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Novel Catalog
Chapter 56
Zoe’s heart raced as Hal moved closer once more, the tension palpable. It wasn’t the man who made her nervous—she had kissed actors before, and the technicalities were just that. But the idea of being vulnerable, of having her first on-screen kiss portrayed in such a way, left her with a strange knot in her stomach.
The camera rolled again.
“Scene 3, sequence 1, take 3. Action!”
Hal’s hands found her waist, his movements slow but assured as he leaned in. Zoe closed her eyes tightly, her body rigid. As his lips came closer, she steeled herself to get through it.
But just before their lips touched, her mind wandered back to her conversation with Cordy earlier. The brief, yet honest interaction had thrown her off in the best way possible. Cordy was nothing like the typical corporate types Zoe had encountered, and there was something undeniably genuine about her—an openness she hadn’t expected.
And as Jay’s voice echoed in the distance, snapping her back into the scene, Zoe couldn’t help but question the direction her life was heading. She didn’t mind acting, but it wasn’t her passion. She wanted to be in control of her narrative, to shape her future on her terms—not just be a pawn in some game of fame and profit. That’s what had made Cordy’s proposition so appealing.
Hal’s lips hovered just above hers, and she felt his breath on her skin. Despite the script, despite the pressure, she pushed the thoughts away and forced herself to lean into the scene. For now, this was her job, and she would do it.
But as their lips met—briefly, awkwardly at first—she felt a rush of relief wash over her. The kiss was not the end of the world, and she was able to pull herself into the character without letting her emotions overwhelm her. The world around her blurred for a moment, and then the scene was over.
“Cut!”
Jay’s voice broke through, and this time, Zoe felt a genuine sense of accomplishment. It was done. And though it had taken a few tries, she had finally managed to let go of the discomfort and become the character she was meant to be.
Jay came over, his expression unreadable as he looked at Zoe. She was ready for criticism, ready to be scolded for the delay—but instead, he simply nodded, his tone softer than she expected.
“You did well,” he said. “That’s a wrap for today.”
Zoe blinked, caught off guard by his response. The “Demon Director” reputation had led her to expect much worse. “Thanks,” she replied, still a little surprised.
Jay didn’t say much more. He turned to the crew and began discussing the next set of shots, leaving Zoe to process what had just happened. As she walked away, she felt a strange mixture of relief and exhilaration.
When the shooting wrapped up for the day, Zoe returned to her trailer to freshen up. She quickly checked her phone and saw the message from Cordy, confirming the dinner plans for later. Zoe smiled at the thought of the upcoming meeting. It felt good to connect with someone who understood her in a way that most people didn’t.
And as she considered the potential partnership with Starstream, Zoe realized that she might be on the cusp of something bigger than she’d ever imagined. The endorsement was just the beginning.
Later that evening, when Cordy arrived at the restaurant, Zoe was already seated, a calm smile on her face. There was a sense of anticipation in the air, but it wasn’t from nerves. Zoe was genuinely curious about the woman who had been so direct and thoughtful in their earlier conversation.
“Good evening, Cordy,” Zoe greeted as Cordy approached the table, her smile warm but still professional.
“Good evening, Zoe,” Cordy replied, her voice steady but friendly. “I hope your day went well?”
Zoe leaned back in her chair, feeling more at ease than she had expected. “It went fine. I’m glad we’re able to meet. And I’ve been thinking about our conversation. I like your approach.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Cordy said, taking a seat across from her. “I’m not just interested in a transaction; I want to build a lasting relationship. One that aligns with your vision.”
Zoe’s interest piqued. “My vision, huh? That’s rare. Most people see an endorsement as just a way to sell something.”
“I’m not like most people,” Cordy replied with a small, knowing smile.
The conversation flowed smoothly, with Cordy explaining her plans for Starstream and how Zoe could be an integral part of their rebranding strategy. Zoe listened intently, her mind racing with the possibilities. The more Cordy spoke, the more Zoe felt like this was the kind of partnership that could elevate her career and her personal brand. It wasn’t just about the money—it was about aligning with something that felt authentic.
By the end of the evening, Zoe was ready to make a decision. She leaned in slightly, her gaze locked with Cordy’s.
“I’m in,” Zoe said, her voice firm but excited. “Let’s make it happen.”
Cordy’s smile widened. “I’m thrilled. We’re going to do great things together, Zoe.”
And as the night came to a close, both women felt a sense of mutual understanding and anticipation for the future—one that would be defined not just by business, but by the trust and vision they shared.