Chapter 4

I actually majored in finance in college.

Not because I loved finance or anything, just because Alex chose it.

After graduation, money was never an issue. My parents sent me thirty thousand dollars a month, no questions asked.

So I decided to give the entertainment industry a shot—something I'd always wanted to try.

The first time I landed a lead role, I was so happy I shared the news with Alex.

But when he found out there were lots of kissing and intimate scenes, he insisted I quit and promised to pay the breach fee himself.

I was reluctant, but in the end, I went along with it. I just didn't want him to be upset.

After that, I only took on minor roles—blink-and-you-miss-it parts that wrapped up almost as soon as I appeared.

I met Evan back when we were both just extras, hopping from set to set.

He wasn't famous yet—just another extra like me.

But with his striking looks, he'd sometimes land a third or fourth male lead role.

One winter night, we were shooting an outdoor scene in the rain. I noticed his lips were turning blue from the cold, so I quietly slipped him a hand warmer.

"Just stick it on, you'll feel a lot better," I whispered.

He glanced at me, hesitated for a second, then took the hand warmer.

"Thanks," he said.

After he gradually got famous, we barely saw each other anymore. Honestly, I never thought he'd actually show up at my birthday party.

I opened the script outline Talia had just sent me. The second female lead was the kind of girl who started out bossy and entitled, but ended up full of regrets. She had plenty of shared scenes with the male lead, played by Evan Lee.

Maybe switching things up, a new environment, a new mood, wasn't such a bad idea after all.

I got up and walked to the window, watching the bustling crowd below. The lights stretched their shadows long and thin, and I realized everyone down there was a real person, breathing, feeling, hurting just like me.

I spent the best years of my life on Alex Pierce.

Maybe I didn't need to orbit around Alex anymore. Maybe it was time for my life to have its own script.

For more than two weeks, I didn't bother with Alex at all.

I sent his calls straight to voicemail and blocked him on all my socials.

Just so my parents wouldn't accidentally tell him which set I was working on, I kept it from them too.

"Nina, you sure you're good with that kiss scene coming up?" the director asked, shooting me a skeptical look.

The director knew my family and was well aware I never took on intimate scenes. He was probably worried I'd just walk off set in the middle of filming.

Still, since I had money, even if I did bail, he'd get a nice chunk of change from the penalty fee—so he wouldn't really lose anything.

I nodded, feeling confident.

"Of course, no problem," I replied confidently.

"Glad to hear it. Mr. Lee's stage kiss skills are legendary. You might learn a thing or two from him," the director said.

Stage kiss?

"Action!"

As Evan's handsome face drew closer, I couldn't help it—my heart was racing out of control.

His lashes were long and slightly lowered, showing off his sharp jawline.

I tried to shove him away as the script said, but he was too strong. Instead, he pinned my hands down.

Then, he kissed me with a hint of madness.

I could only squeeze my eyes shut and brace myself. Wasn't this supposed to be just a stage kiss?

It wasn't until the director called "Cut!" that Evan finally released me, his expression saying he wasn't quite done yet.

His tweet flashed through my mind, making me feel awkward. I turned away, fiddling with my rumpled collar.

The director clapped his hands in satisfaction behind the monitor. "Great! You really sold it! Evan, your kiss scene was even better without the stage kiss."

Evan cleared his throat, keeping quiet.

As I walked off set, Talia suddenly came over, looking all secretive.

"Nina, your unlucky boyfriend just showed up," she teased.

She meant Alex, of course.

He managed to find me here, but this time, I wasn't worried.

A few days ago, The System had told me straight up. Once Alex's favorability score dropped below 90, I could switch targets and start a new strategy.

But Alex's favorability score was still sitting stubbornly at 96. Guess I'd have to pull something he really hates to knock it down.