WALK ME DOWN THE AISLE

* Chapter Seventeen *

We kissed and watched the beauty of the sunrise together until his work obligations tore us apart once again. Regardless, the passion we share is so strong that it seems impossible for us to be apart, even for a week. We didn't even consider the possibility of reaching the point where losing each other was beyond our control. We were fully aware that we were only at the beginning of our journey, still learning how to steer through the complexities of our unconventional relationship.

"I hope I'm not dreaming," I said, unable to contain my excitement. "I hope you're lying close to me."

"It's real, Danni," Scott whispered into my ear. "Is my embrace still not tight enough?"
"It's already pleasing," I replied, feeling a sense of comfort and contentment in his embrace. "I'm satisfied, and I'm just savoring every minute I'm in your arms."

"But we will have to be apart soon," Scott reasoned with a hint of sadness. "And I don't know when I will be able to come back."

"It's alright," I comforted him, my voice filled with understanding. "I know how busy you are. Just don't forget to meet me when you come back, okay?" I giggled, trying to lighten the mood.

As Scott pulled me towards him, his words were filled with playful anticipation. "Sure. At least a few more kisses you want?" he enunciated, his eyes sparkling with desire. I couldn't help but be swept away by his touch; his lips met mine, and our hands in a passionate embrace. In that instant, I felt a sense of belonging, a respite from the worries that had been plaguing my heart and mind.

But as quickly as the moment came, it disappeared just as abruptly when Scott had to leave for work. As he faded away from my sight, I was coerced to confront the reality of my world. Despite the temporary relief he provided, I knew deep down that challenges were lying ahead for us, obstacles that we would have to helm together.

In the days that followed, I found myself lost in thoughts as I sat in Mitch's office. He spoke highly of my screenplay, praising it as another masterpiece. Yet as his words filled the room, my mind wandered to the intricacies of my relationship with Scott. The distance between us seemed more pronounced, and my heart yearned for his presence. "I want to revise my script," I finally uttered, breaking the silence that enveloped the room.

Mitch seemed taken aback; his attention was fully diverted to my request. "What do you want?" he asked, almost sounding puzzled as if he hadn't heard my words the first time.

"You heard what I said, boss," I replied, determination lacing my words. "I want to take back everything I wrote in the script." My reason was clear in my mind: I needed to make changes to reflect the turmoil and uncertainty that had crept into my life. It was a necessary step, a way to capture the truth of my emotions on paper.

"I'm sorry, but what you want to happen is no longer possible," Mitch insisted as he informed me. He had taken the initiative to forward my manuscript to a film producer, who surprisingly liked the summary. However, there was nothing we could do about it. Determined, I offered, "If you want, I can talk to them. Just give me their names."

Mitch admitted, sighing, "It's Mr. Belmont."
I had anticipated it. Deep within, I knew that my boss would entrust my manuscript to someone whose strategy I did not influence when it came to promoting my story. This outcome didn't bode well for me. If I were to interfere and attempt to stop Mr. Belmont's plans, legal action, and defamation might befall me, ruining everything I had tirelessly worked towards for more than six years.

I found myself torn and conflicted between protecting my job, my hard-earned accomplishments, and my burgeoning relationship with Scott. Although I had been honest with him, there were still parts of my life that remained undisclosed.

One day, my boss called for me for an important meeting, and I instantly felt a sense of urgency, despite the late hour, I was determined to make changes to the script. Nevertheless, my plans were unexpectedly stopped by David, who approached me with a newspaper in hand. "Danni, have you seen this?" David asked, his tone tinged with surprise and curiosity. Confused, I glanced at the newspaper he held out to me. As I read the headline, my heart sank. The paparazzi had spotted me and Scott together at a diner, holding hands in the early hours of the morning.

Trying to dismiss the matter, I replied to David, "It doesn't matter, David. What matters is Scott and me. We don't care about the paparazzi; he protects me." He continued to express his concern, as he called out, "You're saying that he protects you? But here you are, exposing the very life he tries to shield you from!"