Cut! My Revenge Arc Starts Now - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Terrence stayed quiet, offering no explanation.
The door swung open as the director walked in, his brows knitting together when he spotted me with Terrence.
"This is...?"
His eyes darted to Bruce, and he quickly clarified, "They showed up on their own. Not my doing."
I got it instantly. The contract was signed. No matter how much Bruce impressed him now, it wouldn't change a thing.
Bruce, baffled, grabbed the director's arm. "What's happening? What are you talking about?"
The director shook him off. "I already told you—you're not in this project."
"Why not?! Just give me a shot! Even a small role!"
Like the words didn't register, he kept clinging, desperate.
Watching his pathetic display, I sighed. "When I sold the rights, I had one condition."
Bruce's eyes widened. "What condition?"
"That you'd never be in this film," I said flatly.
He stared at me like I'd just destroyed his entire world.
"No... That can't be..." His voice cracked. "We grew up together. How could you write a script and not even think of me?"
"You told me I was your inspiration!" His voice shook with barely contained emotion. Then, as if something clicked, he whirled toward Terrence, his face darkening.
"It's because of him, isn't it?!" he spat, pointing. "You want him as the lead?"
"You're just doing this to hurt me!"
I almost laughed. "You never thought my scripts were worth anything. What, having regrets now?"
"And our 'bond'? You burned through that long ago. Why would I owe you anything?"
Bruce's lips parted, but nothing came out. His expression crumpled, voice turning pleading.
"No, Ysabelle, it wasn't like that... I was just joking. I never meant for it to go this far."
I whipped my head toward him, fury blazing in my eyes. "A joke?"
"Your 'joke' was humiliating me, grinding me into the dirt!"
"Your 'joke' was making me run through a storm just to deliver condoms to you and Gianna! Pretending to celebrate my birthday just so you could confess to her!"
"Your 'joke' was calling me your loyal dog in front of everyone, then offering to set me up like some charity case!"
I stepped closer, my voice icy. "Tell me, Bruce—since when was my pain funny to you?"
Bruce went pale, realization dawning in his widened eyes. For the first time, the weight of what he'd done seemed to hit him.
"I... I'm sorry..." He reached out, hand trembling, but Terrence knocked it away.
"Watch it," Terrence said casually, but the warning in his tone was clear. "Your girlfriend's watching."
Bruce's face twisted as he shot Terrence a venomous glare. "This is between me and Ysabelle. Stay out of it."
I stepped between them, my expression blank. "I was the fool holding onto the past. But I've paid my dues."
"From now on, we're strangers. We won't cross paths again."
Bruce's pupils dilated. Panic flashed across his face—something entirely foreign for a guy who'd always had the upper hand.
His throat worked, like he was choking on his own words.
"You're kidding, right?" His voice was rough. "Never see each other again?"
Gianna, sensing the shift, grabbed his arm with forced cheer. "Ysabelle found someone who loves her. You should be happy for her."
But Bruce shoved her away.
"Shut up!"
Gianna froze. In all their years together, he'd never raised his voice at her.
For the first time, her face drained of color. But Bruce didn't care. His focus was entirely on me.
After a long silence, he finally spoke again, voice low.
"Your grandmother left you in my care. How can I just stand by while you throw yourself at some nobody?"