The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2022

Giselle’s eyes danced with mischief as she sauntered over and sat across from the director, her voice tinged with curiosity. “I heard you have been working on ‘Ballad of Valor’ for years. I haven’t seen any new flicks from you lately. Looks like all your eggs have been in this one basket, huh?”

“That’s right,” Colton replied with a gleam in his eye. “I love the ‘Ballad of Valor’ story. I’ve been hands-on with the script. I’m telling you, this movie will be a hit.”

Colton became quite chatty when the topic turned to ‘Ballad of Valor.

After wrapping up his last film, he had hit a creative wall, unsure what genre to tackle next or how to break new ground.

Then ‘Ballad of Valor’ came along the tale of a female entrepreneur, a script that had taken years to perfect.

“But isn’t casting a rookie for such a pivotal movie a bit risky?” Giselle prodded.

Her question was met with Colton’s deep, scrutinizing gaze.

Feeling the weight of his stare, Giselle quickly put on an innocent face, waving her hands dismissively. “Oh, don’t get me wrong, Colton. I’m not saying Ms. Dunhill isn’t up to snuff. It’s just… Your choice has me puzzled, that’s all. I just wanna get where you’re coming from.”

but smile with satisfaction. “Ivy might be new to acting, but the moment I saw her, I knew she was the one for the role. She’s got

She’s that perfect for the part?” Giselle’s

hesitation, Colton nodded firmly. “She’s the ideal choice in my mind. And I have total confidence

You’ve got a

back her jealousy and resentment, offering insincere

that Ivy, a novice, could outperform

to see how Ivy would fare and was waiting for Colton to regret

gig, so I should head out,” Giselle said with a smile, rising from her chair. “Wanted to catch up, but my schedule’s jam-packed. Next time you start a new project, you better think

replied, “Absolutely, it’d be an honor to work with a star of your

you next time.” Giselle turned and walked away, her smile vanishing the moment she was out of

sight.

–

truly recognized Ivy’s threat a newcomer who had caught

underestimate