Chapter 3

Zoya's POV

Ezra flashed a friendly smile and began to explain the details of the role I was auditioning for. The show was a gripping drama series centered around a woman who lost her husband while pregnant, and was now navigating the challenges of running his business empire. Her mother-in-law and brother-in-law were both eager to seize control of it all, including her child. I was auditioning to play the nanny, a role that would require my presence throughout most of the episodes. Despite being a minor role, I was thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of such a compelling storyline.

As I waited, they handed me the scene. I scanned the lines, absorbing the character’s rhythm and mood. I read it again, slower this time, letting the emotions sink in. Closing my eyes, I imagined the scene playing out, visualized the stakes, the tone, the subtle tension. My heart picked up its pace—this was my shot.

I stepped onto the taped mark and took a final breath. Ezra gave a small nod, and the camera started rolling.

The scene opened with the child crying off-screen. I, as the nanny, crouched down, pretending to gather scattered toys in the nursery.

“Shhh,” I whispered into the silence, voice low but urgent. “They’ll hear us.”

Then, I stood up and faced an imaginary version of the mother, who had just stormed into the room.

“I told you this house isn’t safe anymore,” I said, voice shaking but resolute. “Your brother-in-law was in the hallway. He saw us.”

I paused, swallowed, and let my eyes sting the way they would if I were protecting a child that wasn’t mine—but felt like mine.

“You can hate me for what I said to the police,” I continued, “but I’d rather lose this job than see him hurt. You know what that man is capable of.”

I took one final beat, looking off into the distance like I was staring into the eyes of a dangerous truth no one else would name.

Silence.

“Cut,” Ezra said softly.

As I finished my scene, I opened my eyes to see Ezra smiling warmly at me. "That was a beautiful scene, Zoya," he said, standing up and complimenting my performance. "I have a few notes, but overall, I must say I am impressed," he added, turning to the man on his right.

"I completely agree," the man said, a smile spreading across his face. "In fact, you look exactly like the character I had in mind when I wrote the story."

I listened intently, my heart swelling with joy. Just then, a soft knock at the door interrupted our conversation revealing a woman.

As the woman walked into the room, I couldn't help but notice her stunning features. Her black hair was long, flowing down her back in loose waves. Her olive skin was radiant, accentuated by her light pink blush. Her almond-shaped eyes were dark and mysterious, giving her an aura of intrigue. She carried herself with confidence and grace, exuding an air of elegance.

My heart was racing as I eyed the beautiful woman walking through the door. Olivia Lopez, the person I had been longing to meet, had finally arrived. I could feel my pulse in my ears as she exchanged pleasantries with Ezra. A flash of her gorgeous smile sent shivers down my spine, and I felt like my legs might give out.

"Olivia, meet Zoya," Ezra said,"I believe she is the woman we are looking for,".

My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest. Olivia's eyes shone as she studied me, and I felt like I might melt under her gaze. The room began to spin, my breathing grew shallower, and before I knew it, everything went black.

"Zoya.." I heard a distant voice call out my name.

As I slowly opened my eyes, my vision still blurry, I could see Ezra's concerned face hovering over me. "Thank god you're okay," he said, motioning for someone to bring me some water.

Lying on the cold floor, I was struck by how comfortable my head felt. Suddenly, I looked up to see a pair of dark eyes staring down at me. A warm smile followed. I was instantly ready to faint again from pure embarrassment.

"Hello," she said reassuringly. Resting my head on Olivia's lap, I couldn't help but wonder - am I dreaming?