NINETEEN

The next morning, I woke up with a knot in my stomach, knowing I had to face Ivan. Despite my apprehensions, I couldn't ignore Char's words echoing in my mind. Ivan had already stepped up in ways I hadn't expected, and maybe it was time to acknowledge that.

I picked up my phone and dialed his number, my heart pounding in my chest with each ring. Finally, he picked up.

"Wendy?" His voice was tight, strained.

"Ivan, hi," I began, my words stumbling over each other. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about everything. It's just been..."

"You didn't have to handle all of that alone, Wendy," he cut in, his tone softened but tinged with hurt. "I thought... I thought we were closer than that."

His words struck a chord deep within me, reminding me of the genuine concern and care he had shown me over the years. "Ivan, I... I didn't want to burden you. This whole situation with Karen, it's just..."

"Is that how much of a stranger I am to you?" he asked quietly, the hurt palpable in his voice.

"No, Ivan, it's not like that," I replied, feeling a lump form in my throat. "You've done so much already, and I... I didn't want to take advantage of your kindness."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, filled with unspoken words and emotions. "Wendy, I care about you," he said finally, his voice softer now. "I just wish you would let me be there for you."

Tears welled up in my eyes, overwhelmed by his understanding and concern. "Thank you, Ivan. I really appreciate everything you've done."

"I'll always be here for you," he assured me, his tone reassuring. "No matter what."

We talked for a while longer, the tension easing between us. Ivan's warmth and reassurance lifted a weight off my shoulders, reminding me that I didn't have to face this alone.

Later that day, as I tried to focus on work, my phone buzzed with an incoming call from Victoria, the lead actress in the movie I was directing. I answered eagerly, grateful for the distraction.

"Wendy, where have you been?" Victoria's voice was filled with concern. "It's been days since anyone heard from you. Is everything okay?"

I sighed, feeling a rush of gratitude for her genuine concern. "I'm sorry, Victoria. It's been... a difficult time. My sister got into some trouble, and it's been all-consuming."

"Oh no," Victoria replied sympathetically. "I had no idea. Is there anything I can do to help?"

I hesitated, touched by her offer. "Thank you, Victoria. Right now, we're just trying to sort things out legally. It's a mess."

"If you need anything, just let me know," she said sincerely. "And please, take care of yourself."

"Thanks, Victoria. I appreciate it," I replied, feeling a pang of guilt for not confiding in her sooner.

Behind Victoria's voice, I could hear Spencer, the supporting male lead, chiming in with a joke, trying to lighten the mood. His playful banter never failed to bring a smile to my face, and today was no exception.

"So, Wendy, when are you coming back? We're lost without you here," Spencer said in the background, his voice filled with mock desperation.

Victoria laughed. "Spencer, don't scare her away. We need her back in one piece."

I chuckled despite myself, grateful for the brief moment of levity amidst the chaos. "I'll be back soon, guys. Just trying to handle things here." I wondered when they got so close.

"Take your time, Wendy," Victoria said warmly. "We'll hold down the fort until you return."

As I hung up the phone, I felt a renewed sense of determination. Ivan's support had given me strength, and Victoria's concern reminded me that I wasn't alone in this. We would get through this, one step at a time.

The days that followed were a whirlwind of legal consultations, meetings with Karen's lawyer, and endless phone calls. Ivan continued to be a pillar of support, quietly offering assistance without expecting anything in return. His kindness touched me deeply, reminding me of the true meaning of friendship.

With Ivan's help, Karen's legal situation slowly started to improve. The lawyer he had arranged was experienced and dedicated, providing us with much-needed guidance and reassurance. Despite the initial chaos, there was finally a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

Throughout it all, Victoria and Spencer remained steadfast in their support. Victoria checked in regularly, offering words of encouragement and solidarity. Spencer's humor and lightheartedness provided a welcome distraction from the stress of the legal proceedings.

