When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 178: Seas of Deception - Scene 10

Chapter 178: Seas of Deception - Scene 10

The ship’s engines thrummed as they finally neared the shore, the smell of saltwater mixing with the exhaust from the boat. Everyone on deck had been preparing for this moment for days, and now it was time to shoot the final scenes. The port loomed ahead, a small, weathered dock sitting against the backdrop of a quiet town.

Marcos, who had been seated next to Zinnia, looked over at her with intensity, his voice rising above the din of the crew’s chatter. "Everyone, prepare for Victor’s scene! Get ready for the forest shots, too. Let’s make this count!"

Zinnia quickly adjusted her headset, flipping through her notes. "Got it, Marcos. We’ll be ready," she said, her tone steady but eager. Her eyes flickered to Julian Perez, who was standing off to the side, preparing for his role as Victor, the charming yet menacing villain.

The actors were already in costume, but Julian had a few last-minute touches from the makeup team, who were applying smudges of dirt to make him appear even more rugged and desperate. His gaze was fixed, steely, and his presence seemed to hold the entire scene together before it even began.

Katherine Lee, the casting director, was scanning the set, nodding to herself in approval. "Julian’s got the look," she muttered under her breath, adjusting her glasses as she checked her clipboard. "Just make sure his performance stays true to Victor’s cold nature."

Michael Zhen, the stunt coordinator, walked up to Julian, his hands moving in swift, precise gestures. "We’re gonna need you to make those movements fluid, Julian," he said, his voice calm but firm. "When you slip off that boat, it’s gotta look natural—like you’ve done it a hundred times before."

Julian nodded, his expression hardening. "I’m ready."

Marcos turned to Sophie Tran, the producer, who was checking her phone one last time. "How’s the budget looking for these next few scenes?" he asked, his voice laced with tension.

Sophie gave him a quick glance. "We’re good. Just make sure we keep it tight. We need to finish by sunset."

"Understood," Marcos said. He turned back to the crew, his voice booming across the deck. "Alright, everyone, positions! We’re rolling in five."

---

The scene began with a sense of quiet urgency. The crew was bustling around, adjusting lights and props as the small fishing boat slowly docked at the weathered harbor. Julian, portraying Victor, was positioned at the edge of the boat, ready for his escape. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the water. The distant sounds of seagulls and the hum of the harbor made it feel like the calm before the storm.

Victor’s escape was supposed to be swift, calculated, and deliberate. As the boat docked, Julian stumbled slightly, his movements slow but intentional. The kind fishermen, played by extras, offered him food and water, their faces kind and unaware of the danger that was lurking beneath Victor’s facade.

"Here, take some food," one of the fishermen said, holding out a small packet of crackers.

Victor, breathing heavily, nodded, his face showing signs of exhaustion. He took the packet, but his eyes were always scanning, always calculating. "Thank you," he croaked in a voice that sounded hoarse, as if the words cost him something.

Behind the camera, Marcos watched the scene unfold, giving subtle instructions to the camera crew. "Keep it tight on Julian’s face," he called out. "We need to see that inner conflict, that tension."

As the fishermen turned to gather more supplies, Victor’s body tensed. In one fluid motion, he slipped off the boat, barely making a sound as his feet hit the dock. His soaked clothes clung to him, but he moved with the grace of someone who had done this before.

"Cut!" Marcos shouted from behind the monitor. He turned to Zinnia. "Let’s reset that. Julian, give me more tension in your body language. We need to feel the weight of your survival instincts."

Zinnia stepped up to Julian, offering him some water as he wiped sweat from his brow. "You’re doing great. Just keep the focus on survival. Victor’s a man who’s been through hell and back. This isn’t just a getaway—it’s his fight for survival."

Julian nodded, breathing deeply. "Got it."

As they reset, Katherine Lee approached Marcos, her gaze scanning the action. "He’s got it, but we need to see that ruthlessness when he moves through the crowd. He can’t just be another man on the street. He’s a predator."

Marcos thought for a moment, then nodded. "Right. Let’s make it count."

---

The scene resumed, and this time, Julian’s every movement was sharper, more deliberate. He blended into the crowd with ease, his eyes scanning for any sign of authority, every muscle in his body primed for escape. The faint chatter of the harbor filled the air, but it didn’t matter. Victor wasn’t listening to the world around him. His mind was somewhere else—planning his next move.

As he walked through the bustling dock, Julian’s body language told the story of a man on the run. His posture was low, his steps calculated. He moved like a shadow, unseen and unnoticed.

"Cut!" Marcos shouted once again, this time with a satisfied grin on his face. "That’s the one. Perfect."

Zinnia gave him a thumbs-up. "Great job, Julian. Now we head for the forest scene."

The forest scene was set to take place just beyond the harbor. The crew had already moved their equipment, and the actors quickly made their way to the next location. The setting was eerie—dense trees, shadows stretching long across the forest floor. The air was cooler here, the wind rustling through the leaves.

Victor had to disappear into the woods, evading anyone who might be following him. As Julian stepped into the scene, he paused for a moment, letting the tension build. His breathing steadied, his eyes narrowing as he took in the surroundings. The forest was his next hiding place, a place where he could regroup and begin his next phase of escape.

"Alright, Julian," Marcos called out from behind the camera. "Take us through this like you’re already plotting your next move. Remember, Victor’s survival instincts are on full display. He’s in control of his fear, not the other way around."

Julian’s expression hardened, and he strode forward, moving through the trees with purpose. His movements were fluid, but there was a calculated, menacing edge to them. Every time he paused, his sharp eyes flicked over his shoulder, making sure no one was tailing him.

Behind the camera, Michael Zhen was giving his final notes on the scene. "Julian, when you reach the edge of the woods, we need a moment of vulnerability. You’ve just escaped death, but you can’t show weakness. You’re playing a man who’s been through hell, but he’s not done yet."

Julian nodded silently, his focus unbroken as he continued through the forest.