Acting The Part

Chapter 21: Megan

I was mid-scene when it happened. My mind was so focused on delivering the lines that I didn't notice the shift in the atmosphere at first. The lights were hot on my skin, and the tension from Mr. Rodriguez's earlier rant still clung to the set like a thick cloud.

I could feel his eyes boring into me from behind the camera, his disapproval weighing heavily on my shoulders. I'd been trying to shake it off, to keep going, but the constant berating had made it harder to focus.

Then, suddenly, there was a ripple of whispers, a buzz of excitement that broke through the stillness of the room. It started small, just a murmur in the background, but quickly spread like wildfire.

The crew's attention shifted, and people began glancing toward the entrance of the set. Confusion flickered across my mind, but I didn't dare look away from the camera.

That was, until I heard his voice.

"What's happening here?"

I froze. My heart plummeted into my stomach, and I slowly turned my head to see Caleb standing at the edge of the set, holding a bouquet of flowers. His presence was like a shockwave, rippling through the space and commanding attention.

He looked out of place in his crisp suit, his broad shoulders and confident stance a stark contrast to the casual chaos of the set.

My breath caught in my throat. What was Caleb doing here?

The entire crew seemed as stunned as I was. People exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disbelief.

I could hear the murmurs growing louder, questions flying between them as they tried to piece together why Caleb Drake—a man with a reputation larger than life—was standing in the middle of a film set, looking like he was ready to tear someone apart.

Even Mr. Rodriguez, who had been lecturing me just moments before, was caught off guard. His usual sneer disappeared, replaced by a tight, nervous smile. He stood a little straighter, his gaze darting between me and Caleb as he tried to regain control of the situation.

Rodriguez tried to explain, but Caleb's momentum made him a mumbling fool. The director was so flustered and Caleb was so dashing. His words echoed in my ears, and it felt like there were a thousand stallions blazing through my heart.

My cheeks burned as the word fiancée hung in the air, echoing in my mind. I could feel the eyes of everyone on set turning toward me, their expressions ranging from shock to curiosity. My heart raced, and I clenched my hands into fists, trying to steady myself.

Fiancée. He'd said it so easily, like it was a fact everyone should already know. Like it had always been true even if it wasn't.

I hadn't even processed it myself yet. Meeting him was... probably a lifetime's worth of luck for me.

The idea of Caleb and me, engaged—it felt surreal, like a dream I hadn't fully woken from even if it was fake. And now, here he was, announcing it to the world.

My name attached to his was so far-fetched, it was crazy. I could barely breathe as he protected me.

No one had ever stood up for me like this before. No one had ever protected me—not like this. The only men I'd known in my life had wanted me for one thing—my body.

They didn't care about my dreams, my passions. They certainly didn't care about my dignity.

But here was Caleb, defending me with a fierceness I hadn't expected. He wasn't just here for a visit. He was here to make sure I wasn't being treated unfairly. And it stirred something deep inside me—something I hadn't felt in a long time.

A small part of me—the rational part–kept telling me this was all part of the act. Of the contract. But my heart refused to listen. When he handed me the flowers as he comforted me, my heart jumped.

Caleb turned back to Mr. Rodriguez, his voice cold and final. "We're leaving."

I blinked in surprise. "Wait, what?"

"You're not staying here," Caleb said, his tone brooking no argument. "This guy doesn't deserve to have you on his set."

I opened my mouth to protest, but the look on Caleb's face stopped me. He was serious. Dead serious.

He wasn't going to let me stay here—not with Mr. Rodriguez, not with the way things had been going. And honestly, after everything that had happened today, a part of me didn't want to stay either.

Before I could say anything else, Caleb grabbed my hand, pulling me gently toward the exit. The room was still buzzing with whispers, the crew exchanging glances as we passed.

I could feel their eyes on me, but I didn't care. All I cared about was the man holding my hand, the man who had just stood up for me in a way no one else ever had.

By the time we reached his car, Caleb was still fuming. He opened the door for me, his jaw clenched tight as he slid into the driver's seat. I could feel the tension radiating off him, his anger simmering just beneath the surface.

As we pulled out of the lot, I glanced over at him, my heart still racing. "Why is he like that?" Caleb muttered, his hands gripping the steering wheel. "Why the fuck does he think he can treat people like that?"

I didn't know how to answer. I'd been on enough sets to know that directors like Mr. Rodriguez existed—people who thought they could tear others down just because they were in charge. But that didn't make it any easier to accept.

"I'm used to it," I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Caleb's eyes snapped to mine, his expression hardening. "You shouldn't have to be used to it, Megan. No one should."

I bit my lip, unsure of what to say. He was right. Of course, he was right.

But the world of acting wasn't always fair. It wasn't always kind. And I'd learned how to navigate it the best I could.

But now, sitting beside Caleb, feeling his protectiveness wrap around me like a shield, I realized something. I didn't have to accept it anymore. Not with him by my side.

Maybe, just maybe, I could rely on him. Not forever, but for now.