Chapter 5 Shooting

(Grayson's POV)

The man gave me a heavy hit to the face, breaking my lips and dripping some blood. I inhaled deeply and tightened my jaw, clenching my fists until the knuckles were white. As soon as I gave the man my bloodshot gaze, he pulled back from the panic. The next minute, my fist struck his stomach, causing him to stoop down and let out a groan. He slumped backward and blood began to run from his nose as I brought up my leg and struck him in the face with my knee.

"Cut... great job everyone. Pack up for today" a voice echoed in the quiet room, and the person who spoke approached me with his arms extended and a satisfied smile on his face.

"It was a good shot, Grayson. The whole scene was amazing. I know producers will love it" He gave me a hug and got talking excitedly without pausing and I just gave him a phoney smile

"Good to know...uh director sir, I'll shoot the rest of the two scenes after coming back. So, pls arrange my schedule according to it" I focused entirely on my assistant, who arrived at the perfect time and offered me some water to drink. I instantly thought of my recent movie marketing and instructed the director to adjust the filming schedule accordingly.

"Don't worry, I have handled everything. Your manager already told me about it this morning and I have talked to producers as well. Everything is sorted out" He smiled happily, and I couldn't help but wonder how someone can always be so glad and eager but in all honesty, he was the easiest person in our profession to work with. I thanked him and made my way over to my car.

"Huh, Finally, I can relax...These action movies are so tiring" I exhaled contentedly as I entered my opulent vehicle and settled my head on the plush seat cushion, closing my eyes and unwinding till a voice interrupted my sound sleep.

"You only wanted to try something out of your comfort zone...t's only 2 in the afternoon and still a lot of work left. So, buckle up champ" I had to open my eyes even though I didn't want to when I heard a voice that sounded like the devil and with a charming smile on her face, my beloved devil manager sat next to me.

"You are a devil in my life, Sophie. I hate you" I squinted at her and pouted, but she merely chuckled at my actions, shook her head, adjusted her spectacles, and glanced at the tab in her palm.

"Whatever sails your boat, champ... But this devil will always help you achieve your dreams" She answered me in a serious tone, her eyes still fixed on her tablet.

In the absence of any additional dialogue, I peered out the window. Sophie has been one of my finest managers ever for the past roughly three years that we have been together. Whenever I am stuck in life, she always gives me support and a way forward, no matter what I say or do. She is like an older sister than a manager. Despite being 34 years old, she is still capable of working in our profession, where there are instances when nonstop workdays last 24 hours. and she has consistently shown her worth.

After about 30 minutes, my car halted in front of my building, and I proceeded towards the lift, followed closely by Sophie and my assistant Robin. I hit the 15 button and walked to my penthouse.

"What's the schedule for tomorrow, Sophie?" I asked right away after settling into my long, black couch, which went beautifully with the white floor. While Robin went up to my room to keep my bag and Sophie, in the meantime, took a seat on the other couch, looked at her tab before looking at me.

"Your new movie's promotion starts tomorrow itself so, first we have a press meeting at The Grand Hotel at 12pm tomorrow and pls be ready on time" She spoke as she scrolled down something on her tab and gave me a hopeful expression as she finished the last sentence.

"I'll try my best, my sweet devil like manager" I said while exhibiting my faux innocent smile but she merely shook her head and continued talking.

"Ok, then we have dinner with all the crew members at around 8pm at Le Marche restaurant and after that we have a flight for New York at 12pm" I kept my eyes on an oval-shaped chandelier that was directly overhead while she spoke. When Sophie's voice ceased to reach my ears, I gazed up at her. and she raised one eyebrow in response to me.

"huh?...Uh, oh you finished... sorry I got lost in my own thoughts. You can continue now, I am all ears" I sat up and gave her a sheepish, sorry look.

"It's ok, I'll give the other details tomorrow. You just go and take a rest. I will also take my leave and meet you tomorrow morning at sharp 10" Closing her tab and putting it back in her bag, she replied as she stood up.

As I also stood up, I noticed Robin reading a magazine while seated in one of the chairs. He placed the magazine back and came over to where we were standing. They both left after saying goodbye, and I made my way to my room.

I headed for my enormous walk-in wardrobe, which is as big as a room. I changed into my casual attire and headed to the loo. I returned to my bed and checked my phone, finding a tonne of missed calls and texts, following a long, soothing shower and change. I sighed and put it back, then turned on the television to watch a movie. I think that around halfway through the film, my eyes began to close, and I fell asleep.

"Eliana!" I woke up from my slumber with a yell. I inhaled deeply and checked the time-9 o'clock. I made an effort to fall back asleep, but the same dream kept coming to mind. Not once in the past five years have I forgotten that night or her.