10
A year later, Breaking Dawn premiered and shattered decade–old box office records within three days. It went on to sweep four major awards, cementing my place as a rising star among directors.
At the grand awards ceremony, I entered last, accompanied by my cast, to deafening cheers and applause.
With each step down the red carpet, the crowd’s excitement surged.
Gabriel Whitmore once told me I wasn’t worthy of the spotlight. Now, every beam of light shone for me.
Who would have guessed that a $9.99 divorce settlement would lead to my ultimate triumph?
“Lexa Hawthorne–go to hell!” A sudden shriek cut through the noise.
Before I could react, a figure with a knife lunged toward me.
It was Serena Sterling.
She moved too fast. The crowd barely had time to gasp. Just as the blade was about to strike, someone threw themselves in front of me.
Gabriel.
He took the blow to his abdomen, collapsing in a pool of blood. Serena froze, horrified at what she had done. “It’s all wrong!” she screamed. “I
was wrong!”
As chaos erupted around us, Gabriel looked up at me. Blood seeped from his mouth, yet he smiled softly.
“Congratulations, Lexa,” he whispered.
I knelt beside him. “Thank you for saving me,” I said quietly. “We’re even now.”
He stared at me, tears mixing with rain. After a long pause, he nodded faintly. “Okay.”
His body gave out, slumping to the ground. Through his tears, he kept murmuring, “I’m sorry… I was wrong… I regret everything…”
But regrets never change the past.
Serena was sentenced to prison for attempted murder. Gabriel survived his injuries but returned to the industry as an extra, his career in
ruins.
Six months later, I stood on the stage of the Hollywood Directors‘ Guild Top Honor, becoming the youngest female director to receive the
award.
After the ceremony, Everett waited for me backstage.
“You did it, Lexa,” he said with a gentle smile.
“Yes, I did.” I brushed away tears, smirking playfully. “But one award isn’t enough. I want more.”
Everett chuckled. “Then I’ll keep waiting. Our great director Lexa Hawthorne has all the time in the world to look back at me.”
We turned toward the roaring applause and glittering lights outside.
“See you at the top,” I said with a grin.
He smiled back. “See you there.”
The End.
