He Chose His Muse, I Chose My Crown

Synopsis

In the dressing room of the wedding of the century, I was wearing my custom-made wedding dress when my phone lit up. Henry White sent a message: [Winnie, something happened on Nancy's set. I have to go over there. The wedding will be delayed by two hours. Can you explain to the guests for me?] Before I could reply, another message popped up. [It's Nancy's first time as the lead, and she's really stressed out. [She's been crying nonstop on set today, and everyone's waiting for her. I'm her friend, so I really have to be there.] [You're a pro agent now, Winnie. I believe you can handle this kind of situation. Two hours will fly by.] I stared at the screen, my fingers unconsciously tightening around my bouquet. Five minutes later, the number one trending topic popped up. It was a photo of Henry and Nancy Green on set. He had his arm around her shoulders, and she was leaning against his chest, smiling with her eyes crinkled. The caption, posted from Nancy's account, read: [Thanks, Henry, for coming to see me even though you're so busy. I finally nailed the scene today.] The comments section was blowing up. [Wait, isn't Henry getting married today?] [He bailed on his own wedding to be with Nancy? Poor Winnie. That's brutal.] [No way, is this the wildest scandal of the century or what?] Then, Henry's third message came through. [You saw the trending topic, right? [Can you post a statement saying you've got commitment issues and that you called off the wedding yourself? It's the best way to protect both our images.] When I didn't reply, he added: [Winnie, don't get upset. Once Nancy wraps up filming, we'll have an even grander wedding, I promise. You're my agent. You know better than anyone I can't have any negative headlines right now.] I stared at my phone screen and laughed so hard that my makeup started to run. The makeup artist carefully handed me a tissue. "Winnie, do you want to fix your makeup? Everyone outside is asking what's happening." I didn't take the tissue. I opened the drawer and pulled out the contract that had been sitting there for five years. On the cover, the title was "Exclusive Management Contract," signed by Henry White five years ago. Back then, he was just an extra, completely invisible in the industry. I was the one who brought him into the spotlight. I dialed a number I'd had saved for five years but never called. He picked up almost instantly, his voice tinged with surprise. "Winnie?" "Josef," I said, my tone businesslike. "Remember that offer you made five years ago? Does it still count?"