Chapter 5: Resilience Amidst Distractions

Marjorie found herself standing next to Mercedes as both women found spare time to eat a snack, trying her best to maintain her composure despite the annoyance bubbling up inside her. Mercedes had always been a thorn in her side, constantly flaunting her supposed superiority and flirting shamelessly with Asquith.

Unable to resist the opportunity to throw a witty remark, Marjorie turned to Mercedes and said with a sly smile, "You know, Mercedes, they say beauty is only skin deep. But in your case, it seems to have seeped into your personality as well."

Mercedes scoffed, her arrogance shining through. "Please, Marjorie. I don't have time for your petty jealousy. Some of us are just naturally blessed."

Marjorie rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "Oh, I'm well aware of your so-called blessings, Mercedes. The world would be a much quieter place if your ego took a vacation."

The snarky remark earned a few chuckles from nearby onlookers, who were well acquainted with Mercedes' pompous demeanor. But Marjorie wasn't done yet.

"You know, Mercedes," she continued, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "I heard they're making a new fragrance inspired by you. It's called 'Eau de Entitlement,' with hints of arrogance and a touch of delusion."

Mercedes shot her a disdainful glare, but Marjorie wasn't fazed. She knew how to handle the self-proclaimed queen of the social scene.

"And speaking of fragrances," Marjorie added, unable to resist the final jab, "I'm sure Asquith would appreciate a breath mint or two after those flirty conversations with you. Just a friendly suggestion, of course."

Despite the ongoing rivalry, Marjorie knew that she wouldn't let Mercedes get in the way of her pursuit of Asquith. She had her own brand of wit and charm, and she was determined to win his affections, leaving Mercedes to eat her words and her oversized ego.

As Marjorie walked away, she couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. However, Mercedes wasn't one to back down easily. She quickly caught up with Marjorie, a smug smile playing on her lips.

"Nice try, Marjorie, but we both know you're just jealous of what I have," Mercedes taunted, her tone dripping with superiority.

Marjorie couldn't resist firing back, her eyes narrowing with a mischievous glint. "Jealous? Oh, darling, I'm not jealous of your flashy accessories or your overinflated ego. I have something far more valuable: class and substance. Get bent!"

Mercedes laughed dismissively, flicking her perfectly styled hair over her shoulder. "Please, Marjorie. Substance won't get you far in this world. It's all about appearances and connections."

Marjorie smirked, her wit sharpening with each passing moment. "Ah, yes, appearances. I've heard that they're quite deceiving, much like your charm."

Mercedes feigned offense, placing a hand on her heart dramatically. "How dare you, Marjorie! I am the epitome of charm and grace!"

Marjorie raised an eyebrow, unable to resist the opportunity for a final jab. "Well, if charm and grace were measured in decibels, you'd be off the charts."

As the verbal sparring between Marjorie and Mercedes reached its peak, Mercedes, unable to contain her frustration, suddenly lashed out and slapped Marjorie across the face.

Marjorie's hand instinctively flew to her cheek, her eyes widening in disbelief. A mix of shock and anger surged through her veins. She glared at Mercedes, her voice laced with defiance.

"You've crossed the line, Mercedes!" Marjorie snapped, her voice trembling with restrained fury. "You can play your petty games, but physical violence? That's a new low even for you."

Mercedes, taken aback by her own impulsive action, quickly tried to regain her composure. She straightened her posture and narrowed her eyes, attempting to appear unruffled.

"Don't act so innocent, Marjorie," Mercedes retorted, her voice dripping with condescension. "You've been playing your little games, trying to steal Asquith's attention away from me."

Marjorie's anger simmered beneath the surface, but she refused to let it consume her. She took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure.

"You're mistaken if you think this is some competition between us," Marjorie responded, her voice steady. "Asquith's affections cannot be won by force or manipulation. It's about genuine connection, something you wouldn't understand. Besides, he doesn't care! He doesn't want a commitment! With anyone."

Marjorie's words struck a nerve, and Mercedes' face contorted with a mix of anger and wounded pride.

"You think you're so special, don't you?" Mercedes sneered. "Well, let's see how Asquith reacts when he sees your true colors."

Before Marjorie could respond, Asquith himself appeared, his brows furrowed with concern. He had witnessed the altercation and approached the two women with an air of authority.

"What is going on here?" Asquith demanded, his voice firm but tinged with disappointment.

Marjorie and Mercedes exchanged tense glances, each hoping to sway Asquith in their favor. It was a battle not just for his affections but for his perception of who they truly were.

Asquith's gaze shifted between the two women, his expression a mix of amusement and frustration. Yes, he could find amusement in such a scenario, as he was being fought over, so to speak.

Asquith couldn't help but revel in the ongoing banter between Marjorie and Mercedes. He believed that their apparent disagreement was rooted in their mutual interest in him, and that knowledge brought a mischievous smile to his face.

