35. Embracing Destiny and Owing A Favor. (Mild R-18) (RW)

{Author's Note: The rewrite is finally done, one of my readers told me that there was a lack of dialogue here. So I inserted some dialogues and did the retcon of Mark's public name being Marc Spector instead of Mark Spencer which will remain as a private name for now.}

Disclaimer: The story that I have written here takes on the names of real people, but it is not intended to represent them or make any commentary on them whatsoever. This story is entirely fiction, and it should be viewed entirely as such.

I own nothing but my original characters and works. If you recognize it from somewhere else, surprise, it isn't mine.

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Recap of the previous chapter -

Mark reveals his real name to her and helps Sophia realize that she doesn't like acting and that she can't honor her father's legacy by becoming an actress.

After that, he offers her two options, the first being the conventional one - enroll in university, obtain a degree, and after graduating, begin her professional life as a fresh director.

Or, she can learn under him, and he will condense the theoretical knowledge and also help her acquire practical experience at the same time. She is very happy and also joins the Inner Circle as an honorary member.

After dinner, they talk about their next move. And then they drop off Sophia home, before making their way to the estate.

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~ Sophia's POV ~

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Date: April 18th,1990, the same night.

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Location: At her family mansion.

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Time: 10:49 pm.

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She felt tired and emotionally exhausted by the time she reached home, yet an inner peace seemed to envelop her. She felt like she had finally found her true calling, like she had embraced her destiny with open arms.

It felt so natural, she was finally at peace with knowing she was to going a director. There was no "ifs" any longer in her mind, she had resolved herself to see this path to the very end.

Today's events had been a emotional rollercoaster for her. It had gone great, better than she could have ever imagined. But it had also left her exhausted, and all she wanted to do now was sleep.

Yet unfortunately she couldn't, she was only five steps away from the door to her bedroom, when a maid had found her. So close, yet so far away. The maid informed her that, her father would like to see her before she went to bed.

So here was, standing before her father's study, she knocked on the door and entered when she heard him say, "come in."

She found him reading a book with his glasses on with a glass of wine sitting at the table, just an old man comfortable in his man.

She sneaked a look at the cover and saw that it was "The Boy's", one of Mark's more brutal, bloody yet realistic novels, depicting many issues in society and life despite being a story about superheroes.

She moved closer to the chair across from him and stood behind it, but didn't sit down. She knew from experience that her father was in a mood for one of their "talks" and she had learned his process down to the very last detail.

She stood in silence for around 2 minutes before he set the book aside and looked up at her. He silently gestured for her to have a seat, she was internally relieved as it meant she wasn't in any major trouble.

He asked gently, "How was your day, piccola mià? I heard you went to a party, an inauguration of some sorts."

She wasn't really surprised that he knew where she went or for what she did. His connections and contacts easily allowed him access to information most people wont be privy to.

Seeing that there was no point in hiding it, she just told him the truth. "Papà, I went to the inauguration of Eidolon, it's a new movie studio that was launched today by Marc Spector. He is a recent graduate from NYFA and just a few days later. He is here, in LA, starting own studio."

She had unmistakable tone of admiration for the man she had befriended just a few hours back.

"An ambitious young man." her father said, with an appreciative nod.

"Though a bit foolish to go about it in such a straightforward manner. A bit subtlety would have done him more good." He said, understanding Mark's situation and most likely guessing his reasons behind starting his own studio.

"Hmm, you met the man yourself right? What do you think? Will he survive?" he asked with an inquisitive look on his face wanting to hear her thoughts.

She decided to give her honest opinion and impression about Mark and the group, about Eidolon. As that might increase the chances of him accepting her decision and even helping out if they were even in a pinch.

After a minute of silence and internally building up her will, she told him about her decision to become a director.

"Papà, I have decided, I am going to become a director." she had a determined look on her face as she face her father.

He had a very rare look of surprise on his face, but then he smiled and laughed, saying, "now you are finally thinking like my blood. Mià."

"You're finally taking a stand for yourself, you have made him proud and I fully support your decision." He had a proud look on her face as he said that.

Sophia had some tears in her eyes but held them back, and asked, "But what if it might cause problems for you papà? Especially after my recent disaster with my acting career."

He had a shark-like grin on his and absolute confidence in his voice as he patted his chest and told her, "I might be old, mià, but people still know not to get on my bad side."

"But do want ask how you came up with this decision to become a director? Was it something you have been thinking about for while now?"

She had always been quite close to her father, thinking back on it made her realize that where her desire to be a director stemed from. 'To be like her father, to be a well respected director.'

She decided to them about the conversation she had with Mark. "Well, papà, it wasn't actually me. You see it met up with Mark, a close friend his introduced us." she sheepishly admitted how it wasn't actually her idea.

