Chapter 514: The Highest Honor

As the prestigious recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, including luminaries like Stephen Hawking and Steven Spielberg, gracefully exited the stage, Obama stepped up to the podium once again. He stood with a dignified demeanor, his gaze piercing and profound, his voice resonating deeply across the gathered crowd. "For over two centuries, numerous individuals have stood in defense of our nation, safeguarding our citizens. We hold an unyielding pride and gratitude in our hearts for them!"

The live broadcast camera panned to Martin, providing a close-up that captured the solemnity and anticipation in his expression.

Obama speech echoed with reverence: "The hero among us embodies the very spirit, courage, and love that define America. He believes in our country, cherishes this land, and ceaselessly defends our freedoms!" Warm applause erupted across the venue.

Lily, immersed in the moment, raised her camera, continuously capturing snapshots.

"In light of this," Obama continued, gesturing invitingly, "we pay homage to our heroes! Please welcome Martin Davis, a true American hero and recipient of the Distinguished Medal of Freedom!"

Rahm, the Chief of Staff, led the audience in a standing ovation, joined by other White House officials. Everyone on the South Lawn stood, their applause filling the air.

The Distinguished Medal of Freedom, a rare and prestigious honor, had only one recipient that day: Martin.

Elizabeth too stood and clapped vigorously, her excitement palpable. This moment felt like a shared honor to her.

Lily, focused on capturing every detail, continued to press her camera's shutter, chronicling Martin's triumphant moment.

Martin approached the podium amidst the roaring applause, standing tall and proud. "Mr. President..." he began.

Obama, with a warm smile, shook his hand. "Martin, you've exemplified the courage and resolve of our nation."

Martin, standing erect, respectfully received the grand medal and star decoration from Obama, amidst even louder applause.

Taking a step forward, Martin addressed the crowd: "The true strength of America lies in the faith and spirit of its people. I may not be as brave as you think, as survival was my only goal. But this honor is immensely appreciated. Thank you, and God bless you all, God bless America!"

As the applause continued, Martin returned to the podium.

Lily, putting her camera down, remarked, "Who would've thought that a guy from that neighborhood could earn the highest civilian honor in this country."

Elizabeth, her palms red from enthusiastic clapping and her face flushed with excitement, exclaimed, "Isn't Martin incredibly charming? He's not just America's hero, he's my hero too!"

Lily, browsing through the photos on her camera, admired each shot she had captured.

When Martin rejoined the audience, Spielberg greeted him with a warm hug, while others extended handshakes.

Hawking's synthesized voice resonated, "Heroic leader!"

Martin nodded in appreciation. "Thank you."

As the ceremony continued, staff members approached Martin, reminding him to attend the reception lunch in the banquet hall following the event.

In her Burbank, Los Angeles apartment, Toni sat comfortably on the sofa, her pregnancy evident as she attentively watched the Independence Day celebration live on TV. Her eyes lit up with admiration when she saw Martin, adorned with a medal, on the screen. "That's so cool, my hero," she whispered affectionately, gently caressing her belly. "Son, look, your father is a hero, a real hero!"

On the TV, the camera zoomed in for a close-up of Martin, the large medal and star on his chest enhancing his charismatic presence. Against the backdrop of the somber sea view, his figure stood out, striking a sharp contrast.

Unable to drink alcohol, Toni poured herself a large glass of juice. Raising it towards the TV, she toasted, "Congratulations, my hero, the father of my son!" Just then, the camera caught Martin's smile, and Toni, feeling a personal connection, joyfully gulped down her juice as if savoring a delightful ice cream.

She mused about the day her son would meet his father, a thought that filled her with elation.

Glancing around her high-rent apartment, she felt it increasingly cramped and inadequate, low ceilings, limited space, subpar furniture, and non-premium brands. It was clear she was dissatisfied on all fronts.

Once her son was born, she anticipated everything would change. She thought of the Cotis community in Sherman Oaks, where Martin owned a modest single-family house worth around $3 million. She had no intention of being greedy; that would be enough for her and her son.

With Martin's segment over, Toni got up, ready for some exercise as her doctor had recommended regular activity.

Two floors above, in another apartment, Ben Affleck sat, remote in hand, switching off the TV. The sight of Martin Davis receiving the highest civilian honor in the United States, basking in glory at the White House, filled him with a deep, suffocating envy.