"Ladies, ladies, no need to fight," Asquith chimed in, his voice tinged with amusement. "I must admit, it warms my heart to see such passion in pursuit of my affections. But let's remember, we're here to have fun, not personal rivalries. I can fuck you both in separate times, I've shagged you already, Mercedes. It's Marge's turn now."

Marjorie and Mercedes exchanged incredulous glances, momentarily forgetting their differences as they both turned their attention to Asquith. His smug expression only fueled their frustration.

"Seriously, Asquith?" Marjorie rolled her eyes, unable to resist a playful jab. "You really think this whole argument is about you? Please, don't flatter yourself too much."

Mercedes crossed her arms, a mix of annoyance and amusement dancing in her eyes. "Oh, Asquith, it's adorable how you believe everything revolves around you. But trust me, my dear, there's more to life than your charms."

Asquith chuckled, thoroughly enjoying their reactions. "Come now, ladies, no need to be so coy. We all know the magnetic effect I have on women. It's only natural to vie for my attention."

Marjorie shook her head, her laughter tinged with exasperation. "You really have an inflated sense of self, don't you? Let me assure you, Asquith, this little argument has nothing to do with you and everything to do with Mercedes' insufferable attitude."

Mercedes scoffed, her eyes narrowing at Marjorie. "Oh, please. You're just upset because you can't stand the idea of someone else getting close to Asquith. Admit it, you're jealous."

Asquith leaned back, enjoying the verbal sparring match unfolding before him. "Well, ladies, I must say this is quite entertaining. The lengths you go to vie for my attention are truly remarkable."

Marjorie smirked, her gaze locking with Asquith's. "Oh, Asquith, don't get too carried away. You're not the center of the universe, no matter how much you'd like to believe it. We have other reasons to be at odds."

Mercedes huffed, her irritation mounting. "You're both just trying to downplay your interest in him. It's quite obvious, really. But I'll let you in on a little secret, Marjorie—I've caught Asquith's eye more times than you can imagine. And he just bloody told you. Yes, we slept together."

Asquith raised an eyebrow, relishing in the opportunity to fuel their friendly rivalry. "You can cease this fight, you know? There's enough of me to go around... figuratively speaking, of course."

Marjorie struggled to keep her composure, her anger and frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. Despite her best efforts to hide it, she couldn't shake off the gnawing jealousy that gnawed at her.

As she watched Mercedes flirtatiously lean closer to Asquith, her heart twisted with a mix of envy and irritation. She desperately wanted to be the one at his side, receiving his charming smiles and gentle touch. But instead, she found herself seething with suppressed emotions.

She clenched her fists, willing herself to remain calm and collected. "Don't let her get to you," Marjorie silently reminded herself, her voice laced with determination. "You're better than this."

With a forced smile, she interjected into their conversation, trying to mask her true feelings. "So, Asquith, what made you decide to become an actor? I'm sure there's a fascinating story behind it."

Asquith turned his attention towards Marjorie, his magnetic gaze momentarily distracting her from her inner turmoil. "Ah, yes," he said, his voice dripping with charm. "It was destiny, really. The stage beckoned to me, and I couldn't resist its allure. The applause, the adoration... it's an intoxicating experience. Though I confess I would love to be on the silver screen. Forever immortal in motion pictures. I am working on that. I have made new acquaintances that will aid me in this."

Marjorie nodded, attempting to maintain an air of nonchalance. "Yes, I can imagine it must be quite exhilarating," she replied, her words tinged with a touch of bitterness. "But surely, there must be more to it than just the thrill of the spotlight. Is it fame truly all you care for?"

Asquith's gaze lingered on her, his eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "Well yes and no," he responded, his voice carrying a hint of mystery. "There's a certain satisfaction in immersing oneself in different characters, exploring the depths of human emotions. It's an art form that allows me to captivate and touch the hearts of audiences."

Marjorie forced a smile, her heart aching with unspoken desire. She longed to be the one who touched Asquith's heart, to be the recipient of his adoration both on and off the stage. But for now, she had to mask her jealousy and keep her true feelings buried deep within.

As the conversation continued, Marjorie struggled to maintain her facade. Every playful interaction between Mercedes, or any other woman and Asquith felt like a stab to her heart. She discreetly clenched her jaw, desperately trying to push aside the seething jealousy that threatened to consume her. But it especially frustrated her to see him entertain the advances of Mercedes.

Mercedes leaned in, her voice dripping with flirtation and a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "You know, Asquith, I think we should have dinner together. Just the two of us. It would be so much fun."

Marjorie's eyes narrowed as she fought to keep her cool. She couldn't stand Mercedes' persistent attempts to steal Asquith's attention. Taking a deep breath, she forced a polite smile and interjected, "Oh, I'm sure Asquith is a busy man, Mercedes. Besides, I believe you have rehearsals to attend to."

Mercedes scoffed, her tone dripping with superiority. "Rehearsals can wait, darling. I'm sure even Asquith would love a break from all that serious acting. We could have a fabulous time together."

Marjorie's patience wore thin, her voice laced with thinly veiled irritation. "Mercedes, I think it's best if you focus on your own performance and leave Asquith to decide how he spends his free time."

