It's been a week, and the first casting screening for the adaptation is just around the corner. I haven't received the list or profiles of the actors and actresses who want to audition yet—they'll be delivered to the studio tomorrow.
So, while waiting, I opened TikTok. Of course, it's not just me or the team choosing the cast—fans and readers will have a say too.
I searched Until Our Paths Meet Again and was instantly flooded with videos of suggested artists. Some faces were familiar—people I expected would audition for the adaptation. But then, one particular edit caught my attention—it was about him. Emillio Aceves.
I paused at the caption: "The features, voice, and personality—he's a perfect match."And honestly? I agreed.
Emillio really does have Emillio's features—both are six feet tall, broad-shouldered, with solid arms and abs. And their voices? Damn. Deep as the ocean. As for the personality? Yes. Emillio Aceves is the greenest flag I've ever known. But I'll admit—I'm biased. I still prefer my Emillio over Emillio Aceves.Ugh. Why did I name them the same?
But then again, why would they be different? My Emillio was inspired by Emillio Aceves, after all. Still, there's one big difference—my Emillio lives in a book. The other one? He's real.
I sighed deeply and tried to fall asleep that night. I had been overthinking about the upcoming casting screening so much that I could hardly rest. I don't want to let my readers down. I want them to see the characters I created come alive on screen.
Days passed quickly, and now it's the day of the screening.
We were all getting ready—me, the production team, and the directors. The screening would start in just an hour. I'd already reviewed the profiles of the actors and actresses auditioning for the project. I recognized them all from TV—each of them seasoned, skilled. There was no way this adaptation would flop… especially with one particular person on that list.
"Alright, please introduce yourself to the camera and we'll begin the reading," Catherine instructed the first actor on the list.
The man nodded politely. "Hello, I'm Maive Decherez."
I remembered him from one of the most talked-about movies in the country. I recalled how he acted, and how effortlessly he stirred my emotions through his performance. Ugh, it still hurts that he played the second lead in that show.
"And what role are you auditioning for?" I asked as I glanced through his profile.
"I want to audition for Alexis, the second lead in the book and Leonora's best friend."
I nodded at his answer—maybe he does enjoy playing second leads.
"Why? What made you choose that character?" Catherine asked while Aries remained quietly observing.
"Because I see myself in him. He's incredibly supportive, always doing his best to help his friends even when he himself is barely holding on."
I glanced briefly at Aries before nodding again.
"Alright, let's start the reading," Aries said."Director Catherine will read with you. All you have to do is show us how you'd portray Alexis."
Maive nodded. And then they began.
"Why? Why did you turn down that opportunity in Japan… for me? Why are you making this so hard for me?" Catherine's delivery was flawless—she was fully immersed in the emotion of the scene. Honestly, she'd be perfect as Kathryn, Leonora's close friend.
"I'm the only one you have here, Kathryn. If I leave… who's going to be there to listen to you? Who'll catch you when the world feels like it's turning its back on you?"
I stared into Maive's eyes. There was so much emotion there. He was clearly born for acting.
"That's exactly why it's so hard for me to stay strong, Alexis…" Catherine's voice trembled."Because you're always there when I'm falling. You're always the one I lean on. You're always… there. That's why I'm starting to lose myself."
Oh god. That line still hits so hard.
I looked back at Maive. He stared straight into the camera, eyes brimming with tears. His gaze was so expressive—like his eyes spoke their own language.
The room broke into quiet applause. I smiled widely.
Yes. I found my Alexis. My sweet Alexis.
"I actually expected you'd do well… but what you showed today proved that you are great," I said, giving him a thumbs-up.
After him, more actors and actresses came in one by one. They were all brilliant, incredibly talented. It was honestly hard to choose.
But the last one… I wasn't sure how to feel the moment I sensed his presence. It was heavy, unnerving.
I lifted my head—and our eyes met. His narrowed ever so slightly, a crooked smirk tugging at his lips.
I almost rolled my eyes right then and there.
"Alright. Tell us about yourself," I said coldly, watching him.
He looked at all of us with a grin, clearly unfazed."Do I really have to?"
Oh, the audacity. I nearly rolled my eyes again—his arrogance radiated from every corner of the room.
"Then if you don't want to… the door's open. You're free to leave," I said with a smile, though honestly? I was ready to crush him.
He was definitely teasing—he smiled even wider before sitting properly.
"Hi. I'm Emillio Aceves, a veteran actor—worldwide."And of course, his voice oozed with pride.
I narrowed my eyes and looked down, just to keep myself from reacting.
"So, can you tell us why you're auditioning for... uh, Emillio Acosta?" Catherine asked.
"Hmm, because I am Emillio. I think I embody him."
I looked up and—ugh, why was my heart racing the moment our eyes met? I felt Catherine's gaze shift to me too.
I quickly shook my head and looked away.
"And how can you say that?" I asked.
"Because I'm like him. I know how to balance life and love. And I would give up everything—even my life—for the people I love."
My gaze fixed on him after that. I didn't say anything, just nodded like it didn't affect me at all.
"Alright. Miss Azaleiah will read the script with you. Show us what you've got." Alexis announced.
I nodded, focusing on the script in front of me.
"In 3, 2, 1… action."
"You're doing it again," he said—first line in and I already felt the weight of it."You're avoiding me again, Nor."
My brows furrowed."Avoiding? I'm not avoiding you, Emillio. Don't flatter yourself." My voice had a sharp edge, trying to match his intensity.
"Really? You've been avoiding me, Nor. You turned down my invitation—"
"I was busy." I looked up to meet his gaze."I had a project with Nadia."
"But you ignored my calls. You didn't answer my texts. What's going on with us? Tell me."His voice cracked slightly, and he looked like he was holding back tears.
He wasn't even looking at the camera—he was looking right at me.
And that made it so much harder to hold back my own emotions.
"I was busy, Emillio! My life doesn't revolve around you. Why can't you understand that I have my own life—just like you? That sometimes, I can't always be by your side?"
I exhaled deeply after the last line.
And then I saw it.
The pain in his eyes as he stared at me—real, raw.
A tear rolled down his cheek.
And soon, more followed.
And suddenly, I wanted to cry with him.