Chapter 2

Zoya's POV

I slumped on my chair, hitting my head on the book in frustration. Sebastian had given me a notice about the audition two weeks ago, but my agency failed to get me an opportunity. Three days had passed since the audition, and I was still agonizing over this missed chance. I had envisioned a shot at stardom and even started searching for suitable apartments, only to be brought down to earth in the most humbling way. It was disheartening to realize that my dreams had been dashed by incompetency.

"Could you please stop sulking, it's distracting me from my favorite class" Sebastian remarked, poking me in the arm.

"Must be nice, you didn't lose a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," I muttered, burying my face in the textbook.

"If there are any future auditions, I'll let you know. But for now, try focusing on the class or you'll be unemployed and uneducated," he said, yanking my shirt and pulling me back into my seat.

"It's not just about losing the audition, it's about knowing they didn't even try," I replied, crossing my arms stubbornly.

"Have you ever thought about finding new representation? It seems like your current agency and manager aren't giving you the opportunities you really want," Sebastian suggested while keeping his attention on the professor.

"I know, I just hate stepping out of my comfort zone," I responded with a heavy sigh.

Sebastian only chuckled. "Those aren't exactly great qualities for a future actress," he teased, but I wasn't in the mood for humor. I stomped on his foot in frustration and he let out a yelp, which I found a bit satisfying.

But our amusement was short-lived as we both heard a throat being cleared. We turned to see the professor pointing towards the door, signaling for us to leave the lecture hall. We quickly gathered our things and made our way out, trying to hide our embarrassment as we did.

"The only class I enjoy, and we get kicked out," Sebastian grumbled, clearly irritated.

I wanted to apologize and offer to buy him lunch to make it up to him, but my attention was focused solely on my phone as it began ringing, the name of my manager, Emre, flashing on the screen. Taking a deep breath to try and keep my calm, I answered the phone.

"Zoya, how's my favorite client?" Emre greeted me with his smooth talking, but I couldn't help but feel a tad irritated. I don't hate Emre, but his kiss-ass demeanor can be exhausting. Especially now that he wasn't able to secure me the audition I wanted.

"What's up, Emre?" I said, forcing a smile even though he couldn't see me.

"Remember that amazing audition you asked me to get for you last week?" He spoke again, stressing on the word amazing, annoying me further.

"I vaguely remember," I said sarcastically, and he paused.

"The one with Ezra Gael!" He exclaimed, and I wanted to lash out at him.

"Yes, Emre, I remember which damn audition it is" I said, my patience wearing thin.

"Well, Zoya," Emre said, his tone excited. "They didn't find the right cast for the role during the first round of auditions. But guess what? I was able to get you a spot in for the second round!"

My heart raced with excitement at the news. "Really?" I asked breathlessly. "You're not joking, are you?"

"I'm not joking at all," Emre said, his voice filled with pride. "Zoya. I think you may have a great shot."

I let out a happy scream and jumped up and down in excitement, not even caring that I had attracted the attention of the other students around me.

Sebastian's enthusiastic clapping and jumping made me feel grateful for his encouragement.

"Wow, Emre, this is amazing news! I'm at a loss for words. I'll forgive you for your initial incompetence," I said before realizing what I had said. Sebastian looked at me in shock, mouthing "What did you just say, girl?"

Confused, Emre asked, "Forgive me for what?"

Panicking, I tried to redirect the conversation. "Oh, sorry, I was talking to my friend. Just text me the details. Bye!" I quickly ended the call before Emre could ask any more questions.

"That was a close one, you almost lost your manager," he said, giggling as I held my chest, still startled by the close call.

"I really need to work on thinking before I speak," I said nervously, but I refused to let it ruin my good mood.

"Don't worry about it. It's refreshing," Sebastian reassured me, brushing off my concerns.

Just then, my phone buzzed. Both Sebastian and I anxiously peered at the screen to read the details of the audition.

"You've got to be kidding me, Emre!" I screamed in frustration, feeling the weight of disappointment pulling me down.

Sebastian seemed to sense my despair, "Zoya, that's in two hours and my brother's company is across town," he said in a concerned tone.

"I'm not even properly dressed, I look like a mess, and I've blown yet another chance," I sighed, rubbing my temples.

"Seriously, get it together, Zoya. If you leave now, you'll make it," Sebastian said, his voice dripping with motivation.

"But I'm not dressed to impress. Why would they ever give the role to me if I look like this?" I protested, feeling insecure about my appearance.

Sebastian gently took my hand and looked straight into my eyes. "For your talent. You're incredibly talented, Zoya. You're the one who wanted directors and casting directors to see you for your talents, not your pretty face. This is your moment, don't let self-doubt ruin it for you," he said, his words striking a chord in my heart.

He then pushed me towards the door. "So are you going to sit here and miss this opportunity or are you going to get in your car and chase after your dream?" he asked with a glint of determination in his eyes. "Because I know you're not a quitter, Zoya."

I smiled weakly, touched by his support. "Thanks, Sebastian, that was cringy but sweet," I said, patting his shoulder for his efforts, before rushing out the door laughing.

Approaching the towering glass edifice that was the Gael building, I was immediately struck by its magnificence. The letters spelling out its name on the top floor seemed to gleam in the sunlight, and I felt a wave of apprehension wash over me. But, as they say, no guts, no glory.

I strode purposefully to the reception desk and asked for directions to the audition room. Once they had taken down my name, I was quickly led to the waiting area. Heart pounding, I found myself a seat amidst a sea of smartly dressed aspiring actors and actresses.

As I sat there, I noticed that several heads were turning in my direction. Was it my disheveled appearance? I looked down at myself, and immediately regretted it. My jeans were crumpled, my shirt was wrinkled, and I was sweating from the long drive. I had the feeling that my makeup wasn't helping matters either. I felt out of place, unworthy to be among these properly dressed and polished individuals.

My anxiety was peaking when it was only me and 2 other girls left in the waiting room, one of the two women that guided me to the waiting room appeared again and called my name, i stood up feeling my legs shaking from anxiety.

She have me a reassuring smile and walked away and i immediately followed close to her, i was led into a room with the three men in it, I recognised the man in thr middle as Ezra Gael, i couldn't believe that i was in the same room as him.

"Tell us a little about yourself before we get started, Zoya," Ezra said, pulling me out of my daze. I swallowed hard, feeling my mouth go dry.

"My name is Zoya Eldeeb. I am 21 years old and I am a first-year student at the University of Film and Art," I replied, trying my best to sound confident. I couldn't let my nerves get the better of me

After all, I was here to showcase my acting skills.