Epilogue
The afternoon sun is beating down in all its glory. Sweat drips from under my director's hat and I wipe it with a napkin.
The screen refreshes once as ADAI completes the scene—the actor jumping off the edge of a ravine to land on the other side.
ADAI followed my direction perfectly. I look up to find everyone looking at me in anticipation.
"Cut! Perfect take! And that's a wrap people!"
The crew claps and cheers. That was the last scene of my directorial debut, an action movie titled The Gem.
We've been shooting non-stop for the past six months, and this was the last location.
Everybody gathers for a group hug. Tears and laughter flow as it hits all of us.
I circulate among the group, clicking selfies. We cut cake and pop champagne.
Eventually, it's pack up time. The set empties and everybody leaves for the farewell party.
I retire to the production trailer and collapse in my chair after making sure all the equipment is properly packed.
The AC is on blast, and it instantly cools my overheated system. I grab a can of diet soda from the mini-fridge and take a swig.
This is my scene. Where I belong.
My eyes slowly drift close in the quiet, though my smile remains.
What a couple of years it has been.
The truth about Coleman broke HC Studios. They never recovered.
Eva and Seth's public apology and subsequent arrest completely cleared up Marcus's image.
And then there was ADAI. The first month after launch was tough. Many actors and stuntmen worried that they might lose their jobs.
Until they realised that their jobs were safe. Not only did ADAI provide safety and support in crucial scenes, the quality of the film was so seamless, it made editing easier.
That's when it blew up. Now everybody who's anybody in the entertainment industry has a subscription.
Marcus Holden and Ingram Tech are now household names. And we're all raking in the moolah!
The zeroes on my commission check still make me swoon.
A knock sounds on the door and I open an eye before calling, "Come in!"
Marissa, my assistant walks in. "Celeste, why are you sleeping here! Hazel is waiting for you! She won't leave without you—you know that!"
I grin at her. "I know. But you know how long she takes to get out of costume and freshen up! I thought I'd squeeze in a shut eye!"
She chuckles as she shakes her head. Hazel Wollinger, our lead actress, is a legend on set for finishing most of her scenes in one take and for taking the longest time to get ready.
After Coleman was arrested, we stayed in touch. The trial lasted six months. We were both called on multiple times to testify. So many other women stepped up to testify as well. But...it's finally over.
That man is unlikely to see the outside of his prison, at least in this lifetime.
I get up and grab my purse as I follow Marissa out. Hazel waves excitedly at me the moment she spots me.
She received so many offers and apologies from the industry, just like me— and I'm honored she chose my film to make a comeback.
While acting had lost its appeal over the years, the taste of direction I got while working on ADAI stayed with me for a long time. And with so many producers and directors appalled at their treatment of me...
Seemed like the right time to make a switch into a career path I feel truly passionate about.
"Why do you think Ella's hosting a private party? Did she tell you?" Her eyes are round in anticipation as she speculates beside me.
"Nope, she's been super tight-lipped about it. Not even Marcus knows. Though Sunday lunches are an Ingram tradition, a dinner party is unprecedented.
"Are you guys riding with me?" I ask Hazel and Marissa. I rehired Marissa about a year back, and she's a godsend. She generally goes everywhere with me.
"Nope," She replies. "Hazel is dropping me at the farewell party before joining you guys. I want to party without my boss for a change."
"Mmm," Hazel agrees. "I brought my car today. I'll meet you at the venue."
"Okay. See you there. Have fun, Marissa!" I turn towards my car in the parking lot.
There, leaning on Berta with flowers in his hand is a handsome man with electric blue eyes.
"Omph!" He grunts as I leap into his arms, squealing all the way.
He holds me tight and pecks me on the cheek. "Congratulations are in order! For successfully completing the shoot of your first film!"
He hands me the bouquet as I slide off him, making sure to stay in complete contact until my feet touch the ground.
"Woman, are you looking to get punished tonight?" He whispers against my lips before taking them in a kiss.
