The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 16: Jealousy looks good on you

Cadence's POV:

As the filming continued, I found myself spending more and more time with Daniel. He was intelligent, funny, and always had a unique perspective on life. We talked about everything from our favorite books to our biggest fears, and before I knew it, we had become closer than ever before.

I enjoyed spending time with him both on and off set. We would grab lunch together in between takes, go for runs in the park, and we even watched a movie once.

One day, as we were sitting on set during a break, he turned to me with a curious expression. "So, Cadence, why did you become an actress? What drew you to it?"

I thought for a moment before answering. "I guess it's something that's always been in me. Ever since I was young, I loved telling stories and bringing characters to life. Acting just felt like the natural next step."

Daniel nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. "I get that. For me, it's always been about connecting with people. Making them feel something."

I smiled, feeling a kinship with him. "Yeah, that's exactly it. It's all about making people feel something."

"So, have you thought about your next project after this film?" Daniel asked, leaning back in his chair.

I toyed with my coffee cup, contemplating his question. "I have a few roles I want to audition for, but I haven't decided on anything yet," I admitted.

"Well, whatever it is, I'm sure you'll knock it out of the park," he said, flashing me an encouraging smile.

I smiled back, grateful for his belief in me. It was moments like these that made me appreciate our friendship even more. Daniel saw the potential in me, the drive and determination that I sometimes doubted in myself.

"I have to admit," I said. "When I first started this movie, I never could have imagined the unexpected friendship that would come out of it."

Daniel chuckled, raising an eyebrow playfully. "You mean you didn't think I'd be your new best friend?" he teased.

I playfully nudged him with my shoulder. "Well, who knows? You might still have to earn that title," I said with a smirk.

He mock gasped, placing a hand on his chest dramatically. "Challenge accepted, Cadence."

We both burst into laughter, the sound filling the air between us. In that moment, I realized just how lucky I was to have found someone like Daniel in the midst of the chaos that surrounds me. He had become not just a co-star but a true friend, someone I could confide in and rely on.

As soon as the director called us back onto the set, Daniel shot me a grin. "Looks like it's your lucky day," he said, nudging me with his elbow. "You get to be the object of me AND my best friend's affections."

We were about to shoot the scene where Matt, The male lead, realizes his feelings for Mary, my character. It was a pivotal moment in the film, as it set off a love triangle between Mary, Liam, and Matt.

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the blush that was creeping up my cheeks. "Well, I'll try my best to be irresistible," I quipped.

Daniel chuckled, and we both took the time to reread our dialogues. I watched as the crew bustled around us, preparing the set and adjusting lighting equipment.

I took a deep breath, trying to focus on my character's emotions rather than my own. This was one of the most challenging scenes yet - I had to convey Mary's confusion and heartache as she struggled to navigate her feelings for these two men.

"All right, everyone, let's get into positions," the director called out.

Daniel and I stood side by side, our characters' relationship growing more complex by the day. I felt grateful for his support and reassurance as we stepped into this scene together.