Lights, Camera, Love

Trust and Jealousy

Nora sat in her trailer, trying to focus on the script in front of her. The Moroccan sun beat down outside, casting long shadows and creating a stark contrast between the desert landscape and the cool, dim interior. Despite the comfortable surroundings, she couldn't shake the unease that had settled over her like a dark cloud.

It had been a week since Zac's visit, and while their time together had been wonderful, the subsequent return to their long-distance routine had been tough. The latest wave of rumors about her and Tom Holland had only made things worse. The media seemed intent on creating a scandal out of their professional camaraderie, and Zac's concern had turned into outright jealousy.

Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen to see a message from Zac.

Zac: "Saw the latest headlines. Call me when you can."

Nora sighed, her heart sinking. She knew this conversation was going to be difficult, but it was necessary. She dialed Zac's number, and he picked up almost immediately.

"Hey," she said softly, her voice tinged with anxiety.

"Hey," Zac replied, his tone strained. "Have you seen the latest?"

"I have," she admitted, leaning back in her chair. "It's just more gossip, Zac. There's nothing to it."

"I want to believe that," he said, frustration evident in his voice. "But seeing those pictures, reading those stories... It's hard not to feel something."

Nora took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "I understand, Zac. But you know me. You know I'm committed to us."

"I know," he said, his voice softening slightly. "But it's tough being so far away and seeing all this. It makes me doubt everything."

"Zac, there's nothing going on between me and Tom," she said firmly. "He's a friend, a co-star, nothing more. You're the one I love."

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. "I want to trust you, Nora. I really do. But the distance, the rumors... it's tearing me apart."

Nora felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. "It's tearing me apart too, Zac. But we have to trust each other. It's the only way we'll get through this."

"I know," he said quietly. "I'm trying."

"Me too," she whispered. "I love you, Zac. We can't let this come between us."

"I love you too," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I just miss you so much."

"I miss you too," she replied, wiping away a tear. "We'll get through this. I promise."

After they hung up, Nora sat in silence for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts. She knew Zac's jealousy was fueled by the distance and the incessant media scrutiny. She had to find a way to reassure him and strengthen their bond.

Later that evening, she joined the cast and crew for dinner at a local restaurant. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. Tom sat next to her, engaging her in a conversation about their upcoming scenes.

"You okay?" he asked, noticing her distracted demeanor.

"Yeah, just a lot on my mind," she replied, forcing a smile.

"Want to talk about it?" he offered.

Nora hesitated, then decided to confide in him. "It's Zac. The rumors about us are causing problems."

Tom nodded understandingly. "I figured as much. I'm really sorry, Nora. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know."

"Thanks, Tom," she said, appreciating his support. "Just being a friend is enough."