Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl (Pearl and Richard) novel Chapter 1409

"What's wrong?" Esther asked, looking at Fletcher with confusion. "What's gotten into you? Do you hate me? It seems like you have no trouble kissing other actresses, but you can't with me?"

Fletcher was a seasoned actor, far from a beginner, yet he hesitated to kiss Esther.

Esther snorted. "If you dislike me that much, we should just tell the director to cut this scene."

Fletcher quickly waved his hand. "No, that's not it. I was trying to say—"

"Since that's not the issue, let's get this scene right." Esther stood up, grabbed his collar, and pulled him towards the set. "We need to finish this today, like it or not. Come on, I want to finish work."

The director mopped his brow as Esther dragged Fletcher over.

"Both of you need to look like you're deeply in love," the director instructed, focusing on Esther. "Close your eyes when you kiss. It will help you get into character."

Esther nodded half-heartedly. "Sure, got it."

Turning to Fletcher, the director said, "And you, try not to look so tense, okay?"

Fletcher nodded awkwardly. "I'll do my best."

"Great, let's try this again."

Esther deliberately moved closer to Fletcher, almost challenging him. Fletcher, catching her scent, looked panicked.

Fletcher released her, stood up straight, and apologized. "I'm really sorry, Esther. Maybe we can try a different angle…"

Esther scoffed. "Coward." She then turned to the director. "I was ready, but he wasn't. We'll have to do it another day. I've got some other things, so I need to go now."

The director just nodded, smiling awkwardly.

Esther stormed off the set, James silently trailing behind her. Reaching her car in the parking lot, Esther was about to get in when someone grabbed the door handle.

"Why don't you want to have dinner with me?" James asked, his expression unreadable.