"Talking with him made me realize that I was never interested in acting but doing it because I was a woman. He made me realize, how deep down inside I had always looked up to you. As my role model, as my hero."

It was faint but she could tell how emotional it made him hearing her say that, how happy he was deep down inside. After all every father just wants to a hero in the eye's of the children. With a this warm moment between them, she told how it all went down.

"Mark, told me papà; how I will never be able to live up to your legacy by becoming a heroine, by becoming a disregarded showpiece, a "vase" in some action movie."

"He made me accept the path, the path I now truly believe I was actually meant to walk in my life."

"Sounds like young man, who I owe a lot to if he helped you learn such an important lesson. I am so proud of mià." He couldn't help but interject, bursting with happiness and pride.

Hearing that, she couldn't hold back her tears and started crying; and the flood gates opened. Seeing that he walked over and brought her to his chest rubbed her back. "Its okay, mià, shush you're on the right path now. Everythings gonna be okay."

She told about him her burden, her self-doubts, her loathing her inability to perform like the other actors on screen. How she finally felt like a weight had finally been taken off her chest.

Her father looked guilty for not being able to understand her problems and pain, but at the same time he looked relieved as well. Maybe it was because she had found friends and her new path in life.

She thought about it for a second but decided to be honest and told him about Mark's offer. An offer she had already decided to agree to.

Unlike how she thought, that maybe he would scold her for her rash decision to join their group. He instead looked pleased with her decision, when she asked him why he wasn't upset with her.

He sat her down and leaned back on the desk crossed his arms, he had a serious look on his face as he replied,"if he was any other random guy, then maybe yes, I would be crossed by your rash decision. But knowing that you would be meeting him, I had already done a background check on the man."

"You really know how to pick them, my dear. Marc Spector is a creative genius, the likes of which is rarely ever seen, to think he would be able to come up with stories like these when he was just 10." He said holding up the book "The Boy's".

He gave her his verdict born from his year's of experience. "If he is able to become even half the director, that he is a writer. Then he will easily become one of the biggest names in Hollywood, and you befriended him right before he got big. Friendships like these mià, are what really get you ahead in life. You would do well if you remember that."

She just nodded accepting his wisdom and stayed silent, knowing that he might have something more to say.

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He went back to his seat and asked her if she had decided on a university yet. she told him that she hadn't decided on one yet, but she wanted to go somewhere in California. As it would make the commute for exams easier inbetween her job as an trainee A.D

He thought about her options and then suggested her to choose between either the American Film Institute (AFI) or the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) as these were two big names in L.A.

He personally suggested her join CalArts as they were more laid back and would most likely accept her request for a distance education. He told her to let him know about her choice, and he would write a letter to the dean for the same.

She got and went around the table and hugged him and he stood up. Thanking him, she got a bit emotional and started to cry, but was calmed down by her father.

He seemed glad that she was finally on the right path and had finally started to let go of her inhibitions and insecurities. Mr. Coppola knew it would be a long process, but with the help of her new friends, she would do just fine.

He told her to get some rest and thought about how to repay the favour Mark had done him by helping his daughter find her path in life.

~ MILD R-18 CONTENT BEGINS ~

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~ Evelyn's POV ~

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Date: April 19th, the next morning.

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Location: In Mark's bedroom, at Eidolon.

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Time: 06:26 am.

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She had woken up her love with a blowjob, it had become like a routine of theirs. She was all for it as she loved the feel of cock in her mouth, just his intoxicating scent was enough to get her going.

She had made her self orgasm twice by simply choking herself on his huge shaft and grinding her core on his muscular thighs. Her hands roamed around his chest and abs, caressing him.

Just like him, she also couldn't get enough of feeling his body. Her favorite part of the day except for them going at it like rabbits was cuddling together and feeling his warmth as he slept.

Now they were just cuddling lazily, enjoying the brief moment of peace and quiet before they started their hectic day. It was moments like these that made her feel like she was already married to Mark, living her dream.

The alarm went off and the spell of tranquility was broken, Mark got up and kissed her head. He lifted her up in one hand effortlessly as she wrapped her arms around his neck, the other arm caressing her hair gently. He took her to the shower and started their daily routine.

They soaped each other up, taking extra care in those "special" places. Mark fucked her against the bathroom glass pane as water drizzled down on them. He was kissing her, holding her by the thighs, lifting her, making her bounce on his cock.

The warm water fogging up the window pane except for the spot where her ass stuck on the window pane. After they were done, she cleaned herself with a detachable shower head and then rinsed off.

