Quintessa was young, but life had thrown at her more experiences than many could handle. The girl standing before her was younger than her; though she seemed composed, she couldn't quite mask the whirlwind of emotions in her eyes. There was an unmistakable mix of jealousy, doubt, and above all, an undying love for Jonathan.
Quintessa wasn't sure how she herself would act if she fell for someone, but she could easily spot the signs in others.
Cynthia's facade crumbled, and her cheeks flushed red at the accusation. "What are you talking about?"
Quintessa scoffed, "You know exactly what I'm talking about. Don't test me, and don't think about playing games with me. No one has ever gotten anywhere with doubt."
It irked Quintessa, being scrutinized and doubted this way. Everywhere she went, it seemed she was marked as a rival by other women. But the truth was, how many had she really seduced? The only man she'd been intimate with was a guy named Tyrone. And yet, the world was convinced that she was a heart-breaker, a libertine. She had thought about clearing her name, but who would listen to her? Over time, she grew tired of justifying herself.
Cynthia remained silent for a while, then she finally murmured, "You're right. I've been in love with Mr. Winters for as long as I can remember. I pursued acting because of him. I was so excited to get the chance to act alongside him. I've been so nervous, practicing my lines in front of the mirror, over and over, just hoping to make an impression, and I'm scared he'll replace my acting lacking."
Quintessa's thoughts drifted.
Once, she had a chance to fall for someone, but fate wasn't so kind for her.
To love someone wholeheartedly is a luxury, a happiness that was beyond her.
She stood up, with the script in hand, ready to join Jonathan for their scene.
Cynthia called after her, "Ms. Young, wait."
"I've got work to do, no time for chit-chat."
As Cynthia stood up, she said with her expression serious, "Ms. Young, I can see Mr. Winters treats you differently. If you don't have feelings for him, could you maybe stay away from him? I know it's a lot to ask, but I just can't bear the thought."
Quintessa spun around fiercely. "Can't bear the thought of what? Of Jonathan falling for me, or of me developing feelings for him? And why should I? Just because you ask me to? You want me to cut off my connection with him just because you like him? Who do you think you are?"
Cynthia's face turned beet red,
Quintessa cut her off, "So, if you lack the courage to chase after what you want, do you think keeping other women away will do the trick? Selfishness comes in many forms, but this naive pretense of righteousness is truly rare."
Without another word, Quintessa gathered her skirt and left.
She wondered, why did this woman think she stood a chance with Jonathan just by keeping her away? Cynthia wasn't necessarily a bad person, but Quintessa had no patience for such naivety. The last thing Quintessa wanted was to be ordered around. She thought to herself, best not to provoke me, or I might just charm Jonathan for real, just to spite you.
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