who somehow always gets assigned to the big names? "
"uh-huh''
CeCe's brows lifted. "Oh? What about her?"
Dina smirked, zipping up her kit before leaning in again. "A young investor visited the set the other day. You know, one of those rich types who actually look good and not like some crusty old businessman?"
CeCe snorted. "Rare breed."
"Exactly! Anyway, she caught wind of it and like clockwork, glued herself to the guy. I mean, full-on 'strategic wardrobe adjustment, unnecessary arm touches and a laugh that could shatter glass' mode."
CeCe cackled. "Not the wardrobe adjustment!"
Dina nodded solemnly. "Oh, you know the classic 'let me lean forward just enough to remind you I have assets,' kinda move."
CeCe covered her mouth, "Stop! What about our guy?"
"He shoved her off! Literally. Like at one point, she leaned in too close and the man just firmly redirected her away like he was closing a refrigerator door that wouldn't shut properly."
CeCe wheezed. "Oh my..."
Dina then added, "I swear, it was like watching someone swat away a persistent mosquito, except the mosquito had heels and a full glam look."
CeCe covered her mouth, laughing. "And then what? Did she finally get the hint?"
Dina clapped her hands together. "Oh no, honey. The director had to throw her out. Like, Miss, we're working here not hosting a meet-and-greet for desperate flirts."
CeCe wheezed. "Wow."
Dina shrugged. "Well, to be fair, the girl's pretty. She's got the capital to seduce but clearly the market wasn't buying so..."
"But hey, I can't really blame her. I mean, I'd like to think I wouldn't pull the same move, but if the opportunity presented itself... Well, who's to say I wouldn't get a little creative?" CeCe shrugged with a playful smirk.
Dina grinned, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Fair enough... But if you're gonna gamble, at least know when to fold. Hold on too long when the other's not even betting? You're just embarrassing yourself."
Dina wiped away a fake tear. "Anyway, I gotta run before the next set starts screaming for their MUA."
CeCe crossed her arms. "And you're planning to haul all that by yourself?" She pointed at the makeup kit which was almost as big as Dina's ego.
"I do it every day, ma'am." Dina rolled her eyes, slinging one bag over her shoulder.
"Not today. Come on, I'll help you carry some of it."
Dina gave her a look. "Since when did you become this helpful?"
CeCe flipped her hair dramatically. "Since I realized I'm an angelic soul."
Dina snorted. "More like you're stalling because you don't want to go back to work."
CeCe gasped. "How dare you? I am a dedicated professional!"
Dina cackled. "Uh-huh, sure. Fine come on then, Saint CeCe of the Merciful. You can carry the lightest bag."
CeCe scoffed but grabbed a bag anyway and the two walked off. Still bickering like a reality show duo.
"There. You're all set." She dusted her hands off and turned back toward the hallway. "I'm heading back now."
"Thanks, girl!" Dina called after her.
CeCe grinned, waving lazily over her shoulder. But as she made her way back, she barely took two steps before—
Her foot slid.
Yeah, it's a total cliché. But because the universe has a twisted sense of humor, the floor just had to be wet. And lucky CeCe? She gets the full romcom heroine eats the floor experience, free of charge.
The world seemed to slow down.
For a split second, CeCe just accepted her fate.
So this is how I go. Death by wet floor!!
But before she could hit the ground, something—someone—caught her.
A strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her before she could even process what was happening. And then just as fast, she was standing again, both feet planted firmly on the floor.
CeCe's heart hammered. She swallowed, staring at the ground or more specifically, at the pair of impossibly expensive looking shoes in front of her.
Luxury. Custom-made. She didn't even need to look up to know.
Embarrassment prickled at her skin.
"S-Sorry," she mumbled, still staring at his shoes.
The man simply shrugged. "No problem." Then he walk away without another word, his polished shoes clicking against the floor.
CeCe let out a slow breath, still processing what just happened.
"OMG! Girl, are you okay?"
Dina's voice snapped CeCe out of her daze.
She turned just in time to see Dina rushing towards her. Her eyes wide with concern but beneath it there's definitely something akin to excitement mixed inside.
"Yeah, just shookt." CeCe muttered, still processing what just happened.
Dina let out a dramatic sigh of relief then immediately switched gears, practically vibrating with excitement. She grabbed CeCe's arm. "Do you even realize who that was?!"
"Ummm?"
Dina smacked her. "That's Philip Benedict Garcia! As in, the CEO! As in, the investor!"
CeCe's mouth fell open slightly. She glanced over her shoulder, but Man was already gone.
Dina kept gushing beside her, but CeCe barely listened. Her mind was stuck on the way he caught her, his firm grip, the effortless strength, that deep, composed voice and then—
He smells really good.
And that was her biggest takeaway from the whole ordeal.