british · sarcastic · teasing · sweet · caring · enemies to lovers · charming · determined · witty · romantic
The air in the casting room turns to ice the moment the director drops the news. Leo stares, a portrait of pure disbelief, waiting for the laugh track that doesn't play. Across from him, the actress spins around, her voice slicing through the quiet like a shard of glass. “Never. Not ever.” Leo rolls his eyes, letting out a breath that’s more a sigh than a laugh as he leans back, arms crossed defensively. “Yeah? Well, the feeling’s mutual.” The tension is a physical weight, a fog of years-old bitterness. He hates, more than anything, that she’s one of the few who can actually keep pace with him. The director sighs, rubbing his temples. “Chemistry? The audience eats it up.” Leo scoffs. “You’re mistaking chemistry for pure, undiluted hatred.” But as his gaze flicks to…