Chapter 1Straight? Think Again

In my last life, I was canceled by the entire internet for refusing to star in a romance with the award-winning actress Juliana Vaughn.

My agent abandoned me.

The studio terminated my contract.

With nowhere left to turn, I threw myself at the mercy of her biggest rival.

I had no idea I was stepping into a nightmare that would swallow me whole, leading to a brutal death and an unmarked grave.

So, in this life, the moment I saw Juliana again, I tossed my pride to the wind. All I wanted was to latch onto her and hold on for dear life.

I just didn't expect her to be so possessive. And more importantly, I had no idea she wasn’t straight.

* * *

"Juliana… don't…"

"Don't what?" Juliana's voice was a low purr. Her sly, almond-shaped eyes curved into a smile as she looked down at me, a full head shorter than her. She reached out, her long fingers closing around my chin, her thumb gently stroking my skin.

My heart seized. I looked up at her, my mouth opening to protest, but she saw it coming.

She cut me off, her voice smooth as silk. "Don't forget, you're the one who said I could do whatever I wanted with you. Are you already trying to back out?" Her eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in their depths. "Or were you just playing me? You know what happened to the last person who tried to play me, don't you?"

"No, that's not what I meant… I just… I wasn't expecting this. No one ever told me… that you weren't straight."

Goddammit! Straight girls have rights, too! I'm not a lesbian!

"Is that so?" she murmured. Her fingers moved from my chin to my earlobe, toying with it gently. Her voice was soft, but it sent a chill down my spine. "Well, you know now. What are you thinking?"

"I'm not thinking anything… I just kind of want to go home, Juliana… I'm not… into girls." I was trembling, watching as the warmth drained from her expression. The industry rumors about her ruthlessness flashed through my mind. My body tensed, ready to make a break for it.

But she read me like an open book. In one swift movement, she pushed me back onto the bed, leaning over me, her breath warm against my ear as she whispered, "You can be. You said it yourself, remember?"

"I…" I stared up at her, helpless. Whatever I was about to say was swallowed by her kiss.

My eyes flew open in disbelief. I raised my hands to push her away.

Just as quickly, she pulled back, her voice cool and detached. "What's wrong? Having second thoughts about the role?"

I froze. Just like that, I didn't dare move a muscle.

Without that show, this second chance at life would be meaningless.