Chapter 1014
People from the other tables-all sorts of staff and crew-came over to offer toasts. Everyone who spoke with her was visibly starstruck, treating her with the kind of respect usually reserved for industry veterans.
Julius, seated right beside Calliope, couldn’t have looked prouder. Watching his sister handle the situation so effortlessly filled him with warmth. She had always been clever and formidable, even as a child. He thought back to all the times they’d gotten themselves into trouble, and it had so often been Calliope-years younger than any of them—who came to their rescue. Having a sister as brilliant as her felt like hitting the ultimate genetic lottery.
With everyone in such high spirits, the evening flew by. In what felt like no time, everyone was full and content.
“Alright, let’s call it a night and head back,” Calliope said, rising to her feet. “Tomorrow is the first day of filming, which means an early start for everyone. Let’s get a good night’s sleep so we can all be at our best p>
“We’re counting on everyone to work hard and keep their energy up,” she added. “Let’s make sure we cooperate and really put our hearts into this p>
“Absolutely! Early night for all of us!” someone echoed.
“We’ll do our best—especially with Callie leading the way. No worries on that front!” another chimed in.
“Yeah! You really are the one who brings us all together p>
“Callie’s a hit wherever she goes p>
Good-natured teasing bounced around the room, but the affection for Calliope ran deep and true.
She just smiled and made her way to settle the check. The director tried to intervene, insisting on paying, but Calliope held her ground and took care of it herself.
With dinner over, the whole group made their way back to the hotel. It was late, so everyone retreated to their own rooms for the night. Calliope returned to her room, quickly showered, and slipped into bed.
Elsewhere, in a Capitalton hospital, Mavis was still wide awake. She hadn’t been able to sleep thanks to her unwelcome visitor: Uriah Stewart.
Uriah refused to accept that Mavis had forgotten him. He sat at her bedside, simply watching her.
“You remember Calliope, you remember Portia, and even Portia’s brother. When Silas came, you knew him immediately. But me? I’m the one person you don’t remember p>
Uriah stared at Mavis, frustration etched in every line of his face. The fact that she remembered everyone but him drove him half mad.
“I’m telling you, I don’t know you,” Mavis replied, eyebrows drawn together. “So please stop making a scene. It’s late and I need to rest p>
“Mavis, that’s just not possible. You know everyone else-how could you forget me?” he insisted. “Do you even know why you got hurt? You ended up in here because you fried to protect me. How could you wake up and not know who I am?”.net
He leaned closer, his eyes searching hers, desperately hoping for a spark of recognition. “Mavis, I promise if you just remember me, I’ll do whatever you want. Anything. Just say the word p>
All he wanted, all he hoped for, was
for her to say she remembered him.
Back when she was still
unconscious, he’d sworn to himself that if she survived, he’d do anything even go against his
ove
family even get married on the spot if that’s what she wanted?
Mavis looked away, exasperated. “This isn’t about what you’re willing to do for me. The truth is, I really don’t remember you. I know your name is Uriah you’ve told me ore times than I can count. But even if could remember, would it really change anything p>
“I heard you were my mentor,” she added. “That we worked together quite a bit. And
I heard this last assignment was the end of it. So now that it’s over, there’s nothing left we need to talk about, right p>