After He Confessed His Love, I Had Nowhere to Escape

"What do you mean?"

My expression froze, a pang of guilt hitting me as I spoke, but the pain from my split lip made me wince.

To my shock, Jeremy's finger pressed right onto the sore spot.

Tears sprang to my eyes instantly.

"Your acting skills are really improving," he said, a touch of mockery in his voice, "Shouldn't you thank me for that?"

Just as I was about to respond, I noticed the cool, medicinal scent of the ointment he applied.

"Last time you bit me, I used this stuff to heal it. Otherwise, it would've affected our shoot. Does it hurt less now? I'm not as heartless as you think—I didn't just leave you after you bit me."

His tone carried an undercurrent of hurt, but it was clear he was just being petty.

It was frustrating, but I was too scared to hide anything further.

"I'm sorry about last time. I really didn't mean to—there was a role offered to me a few days ago, a supporting part with a few kissing scenes. I turned it down…"

I had hoped he wouldn't find out, but it seemed his network was more extensive than I thought. "Good. Don't forget, you signed a contract agreeing not to do any kissing scenes with anyone else while you're my stand-in."

It was hard to refuse him when the offer was too good to turn down—enough to cover my grandmother's medical bills.

I said, "Don't worry, I won't breach the contract."

Jeremy and I had shared kisses before. Despite his occasional vindictive streak, the job was still worth it. Besides, kissing scenes weren't an everyday occurrence.

His mood seemed to lighten. His smile softened.

This was his genuine happiness, not the radiant, lively smile he showed to everyone else. It was just a subtle, understated grin.

"Do you still want to continue?"

His sarcastic laugh snapped me back to reality. I thought, Damn, I have been staring into his eyes like a fool. "Of course not. You've got an interview later. I wouldn't want to hold you up…"

"Oh? You're so concerned about me?"

Jeremy gently stroked my lips, the ointment spreading evenly over the wound. I steadied myself and looked up at him seriously. "Aren't you concerned about me too?"

For the first time, I was facing him directly.

He seemed caught off guard by my bluntness. Jeremy paused, then replied, "Don't get any ideas. You're just a stand-in. I'm your boss."

He was clearly unhappy, his mouth tightening. I bit my split lip again, tasting a mix of blood and the medicinal scent of the ointment.

The pain made my eyes well up. Jeremy's expression shifted from surprise to something awkward, and he turned away, clearly irritated.

Suddenly, he was angry. He bit his own lip hard, stood up abruptly, and stormed off, his retreating back betraying a hint of disarray.

I sighed, feeling a mix of relief and confusion.

I barely had time to process my own feelings before people started arriving on set. I got up quickly.

Only a few people in the crew knew about the stand-in arrangement. Otherwise, the news would have been all over the internet by now.

"Amelia, since you're one of Jeremy's artists, do you know who the stand-in is? I've seen the kissing scenes he's done, and they're so intense. There's no way there aren't feelings involved."

Cameron Dent, the leading lady of the show and a rising star, was known for her kindness and lack of pretense.

She sauntered over, her face practically glowing with curiosity.

I busied myself with tidying up the bed. "How should I know about the boss's business? Aren't you supposed to be prepping for your scene soon? Better get a move on with your makeup or the director will be all over you."

I tried to avoid Cameron's probing gaze.

She was the type who could strike up a conversation with anyone, even the cleaning staff. I had a swollen lip that I really didn't want her asking about—if she noticed, I'd never hear the end of it.