Kayla paced around anxiously, her mobile phone clasped tightly between her fingers. She was in her private dressing room at the set of a movie and had just received a call from one of her many sources. Rina had gotten the lead female role in a potential movie. If she were to successfully feature in that movie, it was one step out of many into returning to the industry.
She couldn’t allow that.
She smoothed her hair roughly and forced herself into the sofa beside the table, placed her phone on the table and stared at it for a while as if it was what determined her future.
After the prolonged silence in her room, she picked up the phone again and dialled a number, the phone buzzed a couple of times and the line was connected soon enough.
Kayla cleared her throat and donned on a fake smile despite the turmoil brewing in her. “Hello, Justin, it’s Kayla. Are you busy? I was hoping we could talk.”
“What is going on?” Justin King asked. He was the son of one of the ruling families in the country. He was one of the investors in the movie Max was producing.
“I’d like to ask for a favour.”
“You know I’ll do anything for you, right?” Justin’s voice came through the phone. Kayla blushed, twirling her hair in her finger.
“It’s about the movie you’re sponsoring. I was wondering if I could get a role in it. Preferably the female lead role.”
“Is that all?” Justin asked, his voice gentle.
“One more thing,” Kayla added.
“Could you talk to the producer? I don’t want to mince words with him. Let him know how important it is.” Kayla added.
“Consider it done, I’ll call you later. I’ve got work to take care of.”
“Okay. Bye!”
“Take care of yourself.”
“Mhmm!” Kayla replied then hung up, still twirling her hair with a sinister smile.
“Rina Powers, let’s see how you make that little comeback of yours!”
____
Immediately after the call, Justin placed a call across to Max to relay the message.
“What’s chap? Justin greeted cheerful the minute the call got connected.”
“All is good Justin.” Max replied uncertain about the reason for the call.
“I’m going to go straight to the point Max. Kayla’s going to be at the office soon. I promised her the female lead role and I want you to make it happen for me.” Justin said, cutting to the chase.
“Uh.. but..” Max started but was cut short.
“Look Max, this isn’t a favour I’m asking of you. It’s an order. I don’t care if someone else has the role just put Kayla in it. You know I’m the biggest investor in the film. Think about what will happen the minute I withdraw my investment.” Justin said and ended the call. Leaving Max with his thoughts.
Later on that day, Kayla sat in Maximilian’s office, her posture confident.
“Welcome Kayla,” Max greeted, her figure reminding him of the previous call he had with Justin.
“Mmm.” Kayla replied curtly
“I’m sure you already know my reason for coming here.” Kayla stated with her gaze fixated on her fingernails.
Max pushed his chair backwards and flickered his lashes in an attempt to suppress how anxious he felt.
“I understand..” he said, with a sad expression.
He didn’t want to lose everything he’d worked for just because of something that was within his control.
He knew that Kayla coveted the role that was given to Rina but he couldn’t provoke the heiress else, he’d loose more than the movie.
Rina had missed it and her mistake was haunting her. And sadly, there was nothing he could do to help her.
A sudden gush of guilt and doubt filled Max’s mind about the hard decision he had to take to save his team and the success of the film in the market.
He had offered Rina the role out of pity for her but he was forced to take back the role from her.
“There’s no problem with that, you can resume practice with us. I’ll text you the date and time for practice.” He said with a sad tone.
“You made the right decision, I will help by engaging my fans to aid the promotion of the film.” Kayla bragged with a bright smile as she got up to leave the office.
If Rina got on set as the female lead, it could potentially improve her reputation and the thought of it alone was nerve wracking.
Max forced a smile at her words.
His insides killing him for the decision he had to make. He felt violated but nothing could be done about it.
He had to get used to the changes that had been made. He thought about how he would explain to Rina that the position had been taken and the weight of guilt clenched his heart as he let his shoulders stoop low.
Kayla walked out of the office feeling elated, she flung her hair behind her back repeatedly whilst walking to her car.
Rina almost took her by surprise.
‘A female lead role? Behind my back? That’s not gonna happen.’ She slumped into the back seat of the car beaming with smiles.
“Where to ma’am?” The driver asked.
“Take me to The Mayan.” Kayla replied as she got herself busy with her device.
This achievement deserved a celebration and what better way to celebrate than to visit one of the elaborate club houses in the city and party through the night.
It was early evenings but that was the best time to visit her favourite clubhouse. She was a very important person at the club house and was given her own space from the top where she could see the happenings in the club without coming down.
Her space was like a cubicle but it was made of glass, transparent glass that showcased everything around it. A succulent sofa sat in the cubicle with a table opposite it. A smaller stool stood beside the sofa and it had a cellphone on it. She could use the cellphone to call on waiters to come attend to her.
She could as well have some fun while bringing Rina down.
What a fabulous night this is. She said as she settled on her sofa.