Chapter 5

“Oh, honey, I don’t think any less of you. I’m just worried about how this will all play out for you, Steve, our family, and our business. If Steve decides to step away from our group, it could really shake things up. We’ll figure something out over the weekend. A lot hinges on how Steve handles… this situation,” Paula replied emotionally.

“Jordan and Lisa were pretty upset when they saw those pictures of you and Timberline. Your dad wasn’t thrilled either, but we’re family and we’ll get through this disappointment together. Tonight is supposed to be about celebrating your movie premiere. On a positive note, the movie is fantastic! I got to watch it last night. You and Jordan look amazing, and Steve is incredible, but I know you already know that.”

“We’ll be in New York soon. I’ve got some bridges to mend, and I’ll do my best. But if Steve stops loving me, I don’t know what I’ll do. I can’t imagine my life without him,” Gwen admitted to her mother. “I guess I should have realized that a little sooner.”

By the time Charlotte and Gwen got off the plane and grabbed their bags, time was tight. They had just an hour to get to their hotel, get dressed, and make it to the premiere. In the cab, Charlotte suddenly gasped, looking at her phone.

“What’s wrong?” Gwen asked urgently. “Did you get a text or something? What’s going on?”

“I hate being the bearer of bad news, but this picture is all over the internet. Looks like Nadiya wasted no time after finding out about you and Timberline. I’m so sorry, Gwen,” Charlotte said sadly, turning her phone so Gwen could see the screen.

“Oh no… I thought she was my friend!” Gwen exclaimed, tears welling up. “I know he’s probably furious with me, but did he have to kiss her in public like that? Looks like it’s in Times Square! I don’t think I can face going to the premiere now. I just want to stay in this cab and go back to the airport,” Gwen sobbed, feeling the pain and humiliation of seeing Steve embracing the stunning Nadiya Misko.

The couple stood on a bustling sidewalk, surrounded by paparazzi snapping photos. Steve looked sharp in his uniform, and Nadiya rocked a blue sundress that showed off some serious cleavage, her arms wrapped around Steve’s neck.

Gwen couldn’t help but feel a mix of hurt and resignation. She knew she had no right to be surprised or to blame Nadiya. Steve was the kind of guy any woman would go for, and Gwen had betrayed him. She had given up any claim she had to Steve and her own happiness.

“I remember how devastated you were when you finally got to the hotel in New York,” Lisa recalled. “Luckily, Steve had already filled us in on what went down just before you arrived.”

“It took all my effort just to get Gwen out of that cab,” Charlotte chimed in. “She was completely crushed and I was really worried about how she’d handle it all.”

“I was a wreck by the time Charlotte convinced me that I had responsibilities to the company, our investors, and to my family and friends. I was scared to death walking into that hotel. I didn’t know what to expect,” Gwen admitted, the memories of that weekend flooding back.

“Come on, Gwen! You’re a grown woman and you’ve got obligations. This lover’s quarrel can’t take priority over everyone who’s counting on you. You can break down later,” Charlotte insisted, practically dragging Gwen into the hotel.

Gwen reluctantly followed Charlotte inside, dreading the upcoming meetings with her family, friends, and especially Steve. Just inside the door, Lisa rushed up to her and enveloped her in a warm hug.

“Lisa, I’m so sorry,” Gwen began, but Lisa cut her off abruptly.

“Yeah, yeah, apologies can wait. We’re on a tight schedule, Gwen. Your outfit’s all set and there’s a team of experts ready to glam you up—face, hair, nails—the whole deal. We’ve gotta hustle. Come on, both of you, follow me!” Lisa insisted, guiding them toward the elevators.

“We were worried we’d miss the premiere if we waited at the hotel, so everyone else has already headed out. They’re waiting in limos down the street to avoid any traffic snarls. I promised I’d wait for you and get you there on time. Now, get changed and let these pros work their magic. We’ve got less than an hour!”

Gwen felt a wave of relief knowing everyone had already left, but then reality sank in. The first time she’d face Steve and Nadiya would be at the premiere, maybe right on the red carpet with cameras flashing all around. Could she keep it together when she saw Steve with Nadiya?

After a moment of reflection, Gwen decided she’d been acting foolishly for too long. It was time to face reality like an adult and fulfill her commitments. No more self-centered, childish behavior that had landed her in this mess. There would be no more embarrassing scenes in front of countless cameras. She even resolved to wish Nadiya well when she saw her.

Lisa kept the pressure on, making sure everything was ready for the evening’s events. She managed to hustle Gwen and Charlotte into their waiting limo just a few minutes behind schedule.

“This reminds me of a year ago when I spent forever helping you get ready for your first date, even loaning you my red dress. And look where it led us—the birth of ‘Lady in Red’ Productions, with music, movies, TV shows, concerts, and one of the greatest romances of our time. I’ve got to give myself a pat on the back for that!” Lisa laughed. “Gwen, I’m so proud of you. You and Steve have achieved so much in such a short time, and you’ve been a rock for all of us. Now I’ve got a great boyfriend I wouldn’t have even met if it weren’t for you.”