Aria
I was stunned when I saw Caleb suddenly standing in front of me. I saw how Caleb pushed away Rhea's hand, which was about to slap my cheek.
"I didn't know you guys would treat audition participants this badly," Caleb said, glaring at the staff there.
The staff immediately apologized and pulled Rhea away. I didn't know what they were talking about, but one thing was for sure: Rhea didn't look happy right now.
"Are you hurt?" Caleb immediately turned to me, his hands reaching out to hold my shoulders.
Caleb turned me around several times while looking me up and down, making me grimace uncomfortably because now there were many people glancing at us with burning curiosity.
Without thinking much, I reached out my hand towards Caleb's face, then cupped his cheeks with my hands, suddenly making him look straight into my eyes.
"Caleb!" I was sure Caleb heard my voice clearly, seeing how he blinked several times.
"I'm fine, so stop turning me around," I said, emphasizing each word, trying to speak as softly as possible.
Caleb was silent for a moment before clearing his throat softly and releasing my hands from his face.
I was so embarrassed to be seen by so many people that I didn't realize I had dared to touch his face. I immediately pulled my hands away and glanced fearfully at Caleb, hoping he wouldn't make a big deal out of it.
"I'll wait for you in the lounge out front. Meet me there when you're done." Without saying anything else, Caleb turned and walked away without looking back at me.
Only then could I exhale the breath I had been holding as I watched him walk away. I could feel my cheeks burning as I thought back on what had happened.
"How am I supposed to face him later?" I muttered softly as I held my cheeks, still unable to forget the way Caleb had looked at me earlier.
"His ears were red... I didn't see that wrong, did I?" I stared blankly at the wall opposite me, hoping that what I had seen earlier wasn't real.
My reverie was interrupted when I heard Rhea's stifled scream. Without realizing it, I turned my head toward the sound, and at the same time, my eyes met Rhea's.
That gaze... was full of hatred. I could feel the intense hatred in Rhea's gaze. After what had just happened, I was sure her hatred for me had increased.
No longer afraid of her aggression, I stared back at Rhea confidently, raising one eyebrow to challenge her.
Seemingly unable to stand my arrogance, Rhea snorted in annoyance and turned her face away from me. I just smirked slightly when I realized how childish she was.
I looked back at the door across from me, taking a deep breath to calm myself.
After the opportunity Caleb had given me, I couldn't waste it. No matter what happened, I had to get a role in this play, no matter how small.
Shortly after that, I heard Rhea's name being called to enter the audition room. Rhea lifted her chin high as she walked in front of me.
Even though I hated Rhea for betraying my trust in her, I couldn't deny that she was a talented actress.
So I wouldn't be surprised if she got a role in this play. "I won't give up so easily. I'll make sure I can join this play," I muttered, trying to encourage myself.
There were many actresses who came today just for supporting roles in this play, and they all looked severe. It had been three years since I had felt such a competitive atmosphere, and it would be a lie to say that I wasn't feeling pressured in my current situation.
Twenty minutes later, Rhea came out of the audition room with a bright smile on her face, her chin lifted high with pride.
"How did you get it?" A woman who I guessed was Rhea's agent ran towards her.
"Of course. Only a talented person like me could get a role in this popular drama," said Rhea arrogantly, holding up the script in her hand.
"Wow! Rhea, you're amazing!"
"I knew you would get the part."
"What role did you get, Rhea?"
For a moment, I could see dissatisfaction on Rhea's face, although it quickly disappeared, replaced by a fake smile.
"Even though it's only a small role, at least my name will be in this drama." Rhea turned slowly, then walked past where I was sitting.
Immediately, whispers among the actresses waiting in the waiting room became loud. Although Rhea managed to get another small role, the supporting role that everyone was after was still vacant.
"There's still hope for me to get the role of Angela." I encouraged myself, lifting my spirits so I wouldn't get discouraged.
At the same time, my name was called to enter the audition room. I stood up from my seat in the waiting room and slowly walked into the audition room.
"A loser like you can't hope to join!"
I heard Rhea's voice hissing at me, but I ignored it and chose to enter the audition room.
. .
I spent a full thirty minutes in the audition room, pouring my feelings into the role of Angela, who had intense emotions. After I finished, I quietly observed the face of the director who was directly leading the audition.
"One last question: What do you think Angela wants to convey through her sacrifice?" The director looked at me seriously.
I lifted the corners of my lips slightly and replied, "Through her sacrifice, Angela wants to convey her sincere love for Andrew. Angela cannot admit her feelings, and she hopes that through this sacrifice, Andrew will remember her."
"Not bad. I heard that you were returning to acting, but I didn't expect to see you today," said one of the writers who was also there.
"I hope my performance isn't too bad for a comeback. I'll work hard if you let me join," I replied, bowing my head slightly.
I smiled awkwardly. I also didn't expect to meet someone I knew at this audition.
"You do need more adjustment if you want to join, considering you've just returned to acting."
Cold sweat began to appear when I heard those words. My efforts were still insufficient to join a big drama production like this.
The director then handed me a file, which I believed was the script for my role, but I wasn't sure they would entrust the role of Angela to me.