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Chapter 11 — Shadows Behind the Spotlight
Zackary and Nifemi sat at their usual cozy coffee spot, nestled in the corner of campus with its familiar scent of roasted beans and quiet jazz playing in the background.
Zackary leaned forward slightly, his eyes fixed on hers.
Zackary: "You know… there's something about your eyes."
Nifemi tilted her head, curious. "Hmm? What about them?"
Zackary smiled softly. "I feel like whenever I look at them, they say something deeper—even when they're just… there. Doing nothing. They're beautiful though. You kinda have, like, cat eyes. It's cute."
Nifemi, cheeks tingling with warmth: "Aww… thanks." She giggled a bit before continuing. "So tell me, what do they say when you look at them?"
He held her gaze with a playful smirk.
Zackary: "They say… 'Come kiss me.'"
Nifemi, bursting into laughter, playfully swatted his arm: "Stop it!"
As they both chuckled, the mood softened into something more tender.
Nifemi: "So I was looking through your IG page…"
Zackary: "Wow—new social media stalker alert. Kinda weird my stalker is my girlfriend." He leaned closer, teasing.
Nifemi: "Well, I'm not stalking you—just observing patterns." She smirked. "Like, I noticed you always flatten your cheek when you take pictures."
Zackary, eyebrows raised, pulled out his phone to inspect: "Yes? What's wrong with that? It makes me look cute, right?"
Nifemi: "Honestly? I think you look a little weird." She was clearly teasing, her grin wide.
Zackary: "Well, my fans like it."
Nifemi: "I'm your number one fan, and I'm calling you out."
They both laughed.
After a pause, Zackary leaned back, taking a breath.
Zackary: "So… what's up with Priscilla and Franklin, right?"
Nifemi: "Hmm, I think they're giving each other space. Trying to take things slow. It's complicated."
Zackary: "Yeah… I apologize again on behalf of Amelia. I guess she wasn't having it the other day."
Nifemi: "I totally understand. They'll be fine… eventually."
A moment passed, then Zackary's eyes lit up.
Zackary: "So how was the… you know, the film project thing on campus?"
Nifemi: "Not exactly what I expected. But we're scheduled to start filming by Monday."
Zackary: "Wow. You've got this." He smiled warmly. "All the best." He grabbed his car key and stood. "I have an important meeting with some directors. Want me to drop you off?"
Nifemi: "No, I'm good. Thanks."
Zackary bent slightly and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
Zackary: "I like you."
Just then—click click—the sound of a camera shutter nearby.
Jake, the hired stalker, watched from a distance, capturing the moment as instructed by Amelia.
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Scene shifts
Later, Jake and Amelia sat in a dark corner of an upscale lounge, flipping through photos.
Amelia: "Any updates?"
Jake: "Yes, ma'am. She seems to be auditioning for a school play."
Amelia, rolling her eyes: "Just a school play? That's not even worth ruining."
Jake: "Ma'am, this may seem small to you, but to her—it's everything. This is her first real step toward something big."
Amelia, now intrigued: "So, you're saying we sabotage the play for her?"
Jake: "Yes, ma'am. This is the perfect time to act."
Amelia: "Fine. Find out who's directing the play. I want names."
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Scene shifts — Day of the Campus Project Shoot
The sun was bright, casting sharp shadows on the set location. Nifemi and Priscilla arrived early, excitement mixed with nerves buzzing between them.
Nifemi: "I still can't believe I got picked. This might actually be something…"
Priscilla: "Of course it is! Girl, this is the start of something big. Don't downplay it. And besides… you need to shine."
Nifemi: "I'm just scared. What if I mess up?"
Priscilla: "You won't. Trust your talent. You were born for this." She squeezed her hand gently.
Meanwhile, Zackary had offered to come support, but Nifemi politely declined. She didn't want his presence to cause distractions—or attract attention that could pull focus from her performance.
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Elsewhere on set, the director was seen on the phone, looking serious.
Director: "Consider it done, Miss."
He ended the call, turning to the producer beside him.
Director: "I don't think this girl fits the character."
Producer: "What? Where's this coming from?"
Director: "You don't want to ruin your project, do you?"
Producer: "She nailed the audition. She's got potential."
Director: "I think we should replace her. I've got a friend whose daughter's been acting for years."
Producer: "Why are you taking this so personally?"
Director: "Trust me. I know what I'm doing."
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A crew member approached the girls.
Crew Member: "Excuse me, Miss. The director wants to see you."
Nifemi: "Oh… I'll be right there."
As the crew member left, she turned to Priscilla, her hands trembling slightly.
Nifemi: "What do you think they want? My heart's beating too fast."
Priscilla: "Breathe. Maybe it's just a script update or costume change. Just go in there with confidence, okay?"
Nifemi gave a small nod and walked toward the director's tent.
Nifemi: "Sir, I was told you sent for me?"
The director turned slowly, folding his arms.
Director: "Yes… There's a slight change I need to inform you about."
Nifemi: "What is it?"
Director, flatly: "You might need to be replaced."
Those words crashed over her like a wave. Her chest tightened, lips trembling, her heart thudding violently in her chest.
Nifemi stood frozen, too stunned to speak. The director gave no more explanation and walked away, leaving her standing there, shattered and confused—like someone had just ripped her dream apart.
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