The director looked around, noticed Tess was missing, and signaled to a crew member.

"Where's Tess? Find her for me."

The crew member nodded and was just about to go look when Tess showed up, apologizing. “Sorry for being late."

The director wasn't a fan of tardiness; he saw it as a lack of commitment. Though clearly annoyed, he kept his cool and just said, "Check your lines; we're starting soon."

Tess replied, "Okay," and quickly glanced at her script before looking up at Effie. Her expression was a strange mix of resentment and victory.

Tess always felt like she was living in Effie's shadow and she'd had enough of being outshone by her.

This time, she was ready to make sure Effie didn't steal the spotlight.

The director saw that both actresses were in position and gave a nod to the crew member, who asked, "Effie, Tess, are you ready to go?"

Effie nodded with a confident grin.

Tess, lost in her own thoughts, gave a half-hearted nod.

"Alright, let's do this. Everyone, get into position! Scene's about to start!" the crew member called out.

As the crew shifted the props around, the spotlights zoomed in on Effie and Tess, signaling that it was showtime.

Effie reached into a nearby box and took out a spring-loaded knife, and then moved slowly toward Tess with a touch of sadness in her eyes. She began her lines, saying, “You know, you showing up has just messed everything up."

Tess noticed the knife in Effie's hand and couldn't help but smirk.

She slipped into character, standing tall, her expression unapologetic, with a hint of pride. “What, you're trying to scare me with a knife? He Loves me. We're together every day. He says you just don't get him, that being with you is meaningless."

Effie's grip on the knife wavered, her face betraying her doubts. But she quickly gathered herself and her expression hardened. "Do you think I'm just trying to scare you?"

“Stay back. Do you really want him to turn against you?"

Tess shot a nervous glance at the cliff's edge behind her.

The director watched the scene through the camera, captivated by the intensity of their acting. He was riveted to the screen, a satisfied grin spreading across his face, hoping they could get the shot in one take.

The audience was completely absorbed, their eyes locked on the drama unfolding before them.

Effie, feeling overwhelmed with grief, threw her head back and laughed, the sound a haunting mix of despair, mockery, and sorrow, amplified by the icy breeze.

Tess' face turned as white as a sheet, her confidence evaporating, her lips trembling. "Stay back..."

But before she could finish, Effie lunged forward and plunged the knife into Tess' chest.

Blood smeared the blade and Effie, fully immersed in her role, pulled it out and walked away without looking back, saying, “You brought this on yourself."