The Bodyguard

Chapter 17

TORI

A few days after everything happened, the news released the story of Alec Hall's arrest. The truth was out for the whole world to see what kind of man he was like when Logan was arrested.

Alec Hall is convicted of several sexual crimes in the state of California. I couldn't believe my eyes when the screen flashed with a number over fifty. All the women had come forward because of me, Miranda, and Alyssa. Men like Alec needed to be put away for a long time, and I was sure he wouldn't last long in prison when the news also let out information about child molestation. What a sick bastard he is.

Following those incidents, the film we were working on was canceled. Two of the producers resigned, leaving me in shock. Throughout my career, I've collaborated with numerous individuals, including those producers.

Today marked a pivotal moment in my life. I took an action I never imagined I would, and now, I stand before my manager, Nolan. This will undoubtedly alter his life as well.

"Nolan," I said.

Nolan looked up from his phone. He'd been scrolling through all the news media outlets to see everyone's point of view on the Alec Hall breaking news. "Yes, Tori?"

"I quit."

Nolan dropped his phone and put his hands on my shoulder. "What? You're joking, right? Victoria Manson doesn't quit because of a few minor mishaps!"

I scoffed. "You call what happened to me a mishap?! I don't think so. I've worked in Hollywood for twelve years and will be twenty-five at the end of August next week. I am no longer participating in this career, and you can't stop me."

"Tori, please! You are so good at what you do; I will never find anyone else to work with like you! Give it one more shot!"

I shook my head. "I'm sorry, Nolan. You've been a great manager; someone else will be lucky to have you. I want to live where cameras aren't always flashing, and my privacy isn't constantly invaded. Don't you get that?"

Nolan sighed and dropped his hands to his sides. "I do understand. It's hard for some celebrities to bear. You hung in there for a while, and I am proud of how far you went in your career. Your fans will miss you, you know that, right?"

"I do know, but I am not disappearing off the face of the earth, Nolan. I'm quitting the spotlight. No more red-carpet events or award ceremonies. They still have me on social media. If they wish to keep up with my life, they can do it there, but it will no longer be on a TV screen where I pretend to fall in love with another man. There is only one man I want to fall in love with repeatedly."

Nolan smiled. "You have fallen deeply for Theo, haven't you?"

"I'm sure I'm over my head, but yes, I have. I never would have guessed. Theo has been there for me through a lot. It's easy to fall in love with you and spend practically twenty-four hours a day with that person, wouldn't you agree?"

"That is true. I met my wife in high school, and all our classes were together. We became study buddies and fast friends. Later I asked her out and we've been together ever since, but I fell in love with her at first sight."

"That's sweet. I don't know if it was love at first sight for Theo, but for me it wasn't. It took me a little longer to realize than him. I wouldn't change anything that happened, though."

"You wouldn't change a single thing?" Nolan asked.

I shrugged. "I mean, no. If I did, would my life be the way it is now? Probably not. Everything that has occurred has made me into the woman I am. Sure, I wish I could take those moments back, but that's impossible. This is how my life was meant to be written, and I'll stick with it."