Chapter 2: Friction and Fire
The first week was hell. Julian argued about every suggestion she made. Every. Single. One.
"You can't cut that scene! It's crucial," he insisted.
"It's filler," she said calmly, though inside she wanted to throw the manuscript across the room.
Julian leaned back, folding his arms. "You think you know what's best for my story?"
Emma met his gaze evenly. "I think I know what readers want. And they don't want characters who make no sense."
There was a silence, and for a fleeting moment, she noticed something softer in his eyes. Vulnerability. A crack in the armor. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by his signature smirk.