Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)
Chapter 1259

John thought she might have been uncomfortable with the scene, so he gently offered an out. "Hey, if this scene is making you uneasy, I can cut it. Let's just stick to the original plan, okay?"

Aubree took a deep breath, her eyelashes fluttering before she finally spoke in a raspy voice, "Let's do it, director. I'm fine, really. I just got too caught up in the moment, felt the lead's emotions crash over me like a wave."

John gave her an appreciative smile. "You and Ricardo, you're both so talented, born to be in this industry. But getting too absorbed can be a double-edged sword. Remember to find your balance." "I will."

Clutching the script, Aubree nearly stumbled as she entered her dressing room.

Luckily, her agent caught her in time.

Seeing her face drained of color, the agent was startled. "Aubree, what's wrong? Are you feeling alright?"

Shaking her head, Aubree found herself at a loss for words.

She sat down in a daze as her agent picked up the script, nodding in approval at the new scene. "I heard John stayed up last night working on this. Really adds depth to the storyline."

Indeed, Aubree agreed. She trusted John's integrity; he didn't know about her past and hadn't intentionally chosen this scene to upset her. It was her own demons she was battling. Her fingertips trembled, and her body shook as she got her makeup done.

When today's shoot began, Aubree nailed every scene, but as they approached the new addition, a palpable tension filled the air.

Lying in the dark alley, Aubree's pupils dilated when she saw a pair of hands reach toward her.

John, watching through the camera, was about to praise her reaction when Aubree suddenly screamed.

"Get off! Help!"

That wasn't the line.

The character, known for her

resilience and wit, would realize she's been trapped and cleverly counter her assailant, not freeze in hysteria, which would only

embolden the attacker.

John furrowed his brows, wondering if this was Aubree's improvisation, and hesitated to call cut.

The extra, Sensing Aubree's distress, wanted to stop but, with no word from John and the crew's anxious eyes on them, felt sweat bead on his forehead.

He made a split-second decision to grab Aubree's neck and lean in as though to kiss her, a move the script said Aubree would fight off. But as he moved in, he realized Aubree wasn't resisting.

Her eyes were empty, fixed on the sky above.

Knowing better than to take advantage, especially with Aubree being the star she is, he quickly pulled back when he felt her lack of resistance. That's when John called, "Cut!"

He looked at the still-acting duo. "What happened? Aubree, did you forget your lines?"

Aubree couldn't speak, her body limp.

The extra hastily got off her, helping her to stand. "Director, Aubree seems really unwell."

Just then, a man burst onto the set - Andrew.