ONCE MORE, WITH YOU

II

Summer Preston

Four Years Later

"CUT!" I yelled in frustration.

I had finally taken my career to the next level by becoming a movie director. I had put it off for so long, especially after everything with Solené, but after she left, I realized it was time to do what was best for me.

I'm now the director of a movie called The Long Way Down. It's about a group of workers tasked with repairing an isolated mountain road after a landslide cuts off a remote town. As they dig deeper into the rubble, they uncover an old, sealed-off tunnel that isn't on any map. Strange things begin to happen—equipment malfunctions, workers go missing, and voices echo from the tunnel. Soon, they realize the tunnel was sealed for a reason: it's a gateway to something ancient and hungry, and they've just reopened it.

We still have a few scenes left to shoot before the premiere, but for some reason, my cast members can't seem to pull it together.

"August, are you okay? Why aren't you remembering your lines?" I ask, exasperated.

She fidgets nervously with her fingers before speaking. "I'm sorry, Ms. Preston. I'm not sure what's wrong with me today."

"You think this is just a one-time thing? This has been going on for a week, August. We both know this is your big break. Take five, and we'll shoot the scene again."

I watch as tears well up in her eyes. "When you come back, I don't want to see any tears!" I shout after her.

I glance around and see my crew members staring at me. Rolling my eyes, I stand up and head to my office. I sit down behind my desk and rub my hands over my face.

The movie premiere is in two months, and my crew and I have been working tirelessly to make sure everything is perfect. I've invited several A-list celebrities to witness what I've accomplished, and there's no way I'll let myself be embarrassed by a cast member who can't get their act together.

My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door. I get up to open it, revealing Nolan and Adrianna.

"I see you two every single day. I need a break," I grumble as I walk over to my mini fridge and grab a bottle of water. I twist off the cap, take a sip, and place it on my desk.

"You're acting like that's a bad thing," Nolan says with a grin. "I come bearing gifts!"

"Well, where are the gifts?" I ask, looking around.

Adrianna snaps her fingers, and a group of women and men enters my office, carrying clothes.

"Hey, what is this? I have work to do—"

"Oh hush," Adrianna interrupts, waving her hand dismissively. "I told your crew to take the rest of the day off."

"Adrianna, you know I have to finish directing the movie in time for the premiere!" I groan.

"Exactly," she says, gesturing to the people standing by with multiple clothing options. "This is all for the premiere. Nolan and I found your dress... well, dress options, since we know how picky you are."

"This couldn't have waited until later?" I ask.

"No," they both reply in unison.

"Fine, show me the options," I sigh, sinking back into my chair.

"First up, we have this white gown," Adrianna says, holding it up.

The dress reminds me of a wedding gown, exuding timeless elegance with a modern twist. It features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a folded design that adds sophistication, while the fitted bodice beautifully accentuates the waist. The voluminous ball gown skirt flows outward, creating a regal and dramatic effect.