and he saw her

Chapter 6

 Anthony finally turned to Kate, expecting her to be as irritated as he was. Surprisingly, she wasn't. She was quiet, stunned almost, and in her eyes... tears?

- Kate, are you alright?

No answer, instead she sat on the bed and allowed herself to cry. Anthony was worried but more than that he was shocked. Kate never cried in front of him, only as Kathani, but that was pure acting. She was always so strong. Crying didn't suit her well-fortified personality, even if she somehow still looked beautiful while doing it.

- Oh Kate... - he took her in his arms. - Please don't cry, Edwina is gone.

- I can't believe she said all those awful things. - Kate's voice was quavering between sobs.

- Don't worry about her. Who cares what she thinks? Who cares what anyone thinks of you?

- I care! - she declares loudly, leaving Anthony aghast. - This is my life! My career!

- Calm down, Kate. It's not like your sister's outburst will ruin your career. - he retorted, not understanding why her rage was suddenly directed towards him.

- Easy for you to say! You won't be the one in the spotlight when people find out about this whole mess.

- Is our relationship a mess?

- You already have a name, a career, a place in this industry. I'm just beginning, Anthony! I can't afford any scandals now.

- Relationships between actresses and the directors are more common than you think, Kate. It's not a big deal.

- But it is! They won't question why I'm with you, they'll question why I'm in the movie, and that's exactly what I was worried about: people thinking I only got where I am because of you.

- Well, if we're being honest you only got the job because of me.

- Excuse me?

- Come on, Kate. If I weren't completely smitten by you, that audition wouldn't have even happened.

She looked as if he had just slapped her in the face or punched her in the gut.

- So you're saying the only reason I got this role is because you wanted to sleep with me.

- No... - Anhtony runs his hand through his hair, realizing how his words had sounded. - That's not what I said.

- That's exactly what you said.

- It came out wrong, I'm sorry. What I meant was...

- I know exactly what you meant, you don't need to repeat it. I've heard enough. - she stands up in one rushed motion and dries the tears left in her face. - Get out of my house.

- What?

- I didn't make you repeat your words, don't make me repeat mine. - her face was hard as stone, a mask she clearly wore to keep herself together. - Out, now!

- You can't be serious.

- But I am. And don't expect me to be on set tomorrow. I'm done.

- What do you mean? - his voice breaks.

He was losing her and he had no idea what to do.

- It means I won't be your Kathani anymore. If I got this role for the wrong reasons then I'm sorry but I can't take it.

- Wait, Kate. Don't do this! You love playing Kathani, don't let our problems stop you from doing what you were born to do. You need...

- What I need is for you to leave my house, Anthony! NOW!