NOVEL NEXT Chapter 412: Penthouse Rehearsal
The city skyline glittered like spilt diamonds outside Henry's glass-walled penthouse, creating a magical background for a romantic scene.
Sarah stood by the window, admiring the scenery while sipping slowly from a glass of orange juice.
"So what do you think?" Henry came up behind her, his sleeves rolled up, with two scripts in hand, and the other wrapping around her waist.
"It's beautiful," Sarah whispered dreamily.
"Wait until it's morning and you get to watch the sunset with me." Henry kissed her on the side of the neck and Sarah giggled.
"I think we should go straight to rehearsing before fatigue sets in." She turned to face him, welcoming a brief kiss from him on the lips before collecting one of the scripts.
"I think that's a good idea." Henry cleared his throat, shaking off the lust clouding his vision. His expression turned serious as he said.
"Being an outstanding female lead isn't about having a pretty face or attending the best movie academy."
Sarah chuckled at his foreign accent and indirect referral.
"It's about being flawless." Henry continued, his tone steady while maintaining good eye contact. "It's about having a goal outside the male lead. It's about being strong and at the same time vulnerable, just like you did back in the audition room."
Sarah smiled, "Thank you."
"And most importantly..." Henry stressed. "...a female lead doesn't have to be likeable by everyone. She grows despite the hurt. And she's able to challenge any form of chemistry in a relationship. So are you ready to give it your all?"
"Bring it on." Sarah wore a dramatic expression, making Henry burst into laughter.
"Okay."
"I want you to quickly flip through your scripts and take notes of the female lead's scenes. You have seven minutes."
Sarah nodded firmly, determination sharpening her features.
"Alright... Your seven minutes have elapsed. Let's dive right in." Henry moved closer, his voice dropping low. "Start here on page thirty-four. This is the confrontation scene and it is usually the most challenging but fulfilling aspect of any drama."
"I want you to forget the lines and just feel it." Henry's voice softened even further, his sexy tone sending an electrifying chill down Sarah's spine.
"Ahem!" Sarah cleared her throat and lifted her script, her hands trembling slightly.
"Focus, Sarah, and forget the fact that I'm your lover." Henry cautioned sternly, as her innocent gestures were also affecting him.
"Sorry." Sarah snapped her mind out of her emotional needs, forcing herself to focus.
"Now read that line and make it a part of you," Henry said stepping away.
She nodded and read her part out, her tone defiant but still shaky.
"Cut!" He stopped her mid-line, stepping closer until she could smell his cologne again, the fragrance subtle and spicy.
"I'm not feeling you, Sarah. Forgive my harsh voice, but you are reading it instead of feeling it.
Remember, a good actor must always maintain eye contact. The eyes are the window to the soul."
Sarah could feel the tension building up as if she were standing in front of Magdalene disguised as Henry.
"This man has betrayed you." Henry continued speaking passionately. "He has hurt you deeply beyond words. You can't say those words casually to him. This is what I want you to do. I want you to look me in the eyes and imagine that I'm the man who betrayed you. Imagine I ripped your heart in two. Make me feel that anger. Make me feel your hatred. Make me regret ever hurting you."
"Okay." Sarah took in a deep breath, closing her eyes. She inhaled and exhaled to push out every doubt and fear.
When she opened her eyes again and locked them on Henry, he flinch a bit.
Something raw flared inside her as she let the words pour out, voice trembling but filled with fire
"You thought I'd crawl back to you. You thought that without you, I'll be nothing. You and your friends gambled that I'll come begging. Well, guess what, sweetheart? I'm over you. I'll never be yours again. Not in this life or even the afterlife. You are dead to me."
Henry froze, startled by the authenticity in her tone. He nodded slowly, clearing his voice. "Better... But remember this is acting not real life." He smiled feverishly and Sarah burst out laughing.
"Of course."
They both went through some clash scenes, and again, Sarah impressed Henry with her acting skills. She listened as he made a few corrections and did it over again until it sounded perfect to his ears.
"Now let's turn to page fifty. This part is the love confession where the female lead professes her love to the man who had crossed a thousand oceans just to make her happy."
"Hmm... I can already picture someone like that in my heart." He whispered and Henry smiled feverishly.
"How about we make it more real. I'll step into the male lead character?" Henry offered.
"That should be interesting." Sarah giggled butterflies already fluttering in her tummy.
Lifting his script up, Henry stepped closer, his hand brushing her cheek as he slipped into his role. His voice softened and at the same time deepened, filling the room with a dangerous intimacy.
"And even if the world burned to ashes, I would still choose to lie next to you, with a smile on my dying breath."
Sarah's breath caught at the overwhelming intimacy and the weight of the words. She tried to deliver her reply, but her words faltered under the weight of his gaze.
When she finally regained her composure and spoke, it wasn't just acting, it was a confession that left both of them speechless.
"Then stay. Don't ever let me go. Lie here next to me and whisper those sweet words you once echoed in my dreams."
For a split second, silence consumed the room, as Henry found himself completely lost in Sarah's magical gaze.
Then, as if pulled by an invisible force, his lips found hers, and the script slipped to the floor, as his hand snaked around her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them.
The kiss was fierce, desperate and charged with every emotion they had both tried to suppress.
When they finally pulled apart, Sarah's breath was ragged.
"Is this what acting feels like?"
"Yes..." Henry's forehead rested against hers, his warm breath fanning against her flushed face.
Sarah felt a hint of jealousy crawling up her spine as she asked further.
"Have you ever kissed a woman on set and truly meant it?"
"No.... Until now." Henry's heart drummed loudly against his chest.
"How do you think I did now? Do you think I'm going to make a good actress? Am I ready for tomorrow?" Sarah gently stroked his chest, holding his tender gaze.
"I think you're more than ready," He whispered. "You're not just an actress. You're the storm. And they won't see Deborah once you step in."