Jenna's POVAs I walked away from the reporter and the cameraman, Sarah followed closely, holding up and arranging the train of my dress for the full effect. I began to walk up the stairs that led to the entrance of the building in which the award ceremony would take place. I had already mentally planned out the next few minutes. I had planned that the moment I got to the top of the stairs, I would turn around slowly and wave to the crowd while gently tossing my head to the wind. "Remember what we talked about, Sarah," I muttered underneath my breath to Sarah. She looked sweaty and exhausted, her eyes darting back and forth between the crowd and our lane. She appeared to not have heard me and so I discreetly jabbed her in the side with my pointy elbow. She winced in pain and her eyes came to meet mine. She flinched when her furious gaze met mine and quickly stammered out an apology. "I'm… I'm sorry, I didn't quite get that."I rolled my eyes at her and as a camera flashed, I quickl
Jenna's POVI inhaled a shaky breath. "As ready as I'll ever be."With a silent nod, Sarah released the hold on my train, sending it cascading down the stairs in a glorious emerald wave. Mentally reciting the steps I'd meticulously planned, I turned on my heel, a slow, deliberate motion that allowed the full impact of the dress to be captured by the cameras.The crowd's reaction was… muted. I felt a flicker of panic. Had they not seen the intricate beadwork? The way the fabric shimmered like a mermaid's dream? What was I doing wrong?Desperate to salvage the moment, I reached for the "hair toss" Sarah had mentioned. Just as I tilted my head back, a rogue gust of wind whipped through the red carpet, catching a loose strand of hair and plastering it unattractively across my face.The frustrated groan that escaped my lips was thankfully drowned out by a collective gasp from the crowd. A commotion near the entrance momentarily stole everyone's attention. A tall, imposing figure was stridi
Eddie's POVPushing open Chloe's door a crack, I peeked inside. The room was bathed in the warm glow of a bedside lamp, casting long shadows across the walls. Chloe lay sprawled on her bed, a stuffed unicorn clutched tightly in one hand. The sight brought a tug to my chest, a reminder of the innocent world she inhabited, blissfully unaware of the complications plaguing the adults around her."Hey, sleepyhead," I called out softly, closing the door gently behind me.Chloe stirred slightly, a frown creasing her brow. "Daddy?" she mumbled, her voice muffled by the unicorn."That's right, princess," I said, walking over to the bed and sitting on the edge. "Time to wake up."Chloe's eyes fluttered open, blinking away the remnants of sleep. "Is it morning already?" she asked, her voice groggy."Not quite," I chuckled. "But it's getting close to dinner time. Are you feeling hungry?"Her eyes widened in response. "Dinner?" she repeated, a hint of excitement in her voice."Absolutely," I confi
Jenna's POVI wanted to immediately turn to Sarah and ask her why she hadn't done what I asked her to, but I couldn't. Liam Thompson was fast approaching and from the glint in his eyes, I knew that he wouldn't let me go scot-free this time. A long time ago (weeks), he had visited the set of another movie I was working on as a cameo and guest star. It had been my first time working with him and so, naturally, I had flirted with him. But that had been before I had met Amelia and realized that I wanted Eddie back. But Liam apparently had a massive ego and could not even fathom not being wanted or being ignored because ever since I had blown him off, he had become even more insistent and persistent on getting my attention. Sarah, sensing my discomfort, hovered awkwardly behind me, her eyes darting nervously between Liam and me. I clenched my jaw, fighting back the urge to turn and hiss at her for letting him approach.Liam's smile widened as he reached us, his gaze lingering a beat too
Jenna's POVThere it was, the backhanded compliment. Michelle knew damn well emerald was my least favorite color, a fact I'd confided in her during a "friendly" lunch date a few months ago. I forced a smile, the taste of metal on my tongue a sign of my tightly gritted teeth."Thank you, Michelle," I replied coolly. "Your sunshine yellow is positively radiant against this red carpet." My words were polite, but the pointed reference to her dress, a shade she often used to project an overly cheerful persona, carried a subtle sting.Michelle's smile faltered for a fleeting second before she recovered, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Why, Jenna, you're too kind. But yellow is such a happy color, don't you think? It just brightens everyone's mood. And besides, that emerald dress is simply divine. Where on earth did you find it?"I gritted my teeth, forcing a smile back at her. "Thanks, Michelle. It's from a new boutique in Beverly Hills." I knew my answer was vague, but I didn't want to give
Jenna's POVJust beside her, I spotted Brandon, his broad shoulders filling out his tuxedo as he chatted with a group of men I didn't recognize.Here we are, Ms. McDonald," the usher said, stopping beside a seat with a silver nameplate that read "Jenna McDonald" in elegant script. "Your seat awaits.""Thank you," I murmured, offering him a grateful smile. He gave a short bow before melting back into the crowd, leaving me alone with my pounding heart and the sea of expectant faces. Taking a deep breath, I smoothed out the emerald folds of my dress and slid into the plush chair.The seat was surprisingly comfortable, the velvet providing a luxurious embrace. I glanced around, taking in the scene in more detail. Directly in front of me, a group of young actors, clearly new to the awards circuit, were nervously fidgeting and whispering amongst themselves. To my left, a seasoned actress with a reputation for being difficult was engrossed in a heated conversation on her phone, her face cont
Jenna's POVSarah nudged me excitedly, a wide smile plastered on her face.But I felt numb. My body moved on autopilot, a practiced smile gracing my lips as I rose from my seat and made my way towards the stage. The climb felt like an eternity, each step echoing the hollowness within me.As I reached the stage, the host beamed at me, offering his congratulations. I mumbled a thank you, my voice barely audible. Taking the golden statuette from his hands, I gripped it tightly, the cold metal a stark contrast to the burning turmoil inside.The blinding lights of the stage reflected in my eyes, blurring the faces in the audience. Just then, I had a brilliant idea and my lips spread into a smile. Taking a deep breath, I adjusted the microphone and a resolute smile bloomed on my face."Wow," I began, my voice surprisingly steady despite the tremor in my heart. "Thank you. This is... incredible. Thank you to the Academy for this immense honor. I am truly humbled." A beat of silence followed
Eddie's POVLetting Amelia go was one of the hardest things I had ever done. When she kissed Chloe and told her she would be back soon, my heart nearly broke. At that moment, I nearly called out for her to beg her to not leave. But I held in the urge. Remember Eddie. She's just your nanny and chef. Nothing else.And so I stayed silent until the door closed with a resounding click. Chloe who watched Amelia leave turned back to me with a pout. "Daddy, why didn't you stop Amelia from leaving?"I cast my face down and focused on the chocolate milk I was preparing for her. Chloe's question hung in the air, a blunt edge to the childish innocence in her voice. I fumbled with the carton of milk, the plastic crinkling under my tightening grip."She just needed some time alone, sweetheart," I finally managed, my voice strained."But why?" Chloe persisted, her big blue eyes full of concern. "Did I do something wrong?"The guilt gnawed at me. How could I explain the tangled mess of emotions th