Ella (concerned): Can he still act?
Mr. Mah: He said he can.
Damian stands up and walks toward the set. Ella watches in awe — the setup is incredibly accurate. Every background actor is in place. Damian, fully in character now, walks onto the scene holding a small cloth pouch filled with coins.
As the camera zooms in, his soft smile alone is enough to melt hearts. He approaches a market stall and places the coin pouch on the counter.
Damian (as Alex): Hey, how are you? Can I get some carrots?
Background Actor: Of course! How much would you like?
Damian: How much can I get for this? (He opens the pouch, showing the coins.)
The shoot continues seamlessly.
Director (calling out): Cut!
Ella, standing backstage, can't take her eyes off him. She admires his effortless acting.
Damian walks to the backstage area,Ella quickly hands him a bottle of water. In the background, a man in navy blue clothing secretly takes their pictures without permission. He hides behind a curtain, snapping photos and recording video.
Damian sits on his chair, flipping through the script for the next scene.
Ella:
You really are a good actor.
Damian (smirking):
You doubted me?
Ella:
Yes— I mean no! Of course not!
Damian:
Hey, I'm good. That's why I'm here.
Ella:
Yeah, correct. 100% correct.
The man in blue continues clicking pictures quietly. He scrolls through the photos on his phone, then opens a video clip. It's the secret recording of the conversation between the director and Damian in his vanity van.
The man in navy blue gives a sly smile as he walks away, hiding his phone in his pocket.
Man (muttering):
All done. Boss will be so happy.
--
[INT. DAMIAN'S CAR – NIGHT]
After a long, exhausting shoot, Damian sits quietly in the backseat of his car. Ella has already been dropped off. He scrolls through his tablet, checking the latest entertainment articles.
Article 1:
"Damian Nominated for 'Most Talented Actor of the Year'"
Article 2:
"All That Damian Likes – Revealed in a Live Broadcast"
Article 3:
"Damian: An Actor to Love or Hate?"
Article 4:
"Damian's New Drama Written by His Personal Assistant?"
Damian frowns and taps on Article 3 and 4. His eyes widen as he reads. Confusion and disbelief wash over his face.
Damian (whispers):
Mr. Mah?!
Mr. Mah (from the front seat):
Yeah?
Damian remains stunned, staring at the screen.
---
[ON DAMIAN'S SCREEN – ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS]
"Is Damian truly loyal to his fans — or just loyal to his PA?
Rumors say the rising actor is not only starring in a new drama, but it's also written by his personal assistant — someone who's been with him for less than a month.
Is this favoritism? Or is there something more going on behind the scenes?"
ELLA'S APARTMENT – NIGHT]
Ella unlocks the door. The moment she steps in, Rey rushes toward her in panic.
Rey: Ella!! What have you done?