The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 2: Close Call

Cadence's POV:

I woke up with a jolt as the alarm clock blared into my ears. I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the fatigue and get my bearings straight. As I sat up in bed, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. Today's my first audition in many months and I can't afford to miss it.

I scrambled out of bed and into the bathroom. My toothbrush felt like sandpaper on my teeth as I brushed frantically, trying to scrape off the grogginess. I splashed some water on my face and quickly combed my hair. As I got dressed, I could feel my heart racing with every passing second.

I frantically rummaged through the tiny apartment I share with my sister Nevaeh, desperately searching for the misplaced earring that completed my outfit for the most important audition of my life. "Where are you, you little devil?" I muttered under my breath, growing more anxious by the second.

Cadence, that's me. An aspiring actress with a heart full of dreams, but a pocket devoid of luck. I had been struggling for years, scraping by with odd jobs and the occasional unpaid gig, waiting for my big break. And today was supposed to be that moment, the chance to prove that I could belong in the unforgiving world of acting.

Thrusting my closet door open, I scanned the few articles of clothing I owned with frustration. Finally, there it was, hidden within a tangle of scarves and old blouses. I quickly slipped it on, the missing piece that adorned my face with a touch of elegance.

With my heart racing, I darted back towards the bathroom, catching a glimpse of my reflection in the cracked hallway mirror. Dark circles traced the contours of my eyes, evidence of sleepless nights spent working overtime and rehearsing lines. Mussed hair framed my exhausted face, but my determination shined through the dishevelment.

I splashed cold water on my face, hoping to invigorate my tired spirit. As the icy droplets hit my skin, a surge of energy jolted through me. Today had to be the day; I couldn't afford to be late. The casting director had promised that this audition could be my breakthrough into stardom, and I was not about to let my lack of punctuality ruin this rare opportunity.

With trembling hands, I applied a quick layer of makeup, hoping that the casual yet polished look wouldn't scream desperation. A glance at the clock sent a chill down my spine. Fifteen minutes before the scheduled audition time, and I was still wrestling with mascara and eyeliner.

"Come on, Cadence!" I scolded myself, hurriedly slipping into a worn-out pair of heels. The shoes, once elegant and remarkable, now betrayed their age with the faint sound of crumbling soles. I grabbed my bag, stuffed with a few headshots and my script, and bolted out the door.

The city streets raced by in a blur, echoes of honking cars and rushing pedestrians filling my ears. On any other day, this city might have felt comforting, but today, it threatened to consume me. The not-so-distant siren of a police car only fueled my anxiety, as if the universe itself embodied my hurry.

I couldn't let myself fall victim to the unforgiving nature of the audition process. I had to push through, summon whichever hidden strength resided within me. My heart pounding, I ran towards the theater, praying that the casting director would grant me a few extra minutes.

I ran through the busy streets, my mind already racing with the possibilities of what could happen if I don't make it on time. With my heart pounding in my chest, I'm almost to the corner when I heard the loud honk of a car horn.

Suddenly, a car stopped merely inches away from me. I stumbled back, my arms flailing as I tried to keep my balance, and ended up falling down in surprise. My elbow hit the ground hard, and I let out a sharp yelp of pain.

As I lay there, the sound of a car door opening and closing was heard. I looked up to see the driver, a woman in an expensive business suit staring down at me with a scowl. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice even but with a hint of concern.