CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY NINE – THE MOVIE PREMIERE

The sleek black car glided to a halt before the swarming crowd of photographers and screaming fans assembled outside the opulent premiere venue. Kayla took a steadying breath, smoothing the shimmering fabric of her champagne-colored gown. This was it - the moment of truth. "You ready for this, my love?" Lance's warm voice penetrated her focus as the door swung open. She turned to meet his reassuring gaze, allowing the fierce determination burning within her to shine through. "More than ready. It's time we finally strip away Maverick's mask of lies once and for all." Hand-in-hand, they emerged into the blinding flashes of the cameras, a roar of shouts and cheers engulfing them as they strode towards the bustling red carpet. Kayla's lips curved in a polite smile, though her eyes betrayed an intensity far removed from the usual starlet vapidity. "Kayla, Lance! Over here, give us a smile!" "What was it like reliving your survival ordeal on screen?" "Are the rumors true about creative