Chapter 27
The setting sun cast long shadows across the bustling film set as the crew wrapped up for the day. Bianca, seated on a small folding stool near the edge, flipped through her notebook, reviewing the lines she d just rehearsed.
The faint hum of activity surrounded her- directors barking last–minute orders, actors chatting about their next scenes and the clatter of equipment being packed away. Yet Bianca seemed at peace, her serene expression revealing none of the chaos she had endured to get here.
Bianca s presence on the set had initially stirred skepticism among the crew. Whispers about her privileged background and the Stanton family’s influence spread quickly. Many assumed she would be a diva, demanding special treatment or pushing for lead roles. But Bianca s humility had silenced those doubts.
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She had chosen a modest role as the fourth female lead–a character with little screen time and minimal dialogue. When the director had offered to expand her scenes, Bianca declined with a warm smile.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity, but I’m still learning,” she had said. “This role is perfect for me right now.”
Her dedication and approachable demeanor won over the crew. They admired her willingness to practice
tirelessly, often seeking advice from
veteran actors on set. Though untrained. Bianca s natural talent shone through and her genuine efforts endeared her to
everyone.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and filming concluded for the day, Bianca gathered her belongings and made her way to the dressing room. The narrow hallway leading there was quiet, the distant sound of laughter from the crew fading as she entered.
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The room was small, with bright vanity lights illuminating a counter cluttered with makeup supplies and costumes. Bianca set her notebook down and moved toward the mirror, absently brushing a strand of hair from her face as she began to remove her makeup.
She was so focused on her thoughts, running through the script for
tomorrow’s shoot, that she didn’t notice the faint creak of the door behind her.
Before she could react, a strong arm wrapped around her waist and a hand clamped over her mouth. Panic surged through her veins as she struggled, her muffled cries echoing in the enclosed space.
In the mirror, she caught a glimpse of the intruder–his disheveled hair, dark eyes clouded with emotion and the familiar features that sent a jolt of dread through her chest.
“Erick!” Bianca gasped when his hand
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finally released her. She twisted free, shoving him back with all her strength. Her chest heaved as she put distance between them, glaring at him with a mix of fury and disbelief. “How did you get in here?”
Erick didn’t answer her question. His eyes roamed over her face as if
memorizing every detail, a raw desperation emanating from him. “Bianca,” he murmured, his voice hoarse, “you‘ re so cruel.”
Bianca stiffened, her hand instinctively reaching for the nearby counter as a wave of unease washed over her.
“You faked your death to deceive me, Erick continued, taking a step closer. His expression was a mixture of anguish and obsession. “Do you have any idea how much I missed you? How it drove me insane?”
Bianca opened her mouth to respond, but Erick suddenly sank to his knees before
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her, his voice breaking, “But I deserve this. I deserve everything for what I did to you. Bianca, I was wrong–I was out of my mind back then. But I’ve changed.”
He reached for her hand, but she recoiled, her gaze hardening.
“I’ve already cut ties with Sabrina,” Erick pleaded. “Just come back to me. Let’s start over. I love you–I’ve always loved you. Please, Bianca. I’ll make things right.”
Bianca’s lips curled into a bitter smile as she crossed her arms, staring down at the man who had once been the center of her world. “Erick,” she said, her voice calm but icy. “you must know the truth about the car accident by now.”
His eyes widened slightly, but he said nothing.
“Then you should understand,” she continued, her tone unwavering, “that I pretended to love you–endured your lies
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and infidelity only to escape from you.”
The words hit Erick like a physical blow. He shook his head violently. “No. No, that s not true. You love me. I know you do. You re just angry and trying to punish
me.”
As he spoke, his hand reached toward her stomach. “Look,” he said with a trembling voice, “you‘ re still carrying our baby. If you didn’t love me, why would you keep our child?”
Bianca froze for a brief moment, her
expression flickering with sadness. But the emotion quickly faded, replaced by cold. resolve.
Slowly, she stepped back and grasped the fabric of her dress. With deliberate movements, she pulled out a soft pillow concealed beneath it
“Erick,” she said, her voice cutting through the tense silence, there is no
child. The day I found out I was pregnant, I
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had the baby aborted.”
The room fell deathly silent. Erick stared at
the pillow in
er hands, his face drained of color. His lips moved as if to speak, but no sound came out.
For a long moment, neither of them moved. Then Erick let out a strangled laugh, his voice cracking with desperation.
“It’s okay,” he whispered, forcing
himself to his feet. “It doesn‘ t matter. We can have more children. As many as you
want.
His hand shot out, gripping Bianca‘ s wrist. “Come home with me, Bianca. We’ll start over. You‘ I see–I‘ Il make you happy again.”
“Let me go!” Bianca struggled, her voice rising in panic. But Erick’s grip was unyielding, his strength fueled by a frantic determination..
Ignoring her protests, he dragged her toward the door. Bianca dug her heels into
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the floor, her free hand clawing at his arm, but it was no use. Erick‘ s madness had consumed him and nothing she said or did could break through the storm of his obsession.
