When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 173: Seas of Deception - Scene 7

Chapter 173: Seas of Deception - Scene 7

Marcos nodded at Zinnia, who called out to the crew, "Cut!" The scene paused for a moment as she quickly checked her notes. "Good take. Leo, you need to dial up the panic a bit more. It’s not just fear—it’s desperation. This is life or death."

Leo nodded, quickly adjusting his performance. "Got it. Thanks."

Meanwhile, Marcos walked over to Trish and Ryan, giving them both thumbs up. "This is coming together really well. But remember—this storm scene isn’t just a fight against nature. It’s a fight for their lives, for their will to survive. Keep that intensity high."

Ryan wiped the water from his face, giving a small nod. "Understood."

Trish adjusted her posture, rolling her shoulders to relieve some of the tension. "Let’s do it again," she said, her voice determined.

The rain machine roared back to life, and the water once again pounded down on them. This time, the scene would hit even harder. The next wave was coming. The cameras rolled as the boat was rocked once more, and Ryan’s voice rang out, strong and unyielding.

"Everyone hold on tight! Keep the boat steady!"

The storm raged on, the boat lurching with every wave. Each one seemed more dangerous than the last, but the crew didn’t stop. They kept paddling, bailing, and holding on, pushing their bodies to the limit. Ethan’s struggle to hold on was palpable, and the camera zoomed in on his face as he fought to keep from being swept overboard.

"Ethan!" Trish yelled, her eyes wide with alarm. She reached for him, her hand grabbing his arm just in time as the boat was slammed by another wave.

The camera was close, capturing the raw emotion in her eyes as she pulled him back into the boat. Ryan’s voice barked commands, urging them all to focus. "Stay seated! We can’t afford any mistakes!"

Leo’s character, Ethan, was shaking now, the fear consuming him. "I’m sorry," he muttered, his voice breaking. But Ryan shook his head, his tone firm.

"Save it. Just hold on."

As the scene wore on, the crew grew visibly fatigued. But they powered through. The rain was relentless, the wind howling as the boat continued to be tossed around. They worked as one, their survival hanging by a thread.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Marcos called "Cut!" once more. The storm sequence had come to an end. The crew quickly gathered around, their clothes soaked and their energy drained.

"Great job, everyone," Marcos said, his voice full of admiration. "That was a brutal scene, but you all nailed it. We’re going to take a quick break, then we’ll review the footage."

Zinnia gave a quick nod, her eyes scanning the set. "Everyone, get dried off. We’ll go over the next scene shortly," she said. The actors, though exhausted, exchanged brief smiles. They had survived the storm on screen, and now, they just needed a moment to catch their breath before the next challenge.

As the crew worked to reset for the next shot, Trish took a deep breath, wiping the water from her face. "I can’t believe how real it all looked," she said. "The lighting, the rain—it felt like we were actually out there."

Ryan chuckled, his voice hoarse from the effort. "You did awesome out there. I couldn’t have asked for a better scene partner."

The team was already resetting, preparing for the next scene. The storm was over, but their work was far from finished.

The cameras rolled into position, and the crew prepared for the next intense sequence. Julian, who had been anxiously waiting for his turn, wiped his hands on his jeans and took a deep breath. He had been rehearsing this scene for days, but now that it was time to film, his nerves were in overdrive. This was the moment to show Victor’s sheer will to survive, his determination to never be defeated.

"Places, everyone!" Marcos called, his voice carrying through the set. The crew moved swiftly to their marks, their eyes focused on the water-filled set, ready to bring the storm aftermath to life.

The quiet hum of the storm’s aftermath was still in the air. It was calm now, but an eerie stillness blanketed the scene. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the water as the debris from the explosion floated lazily across the surface. Broken crates, splintered wood, and twisted metal gave the ocean a desolate look. The remnants of a once-proud ship, now reduced to a shattered memory.

"Alright, everyone, let’s get set," Zinnia called out, her voice sharp but calm. She stood by the director’s monitor, making final adjustments to the scene. The sound team was ready, the wind machines set to simulate a slight breeze, and the lighting adjusted to reflect the aftereffects of the explosion. Everything needed to be perfect, even the smallest details.

Julian, who was set to play Victor, stood off to the side, his face focused but slightly tense. It was his turn now. This scene was crucial—a turning point for Victor, showcasing his survival instinct and determination. The makeup artist, Tanya, finished applying the final touches to his wounds, creating gashes and bruises that looked raw and real.

Tanya stepped back, giving Julian a quick nod. "All set. Just make sure not to move too much while we’re shooting, or it’ll rub off."

Julian gave her a small smile. "Thanks. I won’t."

He took a deep breath, steeling himself. He was about to dive deep into his character’s mindset. Victor had just survived an explosion, and this scene was his moment to show the strength and resolve that would propel him forward.

"Places," Zinnia called, her voice firm but encouraging. She looked up from her notes, her eyes locking onto Julian. "You’re good to go."

The camera rolled. The silence of the sea was broken by the subtle splash of water as Julian’s body was revealed in the wreckage. The crew had set up the shot carefully. Julian was positioned atop a large, broken piece of the ship’s hull, his body battered and bloodied.