Chapter 4: Slap, Stand, and Stay

"Maddie, you’re my everything. Will you marry me?"

I was stunned. He actually proposed at the most public moment! The audience gasped. No one had even heard a whisper about us, and Julian just dropped a bombshell—even the host forgot their lines.

The crowd went wild: "Say yes! Say yes!"

I got up, walked to the edge of the stage, and reached for him. He handed me the trophy, then pulled me down with him. My eyes were wet as I hugged him. "You didn’t have to go this big."

"No, proposing to you in front of everyone is my honor."

He was shaking with excitement. I hugged him, not letting go. In the distance, Carter stared, red-eyed. I glanced at him once, then looked away. I’d spent ten years helping him, and he’d dumped me for an Instagram model. Now, I had my own happy ending. Let him be jealous.

Backstage was stacked with flowers from fans for Julian—first for the award, then for his love life. All blessings, no drama. The assistant packed up gifts, and Julian and I went out to greet fans, thanking them for years of support. The mood was electric.

Until, as Julian and I were about to leave in the van, Carter suddenly rushed out and blocked us.

"Maddie, I regret it—I know I was wrong!"

He was a mess, red-eyed. I frowned. "Whether you regret it or not, what’s it got to do with me?"

After hitting rock bottom, he finally got it. Brooke dumped him for a rich guy—now he wants to apologize. The audacity.

"Maddie, please…"

He tried to grab my hand, but Julian blocked him. "Back off. That’s my wife."

"She’s not your wife! She always loved me!"

I don’t know where Carter got that idea. He wiped his face and sneered at Julian, "Didn’t you notice, we even look alike?"

"Maddie just picked you to get back at me—you’re a stand-in!"

Wow. Someone’s full of himself. I laughed, "You think you look like Julian?"

"I know things have been rough since I stopped supporting you, but I didn’t think you were so broke you can’t afford a mirror."

If he had an ounce of self-awareness, he’d keep his mouth shut.

Julian chuckled. I squeezed his hand and told Carter coldly:

"I’m straightforward. I don’t play your games. Mess with us again, and you’re done in this town."

With that, I pulled Julian into the car. Carter grabbed the door, "But you were so good to me before, how could you not love me!"

"That was before."

"Before, I was blind—gave my heart to a dog. Happy now?"

I slapped his hand off the door, then wiped the spot—can’t be too careful.

He flushed. "Maddie, you’ll regret this!"

Sure, Carter. Whatever you say.

Watching him play the victim, I sneered,

"Carter, if Brooke hadn’t dumped you, and you were still the golden boy, would you be here?"

He froze, eyes darting. And I slammed the door, told the driver to go. He wouldn’t have. He only remembered me when he was down—just wanted to use me again. He’d drop me the second he got famous again. I’d learned my lesson.

"Maddie…"

Julian spoke softly, "He said I’m just a stand-in. Is that true?"

I turned his face and kissed him. "Ignore him—he’s not even in the same universe as you."

Julian laughed, glowing with happiness.

News of Julian’s proposal spread fast. He was a superstar; I was the agent who brought him all the way back. The whole internet was shocked, then sent blessings.

Julian’s fans cried with joy, spreading the word that their idol was finally off the market. My phone blew up with offers. I’d turned Carter into an Oscar winner, then brought Julian back to glory with one film. Bosses threw money at me, but I wasn’t interested.

But I turned them all down. I’d made enough. Now I just wanted to do what I loved. I didn’t line up any more work for Julian—we just lazed around together. Didn’t care about Carter, either. He was fading fast, probably forgotten by Hollywood in a couple years.

Julian and I weren’t in a rush, but the fans were. Knowing it was pointless to rush Julian, they came to me—not realizing my account was now in Julian’s hands. When they got too impatient, he posted four words on my Twitter: "Baby on the way."

That said it all. While fans spread the news, Julian and I lounged in the sun, sipping tea. The baby was already six months in—no turning back now.

"Babe, the baby’s kicking!"

Julian, coffee mug in hand, rushed over, grinning. "Hey, little one, it’s Daddy."

"Want a story? Hang on, Daddy’s coming."

A man cold as ice in public, sweet as honey in private. He read softly, voice warm and steady, and I listened, smiling.

Little one, can you hear us? We can’t wait to meet you.

(The End)