Asquith, rather pleaseed to be witness to the tension between the two women, smirked and chimed in, reveling in the attention. "Ladies, ladies, no need to fight over me. There's plenty of Asquith to go around."

Marjorie rolled her eyes, her frustration mounting. "Oh, spare us the theatrics, Asquith. You revel in this, don't you? Enjoying the attention and the power it gives you."

Mercedes, sensing the tension, decided to take her chance and up the ante. With a sly smile, she turned to Asquith and whispered, loud enough for Marjorie to hear, "You know, darling, I've always had a thing for leading men. And I must say, you play the romantic hero so well."

Marjorie's control slipped for a moment, her eyes flashing with a mix of anger and jealousy. But she quickly regained her composure and shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Well, Mercedes, I'm sure Asquith appreciates your...taste. But personally, I prefer my leading men to have substance beyond their charm."

Asquith couldn't help but be amused by the fiery exchange between the two women vying for his attention. He chuckled, thoroughly enjoying the attention he was receiving. "Ah, Marjorie, always the feisty one. You do know how to keep things interesting."

Marjorie clenched her fists, her frustration growing with each passing moment. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the thought of Asquith being charmed by Mercedes' advances. But she wasn't about to let it show. With a forced smile, she replied, "I'm glad I can entertain you, Asquith. After all, isn't that what actors are supposed to do?"

As the conversation reached an impasse, Conrad approached the group with an amused expression on his face. He had been observing the heated exchange between Marjorie and Mercedes, finding it highly entertaining.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Conrad interjected, unable to hide his amusement. "A battle for Asquith's affections, it seems. Quite the spectacle."

Marjorie shot Conrad a look of annoyance but quickly regained her composure. "Conrad, don't be ridiculous. This has nothing to do with Asquith. We were discussing the play."

Conrad raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Oh, of course, the play. How could I forget? The play about love and romance. Quite fitting, isn't it?"

Asquith, reveling in the attention, joined in with a teasing tone. "Yes, quite fitting indeed. As usual my very existence ignited a fierce rivalry between these teo."

Marjorie rolled her eyes, refusing to play along. "This has nothing to do with you, Asquith. It's about the role and our respective talents."

Mercedes, sensing an opportunity, leaned in closer to Asquith. "Oh, darling, forget about them. Let's focus on us. We would make quite the dazzling pair on stage, don't you think?"

Marjorie's patience waned, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Mercedes, if you're quite done with your shameless flirting, we can get back to discussing the play like professionals."

Conrad couldn't contain his laughter any longer. "Oh, Marjorie, you always know how to liven things up. But let's not forget the essence of theater – passion, desire, and a healthy dose of competition."

Marjorie shot Conrad a wry smile. "Competition, huh? Well, I'm not one to back down from a challenge."

Mercedes, sensing an opportunity to further provoke Marjorie, boldly linked her arm with Asquith's, flashing a triumphant smile in her direction. "Darling Asquith, let's show them what true chemistry looks like, shall we?" she purred, her voice dripping with a mixture of confidence and arrogance.

Marjorie's eyes flickered with a mix of annoyance and jealousy as she watched Mercedes make her move. She clenched her fists, struggling to hide her frustration and maintain her composure. Deep down, she knew it was all part of Mercedes' game, using any opportunity to flaunt her connection with Asquith.

Asquith, ever the charmer, couldn't resist playing along. He smirked at Marjorie, enjoying the effect their little display was having on her. "Well, Mercedes, I must say your enthusiasm is infectious. But let's not forget, the true magic happens when we're naked, not fully dressed."

This brought a giggle from Mercedes, who clung closer to him. Marjorie was fuming with anger, disappointment, and great hurt.

Unwilling to let Mercedes have the last word, Marjorie's mind raced, thinking of a clever retort. "You know, Mercedes, talent and dedication are far more important than desperate attempts to cling to someone else's arm. Or even sleeping with them again."

Mercedes scoffed, unfazed by Marjorie's comment. "Oh, my dear Marjorie, you simply can't deny the allure of being with someone as captivating as Asquith. It's only natural that I would want to bask in his presence. And I am not foolish to deny him."

Marjorie, her anger simmering beneath the surface, decided it was best to remove herself from the escalating tension. With a curt nod, she excused herself from the conversation, not wanting to be part of the ongoing theatrics.

As she walked away, her steps were firm, and her gaze determined. The frustration and jealousy that had been building up inside her threatened to spill over, and she needed a moment alone to regain her composure.

Finding a secluded spot backstage, Marjorie took a deep breath, trying to shake off the emotional turmoil that had engulfed her. She reminded herself of her passion for the craft, her dedication to honing her skills, and the dreams she had for her future in the theater.

The sound of her own footsteps echoed in the empty corridor, providing a rhythmic backdrop to her thoughts. She knew she couldn't let the antics of Mercedes or the subtle manipulations of Asquith deter her from her goals. She refused to give in to his advances. She wouldn't settle for a one off. She wanted more. So much more. All of him.