Wicked: Billionaire Rules (Alpha Billionaire New Adult Romance) (10 page)

I
strode
down the red carpet, waving at the crowd. Most of the cheers at Sundance were for the starlets, but that didn’t bother me. Leo and I looked impeccable in our tux and gown, and the film I’d produced had been nominated for several awards, including best film of the year.

In the past five years, I’d risen in the ranks to executive producer of Gotcha Films and had transformed the tiny production company into a widely recognized name within the indie community.

As we walked into the auditorium, butterflies spun in my stomach. My husband and the father of my child was a multibilLeonaire, but I’d accomplished this on my own. We strode to our seat and waited for the awards ceremony to begin. I honestly didn’t care if I won or not. I was an executive producer in my early twenties, had an amazing husband, and a beautiful daughter. Whatever happened tonight would just be a bonus.

I clapped for my colleagues as they got awards and waited for the big announcement to come at the end. Our company won for several categories, but the best picture award would go to me.

As the minutes ticked by, I gripped Leo’s hand and looked into his bright blue eyes. He lifted the corner of his mouth, giving just a hint of emotion before he leaned over and kissed my cheek.

“And the winner for film of the year goes to… Tortured Love!”

My film.

I was so shocked I could barely stand. After a beat, I got to my feet and floated to the stage. My head was in the clouds and the whole world felt like a dream, as the entire cast and crew came on stage with me.

When I got to the mic, I put my hand to my heart before taking the award. “Wow. I can’t say how grateful I am to have won for this film. It was a story very close to my heart. I first want to thank my mother. Without her, I never would have had the emotional depth to understand a film of this nature. My beautiful and amazing husband, Leo Cole. You’ve taught me so much about love, I couldn’t have done this without you. My daughter Helena. I love you sweetie. Now go to bed.” I laughed and so did the audience. “All the cast and crew. You’re gorgeous. And everyone out there who thinks the way they love is twisted, this film was for you. Love is possible. No matter how dark you believe you are, love will find you.”

I looked right at Leo in the audience and we shared a brief moment of understanding before I was ushered off the stage. All my life I’d believed I was broken. It wasn’t until he’d taken all my darkness, and held it in his hands, that I knew I was perfect, exactly as I am.