Page 8 of Enemies Off Camera

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We were told to smile. So we did. Sort of.

I tried. But the more I forced it, the more my lips trembled.

Jaxon just sighed, over and over, likeIhad lethimdown.

I was humiliated. Not just because he embarrassed me, but because I’m an actress. A damn good one. I was almost nominated for an Emmy—twice, I was told.

But what he said... it cut deep. It triggered something in me. My nervous system went haywire. I couldn’t recover. We couldn’t get the shot.

Eventually, Hansel gave up and said he’d fix it in post.

And oh boy… did he ever.

I sit up straighter in the tub, pushing toward the front to get a better look.

That woman on the screen? It’s definitely me.

“You look handsome tonight,” I say.

But I never said that.

“Whoa… You’re the first princess who’s taken my breath away,” Jaxon croons.

My jaw drops.

He’s never said that to me. Not once.

“I can’t wait to know you better,” I say, eyes flirting.

Then I offer him my hand.

He takes it. Kisses it.

I gasp. “Holy shit,” I whisper, eyes glued to the screen.

I blink hard.

Maybe I’m imagining this.

“What the hell?” I glance toward my bedroom, where my phone sits on the dresser.

I need to call my agent, Anne Kim.

I start to rise—then stop myself.

No.

I have to see the rest first.

I carefully step out of the tub, pause the video, dry off, and get dressed.

Because something tells me I’m about to find outexactlywhy I—or this fake version of me—won the final pin.

SIX

My eyes are wired, head unsettled. I’m exhausted, but there’s no way I can sleep. It’s like I’m tweaking or something.

What the hell am I watching?

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