Walking over to his wine cabinet, Ben opened it only to find it empty. The absence of alcohol, his usual solace in both joy and sorrow, left him frustrated and on edge.

But then, his eyes caught sight of the handwritten words inside the cabinet, words he had penned in a moment of intense clarity and hatred: "Have you forgotten the humiliation Martin Davis brought you?" "Martin Davis soared, while you plummeted!" "Ben Affleck, do you still seek revenge?" And a final, haunting question: "Do you want Jennifer Garner to end up like Pitt's ex-wife?"

These words jolted Ben out of his craving for alcohol, reigniting his determination for revenge.

"I will never forget. I must have my revenge!" he vowed aloud.

But exacting revenge was easier said than done.

In the past month, Ben had discreetly reached out to Elisha Cuthbert and Anne Hathaway. The former was indifferent towards Martin, and the latter naively believed she owed him something.

Ben had contemplated sending someone to Atlanta, Martin's birthplace, but realizing he had no influence there, he abandoned the idea.

How could he proceed? Ben considered targeting the women in Martin's life assistants, housekeepers, but then he faced an unexpected revelation. Martin, known as a playboy, had never forced himself on any woman. In an industry rife with coercion and abuse, this was almost unheard of. Ben couldn't help but marvel at how un-Hollywood Martin's behavior was, wondering how many in the industry could claim a similar respectfulness.

In Burbank, Los Angeles, Ben Affleck found himself grappling with the enigma that was Martin Davis. "Is he really a typical Hollywood star?" he pondered, comparing Martin to the likes of the unpredictable Johnny Depp. His thoughts were interrupted by the idea of delving into the recent espionage scandal, but he quickly realized the risks involved, especially with the LAPD and FBI around.

Checking the time, Ben decided to head to the supermarket. As he took the elevator down and exited his apartment building, he noticed a familiar blond woman in distress, seated beside the door, cradling her swollen belly. He recognized her as a fellow resident, often met with curious glances from others in the building.

Under normal circumstances, Ben wouldn't have paid much attention, but the woman's evident pain stirred memories of his own daughter's birth. Despite his often gruff demeanor, he felt a tug of compassion. "Are you okay?" he asked.

Toni looked up at Ben, her face etched with discomfort. "I got too excited watching TV and drank a fizzy drink. I think it's causing contractions. Please, take me to the hospital!"

Ben hesitated, then suggested, "I'll call 911 for you."

"They'll take too long," Toni implored, tears welling up in her eyes. "Please, I can't lose this baby."

With a nod, Ben assisted her to his car. "Hold on," he urged.

Toni, grasping Ben's shoulder with one hand and her belly with the other, affirmed, "I can hold on!"

In the car, Ben sped towards the nearest hospital. Arriving at the emergency room in less than ten minutes, he called for help, "Doctor, help! Help!"

Soon, Toni was in the emergency ward, receiving treatment to stabilize her condition. Ben breathed a sigh of relief.

The doctor reassured them, "It's not serious, but pregnant women should avoid extreme emotions. It can cause complications."

Toni, relieved, asked, "Is my baby okay?"

"Your baby is fine. Rest and keep your emotions in check. Call me if there's anything," the doctor advised before leaving.

Toni, filled with gratitude, turned to Ben. "Thank you," she said, her previous misconceptions about him fading away.

Ben, feeling good about his deed, responded, "We're neighbors, it's no problem."

He was about to leave when he asked, "Where's your husband or boyfriend? You should call him."

Toni, recalling the Independence Day celebration and Martin's involvement, replied, "He's on a business trip in Washington, attending the White House event."

Ben, connecting the dots with the TV broadcast he'd just seen, was impressed. "That's amazing."

Toni, her mind occupied with thoughts of her unborn child and Martin, mentioned, "He was on live TV too."

Ben, sensing that Toni's partner might be someone significant, expressed interest in meeting him. "When he returns, maybe we could be introduced?"

Toni, somewhat absentmindedly, agreed, "If the opportunity arises, I'll introduce you."

Ben checked his watch. "You seem to be in good hands now. I should get going."

As Toni retrieved her phone, she suggested exchanging contact information. Realizing the importance of having a neighbor's support in times of need, she offered her number to Ben.

Ben, intrigued by Toni's partner attending the White House event, left with a newfound curiosity and a sense of connection to his neighbor.