I bite him before leaning in and kissing him back. "You can definitely try!" I sass him.
He smacks my bum before pecking me on the lips and rounding the car to the passenger door.
Of course, Berta's my car now. So I get to drive her!
I grin at him, delighted.
Sure, I was technically borrowing Berta. But I never gave her back.
I get behind the wheel and we discuss Ella's announcement the entire way to the venue.
—-------------------------------
I shake my head as Celeste changes into a third dress and puts on make-up.
We decided to treat this weekend like a mini-vacation. So I booked a suite at the same hotel Ella was hosting the party.
We still have an hour before we have to go down.
"Babe..." I call Celeste. She immediately turns to me.
She drops her lipstick—gloss?—I don't know, onto the vanity and joins me on the edge of the bed.
"I've wanted to discuss something with you for a while now..."
"You want to quit Ingram Tech, don't you?" She asks me without preamble.
"How did you—"
"I know you, remember? I know you've been itching to quit for the past year. Have you thought about what you want to do?"
"I have," I nod, adding, "I want to start my own cybersecurity firm. It was something I've always wanted to do. Ingram Tech was more of a detour than my final destination. Now that Kyle is completely trained..."
She smiles at me and takes my hand. "I agree. I've wanted to bring it up for a while too. I've never seen you happier than when you're hacking."
A huge breath escapes me. I was worried for nothing.
"So...You won't mind your husband not being the Chairman of a Tech giant?"
"No, of course— wait, husband?"
I drop down to my knee in front of her and pull out a simple 3 carat diamond ring that I bought the day after she agreed to date me.
"Celeste Shaw, since the day I confessed my feelings to you, I knew you were the only woman for me. You became my mirror when I didn't even know I needed one.
"You are my peace, my joy, the pillar I can always lean on.
"Will you do me the honor of making me the happiest man on earth by marrying me?"
She looks at me in stunned silence.
My pulse, steady so far, spikes as I wait for her reply. Sweat beads on my back and temples.
Slowly, like she's surfacing from underwater, her expression morphs from disbelief to something else.
Hope. Joy. Delight. And something more... Peace maybe?
"Yes! Oh my gosh! Yes! A hundred times yes!" I slide the diamond onto her ring finger, get to my feet, sweep her into my arms, and twirl her around as I laugh.
She hits me on the arm as she laughs along with me. "Took you long enough!"
I don't mind.
She said yes.
—---------------------
The diamond sparkles as it catches the light from the chandelier in the hotel lobby. Marcus holds my hand as we walk towards the banquet Ella is holding the party at.
He's beaming ear to ear. There's no other way to describe it.
My own smile is large enough to split my face.
I still can't believe it. I'm an engaged woman.
We enter the banquet hall, and stop abruptly. The lights are off and no one's here.
I tug on Marcus's hand. "Did we get the hall name wrong?"
"Nope."
Suddenly the lights come on and a group of people are shouting, "Congratulations!"
My mouth drops open as I turn on Marcus.
Marcus is grinning like the cat that got the cream. "Did you think I wouldn't celebrate our engagement? How do you like the surprise? It was really hard, keeping it a secret."
Tears fill my eyes as I spot everyone that matters to me. Ella and Hazel rush to me, squeezing me into a hug.
Legend isn't far behind, Frany right next to him.
They both kiss me on the cheek and offer their congratulations.
Legend immediately demands to see the ring and leads me deeper into the room. Kyle waves and mouths, "Congratulations!" while Keith and Kenneth give me a squeeze before zeroing in on Marcus.
I don't miss how Frany angles away from Kyle...nor how Kyle keeps his gaze studiously away from Frany.
Frany's face falls the minute she's alone and thinks no one is watching.
Chris walks towards me, before pulling me into a tight hug.
"My baby sister is engaged!" His voice is thick with emotion.
"Only by a few months, moron!" I add, squeezing him right back. Chris has been...amazing.
