The Principle Of Chance
Page 17
****
After the initial surprise, Monica was the first one to congratulate Ellie and Frank.
She hugged Eleanor and wished her all the happiness in the world.
‘Frank! You have kept this quiet.’ Jack exclaimed. ‘Ellie, you have turned me down so many times!’
‘How could a woman resist Jack Harvey?’ She said kindly, not missing out Monica who smiled at her comment.
Jack felt he’d been left out of a major secret all these years. What bothered him was that he’d never noticed a thing!
‘I cannot believe this Frank! You never told me! I am your best friend!’ Jack complained.
‘Sorry Jack, I found it hard to understand myself, still…’ Frank said.
‘You are the girl Eleanor, the one I wasn’t allowed to name or write much about. How amazing, Ellie Chrystal – the guys talked about you a lot! You were the chorus girl and you also danced.’ Justin said, standing with Amy.
Eleanor smiled at the pair. ‘Do not make the same mistake… life is way too short.’ She reached out for Amy’s hands. ‘I’m very happy for you and Frank. I had no idea what he was up to all these years.’
‘Okay! - then I am not the only one who was fooled!’ Jack buzzed.
‘I am speechless,’ Amy said. ‘Congratulations Ms Taylor, what a night of revelations!’
‘Call me Ellie, we will be seeing a lot of each other in the future I believe.’
Don entered with a discreet knock and announced that the limousines were waiting outside to take the party to the award ceremony.
Frank held Justin back for a moment. ‘Would you mind if I took Amy with me?’
‘Of course I would Frank!’ Justin replied. ‘Why would you want to do that? ‘
‘Jack you come with us?’ Frank asked, not waiting for an answer.
‘All right, but ….’
‘Don’t ask, I will explain in the car.’
Frank settled into the first car with Jack and Amy. Justin followed with Eleanor and Monica.
When they arrived on the red carpet, the paparazzi were in frenzy. Here was Frank with the mystery girl - this was going to be some story. Wow, Jack Harvey joined the party. Cameras flashed in their faces but Frank and Jack happily posed for pictures surrounding Amy. Jack was back to his usual self; Frank had revealed his plan in the car – a clever move.
When Justin arrived, people were shouting his name. There was no girlfriend around. It gave the catch and attention people craved, quite as Frank had planned it.
The PR people rushed forward to greet them and lead them to their lavishly decorated table. Frank acknowledged various people with a slight nod - who stared openly. The host also appeared to welcome Frank and his party.
The film won five awards. Frank saw the proud faces around him - he was truly pleased for them. Before dinner was served, the host requested that the winners make a speech at their table. This was unusual and caused a small stir. No celebrity wanted to be put on the spot. However, everyone complied for the cameras. When it came to Frank’s table, he stood up, said a few words and proceeded to thank his cast.
‘Finally I wish to thank the two exceptional ladies in my life for their help and support.’
People started to stir. Frank Orban was about to reveal a bombshell. ‘My lovely great-niece, Amy Ronay,’ he waited a moment as the room began to buzz with excitement. ‘….and the lady who shortly will become my wife, Eleanor Taylor!’
Frank kissed them both gently and sat down to enjoy the dinner, oblivious to the cameras closing in on their table. The gossip had failed; whatever the magazines had published so far turned out to be lies. Frank looked up and gave a slight nod to the host. Frank Orban knew people!
The beginnings of a truly great night unfolded, Frank’s close family and friends were making it happen and he had finally got the woman of his dreams….. and then the musicians began to play an old song.
Memories that never fade, Love that never dies…
Epilogue
Frank bought a brand new house; he wanted to make a fresh start on new ground. He married Ellie in a lavish ceremony held at the new house with over three hundred guests. Frank’s wedding present to Ellie was a brand new yacht named Chrystal. They planned a long trip around the world at their leisure. He was keen to make up for lost time whilst Ellie just wanted to be with Frank.
****
Monica decided to take some time off from work. State Of Mind was a massive hit and she won best director again! A long break, that’s what she needed, away from everything but Jack. Their relationship survived the press coverage and the never ending gossip. Jack became a one woman man who loved his new ‘boyfriend’ status.
Monica surprised Justin with an offer to use her house on the beach whenever he wanted. She moved in with Jack, who loved having her around.
They planned to spend a few weeks in Frank’s Hunting Lodge in Hungary.
****
Justin and Amy moved into a huge mansion in the hills. Amy asked Maria if she wanted to run their new house and she happily accepted the offer. Of course, Paco followed as well. Frank and Eleanor were regular visitors. Amy loved Eleanor; she was a clever woman, always ready with an answer to any problem. She was also a good influence on Frank. Justin sold his label to a company Frank worked with. He joined Frank and continued to learn about the movie business. Justin was the perfect boyfriend.
About The Author
Born to Hungarian parents, M Howson spent years travelling through Europe and has lived in many beautiful cities all over the world.
She currently lives in the United Kingdom with her husband and son.
Look out for her new novel, an indirect sequel to The Principle Of Chance, but with your favourite characters.
Connect with M Howson
Twitter @MHowsonauthor
Goodreads - www.goodreads.com/mhowson