This snippet is the seventh in the Thoughts series - just short drabbles from different povs. This one is from Toby's perspective.

She lives her life in the spotlight, acts on cue and never misses a beat. She is our star, more famous than those of us who create her scripts, more loved than those who prepare her strategies. She is the face of the administration.

Yet, despite her public existence, she is also draped in secrets, hidden by half confessed emotions and fears she cannot escape. I see it in her – the battled desire to be what everyone wants her to be, the pinup girl’s mentality of no respect and less authority.

Her effervescent smiles and flippant words and tailored suits do not allow for a misstep. Mistakes are forbidden due to flashbulbs and newspaper ink. So, she suffers, screened behind a role she was born to play.

It's ironic she should become star struck herself, that she – of our entire cast – would fall victim to the charms of another leading lady.

Our production now includes credits of a great love affair.