Chapter 12: Unexpected Tensions

The next day, Ethan received a message from Mark instructing him to meet the other actor, Matthew, in one of the training rooms at the agency to get acquainted before their meeting with Lucas. Nervous excitement filled Ethan as he made his way to the rendezvous.

Upon entering the training room, Ethan found Matthew already there, looking rather impatient. "Hey, I'm Ethan," he greeted with a warm smile, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere.

Matthew glanced at him briefly, his expression guarded. "Yeah, I know who you are," he replied curtly.

Undeterred, Ethan decided to initiate a conversation. "So, how long have you been with the agency?"

Matthew scoffed, his tone tinged with bitterness. "Longer than you. And yet, despite my experience and dedication, I always seem to get supporting roles. But somehow, you, a rookie, land the lead."

Ethan felt a pang of guilt, realizing that his success had triggered negative emotions in Matthew. "I-I didn't expect to get the lead role. It's just... it happened."

Matthew's eyes narrowed, his frustration evident. "Well, it's not fair. I've worked hard for years, and it feels like I'm constantly overlooked."

Ethan empathized with Matthew's feelings of frustration and jealousy but didn't know how to respond. He hadn't asked for the lead role; it had simply come his way.

Before the tension could escalate further, Mark appeared at the door. "Sorry for the delay, but it's time for your meeting with Lucas."

Both actors followed Mark to Lucas's office, and as they entered, Ethan felt a mix of nervousness and unease. The atmosphere in the room was charged with tension.

Lucas greeted them warmly, unaware of the underlying dynamics between the two actors. "Welcome, Ethan and Matthew. Let's get started, shall we?"

Throughout the meeting, Ethan couldn't shake the unsettling conversation he had with Matthew. His uncertainty and self-doubt lingered, affecting his ability to fully engage with Lucas and the project details.

As they discussed the character arcs and the film's themes, Matthew's animosity became more apparent. He subtly undermined Ethan's ideas and suggestions, trying to assert his dominance.

Lucas seemed oblivious to the tension, focusing on the creative aspects of the film. However, when the topic of salary arose, Matthew's resentment became palpable.

Matthew: (with a hint of bitterness) "I assume Ethan's getting quite the paycheck for landing the lead role."

Ethan tried to remain composed, but the direct mention of his salary only added to the unease in the room.

Lucas: (diplomatically) "Salaries are confidential, but rest assured, everyone is being compensated fairly based on their roles and experience."

Matthew: (sarcastically) "Fair, huh? Well, it seems like some of us are just more equal than others."

Ethan felt the weight of Matthew's animosity and found himself growing more uneasy with each passing moment.

The meeting eventually came to an end, and as they discussed the schedule for the costume fittings and the start of filming, Matthew's hostility remained apparent.

Mark escorted them out of the office, and as they parted ways, Matthew's parting glare sent a shiver down Ethan's spine.

In the aftermath of the meeting, Ethan wrestled with his feelings. He knew he had to stay focused on his performance and prove his worth, regardless of Matthew's animosity. But the tension between them would prove to be a formidable challenge throughout the filming process, impacting both their performances and the dynamics on set.