~ MILD R-18 CONTENT ENDS ~

The water in the bathtub/small swimming pool was already heated to the perfect temperature. They soaked in the warmth for around 30 minutes, hugging each other.

Discussing what the other has to do today, whether they will be able to meet each other for lunch, etc.

Mark reminded her to spread the news about Runeterra's release early through their trusted bookstore owners. He also told her to ask them to tell every purchaser about reading the preface, as it has a hidden surprise for his readers.

After a light breakfast of toast and some fried eggs, they went about their day. Mark to give the finishing touches to the first volume of Runeterra and her to start the casting call for Knives Out.

She also had to meet her friend, Samantha, about a recommendation for Mark's bodyguard/driver.

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~ Samantha's POV ~

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Date: April 19th, the next morning.

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Location: at a cafe near the CAA building.

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Time: 09:39 pm.

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"Undercover Overwatch Observer", that was her actual job title. She was to observe Ms. Evelyn Thorne's environment in the agency and report to the commander for any discrepancies. She got the job as her personal assistant, so she had her work life covered.

But she was also tasked with becoming her friend to help in personal matters. They had started off as boss and subordinate, but slowly she wormed her way in. It had been too easy.

The kind of training they (the observers) were given scared her sometimes. The kind of ease with which she had learned to manipulate her target into trusting her was honestly terrifying. Evelyn was a close friend to an asset of the Watch.

One, Marc Spector, the one she dubbed the "enigma". Well, mostly because of his ridiculous talent and intellect. She had drawn three possible deductions from the most likely cause of him being an asset to the least -

#1 Marc Spector is someone sympathetic to their cause, maybe he provides funding and insider information to the watch. Which allows him to enjoy such privileges, because not just anyone can have an observer assigned to your lover 24/7.

Oh, she knew they were going at it, the glow on Eva's face was unmistakable. She tried to hide it, but then came clean. The bitch was so smug about her lover's sex drive, that she kept bragging about it almost every time they met in a casual setting.

If she didn't know any better, she would have thought that Eva was trying to set her up with Mark. She snorted and chuckled as she thought about it.

#2 The watch had some kind of leverage on Marc. Maybe some dirt, and she was tasked to keep an eye on Eva because she might be his accomplice in all this.

From her evaluation of Eva's character profile, she is a good person. But she is too obsessively in love with Mark, there is almost no line she wouldn't cross to help Mark.

Well, maybe murder, but you never truly know someone until you have seen them under pressure.

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And then the most absurd of her guesses.

#5 Marc Spector might actually be the elusive Shadow Leader of the Overwatch Initiative. But that would be absurd. He is just a civilian, he definitely has the money for it. But he has no training, no connections or even a motive to do something on this scale.

'Yeah! That last one was just delusional,' she laughed even harder as she thought about it. She had met him, if ever so briefly, and he was kind and respectful. A very professional and charming man, if Eva wasn't already pining for him maybe would have tried her hand as well.

Her introspection was broken by Eva sitting down next to her. She had caught her walking from the corner of her but pretended to not notice her. Part of her "Acting normal 101" lessons.

She passed Eva her favorite drink, then they talked about her schedule, about when she was meeting Mr. Wendell and Mr. Stacy for the casting call.

After being done with the official work, Eva asked her about the guy she was recommending. She told him he was an ex-ranger and had over 8 years of active duty experience.

His name is Kim Min-Jun or just Mr. Kim, of Korean descent, who had unfortunately been discharged due to false charges by his superior taking over credit for his ops and he couldn't do much due to not having evidence or backing.

But she didn't tell Eva about the false charges, as she didn't want her to be afraid of hiring him. Instead she told Eva that it was most probably because of the Asian hate that was still going strong.

She told her was that he is hyper competent, trustworthy, discreet and someone who could be trusted with a secret.

She gave her his contact information and then asked about her day. About how the people in the agency were treating her, how her life was going.

It was routine for her, trying to extract information to see if there were any new problems she would need to nip at the bud.

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Author's Note: This is the last new character introduction chapter, sorry I just can't seem to help myself, (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠). Anyways hope you enjoyed the chapter, Sam is a silent observer and takes care of any problem before they can get too serious.

We also see Mr. Francis Coppola, their conversation about Mark and how he thinks he owes Mark a big favor. This is an important plot point and the university that Sophia joins is another big one. What benefits Mark will get out of it? Well keep reading to find out.

Once again, thanks for reading my work. I am entirely motivated by interaction, suggestions and feedback. So please leave a comment or review and I will probably write faster.

If you like my work please throw a power stone my way so my book can climb the rankings. Slurp some nice ramen and I hope you all have a beautiful day

Update schedule for this book: 1 chapter every 2 days.}