~ FIRST AUDITIONS, FIRST IMPRESSIONS ~

The film studio buzzed with energy. Assistants scurried around, carrying scripts, adjusting lights, and prepping for the day’s auditions. Sophia Hart adjusted her scarf nervously and took a deep breath. Today could make or break her dream—she had been auditioning everywhere for months, facing rejection after rejection, and now she was here at Blackwood Studios.

“I can do this,” she whispered to herself, clutching her audition sheet. “This is my chance.”

As she entered the studio lobby, her eyes fell on a tall man lounging against the reception desk, casually reviewing a script. Daniel Cross. The actor playing the main lead of the movie she was auditioning for.

Sophia’s heart skipped. She had heard of him—handsome, talented, and apparently a little arrogant—but nothing could have prepared her for their first encounter.

“Hi, I… I’m Sophia Hart. I’m here for the audition,” she said politely, approaching him.

Daniel glanced up, his gaze sharp, one eyebrow raised. “You’re late,” he said flatly.

“I—what? No, I—” Sophia stammered, taken aback.

“First impression counts,” Daniel said with a smirk. “You might want to work on yours.”

Sophia’s cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. “Excuse me? I’ve been trying everywhere for months! Maybe a little respect would help.”

Daniel chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, you’ve got spirit. We’ll see if it translates on camera.”

Sophia bristled, muttering under her breath, “What a… pompous man.”

Before she could say more, an assistant called her name. It was time for the audition.

⸻

Inside the audition room, Sophia’s jaw dropped. Producers, casting directors, and several actors were seated in a semi-circle, reviewing scripts and taking notes. But what made her stop mid-step was the sight of Daniel sitting in the corner, watching her with that same smirk she had just despised.

Her nerves spiked. How could she act confidently when the lead actor herself seemed intimidating? She took a deep breath and reminded herself: Focus. This is your moment.

The audition began. Sophia poured her heart into her performance—delivering lines with passion, emotion, and conviction. She improvised where necessary, capturing the attention of everyone in the room.

Daniel’s smirk softened slightly as he observed her. “Hmm… not bad,” he muttered under his breath.

After what felt like an eternity, the producers exchanged glances, whispered, and then nodded.

“Sophia Hart,” the head producer finally said, “congratulations. You’ve been selected for the role.”

Sophia froze. Selected? She couldn’t believe it. A smile broke across her face, and she felt a rush of triumph and relief.

Daniel stood, approaching her with a teasing grin. “Looks like you survived your first encounter with me. Don’t get cocky; the real challenge is working on set with me.”

Sophia’s glare met his smirk. “We’ll see about that, Mr. Arrogant Main Lead.”

⸻

Meanwhile, back at Blackwood Enterprises, Isabella was immersed in work. Richard had asked her to schedule his meetings, read the script for his new project, and organize several documents for a production pitch. She moved efficiently, her focus unwavering, taking detailed notes and anticipating his needs.

By mid-afternoon, Richard glanced up from his desk and noticed her meticulous organization. His usually stoic expression remained unchanged, but inside, he was impressed. She had managed tasks he hadn’t even realized needed attention, and she had done it flawlessly.

Finally, Isabella approached him cautiously. “Mr. Blackwood… I also wanted to apologize again for earlier today, when I—uh—I was playing with your sons in the office. I didn’t mean to overstep…”

Richard’s piercing gaze met hers, holding her still. Then, after a long pause, he simply said, “Noted. Now… back to work.”

Isabella’s shoulders relaxed slightly, though she could sense a subtle acknowledgment in his tone. She returned to her tasks, determined to continue impressing him—not just with her dedication, but with her sincerity.

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