One evening, as I sat at my desk reviewing paperwork, my phone buzzed with a text from Ivan. It was a simple message, but it warmed my heart: *"How are you holding up?"*

I smiled, typing out a quick reply: *"Better, thanks to you."*

His response came almost immediately: *"Glad to hear it. Remember, I'm here whenever you need me."*

I set my phone down, feeling a surge of gratitude. Ivan had been there for me in ways I couldn't have imagined. As the days passed and Ivan's supportive messages continued to brighten my spirits, I found myself smiling more often than I had in weeks. His unwavering kindness had become a source of comfort amidst the chaos of Karen's legal battle. One afternoon, as I sat at the kitchen table sorting through paperwork, Char walked in with a knowing smirk on her face.

"Alright, spill it," Char said, leaning against the doorway with her arms crossed. "What's got you grinning like a fool?"

I looked up, caught off guard by her directness. "What do you mean?"

"Don't play innocent with me," Char replied with a playful glint in her eye. "I've seen that smile before. Is it Ivan?"

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I tried to compose myself. "Maybe..."

Karen, who had been sitting nearby, perked up at the mention of Ivan's name. "Ooh, Ivan! Tell us everything."

I sighed, realizing I wasn't going to get out of this conversation easily. "He's just been checking in, offering support. Nothing more."

Char raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Uh-huh, just support, huh? I saw that smile. Admit it, Wendy, you like him."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Maybe I do."

Karen grinned mischievously. "I knew it! You've got a crush."

"I do not have a crush," I protested weakly, feeling both embarrassed and amused by their teasing.

Char chuckled. "Sure, sure. Just remember, Wendy, if you need any dating advice, you know where to find me, that rich hot man has been unto you for quite some time now."

Karen joined in, teasingly adding, "And I'm here to approve or disapprove of your choices."

I couldn't help but laugh at their antics, grateful for their light-hearted teasing. It was a reminder that even in the midst of turmoil, we could still find moments of joy and camaraderie.

"Just promise me you won't interrogate him if you ever see him," I said, pretending to be serious.

Char and Karen exchanged mischievous glances before bursting into laughter. "No promises," Char said between giggles. "But seriously, Wendy, we're glad to see you smile. You deserve it."

I nodded gratefully, touched by their support. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."

As we continued to joke and laugh together, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Despite the challenges we faced, having Char and Karen by my side made everything seem more manageable. .

.

.

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Bonus!

Wade stood by the monitors, watching the playback of a scene he had just filmed with Victoria. His mind, however, was elsewhere—consumed by thoughts of Wendy and the turmoil she must be facing. Victoria had just informed him of Wendy's family emergency, and Wade couldn't shake the guilt and regret that gnawed at him.

He remembered the hurt in Wendy's eyes when she had discovered his dalliance with Gabriella, the way she had pulled away from him emotionally. He had regretted his actions deeply, but pride and stubbornness had kept him from reaching out to her since then. Now, knowing she was going through such a difficult time alone, he felt a pang of remorse.

"Wade, are you alright?" Victoria's voice interrupted his thoughts, concern etched on her face.

He turned to face her, trying to mask his turmoil. "Yeah, just thinking."

"About Wendy?" Victoria asked gently, stepping closer to him.

Wade nodded, unable to hide the sadness in his eyes. "I should have been there for her. Instead, I hurt her."

Victoria reached out, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "You can make it right now, Wade. She needs support more than ever."

He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "I'm going to see her."

Victoria's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? That's... I think she'd appreciate that."

"I should have done it sooner," Wade admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "I let my own issues get in the way."

"You're going now?" Victoria asked, concern lacing her words.

Wade nodded decisively. "Yeah. I need to talk to her, apologize, and see how I can help."

Victoria smiled softly, her admiration for him evident. "That's a good decision, Wade. I think she'll appreciate it."

As Wade gathered his things and prepared to leave, Victoria couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief. Wendy needed all the support she could get, and Wade's gesture showed a depth of care and regret that hadn't been apparent before.