We have our own ritual now... Monday morning catch-up coffees. I love them.
I wish he would reconcile with his parents. After everything that's happened... well, Jonathan Lowell called him to apologize and call him home—but he refused.
"Not without my sister," he said.
Eventually, I step away from the hug. He gestures Marcus over and points towards the back.
"There's someone I'd like you both to meet..."
—-----------------------
Keith hugs me as soon as he gets to me.
"Congratulations, man! You both deserve every happiness!" Kenneth slaps me on the back.
"Thank you. When I popped the question, she was silent for so long...I almost died waiting." I grin as I recount the proposal.
Keith leads me to the bar, offering me a mocktail and taking one himself. Kenneth accepts a glass of champagne and veers off to find Legend.
"So, Keith..." He sighs.
"You're quitting Ingram Tech?" I gape at him. How did he know?
He snorts. "We've all known for months now. Your heart just isn't in it... I suppose you'll get into cybersecurity?"
I nod, dumbfounded. He grins. "I guess we'll just have to outsource some of our digital security to you."
My throat closes. "You'd do that?"
Keith nods. "Of course. You're the best at it. And I would love it if you took on Catharsis as well. It hasn't been the same since you became chairman of Ingram Tech."
"Yeah. Yeah, I can do that." My chest feels warm. My gaze drifts around the room.
Kyle and Frany are both on the opposite ends of the room. Frany's eyes look slightly swollen.
Kyle is clearly keeping away from her. What the hell happened?
I catch Chris gesturing at me from beside Celeste.
"My brother-in-law to be is waving at me." I grin at Keith. "Please excuse me, duty calls!"
—-----------------
The minute Marcus joins us, Chris hugs him.
"You better treat my sister right—or I'll prosecute you into an early grave."
"Hey!" I protest.
Marcus just pecks me on the cheek before answering Chris. "I would expect nothing less."
Chris nods solemnly before turning.
"Come on."
We get to a few tables, clearly arranged for dinner, when a man steps out of the shadows.
A man with the same eyes as me.
"Mr. Lowell?"
He smiles at me, an actual smile. He's older—face deeply wrinkled. His grey hair has thinned. He has a slight paunch now.
"Celeste, Marcus...Congratulations on your engagement..." I glance at Marcus, unsure what to make of his presence.
"Celeste, I—I wanted to apologize. I made a mistake, not believing you. I'm sorry for everything you had to go through...
He glances at Chris, whose face remains empty.
"I'm sorry—both of you. I know we might never have a close relationship... but if you even need anything... Remember that you'll have a home with me."
I simply nod.
It's been so long since I last saw him...I just... I never thought this day would come.
He inclines his head at all of us and leaves.
Marcus hugs me. Chris watches Jonathan Lowell leave, a frown marring his face.
"He called me to his office a couple days back. We spoke at length. He was different. But I'm not sure how long it'll last."
I smile at him and take his arm in mine.
"It's alright. At least...It's a beginning."
He nods. Marcus drapes an arm on my shoulder and Chris's and pulls us to the dance floor where everyone is already dancing.
I sway to the music with Marcus and my family.
Mom... the wildflowers are blooming again.
I...still can't believe it's done.
It's probably going to take a minute for me to make peace with the fact that another project is done.
No more scrambling to make time, rereading each chapter obsessively to proofread.
..no more waking up in the middle of the night with plot resolutions or going to bed dreaming up the lives of these characters. .. (at least for a few days).
I wanted to thank you guys again for being such a lovely audience. It's a pleasure and a privilege to have such readers as yourselves...who genuinely care.
Thank you.
If you enjoyed Marcus and Celeste's journey, please consider leaving a vote or a comment.
We are all at the mercy of the algorithm, and your support helps the book find more readers.
And if there's a couple or side character whose story you'd like to see next... let me know in the comments below! ??
Once again, thank you.
I hope to see you guys soon.??????