The Last Scene's Secret

Chapter 1: The Unexpected Lead

Present time 2024, May, 27

Ling was at the gym, sweat glistening on her forehead as she powered through her workout. The clanking of weights and rhythmic pounding of her feet on the treadmill formed a steady backdrop to her focused exercise routine. Each rep and step was a testament to her discipline, but she was losing herself in the routine, needing a distraction from the nagging thoughts that always seemed to linger at the edges of her mind.

As she approached the final set of her workout, her phone buzzed on the bench next to her, breaking the monotony. She wiped her hands on her towel and reached for the device, glancing at the screen. It was a call from the director—a number she recognized but hadn't expected to hear today.

Ling answered, her breathing still heavy from her workout. "Hello?"

Director: "Ling, it's great to hear your voice. I have some fantastic news. We've made our final decisions for 'The Revenge of the Last Heiress.' You're officially cast as the main lead!"

A rush of excitement surged through Ling, her heart racing with anticipation. "Seriously? That's incredible news! I've been waiting for this moment. so who's playing the Last Heiress?"

Director: "uhh... The role of the Last Heiress will be played by Orm."

Ling's elation was quickly replaced by confusion and a touch of anxiety. Her voice wavered as she asked, "Orm? You mean Orm, Orm Kornnaphat? The one from... from 3 years ago?"

Director: "Yes, that's the one. I know it's a surprise, but we've been working on this for a while. Orm is already on board and excited about the role. We think her presence will add an incredible dynamic to the film."

Ling's thoughts scrambled as memories of her past with Orm surged back. "But... why her? Ying you knew we've had a lot of history—"

Director: "Ling, I understand it's a bit of a shock. I know your history with Orm might be a bit complicated, but this is a professional setting. She's accepted the role, and it's going to be a great opportunity for the both of you. Trust me on this."

Ling's mind raced. She thought of the countless auditions, the years spent striving for her big break, only to have her rival cast in a crucial role. It felt like the universe was throwing her a curveball she wasn't ready for. "Fine. If Orm's already committed, I'll do it. I'm in."

The director's relieved tone was evident as he replied, "Perfect. I knew you'd come around. We're going to make something special with this film. Talk to you soon."

The call ended, leaving Ling with her thoughts swirling in turmoil. She sat down heavily on the edge of the bench, her mind struggling to reconcile the reality of the situation with her long-held ambitions.

The gym's mirror reflected her tense expression as she gazed at her own image. Her strong exterior belied the storm of emotions within. She took a deep breath, trying to center herself, but her thoughts drifted to the past.

A flashback began to unfold, pulling Ling back to a time long ago:

Ling was a bright-eyed teenager, sitting in the plush seats of a grand theater. The opulent surroundings—the rich red velvet curtains, the intricate gold leaf designs, and the softly glowing chandeliers—set the stage for a night of unforgettable performance. As the lights dimmed, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Ling's heart raced with excitement and admiration as she awaited the arrival of her idol.

On stage, Orm made her entrance with effortless grace. The spotlight cast a halo around her, highlighting her elegance and commanding presence. Orm's performance was nothing short of mesmerizing—each movement, each expression, was executed with such precision and passion that it left the audience in awe. Ling's eyes were riveted on Orm, her admiration growing with every passing moment.

As the final curtain fell and the audience erupted into applause, Ling's excitement was palpable. Her young mind was filled with dreams of one day sharing the stage with Orm, of becoming her peer in the glamorous world of entertainment.

Young Ling (whispering to herself): "One day, I'll be up there too. With her."

Years passed, and Ling's dream of working in the entertainment industry began to take shape. She poured her heart into her craft, her determination and talent propelling her into the limelight. Yet, despite her rising fame, her admiration for Orm remained unwavering. Ling's greatest aspiration was to work alongside her idol, to share the same space that once felt like a distant fantasy.

Ling's attempts to reach out to Orm were numerous and earnest. She sent emails, made polite requests for meetings, and even sought introductions through mutual connections. Each time, Orm's responses were polite but dismissive. Ling was met with rejection after rejection, each one a sharp pang against her hopeful heart.

Despite the setbacks, Ling remained resolute. She continued to push forward, her career advancing and her fame growing. It was a long and grueling climb, but her success was hard-earned. As Ling's star rose, Orm's seemed to wane. The roles that had once made Orm a household name were fewer, and her presence in the industry seemed to diminish.

The turning point came when Ling achieved a level of success that eclipsed Orm's. She found herself in the position she had once dreamed of: at the top of the industry, her name in lights. Yet, this achievement brought with it an unexpected twist. Orm, who had once been Ling's idol, now seemed to view Ling not as a follower but as a rival.

Ling was shocked and deeply hurt by Orm's perception. She had never seen their relationship as a competition, but Orm's growing animosity suggested otherwise. The realization that her idol saw her as a threat rather than a fellow artist shattered Ling's idealized image of Orm. The admiration that had once been so pure was replaced by a painful understanding of rivalry and miscommunication.

Ling's emotional turmoil was compounded by her friend and director, Ying, who witnessed the entire ordeal. Ying had always been Ling's confidante, someone with whom she shared her dreams and disappointments. She saw firsthand the anguish Ling experienced when Orm's misunderstanding became apparent. Ying's empathy provided a small solace, but it was clear that Ling's once-bright dreams had been marred by this painful turn of events.

Ling's heartache was evident in her every expression, her once-cherished goal of working with Orm now a bittersweet memory. The emotional impact of Orm's perception lingered, casting a shadow over Ling's achievements. The idol she had once revered had become a symbol of unfulfilled dreams and misunderstood intentions.

As the flashback faded, Ling was back in the present, her face reflecting a mix of determination and melancholy. She had come a long way from that starry-eyed teenager, but the road ahead promised new challenges—both personal and professional. As she prepared to step into her new role, she knew she would have to navigate the intricate dynamics of their working relationship.

A/N

I want to take a moment to express how deeply grateful I am for all your incredible support. Your encouragement and enthusiasm mean the world to me, and I couldn't be happier to have such wonderful readers by my side. Thank you so much for your unwavering support and for being a part of this journey. Your kindness and feedback truly inspire me every day! MWAPS!