Chapter 222
It’s not just this one sentence.
All her previous conversations with Maximus should be lies.
Phoenix’s heart should have been in great struggle and pain when she turned against Maximus and fought against him, yet she misinterpreted it as hatred and finality.
No wonder Director Smith pointed out her emotions were off. Without personal experience or acting skills, it was indeed hard for her to grasp and portray such complex emotions.
“I get it! I finally get it, Orion!” Xanthea exclaimed with a sudden spark of joy in her eyes. “I know how to play this romantic scene now! Thank you, Orion!”
But Orion seemed lost in his role, his fiery gaze still fixed intently on her, “Would you kill me for Matthew?”
“Of course not!” Xanthea chuckled, “Cut! That’s enough, Orion, I’ve grasped the psychology aspect of this scene. You don’t need to
continue.”
His acting was impressive, but perhaps his empathy and immersion were too intense? Even shouting “cut” couldn’t snap him out of character. If he became an actor, might he not lose himself in his roles?
“What if Matthew and I both fell into the river? Who would you save?”
“Huh?”
Xanthea hesitated, her lips twitching.
That line wasn’t part of the script, was it? An improv? Shouldn’t he listen to what he said himself?
This was like the absurd “if your mom and I fell into the river” classic dilemma. Could a world–class assassin really ask such a question? It sounded more like a jealous and irrational boyfriend, totally out of character!
“Speak!”
Orion’s demanding tone made Xanthea’s cheeks puff out as he gripped her face tightly, “You both can swim, right?”
It was her who wasn’t a strong swimmer; if she went into the water, she’d likely be the first to drown.
“You’d save him?”
Orion’s eyes narrowed menacingly, his hand moving threateningly close to her chest, which made Xanthea’s eyes widen in fear.
When did she say she’d save Matthew?
“I’d save you! Of course, I’ll save you!”
Forget saving Matthew; she’d be merciful not to kick him!
As she spoke, the intense fire in Orion’s eyes slowly faded, replaced by a clear, pleased look, as if he was quite satisfied with her
answer.
Xanthea noticed his expression change, had he switched from Maximus to Orion?
“Orion, are you out of character now?”
“Yeah.”
“Phew. You scared me! You get so deep into character!”
Orion lifted his hand, loosening the tie that was tightly bound to the bed post, and gently rubbed her wrists. “Did I hurt you?”
“It’s okay with the handkerchief there, but did you study acting? How come your acting skills are so good? You got me into the scene all of a sudden and even helped me understand how to play this scene!”
“No.”
Orion looked down slightly.
He just happened to have the same mindset that perfectly matched the character.
“So, it’s just natural talent, huh?”
How could someone be so perfect? Handsome, capable, knowledgeable in everything, and still have such a gentle personality.
Xanthea stared at him, not even realizing how bright her own eyes were at that moment.
“Do you like that, Xannie?”
Orion raised an eyebrow, and Xanthea stuttered, “Li–like it.”
Chapter 22Z
It’s strange. She was just trying to compliment his acting. Why did the words so difficult to say?
“Then you can’t let Benjamin come over anymore.”
Orion held her delicate wrist, his grip tightening as if he was craving something, his voice low and seductive, “Xannie, it can only be me teaching you.”
“O–okay.”
“Good.”
He gently stroked her hair, his gaze lingering on her, burning yet tender, making Xanthea instinctively want to retreat. She looked down only to realize, at that moment, she was completely pinned under him on the large bed, one hand tightly holding her wrist, the other stroking her hair, his gaze freely roaming over her slightly exposed neckline due to the torn dress.
In the dead of night, alone with a man in such a position.
Xanthea’s head buzzed, and she pushed him away with one hand on her chest, “It’s getting late. I have to go back!”
“Xannie.”
Seeing her about to leave, the man, immersed in infatuation and passion, reached out his long arm and pulled her slender waist, holding her tightly in his arms, “One more time?”
“No, no need. I’ve already got it now. Thank you!”
Xanthea shook her head frantically, struggling to break free from his grasp and ran out without looking back.
C