When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 78: Movie Casts

Chapter 78: Movie Casts

That night, the living room in Zinnia’s parents’ house was a mess of papers and scripts scattered across the coffee table. Laptops cast a soft glow, illuminating their focused faces. Ricardo and Zinnia worked late into the night, talking quietly, their voices blending with the hum of electronics.

Ricardo was patient, his tone gentle as he guided Zinnia through the intricacies of the project. He wasn’t leading; he was letting her steer, offering advice and stepping back. He wanted this to be hers.

Zinnia’s eyes flickered over the documents, her mind sharp and alert. She wanted everything to be right, perfect. This was her chance to prove herself, and she wasn’t going to let it slip away.

As she jotted down notes, she could feel her father’s eyes on her, proud but cautious. He believed in her, but he also knew how much work lay ahead. Zinnia was determined to make this project successful, not just for herself but for their family name.

Meanwhile, across the city, Samuel sat alone in his darkened room. The silence around him felt heavy, almost suffocating. He could feel the weight of everything he couldn’t say, words he’d kept bottled up for too long.

He leaned back, staring at the ceiling, letting out a slow breath. For the first time in a while, he felt truly alone, and the realization stung. He missed the way things used to be, back when it all felt simpler.

The next morning came early, with the city stirring awake as dawn broke. Zinnia left her parents’ house, still tired but focused. She had a busy day ahead, meetings lined up back-to-back, and she was ready to dive back into work.

Samuel, too, was up early, heading to his office. The drive was quiet, his thoughts lost somewhere between the road and the things he couldn’t say. Work was his refuge, a place where he could bury everything else.

Zinnia arrived at the studio, where the production crew had already gathered. They were finalizing the cast for the movie, and the atmosphere was tense but excited. It was time to make decisions.

Marcos, Ricardo’s assistant and Zinnia’s support, was leading the meeting. He was organized and methodical, keeping everything on track. "Alright, let’s start with the main roles," he said, glancing at the list.

Katherine Lee, the casting director, spoke up. She was known for her keen eye, always spotting potential others missed. "I think we’ve got a solid choice for Captain Harding," she said. "He’s exactly what we need — strong, calm, authoritative."

Michael Zhen, the stunt coordinator, nodded. "He can handle the physical aspects too. We need someone who can sell the action, make it look real."

Sophie Tran, the producer, listened carefully. She was strict, unyielding when it came to quality. "If we’re locking this in, we need to be sure," she said, her tone firm. "No compromises."

The film, titled Seas of Deception, was a large-scale action thriller set on cargo ships. It was about a team of undercover agents trying to dismantle a dangerous smuggling operation. There would be high-stakes drama, tight escapes, and a massive final showdown at sea.

They had to get the casting right. Each character brought something vital to the story, and finding the right actors was crucial. Zinnia looked over the list again, her mind racing as she tried to picture each role.

"Let’s start with Daniel," Marcos said, glancing at Katherine. Daniel was the lead role, the seasoned agent at the heart of the operation. He was smart and confident, but he carried a hidden vulnerability.

They had chosen Ryan Kim for the role. Ryan was a well-known name in action films, having starred in several blockbusters over the past few years. He was known for his on-screen charisma, able to draw audiences in with just a look.

"Ryan’s got the experience," Katherine said. "He knows how to play a leader, and he can handle the emotional depth of the role."

Michael agreed. "He’s done stunts before, and he’s good at it. We won’t have to worry about the physical demands."

Next was Alex, the ship engineer and one of the female leads. She was tough, smart, and independent, a key player on the team. They needed someone who could stand out without overshadowing the others.

They had chosen Trish Watson for the role. Trish was known for her versatility, having played everything from action heroines to complex emotional characters. She had a strong presence, one that made you pay attention.

"She’s perfect," Sophie said. "She can be strong without being overbearing. She’ll make Alex feel real, not just a supporting character."

Michael added, "She’s worked with stunts before, so she’ll adapt quickly to the physical scenes."

Zinnia felt a sense of relief. Trish was a big name, and having her on board would bring attention to the film. But more than that, she was confident Trish could bring Alex to life.

For Captain Harding, they had chosen Tom Ellis. He was older, with a grizzled appearance that fit the character perfectly. He was known for playing authority figures, always commanding the screen with his calm, steady presence.

"Tom’s got that natural authority," Katherine said. "He doesn’t need to do much to draw attention, which is exactly what Harding needs."

Then there was Ethan, the young hacker. They had chosen Leo Taylor, a fresh face in the industry. He was young, barely in his twenties, but there was something about him — a spark that made you pay attention.

"He’s not a big name," Marcos pointed out, "but he’s got potential. We can shape him, coach him."

Katherine agreed. "Ethan needs to be sharp, a bit unpredictable. Leo’s got that vibe."

Zinnia smiled. She remembered his audition, how he’d stumbled at first but quickly found his rhythm. He was raw, but that could work in their favor.

Finally, they reached Victor, the antagonist. He was the mastermind behind the smuggling operation, a character who needed to switch effortlessly between charm and menace.

They had chosen Julian Perez. Julian was known for playing complex villains, characters who were as intriguing as they were dangerous. He was smooth and confident, with a hint of arrogance.

"He can pull it off," Marcos said. "He knows how to make a room feel cold, just by being there."

Zinnia nodded. "Victor has to be intimidating, but he also has to draw people in. Julian can do that."

The rest of the casting decisions were made quickly. Each role was filled, each actor carefully chosen based on their performance during the auditions. The crew was pleased, but there was still so much to do.

As the meeting wrapped up, Marcos turned to Zinnia. "We’re in good shape," he said, his tone reassuring. "But this is just the start."

Samuel’s name crossed Zinnia’s mind, and she wondered how he would react when he saw the cast list. Would he even care?

As if on cue, someone from the lobby called her, telling her she have a package from a guy named Samuel.