Whimsical Perfection

24. Warning

"Love sought is good,
But given unsought is better."
             —Olivia, Twelfth Night

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"Good morning everyone! How are we doing on this pleasant day?"

Came the voice of John, who must have been accompanied by the other producers. The interruption broke our momentum, and for a change, I was actually thankful for his impeccable timing. I was anyway not able to stand with my guard up in front of that man, and was losing pathetically.

Just one look from him, and you go berserk? What a pity!

Quickly looking away from him, I turned to John with a small smile on my face. As soon as he saw that, John looked a bit alarmed. He must have figured it out from my face, because he was a smart man.

"Good morning to you too John! I hope you're doing well." I greeted him with full energy, all the while completely ignoring that bastard behind me.

After greeting him, I went on to talk to the other producers on the side. To my utter shock, I saw that the main producer had also arrived today. This really wasn't my lucky day.

Tom, the head producer of all the plays in the industry, was another man I couldn't stand. He was such a stuck up bastard, who thought he was always right just because he had more money than most of us. Without any background in plays, without an interest in my job, he ventured forth only because he wanted a place to flaunt his money and make it double. And when such an illiterate and inexperienced ass gave advice to me, it was hard to hold back. It was hard to even fucking breathe, because that was who he was. He was a master at making people uncomfortable.

"Tom, what a pleasure to have you here. I had no idea you were going to join as well." I said as soon as he came into my line of view.

With an ever bitter and wrinkled visage, he replied begrudgingly, "Yeah, I thought I should take time out of my busy schedule to come see the wonderful piece our Miss Lockewood has created. After all, we have worked together to create masterpieces several times, right?"

His sarcasm and warning wasn't overseen by me, but I had to grin and bear it. The situation was already not favorable, inciting and poking the bear will only result in the bear devouring me fully. So, I just smiled at him and moved on to the next person.

Once the introductions between the guests and my cast members were over, the time came for the real show. With shaky hands and a sweaty brow, I realized that it was my first time being so nervous and antsy about showcasing my play to the producers. I had always been confident, no, a little over that, but today was completely different from those days. Today, I was genuinely worried for the kind of performance we were about to give.

Calling everyone backstage, I gave them one last pep talk before they could start. All the time I revised over the small details of the script, a certain someone with piercing eyes kept his gaze on me, unwavering until I looked at him, three minutes later. I should have gotten thoroughly accustomed to the stormy expression in his eyes, but they managed to take my breath away every single time.

Had I not know the kind of person he was, I would have complimented him on his heavenly eyes.

If only I didn't know that he was a bastard.

Casually addressing the male and female lead, I gave them clear instructions about a few other things, and then told them that the kiss would happen.

As soon as I said that, both of my main leads had polar opposite reactions. While the actress was thrilled upon hearing that, Isaac was furious. He must have thought that all of those efforts of his went in vain. After all that he did to stop me from adding that scene – from insulting me in front of everyone to seducing me and almost having sex with me at his place – he must be furious that I still didn't take heed. Well, that was expected, so I'll let it slide.

Since there was no time for arguments or further conversations, everyone who wasn't walking up on stage walked out of there and came to the front. Even as I passed by him to go to the front, Isaac kept looking at me like I was crazy. Smirking slightly at him, I left without another word.

Serves him right.

But I should have known. In that moment, I should have known, that he was still a certified asshole. 

I shouldn't have done that.

~♤ ▪︎ ♤ ▪︎ ♤~