The Contract

Chapter 91-The Stellar Awards

The noise of the crowd in the auditorium was palpable, the hum of excitement rising through the air as the night unfolded. I stood backstage, earpiece in place and clipboard in hand, as always, my mind racing with a million details to keep track of.

The Stellar Awards.

The event I had orchestrated down to the finest detail, yet here I was, unable to fully soak it in. The buzzing of performers, the anticipation of award announcements, the glamour of the celebrities-everything blended into a single overwhelming blur.

I couldn't help but marvel at the intricate chaos, the thrill of being in charge, making sure everything went off without a hitch.

I was dressed in a silver transparent gown that shimmered under the stage lights, the deep V-neck drawing attention to my collarbone, and a long slit down the side of my right left that let the cool breeze of the backstage area kiss my skin.

The long sleeves trailed onto the floor, a fluid reminder of the elegance and pressure that weighed on my shoulders. I caught glimpses of the crowd through the curtain, the endless flash of cameras, the elegant figures of Hollywood royalty moving through the venue.

My heart swelled with pride, but my mind stayed focused on the task at hand. There was no room to lose myself in the moment, no chance to enjoy the glittering spectacle. Not yet.

By the time the event had wrapped up and the after-party began, the tension in my chest finally started to ease. I could let my guard down for just a while, letting the compliments about my dress and the praise for a job well done roll in.

Still, I managed to keep my distance from the alcohol; tonight was not the night for indulgence. I couldn't afford it.

I headed home, the silence of the house greeting me like an old friend. The absence of the usual hustle and bustle of a busy household was almost unsettling after the high of the event.

As I entered, Evelyn's familiar voice broke the stillness. "Welcome, Mrs. Ferrari," she greeted, a smile in her tone. I nodded, removing my heels and letting out a long, tired breath.

The day had been a marathon, and I was running on fumes. Evelyn offered to make dinner, but I wasn't hungry.

"A shower would be great," I replied, sinking onto the sofa as the weight of the day settled onto my shoulders. "Is he back?"

"Mr. Ferrari went for a trip," she said, and the words hit me like a cold wave. My brow furrowed. "What?" I asked, surprised, feeling a strange knot tighten in my chest.

"He was packed up this evening. He left about an hour ago." Evelyn elaborated, and I let out a long sigh, not entirely sure how I felt about it.

The frustration from earlier in the week still simmered in my veins, but I chose not to dwell on it. "You can go ahead with the shower," I murmured, willing myself to relax, to put it all out of my mind, if only for a moment.

The warm water of the shower soothed my aching muscles, the steam filling my lungs as I tried to breathe it all away.

The chaos of the Stellar Awards, the never-ending tasks, the small mishaps that only I knew about-all of it seemed distant as I let the water wash over me.

But then, the familiar sting of the scar on my side reminded me that the stress was still there, lingering beneath the surface.

I winced as I cleaned it, the reminder of a painful but necessary moment. I placed a fresh bandage on it, sighing at the reminder of my own fragility.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I wrapped myself in black shorts and a loose white shirt, my hair tucked into a bonnet. The peace of the moment felt hard-earned, a rare respite after everything I had dealt with. But the stillness was soon broken by the sharp ring of the doorbell.

I wasn't expecting anyone.

I sighed and got up, pulling the door open to reveal Kourtney and Bethany, each holding a bottle of wine and takeout bags. The evening had just started, and already, I felt the tension melt away.

We sprawled on the living room floor, digging into Chinese food, the conversation flowing as easily as the wine. "I can't believe you met Luke Newton," Kourtney said, eyes wide.

"We were classmates," I replied casually, but inside, I couldn't help but smile at the memory. "Oh my gosh!" They squealed again.

"Come on, guys," I said with a shrug, trying to downplay it. But they wouldn't let me.

"Enough about the Stellar Awards, how are the wedding preparations going?" I asked Bethany.

"Well, we are still considering having it on the beach, it has always been a dream of mine" she fawned and Kourtney rolled her eyes, "invite Eric over, we should begin planning " I suggested.

"He would love that"

"And you and Davis?" I diverted to her, "he's been busy"

"Even after your big American date?" Bethany asked and she shot her a look, "it was dinner together"

"Ooh, someone sounds salty" I sang. "What do you mean?!" She exclaimed.

"Wait, are you pissed because he didn't ask you out?" Bethany asked and she scoffed, not giving us a reply. "Alright!" She caved in letting out a sigh.

"I thought he would...you know...pop the question, just to make it all serious a bit but he didn't"

"That's good, he's taking things slow" I reminded, rubbing her shoulder. "How are you cool with this? Weren't you invested in this shit working out?"

"That was before I was told to stay out" I reminded, sipping wine from my glass. "Maybe he just got out of a serious relationship too" Bethany pointed out.

"That's a good point, was he in a relationship?" She asked me. "None that I know of but... I'm certain he knows what he's doing" I answered.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, Pearl, please interfere in this shit!" She exclaimed, pulling my arm and I laughed.

"I could help" Bethany spoke up. "No!"

"Alright" I calmed her down and we went back eating.

"Is Travis home?" Bethany asked, her voice casual, but I felt the weight of the question more than I should have. "No, he's on a trip," I replied, trying to sound indifferent, though I couldn't hide the hint of bitterness that crept into my tone.

We fell into an easy silence for a moment, but Bethany wasn't done. "You guys planning on having kids?" she asked, as if it was just another casual question. I nearly choked on my wine. "What the hell?" I said, feeling the room go still for a second.

"Yeah, it's been what-two months since you both got married?" Bethany's curiosity was genuine, but I felt the walls closing in.

"I'm glad you care, but that's really up to us," I replied, trying to push the conversation away, but Kourtney jumped in.

"Yeah, it doesn't concern anyone, and we all know Pearl hates kids," she said, teasing, but her words hit harder than she realized. I shot her a look, surprised by her bluntness.

"I don't hate kids," I defended, but Bethany wasn't convinced.

"You do," she said matter-of-factly, and I shot them both a glare.

"I and my..." I resisted the urge to say husband "...Travis have talked about this and we have a plan, we both have a lot going on right now and when we are ready...we will begin..." I couldn't finish it.

"... making babies?" Kourtney asked, "Sure" with that I returned back to the take out boxes. I was right on one thing, I don't hate kids.

They could be... interesting. I have a goddaughter, remember? I just have a life now and...I don't wanna screw it up-yet.

Maybe one day, I'd be ready to embrace it, but tonight wasn't the night to figure that out.