Chapter 28
Claire always dreamed of being part of Wade’s world, but nothing prepared her for this glamorous event. Upon their arrival in LA, he whisked her off to a salon. There, three stylists fussed over her hair, and the designer presented an array of gowns tailored for her.
She couldn’t resist trying on an elegant sapphire-blue gown. The silk slid over her curves, the modest bodice giving way to a skirt that shimmered and flowed like liquid with every step. It fit her better than the safe choice she’d brought from Pleasant View.
Heels? Yes. Earrings? Yes. The necklace Wade gave her? Yes. Irreplaceable. Once again, she declined the clutch handbag. Wearing heels would take her full focus, and he had his phone they could use.
The limousine, with sparkling drinks, sodas, water, and enough snacks for an epic road trip, carried them along. Now, stepping onto the red carpet, she barely felt her own breath. Her stomach churned, despite his steady hand on the small of her back.
The tap of her heels mixed with the muffled footsteps and the chatter beyond the barricades. Camera flashes exploded in blinding bursts, each flare making her flinch. Fashionably dressed men and women strolled ahead or behind them. Fans called out their names, so they must be part of the cast.
She clung to Wade, so dashing in a crisp white shirt and black bow tie.
He leaned in, his breath fanned her ear, but she couldn’t hear what he said when the buzz intensified. Reporters jostled for position and thrust microphones forward like grasping hands. Behind the barricades, fans waved signs and screamed his name—Wade to some, his iconic characters to others.
She missed his hand the moment it left her back to high-five outstretched hands and wave to others out of reach.
Soon, he was giving interviews, signing autographs, and soaking in the glitz and glam. How loved he was! Yet, despite all the attention, he remained humble and let her be part of his world.
Towering posters flanked the entrance. The central image featured a young gymnast mid-leap. The bold, glittering title of Vaulting Hearts loomed over the scene while the words Directed by Wade Stone displayed beneath it.
Cast photos interposed the row of posters. Each face was a story in itself—some serious, others joyous, all inviting. And there was Wade’s, his smile striking amid the glitz.
He claimed her hand once more, and a woman in a sleek black jumpsuit stopped them. “Wade!”
He tugged Claire closer, and more blinding lights and cameras flashed. If only she could’ve joined his family in the VIP lounge instead of this.
“How does it feel”—the reporter thrust the mic to Wade—“to attend the red carpet tonight with your bride instead of solo?”
Wade’s hand pressed deeper against Claire’s back. “Incredible. Sharing this with my wife makes it even more special.”
The woman turned her microphone toward her. “And, Claire? Is this your first time on the red carpet?”
“Yes.” What else could she say? Her heart pounded in her throat as a nervous laugh escaped. “It’s… surreal.”
The reporter’s smile was kind but fleeting as she noticed Claire was speechless. No wonder she shifted her focus back to Wade, asking about the film’s creative process. Claire slipped away, letting him command the spotlight.
Finally, Wade guided her to their reserved section, his hand resting on the small of her back—a gesture she was growing accustomed to. Gleaming chandeliers cast a glow over the room, red velvet seats arranged in perfect symmetry, and the massive screen commanded attention.
They settled in among his family as the crowd—familiar actors and actresses dressed in sequined gowns and sharp tuxedos—steadily filled the expansive theater.
Then the lights dimmed, the chatter quieted to a murmur, and he kissed the top of her head. “I hope you’ll like the reedits.”
“I know I will.” She’d support him whether the movie was good or bad.
The screen flickered to life, introducing the opening scene.
The story followed Shasta, a young orphan whose passion for gymnastics clashed with the neglect of her foster families.
When she found a permanent home, her adoptive parents were unwilling to support her dreams. Injuries mounted, and her dream seemed out of reach.
Despite the odds, Shasta’s raw talent caught the eye of a dedicated coach who took her under their wing.
With resilience and her coach’s guidance, she overcame her troubled past and rose through the ranks, becoming a gymnastics star.
Then she met a handsome man who not only supported her but also pushed her to practice and reach her full potential.
