Episode 26
Clearly, the rumors were true—Sandra had always been Elijah’s beloved one.
Not wanting to come across as negligent, the director hastened to greet them, script in hand and a welcoming smile on his face. “Mr. Norris, Sandra, welcome. Here’s the script for today’s audition. You’ll be reading the same scene as Elizabeth with Stewart, so we can see both your performances side by side.”
Elijah, taken aback, paused for a moment.
The realization dawned that Elizabeth was not here to find him. She was here to audition herself.
He immediately recognized the look on Elizabeth’s face from earlier—it was the kind of expression reserved for a complete fool.
He swept his gaze across the room, eventually spotting Elizabeth tucked away in the most unobtrusive corner.
Beside her sat Stewart, both of them deeply engaged in conversation, their laughter echoing softly, completely unaware of Elijah’s presence.
The sight of Elizabeth laughing so freely struck Elijah as a blatant affront, especially given her earlier coldness towards him. Yet there she was, seemingly enraptured in conversation with someone else.
Stewart was merely a handsome face with little substance. Elijah wondered what they could possibly find to discuss so animatedly. How had Elizabeth become so chummy with industry folks despite her long hiatus from acting?
Out of the corner of his eye, Elijah noticed Stewart sipping from a can of soda, identical to the one Elizabeth held, which only fueled his annoyance further.
So, that soda had been meant for him.
Sandra caught the storm brewing on Elijah’s face and worried they might quarrel here, potentially exposing their relationship.
With a quick gesture, she interjected, her voice tinged with disbelief, “I never imagined the director was considering Elizabeth for the role.”
Hearing this, Elijah’s irritation flared, and he shot a cold, piercing look toward Elva, who had just entered.
Had Elva mentioned sooner that Elizabeth was also auditioning, he could have spared himself today’s embarrassment.
Elva, under Elijah’s intense scrutiny, felt a chill run down her spine, though she feigned ignorance.
Just as Elijah was about to confront Elva, the director called out, “Is everyone ready? Shall we begin?”
Elizabeth and Stewart approached, confirming their readiness in unison.
