Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm

"Hayden, your emotions aren't hitting the mark. And… your movements need to keep pace with Martin's rhythm—no, surpass it! You're the Skywalker here!"

Hayden Christensen, the actor portraying Anakin Skywalker, wiped the sweat off his brow and muttered, "Keep pace with Martin? Easier said than done. Do you even know how fast he is?"

Martin chuckled, sensing he had taught the young actor enough for now. "George, how about this? Let Hayden move as he sees fit, and I'll adapt to his pace on the spot."

George Lucas, working with Martin for the first time, widened his eyes in disbelief. "That's too risky! Absolutely not!"

Martin smiled. "Trust me, I can handle it."

After some persuasion, Lucas reluctantly agreed, though he added, "Hayden, make sure to slow your movements down a little."

Hayden nodded slightly, though a trace of defiance lingered. His gaze flickered toward Martin, who was now chatting casually with Natalie Portman, and irritation bubbled up.

Hayden had been trying to pursue Natalie, which was precisely why Martin had been hard on him earlier. Unfortunately, the lesson hadn't sunk in.

"Scene 14, Take 25. Action!"

At the assistant director's cue, Hayden launched into his performance. His swordsmanship, polished through rigorous training, was steady and precise.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. The blade sliced through the air with audible force.

George Lucas frowned. "What's he doing? Why is he speeding up?"

Yet, he refrained from yelling "Cut" because Martin handled the situation effortlessly.

Clang, clang, clang!

The blades collided repeatedly until a final, decisive clash sent Hayden's sword flying. Martin's blade came to rest against Hayden's abdomen.

Although the tip of the prop lightsaber wasn't sharp, the jab to his midsection left Hayden clutching his stomach in pain, bent double as though his intestines had been knocked loose.

Martin casually twirled his blade with a flourish and offered an apologetic grin. "Sorry, got a bit carried away."

"Cut!"

George Lucas halted the scene and shook his head at the unfolding drama. Young Hayden, picking a fight with Martin over a woman? Do you even know who you're up against?

Lucas sighed internally. Natalie had deliberately gotten close to Martin earlier to quash any lingering hopes Hayden might have.

This young Canadian actor clearly lacked real-world experience. Raised in a comfortable middle-class home, Hayden's rise—from commercial model to TV lead, then to movie star, and finally the protagonist of Star Wars—had been paved with ease and privilege.

Even with Martin's towering reputation, Hayden saw him as nothing more than someone using his power to pressure Natalie. In his mind, he fancied himself a savior—a gallant knight rescuing the damsel.

Lucas walked over to Hayden, exasperated. "What's with you today? If this happens again, I won't hesitate to replace you. Understood?"

"George, I—"

"Address me as Mr. Lucas."

Hayden froze, startled by the sudden shift in tone. George Lucas, typically amiable toward him, now radiated unfiltered authority. This wasn't an act for Martin's benefit; it was genuine.

"Mr. Lucas, but it was Martin who—"

Lucas cut him off with a piercing glare and leaned in to speak quietly. "Listen, kid. Let me give you some advice: there are people in this world you don't want to cross. Even the people backing you would tread lightly around Martin. Think about that."

Then, Lucas dropped the final bombshell: "Take some time to reflect. For now, I'll have a stand-in take over your scenes."

Stunned, Hayden watched as Lucas walked away, leaving him to stew in silence.

Meanwhile, Martin caught Lucas' eye. "Hope I didn't cause too much trouble," he said with a disarming smile.

Lucas chuckled. "Not at all. Just giving the boy some time to think things over."

With a replacement stepping in, Martin effortlessly completed his cameo scene. His agility left a lasting impression on Hayden's stunt double.

As evening fell, Natalie joined Martin, and the two left the set together. Watching her leave, Hayden stood rooted to the spot, his lips pressed tightly together, lost in thought.

After that day, he never pursued Natalie again.

Later that evening, Martin drove Natalie to Darling Harbour. Amid the golden glow of sunset, they arrived at the intersection of King's Cross and Potts Point, where the luxurious Sydney Diamond Hotel gleamed like a jewel.

The penthouse suite.

Natalie stood before the expansive glass wall, gazing out at Sydney's skyline bathed in twilight. The edges of the city shimmered with golden light from the setting sun.

"Oh my God, it's beautiful," she murmured.

As she admired the view, Martin embraced her from behind, his warmth radiating through her. Natalie leaned into him, letting herself melt into the comfort of his arms.

They chatted idly, basking in the serenity of the moment, until a playful glint sparkled in Natalie's eyes.

Adopting Queen Amidala's regal tone, she turned to him and declared, "I can't believe it... Obi-Wan was right. You've changed."

Martin, recognizing the scene from Revenge of the Sith, responded in character. His expression darkened. "I don't want to hear any more about Obi-Wan. He's a traitor—"

Then, narrowing his eyes, he growled, "He betrayed me. The Jedi betrayed me. But you, Amidala... you cannot betray me!"

"You're not the Anakin I once knew," Natalie said, her voice trembling with sorrow. Tears welled up in her eyes, her acting flawless as always.

"Everything changes," Martin said, stepping closer. "I am no different."

"You've broken my heart," Natalie whispered. "I can't follow you down this path..."

As tears slid down her cheeks, Martin's eyes gleamed with intensity. "Why? Is it because of Obi-Wan?"

"No! It's not because of anyone," she pleaded. "It's because of what you've done. The path you've chosen!"

Desperation filled her voice as she implored, "Stop now, Anakin. It's not too late. I love you!"

"LIAR!" Martin bellowed, his gaze darting over her shoulder as though seeking an unseen enemy. "You brought him here to kill me, didn't you?"

"No, you've got it all wrong—"

Before she could finish, Martin's hand reached for her throat.

But instead of gripping tightly, his hand brushed her neck tenderly.

Natalie's tearful eyes softened, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. She bit her lip and cast him a sidelong glance, her expression a mixture of vulnerability and anticipation.

"Queen Amidala," Martin whispered in her ear, "prepare to face Skywalker's judgment."

Her voice trembled as she responded, "I await your judgment, Skywalker."

Their lips met in a gentle yet fiery kiss, sealing their moment of intimacy.