The sun was out early that Saturday morning and Rina was already at the studio, awaiting her turn for the audition of the female lead role.
She didn’t realise that she left her house earlier than supposed until she got to the studio and met only the prop masters who were setting the stage and props to be used for the day.
Max wasn’t in sight yet so she decided to sit on one of the empty chairs and wait for him.
None of the prop masters spared her a conversation but it didn’t bother her as she also wanted to be left alone with her thoughts.
With the turn outs of events, she had decided to inform Zayn about her lack of interest in their deal when he returned back from his business trip. She was going to take it up from here and do a good job to ensure that she debunks the wrong impressions that were written about her.
After a few hours of waiting, some members and supporting role members started turning up to the studio.
Just as she was about to go take a pee in one of the restrooms, a lady with a familiar scent walked in with a Gucci bag in her hand and an expensive Gucci dress and a Gucci slide to match.
Rina barely stood up from her chair when she saw the face of the lady with the familiar scent.
Her eyes widened at the realization but she shifted her gaze from her immediately and decided to mind her business. She wasn’t going to approach her or make a scene at the studio but she thought wrong because the latter was prepared to make scenes at the studio.
“Look who we have here, isn’t that Rina Powers? The same Rina Powers on every news scandal? What a world.” The audience in the bustled hall turned to look at Rina who shot a glaring look at Kayla.
She wasn’t cut out for her games and child’s play and she didn’t even care if Kayla was going to be in the same movie as her, she just wanted to restore her fame and clean her name.
Rina had been seated in a corner of the studio, calm and poised. Almost like a ghost in the far end of the studio. Not many people noticed her because of her disguise and she was okay with it, that was what she wanted. At least, it resulted in less whispers and judging eyes but now, she was the centre of attraction once again.
“Everyone, let’s welcome the most talked about in the industry.” Kayla cheered sarcastically.
“What are you doing Kayla?” Rina asked with a glare maintained in her gaze.
“I’m just introducing the former queen of Hollywood to the team but you seem to be mad about it. Did I do anything wrong?” The crowd who were already invested in the duo’s conversation broke into murmured conversations, whispering in each other’s ears and shot a look of contempt at Rina.
Their side talks reached Rina’s ears, but she didn’t bother with them. She tried to focus on the situation before her, barely caring about the thoughts people had concerning her.
She met Kayla’s mocking gaze with a small smile. She knew what games Kayla was playing at and she had been in the industry too long to fall for it. It was obvious, way too obvious that she was trying to give people more reasons to hate her.
Kayla expected Rina to react. She wanted to use this little crowd that had gathered. And by noon, news of Rina Powers fighting for a role was going to be all over the media. She had it all planned out which explained her surprise and disappointment when instead, Rina walked away without a word.
Rina located the restroom. She needed to calm down. She turned on the tap and placed her hand underneath it’s mouth, letting the water splash all over her hands.
Just then, Kayla stepped into the restroom and approached her with a smirk on her face.
Rina ignored her and fixated her gaze on her hands under the running tap.
Kayla closed the distance between them and turned on the other tap. “Female lead role, huh?” She asked rhetorically and continued “It’s a relief that you wouldn’t play the part anymore, lest you ruin the film and its team’s success.” Kayla finished, turned her tap off and made to leave but was called back by Rina.
“What do you mean?” Rina asked as she finally shifted her gaze to Kayla’s figure.
The latter smiled, shook her head and clucked her tongue before turning around to meet Rina’s gaze.
“I bet you didn’t know that you’ve been removed from not only your intended role as the female lead but the movie as a whole.” Kayla said, placing her hand on her chest and feigning pity.
Rina spared Kayla no more words and walked out of the restroom. She was done listening to Kayla’s blabbing, and she was going to find things out on her own.
She took out her phone and made to call Max, but before she could even dial his number, he entered the studio. She walked up to him.
“Rina, I see you’re here already.” He exclaimed as she closed the distance between them.
Kayla also walked out of the restroom and stared at the duo with her hands crossed across her chest and a visible smirk on her face.
“Am I still in the movie?” Rina asked impatiently, not wanting to waste any time fondling words.
“Uhm, Rina, concerning that, I need to see you.” Max said, gesturing Rina to his office.
Rina followed him calmly.
“I know that this is a hard time for you now, I understand that, but there is nothing much I can do in my position. The team kicked against it and I cannot force them to work with who they do not accept. I hope you understand.”
Rina smiled and nodded. When she decided to make a comeback into the industry, she knew it wasn’t going to be all hay and sunshine. Plus with her current reputation, the roads ahead weren’t going to be smooth and easy. But she knew one thing for sure, Kayla was behind this change.
“It’s Kayla, right?” Rina asked. She knew.
“No, Rina, it’s not it. This is beyond my power, I tried to help but it was beyond me. Unfortunately, the audience has an unpleasant perception of you and I’m afraid that will affect the team. You have to understand. Some other time Rina.” Max pleaded.
“It’s fine!” Rina understood max. She had been best friends with Kayla for many years therefore understood her status very well. As the heiress of the third wealthiest family in the country, she naturally had connections. Bending a third class producer like Max to do her will wasn’t a hard thing to do.
“I’m really sorry, Rina!” Max felt guilty and at the same time, helpless.
Rina nodded, turned around and walked away.