The Greatest Showman - Chapter 765: Stubborn

Out of the corner of his eye, Renly caught the surprise in Heather's expression. She lifted her head, her eyes flashing with mischief before a bright, triumphant laugh escaped her lips. It was clear that she had planned this moment—there weren't many opportunities to play tricks on Renly. Renly couldn't help but laugh along.

"Actually, my favorite song is 'Cleopatra,'" Heather said, her tone suddenly serious. When Renly raised an eyebrow in surprise, she nodded enthusiastically, "I'm serious. I never understood why Cleopatra missed the love of her life, or why she embraced death with such calm and grace. And even more so, why she portrayed herself in a way that wasn't truly her..."

She paused, a soft sigh escaping her, her gaze darkening for just a moment. A small, bittersweet smile appeared at the corner of her lips, and she whispered, "I won't miss it again, I won't miss the love of my life. When I die alone, I won't miss it." She quoted the lyrics to "Cleopatra," their simplicity and depth hanging in the air.

Though Heather wore a smile, there was something so heavy in it that it seemed impossible to lighten. "Cleopatra missed so much," she continued, her voice thick with emotion. "The only thing she didn't miss was her own death. Renly, when Cleopatra embraced death, do you think it was relief, or regret?"

Heather fixed Renly with a steady gaze, her eyes wide open, as though she were searching for an answer deep within him. "That's Cleopatra's story," Renly replied quietly, his gaze unwavering, "and it's everyone's own story, in the end."

Heather paused, then a slight smile tugged at her lips, her eyes alight with newfound clarity. "I think so too," she agreed. "That's why I won't miss it." She looked up, her eyes glowing like a field of stars. "I know one day I won't be able to walk, speak, or move. But before that day comes, I want to see everything. I want to live fully."

Her words, filled with ambition and an undercurrent of melancholy, held an air of quiet determination. Yet, wasn't that the nature of life itself? We all know the end is inevitable—what truly matters is how we choose to live and how we approach the process.

"I believe you can do it," Renly said. There was no doubt in his voice, no fanfare—just simple, unwavering trust. He believed in Heather and her strength.

Heather's smile bloomed in response, radiant and proud. She lightly tapped her chin, her cheeks flushed with a soft pink as she shyly averted her gaze. Her heart swelled with joy, like a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the sky, before she quickly changed the subject. "Yesterday, I went to the cinema with my parents. We saw 'Anti-Cancer Me.' It wasn't just us—Anita, Kelly, Eric S, Annie, and so many other friends joined us."

Renly's face lit up with surprise, his hand pressing to his forehead.

"Heather! 'Anti-Cancer Me' is an R-rated movie," Renly exclaimed. "It's not because of the plot, but the humor and some of the language. Can you imagine Annie sitting in the theater?"

Seeing Renly's concern, Heather's laughter grew even more joyful. "After Anita saw the movie, she thought it would be perfect for us. She wrote an email asking who would be interested in joining. In the end, over 80 of us went, and we booked the entire theater."

Renly blinked in astonishment. First, there was a carnival celebration in Pioneer Village, and now a private screening at Mount Sinai Hospital. For the first time, Renly felt a real sense of "home" in New York. The city, which had always seemed cold and bustling, suddenly felt more familiar and welcoming than London.

"This weekend, Anita's organizing another screening," Heather added with excitement. "I signed up again!"

Renly laughed and shook his head. "This is not a movie you watch over and over."

Heather wrinkled her nose in protest. "Whether a movie is worth watching again is up to the audience, not the actors." Renly raised his hands in mock surrender, and Heather's laughter filled the air. "I really like Adam's smile. His eyes... I see something of myself in them. For the first time, I truly think you're a great actor—better than I imagined."

While Heather had always insisted that Renly should pursue a singing career, her views had quietly shifted. After watching "Anti-Cancer Me," she saw herself in the character, struggling with the threat of death.

As Heather's firm gaze met Renly's, he couldn't shake the discomfort that rose within him. It felt like Heather had peeled back a layer, exposing a vulnerability Renly wasn't ready to face. It was as if she had seen through him, recognizing the turmoil and suffering he had experienced while performing in "Anti-Cancer Me."

Those who had suffered illness and those who hadn't were forever different—those who had lived through it could truly understand each other. It was like an unspoken bond, a shared experience that connected their souls. Heather had felt it in the film, just as Anita had. It was why Anita had organized the screening for the children in the hospital.

Renly lowered his eyes, concealing the flash of panic. "So, you understood 'Cleopatra'?" he asked quietly. "Is that when you decided?"

Heather, oblivious to Renly's inner turmoil, nodded with certainty. "Yes, I understand it now. I'm so close to my audition, only a month and a half left. Time feels so slow, and I'm itching to travel to another city for it."

In that moment, Heather seemed almost childlike, her eagerness and excitement clear. Renly, masking his own emotions, smiled and clenched his fist. "I look forward to the day I see you on screen. You'll shine, I'm sure of it."

Heather beamed. "I think you'll shine too. Your album, 'Don Quixote'—it's incredible! I love it, I love it so much. When are you going to perform live? A concert, please. I want to experience the magic of your music in person."

Renly chuckled softly, offering a noncommittal answer. "Maybe one day."

Renly wasn't interested in concerts—not at all. He was an actor, not a singer. "Don Quixote" had been a surprising project, but a concert was simply not his stage.

Heather pouted dramatically. "Isn't that a shame? There are fans calling for you to hold a concert. Over 60,000 people have voted in support of it on Yahoo. That's enough to fill three Madison Square Gardens!"

Renly raised an eyebrow. "People are still voting? Can you vote multiple times? Or is there some kind of cheating involved?"

Heather rolled her eyes in mock disbelief. "That's not the point! The point is, people want a concert! 'Don Quixote' is such a beautiful album, and we all want to hear it live."

She gave him her best puppy-dog eyes, folding her hands under her chin. "Renly, the number one thing on my bucket list isn't 'American Idol.' It's to attend your concert. Every sixteen-year-old goes to a concert, and I want to be at yours!"

Renly rolled his eyes, raising an eyebrow. "You're really using the 'I'm sick' card on me? Is this what your bucket list looks like?"

When Heather realized her plan had been uncovered, she simply laughed, unashamed, and sat up straighter. "But I'm serious! I watched your performance in Pioneer Village, and it was amazing. It was a wonderful experience. I really want to see your concert in Madison Square Garden!"

"One day," Renly said, pushing the idea aside once again.

Heather gave a mock sulk. "You're killing me! You know what? You're going to make it a reality one day, and I'll be there."

Renly laughed, shaking his head. "I've got to get to the airport. I'm heading back to the UK for filming, and I'm not sure when I'll be back. By the way, I might head back to Broadway or the West End. How about you? Is seeing a play on your bucket list?"

"Renly!" Heather stomped her foot in frustration, her usual shyness replaced by a bit of playful arrogance.

Renly chuckled, pulling her into a gentle hug. "I have to go now, but I'll be back as soon as I can. I hope to see you sing soon!"

As Renly walked out, Heather called after him, "Forget the audition! A concert is what we want!"

Renly smiled but didn't turn around, leaving Heather behind, still muttering under her breath.

The golden sunlight streamed through the room, casting a warm glow on everything, while the crisp December air of New York hinted at the promise of spring.