n

n

nAfter three more pairs, Ookashi and Nate were called upon the stage. While Ookashi carried out the scene with elegance, Nate stuttered a little. He wasn't used to this kind of thing and he was only doing it to please Ookashi. The committee was weary by now. They liked Ookashi a lot, but Nate was nowhere close.

nOther than Ookashi, they couldn't decide on anyone else to play the lead roles. Because Dmitri and Keisha had come in last, they gave them a chance to audition. They both got up from their seats and walked to the stage. Keisha looked at Adrianna smugly. She held Dmitri's hand and when she noticed that Adrianna had seen it, she squeezed his hand. Adrianna once again diverted her gaze. Since Ookashi had finished, she said,

"Ookashi, I have to go. Let me know the results later.

"

nOokashi smiled and said,

"Sure.

"

nNiiya had been busy with the committee people when Adrianna walked out without giving a look at Dmitri. He wasn't hers… She had to shield herself from more heartache…

nJust as she had reached the entrance, a voice boomed,

"I want to audition with Adrianna.

"

nAdrianna looked back at him with shock in her eyes. He was staring at her intensely.

nKeisha's mouth opened as she staggered back. She asked him,

"Dmitri, what are you saying?

"

nHe didn't hear her as he continued to look at Adrianna.

nNiiya jumped out of his place and scolded him,

"Dmitri, it is not your place to force someone to do anything they don't want.

"

nThe entire hall fell silent.

n

"I am sorry, but I am not cut out for this role…

" said Adrianna as she once again turned to exit the hall.

n

"Adrianna!

" shouted Nate. He ran to catch her before she exited.

"You must try it out. Dmitri thinks he can do it better with you instead of Keisha.

"

nOne of the students of the committee agreed,

"I think they will make a nice pair. Adrianna, you should give it a try.

"

nBefore she knew it, Ookashi was dragging Adrianna to the stage.

nKeisha left the stage and walked out of the hall in a huff. Adrianna walked up onto it.

nShe had to do something before Adrianna took her place…

n---

nThe scene involved lovers separating from each other. Although Adrianna was being given prompts from backstage, she couldn't execute them perfectly. All of her attention was on Dmitri who was standing close to her and explaining that he had to leave as he had been called to fight a war for his country.

nDmitri softly lined the contours of her face as he inched his face close to her. He leaned upon her and whispered,

"Don't cry when I am gone.

"

nAdrianna gulped. She was so captivated by his charm that she forgot to breathe. The attraction was driving her crazy.

nThe scene was short and it ended within ten minutes, leaving all the judges and the students present in the hall totally mesmerized. Dmitri had become an instant hit. Adrianna, on the other hand, was flushed. She ran down the stage, picked up her bag, and exited the main hall. Dmitri's gaze followed her actions as his lips curled up. All the girls in the hall were already swooning over him.

nWhen Adrianna exited, she hurriedly walked towards the chemistry wing. Her adrenaline rush wasn't settling. She found a secluded bench in the gardens and sat there to settle her feelings.

n

"Adrianna, I have an important message for you,

" called Pryce from behind.

nAdrianna was so preoccupied in her thoughts that she jumped. She looked at Pryce questioningly. Pryce took out an envelope from her bag, handed it to Adrianna, and left without saying another word.

nAdrianna opened the envelope. It was a message from Keisha.

nI would like to meet you in the woods outside the college campus. I want to settle something with you. Meet me at 4PM after college ends.

nAdrianna smirked. She knew what Keisha wanted to talk about, and thought that it would be better if she settled it once and for all.

n