The lighthearted moments sparked laughter from the audience, and Claire found herself smiling too.
Then Shasta broke up with her boyfriend, haunted by memories of abandonment from her birth parents.
How could someone push away the love they needed most?
Claire grabbed a tissue, tears stinging her eyes.
The emotional climax was almost too much to bear.
Shasta faced her biggest meet with her past threatening to crush her.
A whispered word of encouragement from her ex-boyfriend had the entire theater holding its collective breath.
Wade squeezed Claire’s hand, and she leaned against his shoulder, needing it.
By the end of the film, sniffles and murmurs whispered through the room. Wrung out, her emotions raw yet fulfilled, she turned to Wade. “This is one of the best movies I’ve ever seen.”
His breath moistened her ear. “And all because of you.”
The credits rolled, and cheers reverberated. She clapped along, her chest swelling as his name appeared on the screen: Directed by Wade Stone. Edits by Wade Stone.
An announcer’s voice boomed over the speakers, inviting him to the stage. Wade kissed her forehead, then strode to the front, acknowledging the applause with a gracious smile.
“Thank you all for being here tonight.” A thrill ran through his voice.
“This film is a labor of love, and I couldn’t have done it without my incredible team.
” He went on to thank the studio manager, his manager Novi, the cast, and the crew.
When he mentioned Claire, his gaze found hers in the crowd.
“My beautiful wife, Claire.” His voice dipped. “She reminded me not to gloss over the hard truths of Shasta’s story.”
The spotlight found her. Her cheeks burning, she managed a small wave, then faded into the background again as he thanked God for his troubled childhood that made him appreciative of his adoptive family and inspired him to tackle this story.
Applause rose again as he concluded his heartfelt thanks.
Following pictures with the cast and crew, they attended an after-party in a nearby ballroom.
Tables draped with white linens hosted towering floral arrangements, while servers wove through with appetizer trays and fluted champagne glasses.
A live band played, their music mingling with the excited chatter.
And gymnasts performed impromptu flips and tricks, drawing gasps and applause.
While Wade interacted with the cast, producers, and industry elites, Claire chatted with his family.
“Claire, what do you think?” His brother Rohan grinned across the table.
“Premieres would make a great TV show.” She fluttered a hand. “I never imagined anything like this.”
“With Wade’s busy career, you’ll attend plenty more of these.” Theo raised his sparkling cider glass. “And don’t worry—half of us are always around to keep you company.”
“What’s it like being married to a celebrity?” Wade’s sister selected a canapé from her plate.
Claire wasn’t too sure what Julia thought of her yet. “He’s still just Wade to me.”
Julia popped the treat in her mouth, chewed, and swallowed. “I hope he holds up his end. He’s known for running—”
“Julia,” Rohan cut in.
Claire forced a smile, though the words struck a nerve. Needing a distraction, she inspected the appetizers as a server stopped by.
Then Wade appeared at the table, a woman in a sleek black dress by his side. Claire’s stomach tightened. The woman looked familiar.
Julia leaned in with a whisper meant only for Claire. “That’s Genie—Wade’s ex.”
Right. Claire had seen Genie, as well as other women, in the tabloids accompanying him to events. Claire had tried to ignore those images since he never confirmed dating any of the women.
“Genie wanted to meet Claire,” he said, then introduced her to his siblings.
Genie shook hands with charm and ease, cracking jokes about his handsome brothers. Her dress, short above the knee, had a flowing train, striking although revealing.
“I have to say I was shocked to hear Wade married.” Genie gave Claire a polite smile. “You must have something none of us could offer.”
“There’s only one Claire.” He winked, his hands warming her bare shoulders. Heat spread down from her arms, not only from his touch but also from his words. Hope sparked inside her as she greeted Genie with confidence instead of doubt.
Still, how could a man surrounded by so many beautiful women stay single? He obviously avoided long-term commitments, so what was she doing, hoping he’d change for her? His world might be dazzling, but it came with shadows she’d better brace for.