Page 75 of Doctor’s Forbidden Match

“This is your first day back.” Dain continues, his voice slightly more controlled, but no less threatening. “You’re already on thin ice. One more stunt like that, and you’re done. We’ll get someone else. Someone who can follow simple instructions.”

My throat tightens. I want to argue, to defend myself, but the words are stuck. He’s right about one thing: I just got back. I can’t afford to lose this.

“Understood,” I manage to say through a fake smile.

Dain holds my gaze for another long moment, then turns away. “Everyone take five. We’ll reset and do it again. And this time”—he shoots me a look over his shoulder—“stick to the script.”

The crew breaks away immediately.

I exhale slowly, my hands shaking slightly.

Zac is beside me in an instant, whispering into my ear. “You okay?”

I nod, not trusting my voice yet.

“That was a good question… for what it’s worth.”

I glance up at him, and there’s a flicker of pride, maybe, or respect. It makes the tightness in my chest ease slightly.

“Thanks,” I whisper. “But maybe it wasn’t worth my job.”

“Maybe it was,” he counters. There’s a guarded look in his eyes that makes me think he has opinions about Dain and this whole production that he’s keeping to himself.

Karyn appears with a water bottle, Mia close behind with powder to touch up my face. Jaina hovers nearby, looking concerned.

“You good?” Karyn asks softly.

“Yeah,” I say, accepting the water. “Just need a minute.”

Zac’s hand finds the small of my back, and I lean into it slightly, drawing strength from his presence. I catch Karyn’s eye over Mia’s shoulder, and she raises her eyebrows just enough to ask a question I don’t have an answer to yet. I give her the smallest shake of my head. Not now.

I have four more minutes before we reset. Minutes to pull myself together and remember why I’m here.

I take a long drink of water and let Mia work her magic, trying to ignore the way my heart is still racing, partly from the confrontation, partly from Zac’s hand still resting against my back.

This is going to be a long day.

Chapter 26

Zac

Watching Dain talk to Hannah like she’s a piece of gum stuck to his designer shoe grates on my nerves so hard I consciously grind my teeth.

I’m standing on the sidelines, arms crossed over my chest, watching her work the camera effortlessly.

Her smile is bright, lighting up the entire set like she’s got her own personal spotlight.

The crew and couples gravitate toward her; they laugh at her jokes, lean in when she speaks, practically trip over themselves to follow her directions. The energy she creates is infectious. Being around her even shifted how I feel—not just inspiring respect, but causing my years-built defences to give way.

“Okay, Teresa, tilt your chin just a little toward Christus… perfect. Now, Christus, hand on her waist, and pull her in like you can’t bear to be apart. Yes. That’s it.”

How can she not see that she’s director material? That Dain should be worried about his job, not her?

It’s the last shot before we break for lunch, and I catch the wince that flashes across her delicate features when she shifts her weight on the scooter. The way her lips purse, her knuckles whitening against the handlebar, that barely perceptible catch in her breath. She needs medication. Which I have packed in my briefcase.

I pull out my phone and tap out a quick note:

12.51 PM- Patient showing signs of discomfort. Facial tension, altered gait, reduced mobility. Pain level estimated 6-7/10. Recommend analgesic and rest period.