Zak handed the cake to the security guard, asking for help in delivering it. After a brief hesitation, the security guard accepted the cake and commented, "Ms. Gilliam would probably prefer if you delivered it yourself." "I have other things to take care of," Zak replied, stopping the guard abruptly and casually asking, "Do you happen to know when Ms. Gilliam's birthday is?" "It's on July 28th," the security guard replied, looking slightly puzzled. Despite not knowing the exact relationship between Zak and Camilla, their interaction hinted at intimacy, leaving the security guard surprised by Zak's lack of knowledge about Camilla's birthday, which was only three days away. Zak nodded in thanks and hailed a taxi to a nearby mall. Upon entering a watch shop, Zak was immediately drawn to a black timepiece. "You have great taste, sir. We only have two of this model left in stock," the salesperson remarked, presenting the watch Zak had his eye on along with another one. Zak examined
He stands at a pivotal moment, balancing between his friendship with Camilla and the potential for something deeper. They teeter on the edge of transitioning from friends to a more profound connection, yet the true essence of their relationship remains shrouded in uncertainty. Both paths seem promising, yet neither feels entirely fitting. Setting aside his swirling thoughts, he enters the living room with the cake in hand, having completed its preparation. "Are you not celebrating your birthday at home today?" he queries. "I am," Camilla responds, rising from her seat to approach him. "This is home for me too." Her calm assertion catches Zak off guard, momentarily stunning him as his heart races, threatening to dislodge the cake from his grip. Placing the cake on the table, he retrieves the previously arranged candles, inserts them into the cake, and lights them. Turning to Camilla, he extends his birthday wishes. "Happy birthday, Camilla." "Thank you," she responds, extinguishing
Zak turned off the light and settled into bed, ready to embrace sleep. However, he soon found himself lost in memories of his childhood, memories that began within the walls of the orphanage where his past lay dormant.In one such memory, Zak recalled a scene at the orphanage where the director was distributing bread. Just as Zak reached for a piece, it was swiftly snatched away by a notorious troublemaker among the children, a senior known for grabbing belongings. He made it clear that complaining to the director was futile and would result in consequences.Rather than risking a futile confrontation, Zak resigned himself to a meager lunch of vegetable soup.The orphanage's limited meals and lack of snacks meant Zak often went hungry, with his food frequently taken by others.One day, seizing an opportunity when the main gate was open, Zak quietly slipped away unnoticed.Penniless and hesitant to return to the orphanage, Zak found himself sitting by the roadside, watching the passing
Ten minutes later, Gerald sauntered out of the audition hall and casually took a seat beside Zak, propping his chin up with an air of nonchalance as he fixed his gaze upon him. In a friendly tone, he began, "So, are you here to try out for a supporting male role? It's a competitive arena, you know. You'll need to bring your A-game. But tell me, are you truly serious about breaking into the entertainment industry, or is this just a casual pursuit?"Unfazed by Gerald's probing, Zak shifted slightly, directing her attention to her phone screen where her fingers moved deftly.Glancing over, Gerald noticed Zak engrossed in a game and let out a light chuckle. "Well, at least give us a little show. It's always advantageous to have someone in your corner, don't you think?"After successfully completing the level, Zak pocketed her phone and replied calmly, "What kind of performance do you think I should give?"Disregarding her question as if it hadn't been asked, Gerald changed the subject wit
The sudden buzz of his phone jolted him out of his thoughts. A message from Carlos flashed on the screen: "Hey, uni starts in just a month. Want to catch up? Last time was a bit rushed, missed out on a lot."Zak swiftly replied: "Nah, got a filming gig.""Why the sudden trip?""Movie shoot.""Okay, but how about we meet up in the next few days? I've got some things to ask."Zak hesitated for a moment before typing, "Questions about me and Camilla?"Carlos's reply came instantly: "How'd you guess?"Aside from that topic, Zak couldn't imagine what else Carlos would be so curious about.As Zak was about to end the conversation, another lengthy message appeared from Carlos: "Oh, and have you heard about Vanderose? Rumor has it they're in deep trouble, nearly bankrupt. Too bad we won't get to see Juelz's reaction. I bet it'd be priceless."Zak quickly skimmed through the message, his expression barely changing. He began typing a response, intending to wrap things up swiftly, but another me
"Unbelievable, I've been watching for an hour; these two are simply incredible.""The boss is really taking a beating, hahaha."The spectators erupted into applause and praise, briefly electrifying the atmosphere.The boss, in a flurry, rubbed his temples, handed the ring to the nearby employee, and pulled Zak and Camilla aside for a discussion."In this small-scale operation, I'll refund your money and throw in a tablet. But don't take anything else. How does a total of two thousand sound?""The total earnings from the rings are over $20, and you're only offering over $200?" Zak remarked, his expression stoic. "You've clearly thought this through.""Making a profit isn't easy for me either, especially with you two acting like this," the boss exclaimed, gritting his teeth. "I could stretch it to a maximum of $500. Is that acceptable? You've barely been here for a few minutes, and you're already making $500; isn't that enough?""We're not after money; we want merchandise," Camilla inte
The scene began with a confrontation involving Gerald Holder, scheduled to start at eight o'clock. However, Gerald's chronic tardiness persisted, and he didn't show up until half past eight. He attributed his delay to a sudden bout of low blood sugar, requiring a brief break.Draven wasted no time in rolling his eyes and making a sarcastic remark, "Who are you trying to fool? If this lateness continues, how do you expect us to continue filming?"Gerald's gaze settled on him, accompanied by a subdued smile. "I sincerely apologize. I'm puzzled as to why my blood sugar suddenly dropped. I'll make up for any lost time."The director kept it brief, gesturing with a wave. "Enough talk. Get ready; we start filming in five minutes."Meanwhile, Zak had already dressed, while Gerald took his time, spending half an hour in the dressing room before coming out.This scene marked Zak and Gerald's first meeting. Despite their mutual dislike, they maintained decorum in the presence of the protagonist
Carlos, quick to grasp the situation, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, this is the best course of action. While I was merely observing earlier, there were murmurs about Gerald's private temperament being rather irritable. His current pleasant demeanor is merely a façade. Unpleasant situations always seem to trigger his anger."Meanwhile, Gerald seethed with barely contained rage.Noticing his foul mood, the assistant, who had been tirelessly fanning nearby, offered him a fruit tray. "Please, don't look so stern. It wouldn't be ideal if someone were to capture you looking like this in a photograph."The mere thought of being photographed further fueled Gerald's anger. After discreetly scanning his surroundings to ensure no one was watching, he picked up a slice of watermelon. After a brief bite, he ordered cold beverages for everyone in a chilly tone, citing the sweltering heat."Of course," the assistant agreed, hurrying off to arrange the drinks.Ten minutes later, as the assistant dist