That evening, Hadley was scheduled for a night shoot—her final scene for the drama. Once the cameras stopped rolling, her part in the production would officially come to an end.
Since the series centered around the male lead, her role hadn’t been too demanding, but this scene would mark her farewell to the project. As the last take wrapped, Adonis’ voice rang out. “Great! That’s a wrap!” He clapped his hands enthusiastically, sealing the moment. Hadley had just filmed her final scene.
“Hadley, this is for you,” Adonis said, stepping forward with a proud smile as he offered her a bouquet of fresh flowers. “Congratulations—you’re officially wrapped.” She accepted the flowers with a warm grin. “Thank you, Mr. Faulkner.”
Soon, crew members from different departments gathered around, ushering in an impromptu photo session filled with flashes and farewells.
“I’m sorry, Hadley,” Elvin said, approaching her with a note of regret. “We didn’t get the chance to throw you a proper wrap party.”
It was late—most of the cast had already left, and the set was winding down.
“Don’t worry about it,” Hadley replied, smiling as she shook her head. “It’s really fine.”
“I figured you’d say that,” Elvin said with a sheepish grin. “You’re like family to us, you know. Adonis and I would never treat you any less. It’s just the timing—middle of the night and all.” Then he added, “So here’s the plan—once everyone’s done filming, we’ll throw a proper wrap party for the whole crew. You have to be there.”
“Of course,” Hadley replied without hesitation.
“You’ve got a bit of breathing room now,” Elvin added, his tone light. “Get some rest. Browse a few new scripts I sent if you’re in the mood.”
As he spoke, he motioned subtly over her shoulder. “Mr. Scott’s here to pick you up, so I won’t keep you.” s ? ?s findnovel.net
He hunched his shoulders with a playful grin. “He’s shooting daggers at me. I better disappear before he turns me into toast. Stay safe!”
Hadley laughed softly. “Thanks, Mr. Webster.”
She turned—and there he was.
Under the glow of a nearby streetlamp stood Eric, one hand raised in a silent wave.
The moment she saw him, her smile dimmed without warning, the warmth on her face ebbing away.
They met outside the dressing room, where Eric’s eyes dropped to the bouquet in her hands. “You’re done?” he asked gently.
“Yeah,” Hadley murmured. She pushed open the door and stepped inside. “It’s really late. Were you working this whole time?”
Eric followed her in.
“No,” he said. “I went home for a bit. Spent some time with Joy, tucked her in. Then I came over.”
“I see.” Hadley nodded and made her way to the dressing table. She sat, quiet, and began wiping away her makeup in front of the mirror, saying nothing else.
The silence crept in slowly, dense but not uncomfortable.
Eric didn’t interrupt it. He sat patiently, simply watching her.
He understood. The unease between them still lingered like a shadow that hadn’t fully lifted.
.
.
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