Page 200 of Dream On

But something stops me.

I’m not done yet.

I take another step forward, blinking down at the stage. “Before I go, there are a few more people I’d like to thank tonight,” I announce, hesitating, drawing out the silence. I swallow, glancing at the cool metal in my hand. Then I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and let it all out. “Bianca Kendricks. Julian West. Veronica Hall.” My throat stings, heart galloping. “I want to thank them for opening my eyes and for showing me exactly what is wrong with Hollywood.”

The cheers die out.

Laughter fades.

The audience goes deathly silent.

I glance around the room, from face to face, squeezing the award as a wave of certitude washes over me. “I’m grateful to these individuals for revealing the cracks in the facade that so many prefer to ignore. Their actions have been a reminder that we must hold ourselves accountable, demand integrity, and do more to protect our children.”

Stevie watches me, a hand cupped around her mouth, tears spilling from glazed emeralds. Her head bobs up and down, encouraging me, egging me on.

I pause, my voice steady. “In light of this, I’ve decided to retire from acting indefinitely.”

Gasps bleed through the sea of people, shocked faces staring back at me.

I lock eyes with my girl, my heart heavy with truth, conviction, and love. “I’ve come to realize that the best way to uphold these values is to find a way to create change in a system that often undermines them. It’s time for me to seek a new path. And that path is one where I can truly live out my dream withthe woman I love.” A smile touches my lips as I swallow down the knot in my throat, nodding at Stevie. “So as we celebrate achievements tonight, let’s also remember the responsibility that comes with them.” With a final breath, I step away from the podium as the music starts to play, giving me my cue. “Do better, Hollywood.”

My eyes wheel back to the front row, where the love of my life sits in her silky blue dress with diamonds in her eyes. Tears of pride and love glitter back at me as she sends me a megawatt smile and begins to clap.

I lift my trophy in the air, knowing I’ve truly won it all.

“Thank you and good night.”

Epilogue

Stevie

Five years later

Ext. Farm—Golden Sunset

A sprawling pasture. The sky burns orange and pink. The sun dips low, casting long shadows over the green fields. ACOW, grazing lazily, chews on grass near a worn-outBARN.

RUSTY, a basset hound, trots through the tall grass, ears flopping as he runs ahead, tail wagging.

LENNOX(30), rugged but relaxed, sits on the porch steps of a charming farmhouse, boots muddy, a contented smile on his face. His arm wraps aroundSYLVIA(30), who leans against him, her head resting on his shoulder.

She brushes her fingers through his hair.

SYLVIA(soft, smiling)

It’s peaceful here. Feels like a dream.

Lennox watches Rusty run circles around the cow.

LENNOX (smirking)

Never thought I’d see the day. Me, you, a cow, and a dog.

Sylvia laughs softly. She turns her gaze to him, eyes full of love.

SYLVIA

You think it’s enough? This life?