Liam took a deep breath, the bustling energy of the film set vibrating around him. It was his first day as a supporting actor—his first real shot. The lights, the cameras, the chaotic chatter—it was a dream barely within his grasp. This was it, his first step into the world he'd always wanted."Focus, Liam," he whispered under his breath, trying to push away the nervousness creeping up his spine.He'd landed the role thanks to Lisa's connections. Ever since she introduced him to the right people, doors had slowly started opening. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that maybe there was more to her help than just kindness. She always had that sly smile, that calculating look when she watched him. Still, Liam brushed it off. Lisa was fun—exciting in ways he couldn't explain. Their steamy nights together, though thrilling, left him wondering if she had her own motives.Before he could dwell too long on it, Ava's name flashed across his phone.Ava: "Hey! How's your first day going? You'll be great—I know it. Can't wait to celebrate later. I have something special for you. 😘"Liam's lips curved into a small smile. Ava was different—stable, always there to lift him up. Despite the recent distance, she never let him fall completely out of her orbit. Their moments together were sweet, a gentle reprieve from the storm of Hollywood. But lately, she'd been acting strange—disappearing for long stretches, texting in the middle of their conversations. It was unlike her, but once again, Liam pushed the thought aside. You're overthinking. Ava's just busy.As he closed his phone, Lisa's message popped up.Lisa: "Don't get too comfortable, superstar. There's always someone faster climbing up the ladder. How about we catch up tonight—your place? 😉"Liam groaned. Lisa was always bold, always reminding him that the game he was playing was never straightforward. But as much as he liked the thrill of their relationship, her competitive edge was starting to feel more like a trap. Yet, he brushed it off. She's just being Lisa. No harm there.On set, Liam focused all his energy on delivering his lines. The assistant director nodded approvingly after each take, and the head director gave him a rare thumbs-up."Not bad, Liam. You're shaping up," the director said. "Keep it up, and you'll be seeing more offers soon."The words hung in the air like a victory banner. This wasn't the big break, but it was enough to fuel his ambition. He could taste the success on the tip of his tongue, almost tangible. As he took a moment to bask in that small triumph, he noticed Jason across the lot.They hadn't spoken since the blowout fight. The tension between them was thick, palpable. They were once good friends—practically inseparable—but ever since that brawl, Jason had become nothing more than a rival. Their shared past now felt like an ugly reminder of how quickly everything could spiral out of control.Jason's eyes met his, and for a split second, Liam thought maybe there was some lingering camaraderie between them. But the look in Jason's eyes was cold, calculating—almost resentful. Without a word, Jason turned and disappeared into the throng of crew members."Yeah, screw him," Liam muttered under his breath. He couldn't afford to waste energy thinking about Jason's bitterness. There were bigger things ahead.As the day wrapped up, Liam grabbed his jacket, glancing at the two unread messages on his phone.Ava: "Hey! Hope you're free soon! Miss you."Lisa: "So, drinks after the wrap? I know this great spot."Liam frowned, torn between the two. Ava had been there for him through thick and thin—sweet and supportive, always making him feel like he was her top priority. Lisa, on the other hand, kept him on edge, pushing him further into the industry's competitive arena, but always with an underlying sense of… power.He shoved his phone into his pocket, trying to shake off the feeling. Something about juggling these two women felt wrong, like they both knew something he didn't.But he shook it off. Stop overanalyzing, Liam. They're both just... different.What could go wrong?Later that night, Liam met Lisa at the dimly lit bar she'd suggested. She was stunning, as usual—her red dress hugging her curves in ways that drew everyone's attention the moment she walked in. Their eyes locked, and the tension between them sizzled."You killed it today," Lisa said, leaning in close, her breath warm against his ear. "You're one step closer to the top, Liam."Her words were smooth, but there was something about the way she said it that made him pause. For a second, he saw a flash of something—ambition? Manipulation?—in her eyes."Thanks," Liam replied, trying to ignore the warning bells in his mind. "But let's see where it goes."They spent the next few hours laughing, drinking, but in the back of his mind, he couldn't stop thinking about Ava. He had promised to stop by her place, and part of him felt guilty. But as Lisa's hand trailed down his arm, he found himself pushing those thoughts away again.Everything's fine. Nothing's going to happen.